The basic steps to get your Chromecast online
To connect your Chromecast to WiFi, you need the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, your WiFi network name and password, and the Chromecast plugged into a power source and HDMI port on your TV. The process takes about five minutes and walks you through choosing your network, entering your password, and confirming the connection on your TV screen.
The Chromecast itself does not have buttons or a screen — it only shows a setup code on your TV during the connection process. This code tells the Google Home app which device you are setting up, so the app and Chromecast can find each other on your network.
Key Takeaways
- You must use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet to connect your Chromecast; you cannot do it from a computer.
- Your phone or tablet must already be connected to the same WiFi network you want the Chromecast to use.
- The Chromecast will display a four-digit setup code on your TV screen; you enter this code in the Google Home app to confirm you are setting up the right device.
- If your Chromecast does not appear in the app, restart both the Chromecast and your phone, then try again.
What you need before you start
Have your WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and password ready. If you do not know your password, check the label on the back or bottom of your router — it usually lists both the network name and the default password. If you have changed the password since you set up your router, you will need to remember that new one.
Make sure your phone or tablet is already connected to that same WiFi network. Open Settings on your device, go to WiFi, and confirm you see your network name in the list and that you are connected to it. The Google Home app will use your phone's connection to communicate with the Chromecast during setup.
Plug your Chromecast into power and into an HDMI port on your TV. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where the Chromecast is connected. You should see the Google Chromecast logo and a four-digit code appear on the screen within 30 seconds.
Opening the Google Home app and starting setup
Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone and iPad) if you do not already have it. Open the app and sign in with the Google account you want to use with this Chromecast. You can use any Google account — it does not have to be the one associated with your phone's email.
Tap the plus icon (+) in the top left corner of the app. Select "Set up device" and then choose "Set up a new device." The app will ask you to confirm your location (this helps it find nearby devices) and then show you a list of devices it has found on your network.
Look for your Chromecast in the list. It will show a name like "Chromecast" or "Chromecast (Bedroom)" depending on whether you have named it before. Tap on it to begin the connection process.
Entering the setup code and choosing your network
The app will ask you to enter the four-digit code that is currently displayed on your TV screen. This code confirms that your phone and the Chromecast are talking to each other. Type the code into the app and tap "Next."
The app will then show you a list of WiFi networks it can see. Find your network name in the list and tap it. If your network does not appear, make sure your router is turned on and within range, then tap "Refresh" to search again. If you have a 5 GHz network and a 2.4 GHz network with the same name, the app may show only one — either will work, though 2.4 GHz has better range through walls.
Enter your WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Tap "Next" when you are done.
Confirming the connection and naming your device
The Chromecast will now connect to your WiFi network. You will see a progress screen in the app, and the Chromecast may restart once or twice. This is normal. Wait for the app to show "Connected" before moving forward.
Once connected, the app will ask you to name your device. You can call it "Living Room," "Bedroom," or any other name that helps you remember which TV it is connected to. This name appears in the app whenever you cast to that Chromecast, so choose something clear if you have more than one. You can change the name later in the app settings.
The app will then ask whether you want to set up voice commands with Google Assistant. You can do this now or skip it — either way, your Chromecast will work for casting video and audio. Tap "Finish" when you are done.
What to do if the Chromecast does not appear in the app
If the app does not show your Chromecast in the device list, the most common cause is that your phone and the Chromecast are not on the same WiFi network. Check that your phone is connected to the correct network in Settings, and that the Chromecast has power and is plugged into your TV.
Unplug the Chromecast from power, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The setup code should appear on your TV screen again within 30 seconds. If it does not, try restarting your phone as well — close the Google Home app completely, restart your phone, and open the app again. Then repeat the setup process from the beginning.
If you are still not seeing the device, check whether your router has a guest network enabled. Some routers create a separate network for guests, and your phone and Chromecast may have connected to different ones. Switch your phone to the main network and try again.
Testing your connection after setup
Once setup is complete, test the connection by opening any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos are common choices. Look for the cast icon (a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner) in the app. Tap it and select your Chromecast from the list. If the app starts playing on your TV, the connection is working.
Your Chromecast will now stay connected to this WiFi network automatically. The next time you turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input, the Chromecast will connect to the network without any setup steps. If you move the Chromecast to a different room or want to connect it to a different network, you can repeat this process or use the Google Home app to change the network in settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up my Chromecast from a computer instead of a phone?
No. The Google Home app is only available on phones and tablets, not on computers. You must use a mobile device to set up your Chromecast. Once it is set up, you can cast to it from a computer using Chrome browser, but the initial setup requires a phone or tablet.
What if I do not know my WiFi password?
Check the label on the back or bottom of your router — most routers have the default password printed there. If you have changed the password since setup, you will need to reset your router to its factory settings or change the password from a computer or phone that is already connected to the network. Your router's manual or the manufacturer's website can walk you through either option.
Can my Chromecast connect to a 5 GHz network?
Yes, most Chromecast models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, the app will show your network name once, and either frequency will work. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4 GHz is slower but travels through walls better. If you have trouble connecting on 5 GHz, try 2.4 GHz instead.
Do I need to set up my Chromecast again if I change my WiFi password?
Yes. If you change your WiFi password, the Chromecast will lose its connection because it no longer knows the new password. Open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast in the device list, tap the settings icon, and select "Forget network." Then repeat the setup process with your new password.
What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
If your Chromecast frequently loses connection, try moving it closer to your router or switching to the 2.4 GHz network if you have a dual-band router. You can also restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem continues, restart your router as well — unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before testing again.