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 vertical dots), and select "WiFi" or "Device information" followed by "WiFi." From there, you can forget the old network and connect to a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your Chromecast will disconnect from its current network, scan for available networks in range, and let you choose which one to join. You'll need to enter the password for the new network if it's password-protected. Once connected, your Chromecast will restart and be ready to use on the new WiFi.

Key Takeaways

  • You control your Chromecast's WiFi connection through the Google Home app, not through your TV or the Chromecast device itself.
  • The WiFi settings are usually found under device settings, though the exact menu path depends on your Chromecast model and app version.
  • You need the password for the new WiFi network before you start, or the connection will fail partway through.
  • After switching networks, your Chromecast may take 30 seconds to a minute to fully restart and become available for casting.

Step-by-step: Using the Google Home app on Android or iPhone

Open the Google Home app and look at the home screen. You should see a list of your devices — your Chromecast will appear by name (often something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom"). Tap and hold on the Chromecast device tile until a menu appears at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the settings icon (three vertical dots or a gear icon) in that menu. This opens the device settings page. Scroll down until you see "WiFi" or "Device information." If you see "Device information," tap that first, then look for "WiFi" on the next screen. Tap "WiFi" to open the network selection menu.

The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to and a list of available networks nearby. To switch networks, tap "Forget" or "Remove" next to the current network name. Then select the new network from the list below. Enter the password when prompted and wait for the connection to complete — you'll see a confirmation message or the app will return to the device home screen.

What to do if the new network won't connect

If your Chromecast can't find the new network, make sure you're typing the password correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. If you're unsure of the password, check your router or ask whoever set up the network.

If the network appears in the list but the connection fails, try forgetting the network from your Chromecast and trying again. Sometimes the device holds onto old connection information that causes problems. You can also restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in, then attempting the connection again.

If your Chromecast still won't connect after two or three attempts, the issue may be with your router or network settings rather than the Chromecast itself. Check that other devices (your phone, laptop, or tablet) can connect to the same network without problems. If they can, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try connecting your Chromecast again.

Connecting to a 5GHz or 2.4GHz network

Most modern routers broadcast two WiFi networks at once: a faster 5GHz band and a slower but longer-range 2.4GHz band. They often have the same name (called "SSID"), so you may not realize you're choosing between them. Chromecast devices work on both, but they perform better on 5GHz if your Chromecast is close to the router.

If your router shows two separate network names — one with "5G" or "5GHz" in the name and one without — you can choose which one your Chromecast connects to. Select the 5GHz network if your Chromecast is in the same room as the router or nearby. Choose the 2.4GHz network if your Chromecast is far from the router or in a different room, since the 2.4GHz signal travels through walls better.

If you're not sure which network is which, check your router's settings or the sticker on the back of the router. Most routers list both network names and passwords there.

Switching networks without losing your settings

When you change your Chromecast's WiFi network, it keeps all your settings, apps, and linked accounts. You won't lose anything — your Google account, any casting preferences, or any customizations you've made will stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is which WiFi network the device uses to connect to the internet.

This means if you move your Chromecast to a different room or switch to a new router, you can change the network without worrying about losing your setup. Just connect to the new network through the Google Home app and you're done.

Reconnecting after a router change or reboot

If you replace your router or restart it, your Chromecast may lose its connection. When this happens, the device will show as offline in the Google Home app. To reconnect, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, and go to the WiFi settings as described above. Select your network again and enter the password.

If your new router has the same network name and password as the old one, your Chromecast may reconnect automatically within a few minutes. If it doesn't, or if you changed the network name or password, you'll need to manually select the network and enter the new password through the Google Home app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Chromecast's WiFi from my TV remote?

No. You must use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet to change your Chromecast's WiFi network. The TV remote and the Chromecast device itself don't have WiFi settings you can access directly.

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

Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone). It's free. Once installed, sign in with the same Google account you used to set up your Chromecast, and you'll see your device in the app.

Will changing WiFi networks affect my ability to cast to the Chromecast?

No. Once your Chromecast is connected to the new network, casting works the same way. Your phone or tablet just needs to be on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast to cast to it. If your phone is on a different network, casting won't work.

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

Usually 30 seconds to one minute. The device will disconnect from the old network, connect to the new one, and restart. During this time, it will appear offline in the Google Home app. Wait a minute before trying to cast to it.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a guest WiFi network?

Yes. Guest networks work the same way as regular networks — just select the guest network name from the list in the Google Home app and enter its password. Some routers isolate guest networks from the main network, which can affect casting, so check your router settings if you have trouble.