Change Your WiFi Network on Chromecast in Four Steps

To change your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, select Settings, then Network, and choose "Forget this network." After that, set up the Chromecast on your new WiFi the same way you did the first time. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You'll need the Google Home app installed on an Android or iOS phone that's already connected to the new WiFi network you want to use. The Chromecast itself will restart during the process, so don't unplug it or close the app until it finishes connecting.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, find your Chromecast, go to Settings, then Network, and tap "Forget this network" to disconnect from the old WiFi.
  • Your phone must be on the new WiFi network before you start the setup process, or the Chromecast won't be able to find it.
  • After forgetting the network, the Chromecast will appear as a new device ready to set up, and you'll select your new WiFi and enter the password.
  • The Chromecast will restart and reconnect within a few minutes; don't interrupt the process by closing the app or unplugging the device.

Open Google Home and Find Your Device

Launch the Google Home app on your phone and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices. If you have more than one Chromecast, the app shows them by the name you gave them — usually something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom." Tap the one you want to change.

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the app, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network the Chromecast is currently on. The app can only see devices on your home network.

Navigate to Network Settings

Once you've selected the device, tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear) in the top right corner of the screen. Scroll down until you see "Network" and tap it.

You'll see the name of the WiFi network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Below that is a button that says "Forget this network" — this is what you'll use to disconnect from your old WiFi.

Forget the Old Network

Tap "Forget this network." The Chromecast will disconnect from your old WiFi and restart. This takes about 30 seconds. You'll see a message confirming that the network has been forgotten.

At this point, your Chromecast is no longer connected to any WiFi. It's ready to be set up on a new network, just like when it was brand new out of the box.

Set Up Chromecast on Your New WiFi

Make sure your phone is already connected to the new WiFi network you want to use. Then, in the Google Home app, tap the plus icon (+) to add a new device. Select "Set up device," then "Set up a new device in your home," and the app will search for nearby Chromecast devices.

When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap it. The app will ask you to confirm that you see a code on your TV screen — this is a security step to make sure you're setting up your own device. Confirm the code, then select your new WiFi network from the list and enter the password.

Wait for the Connection to Complete

After you enter your WiFi password, the Chromecast will restart and connect to the new network. This usually takes two to three minutes. Keep the Google Home app open during this time — don't close it or switch to another app.

Once the Chromecast reconnects, you'll see a confirmation message in the app. Your device is now on your new WiFi network and ready to use. You can close the app and start casting.

What to Do If the Connection Fails

If your Chromecast doesn't connect after you enter the password, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to Network settings, forget the network again, and try the setup process once more. Make sure you're typing the password correctly — it's case-sensitive.

If your phone keeps losing connection to the new WiFi during setup, move closer to your router. Chromecast needs a strong signal to complete the initial connection. Once it's connected, it can work from further away.

If the Chromecast still won't connect after two attempts, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps and settings when I change the WiFi?

No. Changing the WiFi network doesn't erase anything on your Chromecast. Your apps, preferences, and any custom settings stay the same. Only the WiFi connection changes.

Can I change the WiFi from my computer instead of my phone?

No. The Google Home app is only available on Android and iOS phones and tablets. You must use a mobile device to change the WiFi network. You can't do it from a computer or web browser.

What if I don't remember my new WiFi password?

Check your router or your internet bill for the password. On most routers, you can also reset the WiFi password by logging into the router's settings page through a computer or phone on that network. Your internet provider can also help you reset it.

Will my Chromecast work on a 5GHz WiFi network?

Yes, most Chromecast models support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, the Chromecast will usually pick the stronger signal. Some older Chromecast models only work on 2.4GHz, so check your device's specs if you're having trouble connecting to 5GHz.

How do I change the WiFi if I can't open the Google Home app?

If the app won't open or your phone won't connect to the network, try restarting your phone first. If that doesn't work, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before opening the app again.