Switch Your Chromecast to a Different WiFi Network in Three Steps

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose a new network. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're moving to a different router, upgrading your internet, or fixing a weak connection.

Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one. You don't need to unplug the device or reset it to factory settings — just follow the steps below and you'll be casting again within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast device, and tap the settings gear icon to reach the WiFi menu.
  • Select "WiFi" from the settings list, then choose "Change WiFi Network" to see available networks near your Chromecast.
  • Enter your new network's password exactly as it appears — capitalization and special characters matter.
  • The device will reconnect within 30 to 60 seconds; if it doesn't, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
  • Your casting apps and saved preferences stay the same after you switch networks.

Open Google Home and Find Your Device Settings

Start by opening the Google Home app on the phone or tablet you use to control your Chromecast. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account you used to set up the device.

Look for your Chromecast in the list of devices — it will show the name you gave it during setup (for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV"). Tap the device card to open its details page.

In the top right corner, you'll see a settings gear icon. Tap it to open the full settings menu for that Chromecast.

Navigate to WiFi Settings and Select a New Network

In the settings menu, scroll down until you find "WiFi" — it's usually near the top of the list. Tap it to open your current network information.

You'll see the name of the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Below that, tap "Change WiFi Network." The app will scan for available networks within range of your Chromecast and display them in a list.

Find the network you want to switch to and tap it. If your network doesn't appear, make sure your router is powered on and broadcasting its name (SSID). Networks set to "hidden" won't show up in this list — you'll need to enter the name manually, which the app will prompt you to do.

Enter Your Password and Wait for Reconnection

After you select a network, the app will ask you to enter the WiFi password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." Special characters like exclamation marks or underscores must be exact.

Once you've entered the password, tap "Connect" or "Next" (the button name varies slightly depending on your phone's operating system). The Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and attempt to connect to the new one.

This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You'll see a connecting message on the screen. Don't close the Google Home app during this time — wait until the device shows as connected before moving on.

Troubleshoot If Your Chromecast Won't Reconnect

If your Chromecast stays in a connecting state for more than two minutes, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to the WiFi settings, select "Change WiFi Network" again, and re-enter the password more slowly, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.

If the password is correct but the device still won't connect, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (the light will stop blinking), then try the WiFi switch process again.

If you're switching to a brand-new router or network, make sure the router is fully powered on and has finished its startup sequence. Some routers take a few minutes to broadcast their network name after being turned on. If you still see no connection after waiting, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What Happens to Your Settings and Apps After Switching

Your Chromecast's settings, linked accounts, and casting history all stay the same when you switch networks. You won't lose any of your preferences or have to re-link your Google account.

Casting apps on your phone or tablet (like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify) will work normally on the new network as long as your phone is also connected to that same network. If your phone is on a different network than your Chromecast, casting won't work — both devices need to be on the same WiFi network to communicate.

Switch Back to Your Old Network Anytime

If you need to switch your Chromecast back to a previous network, follow the exact same steps: open Google Home, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose "Change WiFi Network." Your old network will appear in the list if it's still broadcasting.

You can switch networks as many times as you need without damaging the device or losing your setup. There's no limit to how often you can change WiFi connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz?

Yes. Most modern Chromecast models support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands, they'll both appear in the network list in Google Home. The 5GHz network is faster but has shorter range, so choose based on where your Chromecast is located relative to your router.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's website. Check the back of your router for the admin login information, or contact your internet provider for help resetting it. Once you've set a new password, use the steps above to enter it into your Chromecast.

Do I need to be near the Chromecast to change its WiFi?

No. As long as your phone is connected to the internet (on any network), you can use the Google Home app to change your Chromecast's WiFi from anywhere. The app communicates with your Chromecast through Google's servers, not through a direct local connection.

Will changing WiFi networks affect casting from my phone?

Casting will work normally once both your phone and Chromecast are on the same new network. If your phone is still on the old network while your Chromecast switches to a new one, casting won't work until you manually switch your phone to the new network as well.

What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting from the new network?

Frequent disconnections usually mean the signal is weak. Try moving your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router to a more central location. If the problem continues, restart both your Chromecast and your router by unplugging each for 10 seconds. If disconnections persist on multiple networks, your Chromecast may have a hardware issue.