Switch your Chromecast to a new WiFi network using the Google Home app on your phone

To move your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap and hold the Chromecast device tile, tap the settings icon (gear), scroll down to "WiFi", and select the new network from the list. Enter the password if prompted. The device will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one within a minute or two.

This process works whether you are switching to a different router in your home, moving to a new house, or changing your internet provider. The Chromecast itself does not store network information permanently — it only remembers the network you tell it to use through the app.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the Google Home app installed on a phone or tablet connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast to change its settings.
  • The Chromecast must be powered on and within range of the network it is currently connected to before you can switch it.
  • If you forget the password to your new network, you can still change the Chromecast's WiFi by entering the password during the setup process.
  • After switching networks, you may need to re-add the Chromecast to the Google Home app if it does not appear automatically.

Step-by-step process to change the WiFi network

Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast device in the list of connected devices. The device tile shows the name you gave it (for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom"). Tap and hold on that tile until a menu appears at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the settings icon, which looks like a gear or cog. Scroll down the settings page until you see the "WiFi" option. Tap it to see a list of available networks. Select the network you want to connect to from the list. If the network is hidden, you will see an option to enter the network name manually.

Type the password for the new network when prompted. Make sure you enter it exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive. Tap "Connect" or "Save". The Chromecast will attempt to join the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once connected, the device tile in the Google Home app will show the new network name.

What to do if your Chromecast does not appear in the app

If you cannot see your Chromecast device in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as the Chromecast. The app can only control devices on the same network. If your phone is on a different network (for example, a guest network), switch your phone to the main network first.

If the Chromecast is still not visible after you switch your phone's network, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then open the Google Home app again and wait 30 seconds for the device to reappear. If it still does not show up, you may need to set it up again from scratch using the "Set up device" option in the Google Home app.

Switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

Some routers broadcast two separate networks: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz network has longer range but slower speeds. The 5 GHz network is faster but does not travel as far through walls and obstacles. Most Chromecast models work on both, but older models may only support 2.4 GHz.

When you open the WiFi list in the Chromecast settings, you will see both networks listed separately if your router broadcasts them both. Choose the one that works best for your location. If your router combines both into a single network name (called "band steering"), the Chromecast will automatically use whichever band works best for its location.

Troubleshooting when the password is wrong

If you enter the wrong password, the Chromecast will show a connection error. Go back to the WiFi settings and try again, making sure to type the password exactly as it appears. Check that Caps Lock is not on unless it should be. If you are not sure of the password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password.

If you have changed your router password recently and the Chromecast is still trying to use the old one, you may need to forget the old network first. Unfortunately, the Google Home app does not have a "forget network" option for Chromecast. The easiest solution is to factory reset the device and set it up again with the new password. To reset, hold down the button on the back of the Chromecast for about 15 seconds until the light blinks.

Moving your Chromecast to a new house or router

When you move to a new location with a different WiFi network, the process is the same: open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, go to WiFi settings, and select the new network. The device does not need to be unplugged or reset. As long as the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on at the new location, it will connect to the new network once you enter the password.

If you are setting up a new router at the same location, you can keep the same network name and password as your old router. In that case, the Chromecast may reconnect automatically without any action from you. If you change the network name or password, you will need to update the Chromecast's settings using the steps above.

Why your Chromecast might lose connection

Chromecast devices can drop off the network if the router restarts, if the device moves too far from the router, or if the WiFi signal is weak. If this happens, the device will try to reconnect automatically. You can check its status in the Google Home app — if it shows "offline", the Chromecast is not currently connected to the network.

To fix a dropped connection, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Wait a minute for both devices to fully power back on. The Chromecast should reconnect to the network automatically. If it does not, follow the WiFi switching steps above to reconnect it manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same WiFi network as my Chromecast to change its settings?

Yes. Your phone must be connected to the same network as the Chromecast for the Google Home app to see and control it. If you are on a different network, switch your phone to the Chromecast's current network first, then change the Chromecast's WiFi settings.

Will changing the WiFi network erase my saved shows or settings?

No. Switching networks does not erase anything. Your Chromecast will keep all its settings, saved content, and linked accounts. Only the network connection changes.

Can I use a mobile hotspot instead of WiFi?

Yes, Chromecast can connect to a mobile hotspot the same way it connects to a regular WiFi network. Open the WiFi list in the Chromecast settings and select your phone's hotspot name, then enter the password. Keep in mind that streaming over a mobile hotspot will use your phone's data.

What if my new network does not show up in the list?

If the network is hidden, tap the option to enter the network name manually instead of selecting from the list. Type the exact network name (SSID) and password. If the network is not hidden and still does not appear, move the Chromecast closer to the router and try again.

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

Usually 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, the password may be wrong or the signal may be too weak. Check the connection status in the Google Home app and try again if needed.