The fastest way to reconnect Chromecast to WiFi

To connect your Chromecast to a new WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose your new network. The whole process takes about two minutes if you already know your WiFi password. If your Chromecast is already set up to an old network, you do not need to factory reset it first — you can change the WiFi directly from the app.

The app will ask you to confirm the WiFi password and then reconnect. Once it shows a green checkmark next to your network name, the Chromecast is live on the new WiFi. You can then cast to it from any device on that same network.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Google Home app to change WiFi without resetting your Chromecast or losing your setup.
  • Your phone must be on the new WiFi network before you start, or the app cannot complete the connection.
  • If the app cannot find your Chromecast, move your phone closer to the device and try again.
  • If you forget your WiFi password, you will need to reset the Chromecast and set it up from the beginning.

Step-by-step: changing WiFi in the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app on your phone and make sure your phone is already connected to your new WiFi network. Tap the Chromecast device you want to reconnect — it will show in your device list even if it is still on the old network.

Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and select WiFi. The app will show your Chromecast's current network and a list of available networks nearby. Tap your new WiFi network name from the list.

Enter your WiFi password when prompted. The Chromecast will attempt to connect. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once you see a green checkmark and the network name appears under "Connected to", the reconnection is complete.

What to do if your phone cannot find the Chromecast

If the Google Home app does not show your Chromecast in the device list, your phone and the Chromecast are too far apart or on completely different networks. Move your phone to within 10 feet of the Chromecast and try again. Make sure your phone is on the new WiFi network, not the old one.

If the device still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait 30 seconds for it to boot up, then open the Google Home app again. The device should now appear in your list.

Reconnecting when you do not know the WiFi password

If you do not have the password to your new WiFi network, you cannot change the WiFi setting in the app — the Chromecast needs the correct password to connect. You will need to either recover your password from your router or reset the Chromecast and set it up again from scratch.

To find your WiFi password, log into your router's admin page (usually printed on the router itself) or check your internet provider's account page. If you cannot recover it, you can reset the Chromecast by holding the reset button on the back for 15 seconds until the light blinks. This erases all settings, and you will need to set it up as a new device using the Google Home app.

Why the Chromecast stays on the old network after you change it

Sometimes the Chromecast appears to change networks in the app but then drops back to the old one. This usually means the password you entered was incorrect, or the Chromecast lost the connection before it fully saved the new network details. Check that you typed the password correctly — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the password is correct, try the process again. Open Settings, select WiFi, choose your new network, and re-enter the password. If it keeps dropping, restart both your phone and your Chromecast, then try once more. If the problem persists, a factory reset may be necessary.

Casting after you have switched networks

Once your Chromecast is on the new WiFi, any device on that same network can cast to it. Open a compatible app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Chrome browser, or others), tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast from the list. The device will appear only if it is on the same WiFi network as your phone or computer.

If you do not see the Cast icon in an app, that app may not support casting. Check the app's help section or look for a "Share" or "Send to" button instead. Some apps require a paid subscription to cast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my saved apps and settings when I change WiFi?

No. Changing the WiFi network in the Google Home app does not erase anything. Your apps, preferences, and linked accounts stay the same. Only the network connection changes.

Can I connect my Chromecast to both the old and new WiFi at the same time?

No. A Chromecast can only be on one WiFi network at a time. Once you connect it to the new network, it disconnects from the old one.

What if I have multiple Chromecasts and need to reconnect them all?

Repeat the process for each device. Open the Google Home app, tap each Chromecast one at a time, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose your new network. You can do them in any order.

Why does the Google Home app say "device offline" even though I just connected it?

The app may not have refreshed yet. Close the Google Home app completely and reopen it. If the Chromecast is truly connected to the new WiFi, it should show as online within a few seconds.

Can I change the WiFi if my Chromecast is already unplugged and stored?

No. The Chromecast must be plugged in and powered on to change its WiFi settings. Plug it in, wait for it to boot, then use the Google Home app to reconnect it to your new network.