Reset Your Chromecast WiFi in Three Steps

To reset your Chromecast's WiFi connection, hold the reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 15 seconds until the light flashes orange, then release. The device will restart and forget all saved networks. When it boots up, you'll see the setup screen on your TV, and you can connect to WiFi again using the Google Home app on your phone.

A full WiFi reset is different from just forgetting a network. Resetting clears everything — your WiFi password, your Google account connection, and any custom settings. You'll need to set up the device from scratch, which takes about five minutes if you have the Google Home app ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the physical reset button for 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then release and wait for the device to restart.
  • After reset, your Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV that you'll enter in the Google Home app to reconnect.
  • You'll need your WiFi network name and password ready before you start the setup process again.
  • If you only want to forget one WiFi network without resetting everything, use the Google Home app instead of the physical button.

Where the Reset Button Is Located

The reset button is a small recessed button on the physical device itself. On the Chromecast with Google TV, it's on the back near the power cable. On the standard Chromecast (the round puck), it's on the bottom. You'll need a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press it — you can't use your finger.

Before you reset, unplug the device from power and wait 10 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the light to turn white (this means it's ready). Then press and hold the reset button. You should see the light begin to flash orange after about 10 seconds; keep holding for the full 15 seconds even after the flashing starts.

What Happens During and After the Reset

While you're holding the button, the Chromecast will power down and erase its memory. The light will flash orange and then turn off completely. This takes about 30 seconds total. Don't unplug the device during this time — let it finish on its own.

Once the light turns white again, the device is ready for setup. Turn on your TV and you should see a setup code displayed on the screen — a four-digit number. Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the plus icon to add a device, select "Set up device," and choose "Set up a new device." The app will ask you to enter that four-digit code.

After you enter the code, the app will walk you through connecting to your WiFi network. Select your network name from the list, enter your WiFi password, and wait for the connection to complete. The whole process takes about three to five minutes.

Resetting Through the Google Home App Instead

If you don't want to do a full factory reset, you can remove just the WiFi connection through the Google Home app. Open the app, find your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (three dots), scroll down, and tap "Forget device." This removes the WiFi connection but keeps your Google account linked.

When you forget the device this way, it stays on your network but disconnects from WiFi. You'll see a "No WiFi" message on your TV. To reconnect, open the Google Home app again, tap the plus icon, and set it up as a new device — but this time it will remember your Google account and won't require the four-digit code.

This method is faster if you're just switching WiFi networks or fixing a connection problem without losing all your settings. Use the physical reset button only if you're selling the device, giving it away, or need to completely clear everything.

Troubleshooting When the Reset Doesn't Work

If the light doesn't flash orange after 15 seconds, the button may not be making contact. Try using a different thin object — a safety pin, a thumbtack, or the end of a paperclip works better than a ballpoint pen. Press straight in without twisting, and make sure you're holding it for the full 15 seconds.

If the device still won't reset, unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. Sometimes the device needs a full power cycle before it will respond to the reset button. If it still doesn't work after two attempts, the device may have a hardware problem.

If you see the setup code on your TV but the Google Home app won't recognize it, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast (or on a 2.4 GHz band if your router splits bands). Move your phone closer to the device and try entering the code again. If the app still won't connect, restart both your phone and the Chromecast.

When to Reset vs. When to Troubleshoot First

Before you reset, try these simpler fixes: restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, restart your WiFi router, and move the Chromecast closer to the router. Many connection problems clear up with just a restart.

Reset the device only if restarting doesn't work, if you're switching to a completely different WiFi network, or if you're preparing it for someone else to use. If the Chromecast connects to WiFi but won't play video or keeps dropping the connection, the problem is usually your router or internet speed, not the device — resetting won't fix that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my shows and apps when I reset the Chromecast?

Yes. A factory reset clears everything — your WiFi connection, your Google account, and any preferences you set. When you set it up again, you'll need to sign back into your Google account. Your shows and apps are tied to your account, so they'll come back once you sign in again.

How long does the reset take?

The reset itself takes about 30 seconds. The full setup process — entering the code, connecting to WiFi, and signing into your account — takes about five minutes. You'll be ready to use it again within 10 minutes total.

What if I forget my WiFi password?

You'll need to know your WiFi password to set up the Chromecast again. If you don't remember it, log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser or the router's app) and reset the WiFi password there. Then use the new password when you set up the Chromecast.

Can I reset the Chromecast without a TV?

No. The reset button erases the device, but you need a TV to see the setup code and complete the setup process. The code appears on your TV screen, and you can't set up the Chromecast without it.

Will resetting fix a Chromecast that won't turn on?

If the device won't turn on at all, a reset won't help — the problem is likely the power cable or a hardware failure. Make sure the cable is plugged in firmly, try a different outlet, and try a different USB cable if you have one. If it still won't power on, the device may need replacement.