Connect Your Chromecast to Power and HDMI First

Before you can set up WiFi, your Chromecast needs power and a video connection. Plug the USB power cable into the Chromecast device, then plug the other end into a power outlet or USB port on your TV. Next, plug the HDMI connector into an available HDMI port on your television — write down which port number you used, because you'll need to switch your TV to that input.

Turn on your TV and use the remote to select the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see the Chromecast setup screen appear — it will show a code and ask you to visit a website on your phone or computer. If you see a blank screen or "no signal," double-check that the HDMI cable is fully inserted and that you've selected the correct input on your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromecast needs both power and an HDMI connection to your TV before WiFi setup can begin.
  • The setup process happens on your phone or computer, not on the TV itself — you visit a website and enter the code shown on your screen.
  • Your Chromecast connects to the same WiFi network as your phone or computer, so you need the network name and password ready.
  • Once connected, you can cast video, music, photos, and browser tabs from any device on the same WiFi network.

Visit the Setup Website on Your Phone or Computer

On your phone or computer, open a web browser and go to google.com/chromecast/setup. You can also search "Chromecast setup" and click the official Google link. The page will ask you to enter the code that appears on your TV screen — this code is usually four characters and appears in the bottom corner.

Type the code into the website and click Next. The page will then ask you to sign in with your Google account. Use the same Google account you plan to use for casting — this is the account that will be linked to your Chromecast device. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one for free at google.com.

Select Your WiFi Network and Enter the Password

After you sign in, the setup page will show a list of WiFi networks available in your home. Find your network name in the list and click it. If your network name doesn't appear, make sure your WiFi router is turned on and within range — Chromecast can only see networks that are broadcasting their name.

Enter your WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you're not sure of your password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your WiFi router, or log into your router's settings page on a computer. After you enter the password, click Connect and wait for the page to confirm that your Chromecast is connected.

Name Your Chromecast Device

Once your Chromecast connects to WiFi, the setup page will ask you to give it a name. This name appears on your phone or computer when you're ready to cast, so choose something that describes where it is — for example, "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Chromecast." You can change this name later if you want.

After you enter the name, the setup page will confirm that your Chromecast is ready to use. Your TV screen will also show a confirmation message. You can now close the setup website.

Test Your Connection by Casting Something

To make sure everything is working, cast something straightforward from your phone or computer. On an Android phone, open YouTube or Google Photos, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner), and select your Chromecast by name. On an iPhone or iPad, open a compatible app like YouTube or Netflix, tap the Cast icon, and select your device.

If you're casting from a computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast. A video or photo should appear on your TV within a few seconds. If nothing happens, go back and check that your phone or computer is on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast — they must be connected to the same network to communicate.

Troubleshoot if Your Chromecast Won't Connect

If your Chromecast doesn't appear on the setup website or won't connect to WiFi, restart both your router and your Chromecast. Unplug your WiFi router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart — you'll see lights stop blinking and stabilize. Then unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

If the setup code on your TV expires before you finish entering it, wait a few seconds and a new code will appear. If you're still stuck, make sure your WiFi network is not using a 5 GHz band exclusively — older Chromecast models only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider to confirm which bands your network uses. You can also try moving your router closer to your Chromecast temporarily during setup.

What to Do After Setup Is Complete

Your Chromecast is now ready to receive video, music, photos, and browser tabs from any phone, tablet, or computer on your WiFi network. You don't need to sign in on each device — as long as it's connected to the same WiFi, it can cast to your Chromecast.

If you want to change your Chromecast's name, WiFi network, or Google account later, open the Google Home app on your phone, find your Chromecast in the device list, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings. From there you can update any of these details. Your Chromecast will remember your WiFi password, so you won't need to enter it again unless you change your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chromecast on a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Most newer Chromecast models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but older models only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings to see which bands are available. If your router broadcasts both, your Chromecast should connect to whichever one is available. If you're having trouble, try temporarily switching your router to 2.4 GHz only during setup.

What if I don't have a Google account?

You need a Google account to complete Chromecast setup. Creating one is free — go to google.com and click "Create account." You'll need an email address and a password. Once you have an account, you can use it to set up your Chromecast and sign in to other Google services.

Can I cast from my phone if it's on a different WiFi network?

No, your phone and your Chromecast must be on the same WiFi network to cast. If you're away from home, you can use Guest Mode instead — this lets you cast without being on the same network, but it requires a PIN that appears on your TV screen.

Do I need to sign in every time I want to cast?

No, once your Chromecast is set up and connected to WiFi, you don't need to sign in again. Any device on the same network can cast to it. Your Chromecast remembers your WiFi password and Google account, so setup only happens once.

What if the setup code expires before I enter it?

A new code will appear on your TV screen automatically after a few seconds. You can enter the new code into the setup website, or wait for another one if needed. There's no time limit on how long you can take to complete setup — you can pause and come back later if you need to.