How to change your Chromecast's WiFi network
To change your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose "Change WiFi Network." Your Chromecast will then show you available networks to select from. The whole process takes about two minutes and doesn't require unplugging the device or resetting it to factory settings.
You'll need the Google Home app installed on an Android or iOS phone, and you must be connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast is currently on to make the change. If your Chromecast has lost connection to WiFi entirely, you'll need to use the factory reset button instead—see the section below on that scenario.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast device, go to Settings, then WiFi, then "Change WiFi Network" to switch to a new network without resetting.
- Your phone must be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast for the change option to appear in the app.
- If your Chromecast is offline and you cannot reach it through Google Home, you will need to use the factory reset button on the device itself.
- After selecting a new network, your Chromecast will disconnect from the old one and reconnect within 30 seconds to the new one.
- If the new network uses a different password than the old one, you'll be prompted to enter the password during the change process.
Step-by-step: changing networks through Google Home
Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network your Chromecast is currently using—this is required for the app to communicate with the device.
Tap and hold on your Chromecast device in the app. If you have multiple Chromecasts, make sure you're selecting the correct one. A menu will appear with several options. Tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear) in the top right corner of the screen.
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap "WiFi." You'll see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to listed at the top. Below that, tap "Change WiFi Network." The Chromecast will scan for available networks and display them in a list.
Select the network you want to switch to from the list. If the network is password-protected, you'll be prompted to enter the password. Type it carefully—passwords are case-sensitive. Once you've entered the password, tap "Connect" or "Next," depending on your device type.
Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and attempt to connect to the new one. This usually takes 15 to 30 seconds. The Google Home app will confirm the connection once it's successful. You can then cast to your Chromecast from any device on the new network.
What to do if your Chromecast is offline
If your Chromecast has already lost WiFi connection, the "Change WiFi Network" option won't appear in Google Home because your phone can't reach the device. In this case, you'll need to perform a factory reset using the physical button on the Chromecast itself.
Locate the small reset button on your Chromecast. On most models, it's a recessed button on the side or back of the device. Use a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press and hold the button for about 10 to 15 seconds. The LED light on the device will flash, indicating the reset is in progress.
Once the reset is complete, the Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode. Open Google Home, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup wizard. You'll be prompted to select a WiFi network and enter the password. After setup is complete, your Chromecast will be on the new network.
Switching between networks you already use
If you have multiple WiFi networks in your home—such as a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band from the same router, or a guest network—you can switch between them using the same "Change WiFi Network" method. This is useful if you're experiencing connection problems on one band or want to move your Chromecast to a faster network.
Some routers broadcast both bands under the same network name (called "band steering"). If yours does this, your Chromecast will automatically connect to whichever band has the strongest signal, and you won't need to manually switch. If your router broadcasts them as separate networks with different names, you can choose which one to use through the WiFi settings in Google Home.
If you're moving your Chromecast to a different location in your home and the signal is weak, switching to the 2.4 GHz band may help, as it travels through walls better than 5 GHz, even though 5 GHz is faster when the signal is strong.
Troubleshooting connection problems after switching
If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then drops the connection repeatedly, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to Settings > WiFi > Change WiFi Network, select the same network again, and re-enter the password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter.
If the password is correct but the connection is still unstable, move your Chromecast closer to the router temporarily to rule out a signal strength problem. If it stays connected when closer, the issue is WiFi range—you may need to move the router, use a WiFi extender, or switch to the 2.4 GHz band if available.
If your Chromecast connects but won't cast content, restart the device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Also restart your phone and your router. If the problem persists, check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same network—they must be for casting to work.
When to call for help
If you've tried the steps above and your Chromecast still won't connect to the new network, or if it connects but casting doesn't work, contact Google Support through the Google Home app. Tap your profile icon, then Help & Feedback, then Contact Us. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps specific to your device model and network setup.
If the problem is with your router or internet connection itself—such as the router not showing up in the network list, or all devices losing connection—that's a router issue, not a Chromecast issue. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, or contact your internet service provider if the problem continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unplug my Chromecast to change networks?
No. You can change networks through the Google Home app without unplugging the device. It will stay powered on and straightforward disconnect from the old network and connect to the new one. Unplugging is only necessary if your Chromecast is offline and you need to factory reset it.
Will changing networks erase my Chromecast settings?
No. Changing the WiFi network through Google Home preserves all your settings, paired devices, and casting history. Only a factory reset erases those settings.
Can I change networks if my phone is on a different WiFi than my Chromecast?
No. Your phone must be on the same network as your Chromecast for the app to communicate with it and show the "Change WiFi Network" option. If your phone is on a different network, you'll need to switch your phone to the Chromecast's current network first, or use the factory reset button instead.
What if the network I want to switch to doesn't appear in the list?
The network may be hidden or out of range. If it's hidden, you can manually enter the network name and password by selecting "Add Network" or "Other Network" at the bottom of the network list. If it's out of range, move your Chromecast closer to the router and try again.
How long does it take for my Chromecast to connect to the new network?
Usually 15 to 30 seconds. If it takes longer than a minute, the password may be incorrect, or the network may be experiencing issues. Check the Google Home app to see the connection status.