Change Your WiFi Network on Chromecast in Three Steps

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, select Settings, choose WiFi, and follow the prompts to connect to a new network. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you are switching to a different router, moving to a new home, or connecting to a guest network instead of your main one.

You will need the password for the new WiFi network before you start. Chromecast cannot connect to networks that require a login page (like hotel or airport WiFi), so if you are traveling, you may need to use your phone's hotspot instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the only way to change Chromecast's WiFi — you cannot do it from the device itself or through a web browser.
  • Your phone must already be connected to the new WiFi network before Chromecast can join it.
  • If Chromecast cannot find your network, move the device closer to the router or restart both the Chromecast and your router.
  • Changing networks does not erase any of your saved apps or viewing history on the device.

Step-by-Step: Using the Google Home App

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure your phone is already connected to the new WiFi network you want to use — Chromecast needs to see the same network your phone is on in order to join it.

Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile. If you have multiple Chromecast devices, select the one you want to change. Tap the Settings gear icon in the top right corner of the device card.

Scroll down and tap WiFi. The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap Change WiFi or Forget Network (the exact wording depends on your app version).

Select the new network from the list that appears. Enter the password and tap Connect. Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and join the new one. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

What to Do If Your Network Does Not Appear

If you do not see your WiFi network in the list, the most common reason is that your router is too far away or there is a wall or metal object blocking the signal. Move your Chromecast closer to the router — even a few feet can make a difference — and try again.

If the network still does not show up, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the router restarts, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it as well. Plug both back in and wait two minutes for them to fully boot up, then try to connect again.

Some routers broadcast two networks at once: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Chromecast works best on 2.4 GHz, so if your router lets you name them differently, look for the 2.4 GHz network. If your router combines them under one name, you may need to split them in your router settings to see the 2.4 GHz option.

Connecting to a Hidden Network

If your WiFi network is hidden (not broadcast publicly), the network will not appear in the list. Instead, tap Add Network or Other Network at the bottom of the network list. Type the exact name of your network and enter the password.

Make sure you spell the network name correctly — Chromecast is case-sensitive and will not connect if even one letter is wrong. If you are not sure of the exact name, check your router's settings or ask whoever manages the network.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If Chromecast connects to the network but then loses the connection, the problem is usually weak signal strength. Try moving the device closer to the router, or consider using a WiFi extender to boost the signal in that room.

If the connection keeps dropping after you have moved the device and restarted both the Chromecast and router, your router may be overloaded with too many devices. Check how many devices are connected to your network — if it is more than 20 or 30, some routers start to struggle. Disconnecting devices you are not using can help.

If you see an error message that says "Could not connect" or "Authentication failed," the password you entered is wrong. Go back to the WiFi settings and try entering the password again. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.

What Happens to Your Apps and History

Changing your WiFi network does not erase anything on your Chromecast. All your apps, saved shows, and viewing history stay exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is which network the device uses to connect to the internet.

If you are selling or giving away your Chromecast, you can reset it to factory settings from the Settings menu in the Google Home app. This will remove all your apps and history, but it is not necessary just to change the WiFi network.

Using a Mobile Hotspot Instead

If you cannot connect to your home WiFi or are traveling, you can use your phone's mobile hotspot instead. Turn on your phone's hotspot, then follow the same steps in the Google Home app to connect Chromecast to it. Your phone will use cellular data to stream, so be aware of your data limits if you have a capped plan.

Chromecast cannot connect to networks that require you to log in through a web page, such as hotel or airport WiFi. A mobile hotspot is the best workaround in those situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my Chromecast after changing WiFi?

No. Chromecast restarts automatically when it switches networks. You will see the Google logo appear on your TV for a few seconds, and then it will be ready to use on the new network.

Can I change the WiFi from the Chromecast remote or the TV?

No. The only way to change WiFi is through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Chromecast does not have a settings menu on the TV itself.

What if I forget the password to my new WiFi network?

You will need to find the password before Chromecast can connect. Check your router's label (usually on the bottom or back), log into your router's settings page from a computer, or contact your internet provider. Most routers let you reset the password if you have forgotten it.

Will changing WiFi affect my ability to cast from my phone?

No. As long as your phone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network, casting will work the same way. If they are on different networks, casting will not work until you connect them to the same one.

Can I connect Chromecast to WiFi using a computer instead of a phone?

No. The Google Home app is only available on phones and tablets, not on computers. You will need to use a mobile device to change the WiFi network.