Change Your Chromecast's WiFi Connection Through the Google Home App

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Select Wi-Fi, then choose Forget to disconnect from the current network. The Chromecast will restart, and you'll see a setup screen on your TV. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your new WiFi network and enter the password.

The entire process takes about two to three minutes. Your Chromecast will reconnect to Google Home once it joins the new network, and you'll be able to cast to it again right away. If you don't see the setup screen on your TV after forgetting the network, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, find your Chromecast, tap the settings gear icon, select Wi-Fi, and tap Forget to disconnect from the old network.
  • After forgetting the network, your Chromecast will show a setup screen on your TV where you can select and connect to a new WiFi network.
  • The process takes two to three minutes and requires you to enter your new WiFi password on the setup screen.
  • If no setup screen appears after forgetting the network, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in to restart it.
  • Once connected to the new network, your Chromecast will automatically reconnect to the Google Home app and be ready to use.

What Happens When You Forget the Network

When you tap Forget in the Google Home app, your Chromecast erases the saved WiFi password and network name from its memory. This is different from straightforward disconnecting—the device no longer remembers that network at all. The Chromecast will then enter setup mode and display a WiFi selection screen on your TV.

During this setup mode, your Chromecast becomes a temporary WiFi hotspot itself. If the setup screen doesn't appear automatically, you can also manually put your Chromecast into setup mode by holding down the reset button on the back of the device for about 15 seconds until the light starts blinking. This forces the device to show the setup screen without using the Google Home app.

Selecting and Connecting to Your New Network

Once the setup screen appears on your TV, you'll see a list of available WiFi networks. Use your phone or tablet to select the network you want to switch to—the setup screen will guide you through this. Tap the network name, then enter the WiFi password when prompted. Make sure you type the password correctly, as Chromecast is case-sensitive and will reject an incorrect entry.

After you enter the password, the Chromecast will attempt to connect. You'll see a confirmation message on your TV once the connection succeeds. The device will then automatically sync back to the Google Home app, and you should see it listed as online within 30 seconds to one minute.

Troubleshooting a Failed Connection

If your Chromecast won't connect to the new network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly—passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you're unsure of the password, check your router's settings or ask whoever manages your WiFi network.

If the password is correct but the Chromecast still won't connect, try moving your Chromecast closer to the router temporarily. WiFi range and interference from walls or other devices can prevent connection, especially on 5 GHz networks. Once connected, you can move it back to its original location. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try connecting again.

Switching Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Networks

Some routers broadcast two separate networks: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Chromecast devices work with both, but they cannot automatically switch between them. If your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same network name, your Chromecast may connect to whichever one has the stronger signal at that moment.

If you want to force your Chromecast to use a specific frequency, you'll need to give each network a different name in your router settings. For example, you could name the 2.4 GHz network "MyNetwork-2.4" and the 5 GHz network "MyNetwork-5G". Then, when you set up your Chromecast, you can select the specific network name you prefer. Check your router's manual or manufacturer's website for instructions on how to separate the networks.

Reconnecting After a Network Change

After your Chromecast successfully connects to the new network, it will take 30 seconds to one minute to appear in the Google Home app as online. During this time, you won't be able to cast to it. Once it shows as online, casting will work normally. You don't need to do anything else—the app will automatically recognize the device once it's connected.

If you're switching networks because you moved to a new location or changed your WiFi setup, make sure all your casting devices (phones, tablets, computers) are also connected to the same network as your Chromecast. Casting only works when the device you're casting from and the Chromecast are on the same WiFi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my Chromecast settings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not erase your Chromecast's settings, apps, or preferences. Your device name, linked Google account, and any customizations remain intact. Only the saved WiFi network information is removed.

Can I change the WiFi network without using the Google Home app?

Yes. Press and hold the reset button on the back of your Chromecast for about 15 seconds until the light blinks. This puts the device into setup mode and displays the WiFi selection screen on your TV, allowing you to connect to a new network without the app.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new network?

Frequent disconnections usually mean the WiFi signal is weak or unstable. Move your Chromecast closer to the router, or check if other devices are having the same problem. If only the Chromecast disconnects, try restarting your router and reconnecting the device to the network.

What if I don't see my WiFi network in the list during setup?

Your network may be hidden or broadcasting on a frequency your Chromecast doesn't support. If your network is hidden, you can manually enter the network name and password during setup instead of selecting from the list. Check your router settings to confirm the network name and frequency it's using.

How long does it take for Chromecast to reconnect to Google Home after changing networks?

Usually 30 seconds to one minute. During this time, the device is connecting to your new WiFi network and syncing with the Google Home app. If it takes longer than two minutes, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in to restart the connection process.