Change Your Chromecast's WiFi Network 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 this network. Your Chromecast will disconnect from its current network. After that, go back to the main device screen and tap Set up device to reconnect it to a different WiFi network.

The entire process takes about two to three minutes. You will need to be within range of the new WiFi network and have its password ready. If you are switching to a network with the same name but different password (for example, after changing your router's security settings), you still need to go through the forget-and-reconnect steps—Chromecast will not automatically update the password on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Google Home app to access your Chromecast settings; you cannot change the WiFi network directly from the device itself.
  • The Forget this network option removes the old connection completely, so you must set up the new one when ready after.
  • Keep your new WiFi password nearby before you start, because you will need to enter it during setup.
  • If your Chromecast loses power during the process, start over from the beginning—partial setup will not complete on its own.
  • Switching networks does not erase any of your saved apps or preferences on the device.

Step-by-Step: Forgetting the Old Network

Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices. Tap it once to open the device card. In the top right corner, you will see a gear icon—tap that to enter settings. Scroll down until you see the Wi-Fi option and tap it.

You will see the name of the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Below that, tap Forget this network. The app will ask you to confirm. Tap Forget again. Your Chromecast will when ready disconnect from WiFi. The device will show a disconnected status in the Google Home app, and you may see a light pattern on the Chromecast itself indicating it is looking for a network.

Step-by-Step: Connecting to the New Network

While still in the Google Home app, go back to the main device screen for your Chromecast. You should now see a button that says Set up device or Reconnect. Tap it. The app will walk you through the setup process again, just as if you were setting up the Chromecast for the first time.

When prompted, select your new WiFi network from the list. If the network does not appear, make sure your phone is connected to that same network—the app needs to be on the same WiFi to help your Chromecast join it. Enter the network password exactly as it is (passwords are case-sensitive). Wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once connected, the Chromecast will restart, and you will be back to the normal device screen.

What to Do If the New Network Does Not Appear

If you do not see your WiFi network in the list during setup, first check that your phone is connected to that network. The Google Home app needs to be on the same WiFi to broadcast the connection details to your Chromecast. If your phone is on the network and it still does not show up, the network name may be hidden.

For hidden networks, look for an option in the setup screen that says Enter network name manually or Other networks. Tap that and type the exact network name (SSID) and password. Make sure you type the name with correct capitalization and spacing. After you enter both pieces of information, the Chromecast should connect within a minute.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast Keeps Disconnecting After the Switch

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then drops the connection repeatedly, the most common cause is that your phone moved out of range during setup. Try the process again, but this time stay within 10 feet of the Chromecast while it is connecting. Do not switch apps or put your phone to sleep until the setup is complete.

Another cause is an incorrect password. If you are not sure whether you typed it correctly, go back to your router settings or your WiFi provider's app to confirm the password, then repeat the forget-and-reconnect process. If the Chromecast connects but your streaming apps say "no internet," the problem is usually that your Chromecast and your phone are on different WiFi networks (for example, if your router has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band with different names). Make sure both devices are on the same band.

Switching Back to Your Original Network

If you need to reconnect your Chromecast to a network you have already used before, you still must go through the forget-and-reconnect process. Chromecast does not store multiple saved networks the way a phone does. Each time you want to change networks, you forget the current one and set up a new one from scratch.

The good news is that your apps, preferences, and casting history remain on the device. Changing networks does not reset your Chromecast or erase anything you have set up. You will be able to cast to it when ready after the new network connection is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be at home to change my Chromecast's WiFi network?

Yes. Your phone must be within range of the Chromecast and connected to the new WiFi network during setup. You cannot change the network remotely from outside your home.

What happens to my apps and settings when I change networks?

Nothing. Your apps, login information, and all preferences stay on the device. Changing the WiFi network does not reset or erase anything. You will be able to use everything exactly as you left it once the new connection is complete.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a guest WiFi network?

Yes, as long as the guest network is a standard WiFi network with a password. Follow the same steps to forget the old network and connect to the guest network. Some guest networks have restrictions that prevent casting, so if you connect but casting does not work, check your router settings or contact your internet provider.

Why does my Chromecast keep asking me to reconnect after I change networks?

This usually means the password was entered incorrectly, or your Chromecast is too far from your router. Try the setup again, stay close to the device, and double-check the password character by character. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.

Can I change my Chromecast's network from the device itself without the app?

No. Chromecast does not have buttons or a screen for network settings. You must use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet. There is no other way to change the WiFi network.