How to change your Chromecast's WiFi connection
To change which WiFi network your Chromecast uses, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, select Settings, then Network, and choose "Forget this network." Your Chromecast will restart and show a setup code on your TV. Use the Google Home app to scan that code and connect to your new WiFi network. The whole process takes about three minutes.
You'll need the Google Home app installed on an Android or iOS phone, and you must be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast during the setup — or use a phone that can connect to both networks at once if you're switching between them.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Home, find your Chromecast, go to Settings > Network, and tap "Forget this network" to disconnect from the old WiFi.
- Your Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV screen after it restarts.
- Use the Google Home app to scan the setup code and select your new WiFi network from the list.
- You can change networks without unplugging the device or resetting it to factory settings.
Step-by-step: Disconnecting from your current network
Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone. If you have multiple devices, you'll see them listed on the home screen. Tap the Chromecast you want to change, then tap the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner.
In Settings, scroll down and tap "Network." You'll see the name of the WiFi network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap "Forget this network" at the bottom of that screen. A confirmation message will appear — tap it again to confirm. Your Chromecast will disconnect and restart.
Finding and scanning the setup code
While your Chromecast restarts, watch your TV screen. Within 30 seconds, a colorful setup code will appear on the screen — it looks like a square pattern with dots and lines. This code tells the Google Home app which device you're setting up.
If you don't see a setup code, your Chromecast may still be restarting. Wait another 10 seconds and check again. If the code doesn't appear after a full minute, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the code to show.
Connecting to your new WiFi network
In the Google Home app, tap the plus icon (+) at the top left to start a new device setup. Select "Set up device," then "New device." The app will ask you to scan the setup code on your TV. Point your phone's camera at the code on your screen and hold it steady for a few seconds until the app recognizes it.
After scanning, the app will show a list of available WiFi networks. Tap the network you want to connect to, enter the password, and tap "Next." Your Chromecast will connect to the new network and finish setup automatically. You'll see a confirmation message in the app when it's done.
What to do if the setup code won't scan
If the Google Home app can't read the code from your TV screen, try moving your phone closer to the TV or adjusting the angle. Make sure the room isn't too dark — the camera needs light to see the code clearly. If the code is still hard to read, try cleaning your phone's camera lens.
If scanning still fails after a few tries, you can enter the setup code manually instead. Look for a small text version of the code on your TV screen, usually printed below the large pattern. Tap "Can't scan it?" in the Google Home app and type the code by hand.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then loses the connection, the password may be wrong. Go back to Settings > Network in the Google Home app and try entering the password again, making sure caps lock is off unless your password actually uses capitals.
If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting after a few minutes, your router may be too far away or blocked by walls. Move your router closer to the Chromecast, or move the Chromecast closer to the router. If you're using a 5 GHz WiFi band, try switching to 2.4 GHz instead — older Chromecasts work better on 2.4 GHz, and some routers broadcast both at once.
Changing networks on older Chromecast models
The steps above work for Chromecast (3rd generation and newer) and Chromecast with Google TV. If you have an older Chromecast (1st or 2nd generation), the process is the same, but the setup code on your TV may look slightly different — it might be a QR code instead of a dot pattern.
For Chromecast Audio (which is no longer sold but still used), the steps are identical. Open Google Home, find the device, go to Settings > Network, and forget the network. The setup code will appear on your phone's screen instead of your TV, since Chromecast Audio doesn't connect to a display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reset my Chromecast to change WiFi networks?
No. Forgetting the network and reconnecting is all you need. A factory reset erases all your settings and is only necessary if your Chromecast stops responding or you're giving it away. Changing networks takes three minutes and keeps everything else the same.
What if I don't have the Google Home app installed?
Download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) for free. You'll need it to set up your Chromecast on the new network. The app is required — there's no other way to change networks without resetting the device.
Can I change networks if I'm away from home?
No, you must be physically near your Chromecast and TV to see the setup code. You also need to be able to connect your phone to the new WiFi network you're switching to. If you're away, you'll have to wait until you're back home or ask someone there to help.
Will my apps and settings stay the same after I change networks?
Yes. Changing networks doesn't erase your apps, saved shows, or any other settings. Everything stays exactly as it was — only the WiFi connection changes.
What if the setup code disappears before I can scan it?
The code stays on your screen for about two minutes. If it disappears, unplug your Chromecast, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The code will reappear. You don't need to start the setup process over in the Google Home app — just scan the new code.