Switch your Chromecast to a different WiFi network from the Google Home app

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Select Wi-Fi, then Forget to disconnect from the current network. Your Chromecast will then show available networks — select the new one and enter the password if required.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will reconnect and be ready to use on the new network within 30 seconds. If you do not have the Google Home app installed, read it free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings gear icon, and choose Wi-Fi to see network options.
  • Tap Forget to disconnect from your current network before selecting a new one.
  • Enter the WiFi password for the new network if it is password-protected.
  • Your Chromecast will reconnect within 30 seconds and work on the new network when ready.
  • If you forget the password to your new network, check your router's label or contact your internet provider.

Step-by-step: changing your Chromecast WiFi in Google Home

Start by unlocking your phone or tablet and opening the Google Home app. If you have multiple Chromecast devices in your home, the app will show all of them — make sure you tap the one you want to move to the new network.

Once you have selected the correct device, look for the settings icon in the top right corner of the screen (it looks like a gear or three vertical dots, depending on your device model). Tap it to open the device settings menu. Scroll down until you see the Wi-Fi option and tap it.

You will see the name of the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Below that, tap the Forget button. This disconnects your Chromecast from the old network — it does not delete any of your settings or saved information, just the WiFi connection.

After you tap Forget, your Chromecast will scan for available networks and display a list on your phone. Find the network you want to switch to and tap it. If the network is password-protected (most are), a keyboard will appear — type in the WiFi password exactly as it is, including capital letters and numbers. Tap Connect or OK when you are done.

What to do if your Chromecast will not connect to the new network

If your Chromecast connects but then disconnects, or if it will not find the new network at all, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are not sure of the password, check the label on the back or bottom of your router, or contact your internet provider.

If the password is correct but your Chromecast still will not connect, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. While it is restarting, restart your router the same way — unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for both devices to fully restart (about two minutes total), then try connecting again through the Google Home app.

If you are switching to a 5GHz network (a faster type of WiFi), note that some older Chromecast models only work on 2.4GHz networks. Check the specifications for your specific Chromecast model on Google's support site to confirm which frequencies it supports. If your router broadcasts both types, your Chromecast should automatically pick the right one.

Switching Chromecast to a guest network or separate WiFi band

If your router has a guest network (a separate WiFi name for visitors), you can connect your Chromecast to it the same way you would switch to any other network. Open Google Home, select your device, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap Forget, then select the guest network name and enter its password.

Some routers let you create separate networks for different purposes — for example, one for streaming devices and one for computers. Chromecast works on any of these as long as it is a standard WiFi network. The process is identical: forget the old network and connect to the new one through the Google Home app.

If you are moving your Chromecast to a different room with weaker WiFi signal, you may notice it disconnects more often. Move your router closer to the Chromecast, or consider using a WiFi extender to boost the signal in that area. Chromecast needs a reasonably strong connection to stream video without interruption.

Switching back to your original network

If you need to move your Chromecast back to your original WiFi network, follow the exact same steps: open Google Home, select the device, tap settings, go to Wi-Fi, tap Forget, then select your original network and enter its password. There is no limit to how many times you can switch networks.

Your Chromecast will remember the new network after you connect once, so you will not have to enter the password again the next time you want to use it — unless you change the password on your router. If you do change your router password, you will need to go through the Forget and reconnect process again.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast not appearing in Google Home

If your Chromecast does not show up in the Google Home app at all, make sure your phone and the Chromecast are on the same WiFi network. If your Chromecast is currently disconnected from WiFi, it will not appear in the app until it connects to a network again.

If you just switched networks and the Chromecast is still not showing up after five minutes, restart the Google Home app. Close it completely, wait 10 seconds, then open it again. If it still does not appear, restart your phone and try again. Sometimes the app needs a moment to refresh and find the device on the new network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Switching networks only changes which WiFi your Chromecast connects to. All your apps, saved preferences, and linked accounts stay exactly the same. Your Chromecast will work the same way on the new network as it did on the old one.

Can I connect my Chromecast to WiFi without the Google Home app?

No, you need the Google Home app to change networks. The app is the only way to tell your Chromecast which network to connect to. You can read it free on any phone or tablet.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new network?

This usually means the WiFi signal is weak in that location, or there is interference from other devices. Try moving your router closer, or check if your phone also has trouble staying connected in that spot. If your phone connects fine but Chromecast does not, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds.

What if I do not know the password to the new network?

Check the label on your router — most routers have the WiFi name and password printed on the back or bottom. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset your router to factory settings, but that will erase all your custom settings. Contact your internet provider if you need help recovering the password.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5GHz network?

It depends on your Chromecast model. Newer models support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but some older ones only work on 2.4GHz. Check the specifications for your specific model on Google's support site. If your router broadcasts both, your Chromecast will automatically use whichever one it supports.