How to change your Chromecast's WiFi network
To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose a new network from the list. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're switching to a different network in your home, connecting to a guest network, or moving to a new router entirely.
You'll need the Google Home app installed on an Android or iOS device that's already connected to WiFi. Your Chromecast doesn't need to be working on the old network — if it's already offline or unreachable, you can still change its network by putting it into setup mode and connecting it as if it were new.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast, go to Settings, select WiFi, and pick a new network — no factory reset needed.
- Your phone must be on WiFi and connected to the same network as your Chromecast to change its settings.
- If your Chromecast is offline or you can't find it in the app, you can reconnect it by holding the reset button for 15 seconds and setting it up again.
- The new network password must be entered correctly on the first try, so type it carefully or copy it from your router settings.
- After changing networks, your Chromecast may take 30 seconds to a minute to reconnect and show as online in the app.
Step-by-step: changing the WiFi network in Google Home
Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices. If you have multiple devices, they'll be grouped by room or listed by name. Tap the device you want to change.
Once you're on the device page, tap the Settings icon (a gear) in the top right corner. Scroll down and select WiFi. The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to and a list of available networks nearby.
Tap the network you want to switch to. If it's a new network that's not showing in the list, make sure your phone is connected to it first — the app can only show networks your phone can see. Enter the password when prompted. Type it exactly as it appears in your router settings, including capital letters and special characters.
Tap Connect and wait. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and attempt to join the new one. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. The device card in Google Home will show "Connecting" and then return to "Online" once it's successful.
What to do if your Chromecast is offline or unreachable
If your Chromecast is already offline or you can't see it in the Google Home app, you can't change its network through Settings. Instead, you'll need to reset it and set it up again on the new network.
Locate the reset button on your Chromecast — it's a small recessed button on the device itself. Hold it down for 15 seconds using a paperclip or the tip of a pen. The light on the device will blink and then turn solid white, which means it's in setup mode and ready to be configured.
Open Google Home and tap the plus icon to add a new device. Follow the setup steps as if you were connecting a Chromecast for the first time. When you reach the WiFi step, select your new network and enter the password. Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will be on the new network and will appear in your device list again.
Choosing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks
If your router broadcasts both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, you'll see both listed in the WiFi menu. Chromecast works on either band, but each has a trade-off. The 2.4 GHz network reaches farther and works better through walls, while 5 GHz is faster but has shorter range.
For most homes, 2.4 GHz is the safer choice because Chromecast is usually in a living room or bedroom where distance from the router matters. If your Chromecast is close to the router and you're streaming 4K video or multiple devices at once, 5 GHz may perform better. You can test both and switch back if one doesn't work well in your space.
Some routers combine both bands into a single network name. If yours does this, you don't have a choice — your Chromecast will connect to whichever band has the stronger signal at that moment.
Troubleshooting a failed WiFi change
If your Chromecast won't connect to the new network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to Settings > WiFi, select the network again, and re-enter the password. Make sure Caps Lock is off unless your password actually contains capital letters.
If you're not sure what your password is, check your router. Most routers have the WiFi name and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. You can also log into your router's admin page through a web browser to view or change the password there.
If the password is correct but your Chromecast still won't connect, try moving it closer to the router temporarily to rule out a signal strength problem. If it connects when close but not from its normal location, you may need to move the router, add a WiFi extender, or switch to the 2.4 GHz band if you were using 5 GHz.
If your Chromecast connects but then drops the connection repeatedly, restart both the device and your router. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait for both to fully restart before testing the connection again.
Changing networks on a Chromecast Audio or older model
Older Chromecast models and Chromecast Audio use the same Google Home app to change networks, but the menu path is slightly different. Open Google Home, tap the device, tap Settings, and look for Network or WiFi. The steps from there are identical — select a new network and enter the password.
If you have a very old Chromecast (first or second generation) that doesn't appear in Google Home, you may need to use the Chromecast app instead. That app is no longer updated and is harder to find, so resetting the device and setting it up fresh in Google Home is usually faster.
When to call for help
If you've tried changing the network, restarting both devices, and moving the Chromecast closer to the router and nothing works, the device itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Google Support through the Google Home app — tap your profile picture, then Help and Feedback, then Contact Us. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or discuss replacement options.
If the problem is with your router or internet connection rather than the Chromecast, contact your internet service provider. They can check your connection speed and signal strength and help you troubleshoot the router itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reset my Chromecast to change WiFi networks?
No. If your Chromecast is online and showing in Google Home, you can change networks through Settings without resetting. A reset is only necessary if the device is already offline or you can't find it in the app.
Can I change my Chromecast's WiFi from a computer instead of a phone?
No. Google Home on the web does not include the WiFi settings option. You must use the Google Home app on an Android or iOS device. If you don't have a smartphone, you can borrow one temporarily to make the change.
Will changing networks erase my apps or settings on the Chromecast?
No. Changing the WiFi network does not affect any apps, casting history, or other settings on your Chromecast. Everything stays the same except the network it's connected to.
What if I don't know my new WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password. If you can't find it, log into your router's admin page by typing its IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You can also contact your internet service provider or the person who set up your router.
How long does it take for my Chromecast to connect to a new network?
Usually 30 seconds to one minute. If it takes longer than two minutes, the password is likely incorrect or the signal is too weak. Try re-entering the password or moving the device closer to the router.