Change Your Chromecast's WiFi Network in the Google Home App

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, then tap and hold the Chromecast device tile until a menu appears. Tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then select Forget to disconnect from the current network. Your Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode, showing a code on your TV screen.

Once the code appears, open Google Home again and tap Set up device or the plus icon. Choose Set up a new device, then select your Chromecast from the list. When prompted, choose the WiFi network you want to use and enter the password. The connection usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Your Chromecast will restart once more and reconnect to your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • You change WiFi networks through the Google Home app by forgetting the old network and setting up the device again with a new one.
  • Your Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV screen during the process, which the Google Home app uses to confirm it is connecting to the right device.
  • The entire process takes about five to ten minutes from start to finish.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast during setup.
  • You can change networks as often as you need — there is no limit to how many times you can repeat this process.

What Happens When You Forget the Network

When you tap Forget in the Wi-Fi settings, your Chromecast erases the password and network name it was using. The device does not lose any other settings — your Google account, paired remotes, or saved preferences stay in place. Your Chromecast straightforward stops connecting to the internet until you complete the setup process with a new network.

During this time, your Chromecast cannot stream anything, and it will not respond to voice commands or app controls. This is normal. Once you reconnect it to WiFi, everything works again when ready.

Connecting to a Different Network in the Same Home

If you are switching from a 5GHz network to a 2.4GHz network (or vice versa), follow the same steps: forget the old network and set up with the new one. Some homes have both bands under the same network name — in that case, your Chromecast may automatically pick the stronger signal and you will not need to change anything.

If your router broadcasts separate names for each band (like "MyNetwork-5G" and "MyNetwork-2.4G"), you can choose whichever one gives you the best signal in the room where your Chromecast sits. Generally, 5GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range, while 2.4GHz travels farther but may be slower. Test both if you are having streaming problems.

Troubleshooting When Your Chromecast Will Not Reconnect

If your Chromecast gets stuck on the setup code screen and does not connect after you enter the password, first check that you typed the WiFi password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully boot up.

If the problem continues, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the setup code to appear again and try entering the WiFi password once more. If your Chromecast still will not connect, try moving it closer to the router temporarily — weak signal during setup can cause the connection to fail.

Changing WiFi Without the Google Home App

If you do not have the Google Home app installed, you can set up your Chromecast using the Google Chromecast app (the older app, now mostly replaced by Google Home). The steps are nearly identical: tap the device, go to settings, forget the network, and set up again with the new WiFi details.

You can also use a computer or tablet to set up your Chromecast if your phone is not available. Visit chromecast.com/setup in a web browser, sign in with your Google account, and follow the on-screen instructions. The web setup process works the same way as the app.

Keeping Your Chromecast Connected to the Right Network

Once your Chromecast is connected to a WiFi network, it remembers that network. If you travel or move to a new location, your Chromecast will not automatically connect to a different network — you will need to forget the old one and set it up with the new WiFi details using the steps above.

If you have multiple Chromecast devices in your home, each one connects independently. You can put one on your 5GHz network and another on 2.4GHz if that works better for your setup. Just make sure to give each device a clear name in the Google Home app (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") so you know which one you are controlling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my Google account or settings when I change WiFi networks?

No. Your Google account, saved preferences, and paired devices all stay the same. Only the WiFi network information is erased when you tap Forget. After you reconnect to a new network, everything works exactly as before.

Can I change WiFi networks without unplugging my Chromecast?

Yes. You do not need to unplug it. Just open Google Home, tap the device settings, and tap Forget. Your Chromecast will restart on its own and enter setup mode. You only need to unplug it if it gets stuck during the setup process.

What if I do not know my WiFi password?

Check your router — many routers have the WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you cannot find it, log into your router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) using your router's admin password. You can also contact your internet provider for help.

How long does it take to change WiFi networks on a Chromecast?

The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. Most of that time is waiting for your Chromecast to restart and reconnect. The actual steps — forgetting the network and entering the new password — take less than a minute.

Can I change my Chromecast's WiFi network from a different room?

You can start the process from anywhere using the Google Home app, but your phone needs to be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast during setup. If you are setting up a new network, make sure your phone is already connected to it before you try to complete the Chromecast setup.