What you need before you start

Your Chromecast connects to the internet through WiFi, not through an HDMI cable or power cord. Before you begin, make sure you have your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password ready. You'll also need a smartphone or tablet with the Google Home app installed — this is how you tell the Chromecast which network to join.

Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV and connect its power cable to a nearby outlet or USB port. Wait about 30 seconds for it to start up. You should see the Chromecast logo appear on your TV screen, followed by a setup code — a four-digit number that will appear both on your TV and in the Google Home app once you open it.

Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network you want the Chromecast to join. The Chromecast will connect to that same network once you complete the setup steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Have your WiFi password ready and your phone connected to that same network before you start the setup process.
  • The Google Home app on your phone guides you through connecting the Chromecast to WiFi by matching a four-digit code shown on your TV.
  • If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the app, restart both the Chromecast and your phone, then try again.
  • Once connected, your Chromecast will automatically rejoin that WiFi network whenever you plug it in, as long as the network name and password don't change.

Opening the Google Home app and finding your Chromecast

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you don't have it installed, download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). When you open the app, tap the plus icon in the top left corner, then select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" from the menu.

The app will search for nearby devices. Your Chromecast should appear in the list within a few seconds. Tap on it to begin the connection process. The app will ask you to confirm the four-digit code shown on your TV screen — this code appears on both your TV and in the app at the same time, and they must match before you can continue.

Entering your WiFi network and password

After you confirm the code, the app will ask you to select your WiFi network from a list. Tap on the network name you want to connect to. If your network doesn't appear in the list, make sure your phone is connected to it — the app shows only networks your phone can see.

Type in your WiFi password exactly as it is, including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you're not sure of your password, check the sticker on your router or contact your internet provider.

Tap "Connect" and wait for the Chromecast to join the network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You'll see a progress bar in the app, and the Chromecast will display a spinning circle on your TV while it connects.

Naming your Chromecast and finishing setup

Once the Chromecast connects to WiFi, the app will ask you to name it. This name appears in the Google Home app and helps you identify which device you're casting to if you have multiple Chromecasts in your home. You can name it something like "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Chromecast" — use whatever makes sense for where it's located.

The app may also ask which room the Chromecast is in (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.). This is optional but useful if you use Google Home routines or voice commands. After you confirm the name and room, the setup is complete. Your Chromecast is now connected to WiFi and ready to use.

What to do if the Chromecast doesn't appear in the app

If your Chromecast doesn't show up in the Google Home app, first check that your phone and the Chromecast are both powered on and in the same room. The app searches for devices using Bluetooth as well as WiFi, so being close helps. Restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then open the Google Home app again and try to set up the device.

If the Chromecast still doesn't appear, unplug it from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the Chromecast logo to appear on your TV, then try the setup process again. If you're still having trouble, make sure your phone's Bluetooth is turned on — the app uses Bluetooth to communicate with the Chromecast during setup, even though the Chromecast itself connects to WiFi.

Reconnecting if your WiFi password changes

If you change your WiFi password, your Chromecast will lose its connection. You'll need to reconnect it using the same steps: open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon, select "Set up device," and choose your Chromecast from the list. Enter your new WiFi password when prompted.

If you change your WiFi network name (SSID) instead of just the password, the Chromecast won't recognize it as the same network. You'll need to set it up again with the new network name. The Chromecast remembers the network name and password you gave it, so it will automatically rejoin that network whenever you plug it in — as long as the network name and password stay the same.

Using your Chromecast after it's connected

Once your Chromecast is connected to WiFi, you can cast content to it from your phone, tablet, or computer. Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and many others have a cast button (usually a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner). Tap the cast button, select your Chromecast from the list, and the content will play on your TV.

You can also use Google Home voice commands if you have a Google Home speaker or the Google Assistant on your phone. Say "Hey Google, play [show name] on [Chromecast name]" and it will cast to that device. The Chromecast stays connected to WiFi as long as it's plugged in, so you don't need to reconnect it each time you want to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4GHz?

Most Chromecasts support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. During setup, the Google Home app will show you all available networks, including both bands if your router broadcasts them separately. Choose whichever one you prefer — 5GHz is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4GHz is slower but reaches farther. If your router broadcasts both under the same name, the Chromecast will choose automatically.

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

You need the Google Home app to set up a Chromecast for the first time. Download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) before you start. It's free and made by Google. Once your Chromecast is connected, you can cast to it from other apps without using Google Home, but the initial setup requires it.

Will my Chromecast work if I'm on a guest WiFi network?

Yes, you can connect a Chromecast to a guest network during setup. However, some guest networks isolate devices from each other, which means your phone may not be able to cast to the Chromecast even though both are on the same network. If this happens, try connecting the Chromecast to your main network instead, or ask your network administrator to disable device isolation on the guest network.

Do I need to reconnect my Chromecast every time I turn it off?

No. Once you've connected your Chromecast to WiFi, it remembers that network. Every time you plug it in, it will automatically rejoin the same WiFi network without any action from you. You only need to set it up again if you change your WiFi password, change your network name, or want to connect it to a different network.

Can I move my Chromecast to a different room?

Yes. As long as the new room has WiFi coverage from the same network, your Chromecast will stay connected when you move it. If the new location is too far from your router and the signal is weak, you may experience buffering or disconnections. If that happens, you can move your router, add a WiFi extender, or reconnect the Chromecast to a different network that has better coverage in that room.