Changing your Chromecast's WiFi network takes about five minutes and requires only your phone or computer

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, you open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, choose "WiFi", and then select a new network from the list. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one. You do not need to reset the device or lose any of your settings — only the network connection changes.

This process works the same way whether you are switching to a different router in your home, moving to a new location, or connecting to a guest network instead of your main one. The steps are identical on Android and iOS phones, and you can also do it from a computer using the Google Home web interface.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, select the settings icon (gear), and choose "WiFi" to see the network change option.
  • Your Chromecast will show you a list of available networks; select the one you want to connect to and enter the password if required.
  • The device stays on the new network permanently until you change it again — you do not need to repeat this process each time you cast.
  • If your Chromecast cannot find the network you want, check that the network is broadcasting its name (SSID) and that you are within range.
  • You can change networks from your phone even if you are not physically near the Chromecast, as long as both devices are on the same network.

Step-by-step: changing the network in Google Home

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you have multiple devices, you will see them all listed on the home screen. Find the Chromecast you want to change and tap it once to open its details page.

In the top right corner of the device details page, tap the settings icon — it looks like a gear. Scroll down the settings menu until you see "WiFi". Tap it. The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to and a button to change it.

Tap "Change network" or "Change WiFi". Your Chromecast will scan for available networks and display them in a list. Select the network you want to connect to. If the network is password-protected, you will be prompted to enter the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive.

Tap "Connect" or "Next". Your Chromecast will attempt to join the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once it connects, you will see a confirmation message in the app. Your Chromecast is now on the new network.

Changing the network from a computer

If you prefer to use a computer, go to home.google.com in your web browser and sign in with the same Google account you use for your Chromecast. You will see your devices listed on the left side of the screen.

Click on your Chromecast device. On the device details page, look for the settings icon (gear) in the top right and click it. Scroll down to find "WiFi" and click it. The process from here is identical to the phone app — select your new network, enter the password if needed, and confirm the connection.

What to do if your Chromecast cannot find the network

If the network you want does not appear in the list, the most common reason is that the network is not broadcasting its name. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name (SSID). If this is your situation, look for an option in the Google Home app or web interface to "Add network manually" or "Enter network name". You can type the network name yourself and then enter the password.

Another reason the network might not show up is that your Chromecast is too far from the router. Chromecast devices work best within 30 to 50 feet of a WiFi router. If you are trying to connect to a network from another room or floor, move closer to the router during the connection process, then move the Chromecast back to where you want it once it is connected.

If you are trying to connect to a 5 GHz network and it does not appear, check whether your Chromecast model supports 5 GHz. Older Chromecast models only work on 2.4 GHz networks. Newer models (Chromecast with Google TV and recent Chromecast Audio devices) support both. Your router settings will usually let you broadcast both bands at the same time, so you can connect older devices to 2.4 GHz and newer ones to 5 GHz.

Changing networks without the Google Home app

If you do not have the Google Home app installed or prefer not to use it, you can change your Chromecast's network by resetting it to factory settings and setting it up again from scratch. This erases all settings and requires you to go through the initial setup process a second time. For most people, using the Google Home app is faster and simpler.

To reset your Chromecast, hold down the reset button (usually on the back or bottom of the device) for about 15 seconds until the light blinks. The device will restart and return to its original state. You can then set it up again using the Google Home app and select your new network during setup.

Troubleshooting a failed network change

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then loses the connection, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back into the WiFi settings and try entering the password again. Make sure Caps Lock is off unless your password actually contains capital letters.

If the connection keeps dropping after a few minutes, your Chromecast may be too far from the router or there may be interference from other devices. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router. If that is not possible, check whether your router has a "band steering" or "WiFi optimization" setting that might be causing the device to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Disabling this setting sometimes helps older Chromecast models stay connected.

If you have changed the network but your Chromecast still appears offline in the Google Home app, try restarting the device. Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the light to stabilize (usually about 30 seconds), then check the app again.

Connecting to a guest network or temporary WiFi

You can connect your Chromecast to a guest network, a mobile hotspot, or any other WiFi network using the same steps described above. The process is identical — open Google Home, select your device, go to WiFi settings, and choose the network you want.

Keep in mind that if you connect your Chromecast to a guest network, anyone else on that network may be able to cast to it. If you want to restrict who can cast, use your router's settings to create a separate guest network with its own password, or connect your Chromecast to your main network and use the Google Home app's "Guest Mode" feature to control who can cast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps or settings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Changing the network does not affect your apps, saved preferences, or any other settings on your Chromecast. Only the WiFi connection changes. All your apps and settings remain exactly as they were.

Can I change the network if I am not home?

You can change the network from your phone using the Google Home app as long as your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast, or if you are signed into the same Google account and have remote access enabled. If your Chromecast loses internet connection entirely, you will need to be physically near it to reconnect it.

What if I forget the password to my new network?

If you do not know the password to the network you want to connect to, you will need to find it before you can complete the connection. On most routers, you can find the password in the router's settings page (usually accessed by typing the router's IP address into a web browser) or on a sticker on the router itself. Contact your internet provider or network administrator if you cannot locate it.

How often do I need to change the network?

You only need to change the network if you are switching to a different WiFi network. Once your Chromecast is connected to a network, it will stay connected to that network every time you use it. You do not need to change it again unless you move, upgrade your router, or want to connect to a different network.

Can I connect my Chromecast to two networks at the same time?

No. Your Chromecast can only be connected to one WiFi network at a time. If you want to use it on a different network, you must change the connection using the steps above. Some people keep two Chromecast devices — one on their main network and one on a guest network — but a single device can only connect to one network.