The fastest way to switch Chromecast to a new network

To move your Chromecast to a new WiFi network, you need to forget the old network first, then set it up on the new one. The process takes about five minutes and uses the Google Home app on your phone — the same app you used to set it up originally.

You cannot change the WiFi network directly from your TV remote or from Chromecast's settings menu. You must use the Google Home app because Chromecast needs to connect to your phone's hotspot temporarily while it forgets the old network and learns the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap and hold your Chromecast device, then select Settings to access network options.
  • Choose "Forget network" to remove the old WiFi connection, which disconnects Chromecast from your TV until you complete setup on the new network.
  • During setup, your phone creates a temporary hotspot that Chromecast uses to receive the new WiFi password — your phone does not need to stay on the new network after setup finishes.
  • If you cannot find your Chromecast in the Google Home app, restart it by unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Step-by-step: moving Chromecast to your new WiFi

Open the Google Home app on the phone or tablet you use to control your Chromecast. Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile — the one that shows your TV name — until a menu appears at the bottom of the screen. Select the gear icon labeled "Settings."

Scroll down to the "Device information" section and tap "WiFi." You will see the network name your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap "Forget network" at the bottom of that screen. Chromecast will disconnect from your old WiFi immediately, and your TV will go dark or show "No signal" because the device is no longer online.

The app will now ask you to set up Chromecast on a new network. Select your new WiFi network name from the list. When you enter the password, make sure your phone is connected to that same network — the app needs to verify the password works before sending it to Chromecast.

After you enter the password, your phone will create a temporary hotspot that Chromecast uses to receive the network details. This happens automatically; you do not need to do anything. Once Chromecast connects, your TV will show the setup confirmation screen, and the Google Home app will show your device is online again.

What to do if Chromecast does not appear in Google Home

If you open Google Home and your Chromecast device is missing from the list, the device may have lost power or restarted. Unplug the Chromecast power cable from the back of your TV or from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The device will restart and should reappear in the app within one to two minutes.

If it still does not show up, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast was originally set up on. If you have already forgotten that network, you will need to reconnect your phone to it temporarily so the app can find the device. Once Chromecast appears, you can proceed with the network change steps above.

Why you need your phone to change the network

Chromecast does not have a keyboard or menu system of its own — it relies entirely on the Google Home app to receive instructions. When you change networks, Chromecast needs to receive the new WiFi password, but it cannot connect to the new network until it knows the password. Your phone solves this by creating a temporary direct connection to Chromecast while it sends over the new network details.

This temporary connection is why your phone needs to be on the new network when you enter the password. Once Chromecast has the password and connects to your new network, that temporary connection closes and your phone can do anything else — it does not need to stay on the new network or stay near the TV.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast connects but then disconnects

If your Chromecast connects to the new network during setup but then disconnects a few seconds later, the password you entered was likely incorrect. Go back into Google Home, tap and hold the Chromecast tile, select Settings, then WiFi, and try entering the password again. Type it slowly and double-check for capital letters or special characters.

If the password is correct but Chromecast still disconnects, the issue may be with your router's settings rather than the password itself. Some routers separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks into different names. Chromecast works best on 2.4 GHz, so if your router is set to broadcast only 5 GHz, Chromecast cannot stay connected. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider to enable the 2.4 GHz band.

Moving Chromecast between networks you own

If you are moving Chromecast to a different location — from your apartment to a vacation home, or from one house to another — the process is the same. You forget the old network in Google Home, then set it up on the new one. You do not need to factory reset the device or create a new account.

The only difference is that you will need the WiFi password for the new location. If you do not know it, you can usually find it on a sticker attached to your router, or you can log into your router's admin page through a web browser on your computer. Your internet provider can also tell you the password if you call them.

What happens to your shows and settings after you switch networks

Your Google account, saved shows, and playback history stay with your Chromecast after you change networks. You do not lose anything. The device remembers which apps you have installed and which shows you were watching. The only thing that changes is which WiFi network it uses to reach the internet.

If you cast to Chromecast from your phone or computer, those devices also need to be on the same WiFi network as Chromecast for casting to work. If you move Chromecast to a new network and your phone is still on the old one, casting will not work until you connect your phone to the new network as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug Chromecast before changing the WiFi?

No. You can change the network while Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. In fact, it needs to be powered on so the Google Home app can find it and send it the new network details. You only need to unplug it if it stops responding or disappears from the app.

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

No. Chromecast does not have a built-in menu for changing networks. You must use the Google Home app on your phone. This is by design — it prevents accidental network changes and ensures the device receives the correct password.

What if I do not have the Google Home app installed?

Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). It is free. You will need to sign in with the same Google account you used to set up Chromecast originally. If you do not remember that account, check the email address associated with your Google Home speaker or any other Google device in your home.

Will my Chromecast work if my phone leaves the room during setup?

Yes. Once the Google Home app shows that Chromecast is connected to the new network, your phone can leave the room, turn off, or switch to a different network. The temporary connection between your phone and Chromecast closes automatically after setup is complete.

Can I change Chromecast to a guest network instead of my main WiFi?

Yes, if your router supports guest networks. During setup, your new network will appear in the list of available networks. Select the guest network name and enter its password. Chromecast will work the same way on a guest network as it does on your main network, though some routers restrict which devices can see each other on guest networks.