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

To change which wireless network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, then tap the Chromecast device you want to change. Tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner, then select Wi-Fi. The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently on and give you the option to change it. Tap Change, and the app will scan for available networks in your area.

When the list of networks appears, select the one you want to connect to and enter the password. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and connect to the new one. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Once it reconnects, you can cast to it from any device on that same network.

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is connected to the same network the Chromecast is currently on. The app can only see and control devices that are on your phone's network.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast, select the settings gear, and choose Wi-Fi to see your current network and change options.
  • Your phone must be on the same network as the Chromecast before you can change its connection in the Google Home app.
  • After selecting a new network and entering the password, your Chromecast will reconnect within about a minute.
  • If you forget the password to your new network, you will need to reset your Chromecast and set it up again from the beginning.

What Happens If Your Chromecast Cannot Find Your New Network

If your new network does not appear in the list when you try to change it, the Chromecast may be out of range or the network may be hidden. Move the Chromecast closer to your router and try again. If the network is still not visible, check whether your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID). Some routers have an option to hide the network name for security, and Chromecast cannot see hidden networks in the standard way.

If your network is hidden, you can still connect your Chromecast to it, but you will need to enter the network name manually instead of selecting it from a list. When you tap Change in the Wi-Fi settings, look for an option to enter the network name by hand — this is usually labeled Other network or Add network. Type in the exact name of your network and the password, then tap connect.

Changing Networks When You Cannot Access the Google Home App

If you do not have the Google Home app installed or cannot access it, you can reset your Chromecast and set it up on the new network from scratch. Press and hold the reset button on the back or bottom of your Chromecast for about 15 seconds until the light starts flashing. The device will restart and return to factory settings.

Once it has reset, the Chromecast will broadcast its own setup network. Use your phone to connect to this network (it will be named something like "Chromecast Setup"), then follow the on-screen prompts to set up the device on your new WiFi network. This method takes longer than using the Google Home app, but it works if the app is not available to you.

Switching Networks on a Chromecast Connected to a Guest Network

If your Chromecast is currently on a guest network, you may not be able to change it using the standard method because your phone needs to be on the same network to access the settings. In this case, connect your phone to the guest network first, then open Google Home and change the Chromecast's network as usual.

Alternatively, if you want to move the Chromecast to your main network and do not want to connect your phone to the guest network, reset the Chromecast and set it up on your main network instead. This is often faster than trying to coordinate two different networks on your phone.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After Changing Networks

After you change your Chromecast to a new network, it should appear in the Google Home app within a few minutes. If it does not show up, make sure your phone is on the same network as the Chromecast. Restart both your phone and your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If the Chromecast still will not connect to the new network, the password you entered may be incorrect. Go back into the Wi-Fi settings and try changing the network again, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters in the password. If you are still having trouble, reset the Chromecast and set it up on the new network from the beginning.

Moving Your Chromecast Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Networks

Many modern routers broadcast two separate networks: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Chromecast devices work on both, but 2.4 GHz networks have longer range while 5 GHz networks are faster. If your router broadcasts both, they usually have different names (for example, "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G").

To move your Chromecast between these two networks, open Google Home, go to the Wi-Fi settings for your device, and select the network you want to use. The process is the same as changing to any other network. If you want your Chromecast to automatically switch between the two based on signal strength, some routers have a setting called band steering that does this, but you will need to check your router's settings to enable it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast before changing its network?

No. You can change the network while the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Just open Google Home, go to the Wi-Fi settings, and select a new network. The device will stay on and reconnect to the new network automatically.

Will changing the network erase my Chromecast settings?

No. Changing the network only changes which WiFi the device connects to. Your apps, preferences, and other settings stay the same. Only a full factory reset erases everything.

What if I change the network but forget the new password?

If you change your Chromecast to a network and then forget the password, the Chromecast will stay connected to that network even though you cannot access it from your phone. To fix this, reset the Chromecast and set it up again on a network whose password you know.

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

Only if your phone is on the same network as the Chromecast. The Google Home app communicates with your Chromecast over your home network, so distance does not matter as long as both devices are connected to the same WiFi.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new network?

This usually means the Chromecast is too far from your router or there is interference from other devices. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router, or switch to the 5 GHz network if your router supports it. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.