Turn on WiFi and pick a new network from the Google Home app

To switch your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the Chromecast device, then tap the settings gear icon in the top right. Select Wi-Fi, then Forget to disconnect from the current network. The Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode — you'll see a light pattern on the device itself. From there, the app will walk you through picking a new network and entering its password.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will reconnect to the new network and be ready to use once the setup screen closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, tap settings, then choose Wi-Fi and Forget to disconnect from the old network.
  • The device will restart and show a light pattern while it waits for you to select a new network in the app.
  • You'll need the password for the new WiFi network before you start the switch.
  • If the app doesn't show your Chromecast during setup, make sure your phone is on the same network you're trying to connect the device to.

What happens when you forget the network

When you tap Forget in the Wi-Fi settings, the Chromecast erases the old network from its memory and restarts. During this restart, the device enters pairing mode — a state where it's ready to connect to a new network but isn't connected to anything yet. You'll see a pulsing light on the Chromecast itself (usually white or blue, depending on your model) to show it's waiting.

At the same time, the Google Home app on your phone will show a list of available WiFi networks. This list comes from your phone's location, so make sure your phone is in the same room as the Chromecast and is already connected to the network you want to use. The app needs to see that network in order to guide the Chromecast to it.

Entering the password for the new network

After you select the new network from the list in Google Home, the app will ask you to enter its password. Type it exactly as it is — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you're not sure of the password, check your router's label (usually on the bottom or back) or look in your router's settings page through a web browser.

Once you enter the password and tap Connect, the Chromecast will attempt to join the network. The light on the device will stop pulsing and settle into a steady glow once it's connected. The app will show a confirmation screen, and you're done.

When the app can't find your Chromecast during setup

If the Google Home app doesn't show your Chromecast in the list of devices to set up, the most common reason is that your phone is on a different network than the one you're trying to connect the Chromecast to. The app needs to be on the target network to guide the Chromecast to it.

Check which network your phone is currently on by opening your phone's WiFi settings. If it's on a different network, switch your phone to the network you want the Chromecast to use, then go back to Google Home and try again. Once your phone is on the right network, the Chromecast should appear in the setup list within a few seconds.

Switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

Some routers broadcast two separate WiFi networks: one on the 2.4 GHz band and one on the 5 GHz band. They may have the same name (SSID) or different names. Chromecast devices work on both bands, but 2.4 GHz has better range and wall penetration, while 5 GHz is faster but doesn't travel as far.

If your router lists both bands separately in the WiFi network list, you can choose which one to connect to during setup. If your router combines them into a single network (called band steering), the router will automatically pick the best band for your Chromecast, and you don't need to do anything.

Troubleshooting a failed connection

If the Chromecast fails to connect after you enter the password, the most likely cause is an incorrect password. Go back to the Google Home app, tap the Chromecast settings again, and try the password once more — copy it from your router's label or settings page rather than typing from memory.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (usually two to three minutes), then try connecting the Chromecast again. If the Chromecast still won't connect after that, restart the Chromecast itself by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in, then repeat the setup process from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps and settings when I switch networks?

No. Switching networks only changes which WiFi the Chromecast uses — it doesn't erase apps, saved passwords, or any other settings. Once it connects to the new network, everything will be exactly as you left it.

Can I switch networks without using the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change WiFi networks on a Chromecast. You can't do it through the Chromecast's own interface or any other method.

What if I don't have the Google Home app installed?

read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). It's free. You'll need to sign in with the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast originally.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to connect to the new network?

Usually 30 seconds to two minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the connection likely failed — check the password and try again.

Can I switch networks on a Chromecast that's already plugged in?

Yes. You don't need to unplug it. Just open Google Home, go to settings, and forget the network. The device will restart on its own and enter pairing mode.