Change your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home app

To switch your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (three dots or a gear), and select "WiFi" or "Forget network." The Chromecast will then enter pairing mode, and you can connect it to your new network just as you did when you first set it up.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one without losing any of your settings or saved apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast device, then tap the settings icon and choose "WiFi" to start the process.
  • Your Chromecast will ask you to select a new network and enter the password for that network.
  • The device stays connected to your Google account and keeps all your preferences after switching networks.
  • If you cannot find the WiFi option in settings, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Step-by-step: Using the Google Home app

Start by opening the Google Home app on the phone or tablet you used to set up the Chromecast. Make sure you are signed into the same Google account. Look at the list of devices and find your Chromecast — it will show the device name (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and the current WiFi network it is connected to.

Tap the Chromecast device to open its details page. In the top right corner, you will see a settings icon — either three vertical dots or a gear symbol. Tap that icon to open the menu.

Look for an option labeled "WiFi," "Forget network," or "Change WiFi." The exact wording depends on your Chromecast model and the version of Google Home you have, but the option will be in this menu. Tap it.

Your Chromecast will now enter pairing mode. The device itself may show a code on your TV screen, or the app will simply ask you to select a new network. Choose your new WiFi network from the list and enter the password. Wait for the connection to complete — you will see a confirmation message in the app when it succeeds.

What to do if the WiFi option does not appear

If you open the settings menu and do not see a WiFi or network option, the most common fix is to restart your Chromecast. Unplug the device from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart — this usually takes about 30 seconds — and then try opening the settings menu again.

If the option still does not appear, make sure you are using the latest version of the Google Home app. Open your phone's app store (Google Play Store on Android, App Store on iPhone), search for "Google Home," and check whether an update is available. Install any pending updates and try again.

Another reason the WiFi option might be hidden is if your Chromecast is already having trouble connecting to the current network. In this case, unplug the device, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it has restarted, immediately open Google Home and try to access the settings before the device fully reconnects to the old network.

Switching networks without losing your apps and settings

When you change your Chromecast to a new WiFi network, the device stays linked to your Google account. This means all your apps, preferences, and saved information remain exactly as they were. You will not need to log into Netflix, YouTube, or any other app again.

The only thing that changes is the WiFi network. Your Chromecast will appear in the Google Home app under the same name, and anyone in your home who has permission to control it will still be able to cast to it from their phone or computer.

Changing networks on a Chromecast you just unboxed

If you are setting up a new Chromecast for the first time and want to connect it to a specific WiFi network right away, the process is slightly different. Plug in the Chromecast, turn on your TV, and open the Google Home app on your phone. Tap the plus icon to add a new device, then follow the on-screen instructions to select your WiFi network and enter the password.

The app will guide you through each step. Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network you want the Chromecast to use — this makes the pairing faster and more reliable.

Troubleshooting a Chromecast that will not connect to the new network

If your Chromecast enters pairing mode but will not connect to your new network, first check that you entered the password correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you are not sure of the password, check your router or your internet provider's paperwork.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, move your Chromecast closer to the router temporarily. Chromecast devices work best when they are within 15 to 20 feet of the router and have a clear line of sight. Once it connects successfully, you can move it back to its normal location.

If the Chromecast still will not connect, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for the router to fully restart — this usually takes a minute or two — then try connecting the Chromecast again. If none of these steps work, unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and repeat the process from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my saved passwords and logins when I change WiFi networks?

No. Your Chromecast stays connected to your Google account, so all your apps, logins, and settings remain the same. Only the WiFi network changes. You will not need to log into anything again.

Can I change my Chromecast's WiFi network from a computer instead of a phone?

Yes. Open Google Home on a web browser at home.google.com, find your Chromecast in the device list, click the settings icon, and select the WiFi option. The process is the same as on the mobile app.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router — many routers have the default password printed there. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 seconds. This will erase all your WiFi settings, so you will need to set up your network again from scratch.

Do I need to be in the same room as the Chromecast to change its WiFi?

No. As long as your phone is connected to the internet and you have the Google Home app, you can change your Chromecast's WiFi network from anywhere. You do not need to be near the device or the TV.

How often can I change my Chromecast's WiFi network?

You can change it as many times as you want. There is no limit. Some people switch networks seasonally or when they move to a different room in their home.