The quickest way to change Chromecast's WiFi

To change your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose "Change WiFi". You'll enter your new network name and password, and the Chromecast will reconnect within a minute or two. The whole process takes about three minutes if you know your new password.

This works whether you're switching to a different router in the same house, moving to a new home, or connecting to a guest network. The Chromecast forgets the old network and connects only to the new one you specify.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the Google Home app installed on a phone or tablet connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast to start the process.
  • The "Change WiFi" option in Settings is faster than unplugging the device and setting it up from scratch.
  • Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network immediately and won't reconnect to it unless you manually change it back.
  • If the Google Home app doesn't show your Chromecast, make sure your phone is on the same network the device is currently using.

Step-by-step: changing the network in Google Home

Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices. If you have multiple devices, they'll be labeled by room or by the name you gave them. Tap the device you want to change.

Once you're in the device details screen, tap the Settings icon (usually a gear in the top right). Scroll down until you see "WiFi" and tap it. You'll see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to, and below that, a button that says "Change WiFi" or "Forget Network"—tap "Change WiFi".

The app will now scan for available networks. Select your new network from the list. If your network doesn't appear, make sure it's broadcasting its name (SSID). Type in the password for the new network exactly as it is—passwords are case-sensitive—and tap Connect. The Chromecast will restart and reconnect within about 60 seconds.

What to do if your Chromecast doesn't appear in Google Home

The most common reason the app won't show your device is that your phone is on a different network than the Chromecast. If you're on a 5GHz network and your Chromecast only supports 2.4GHz, or vice versa, they won't see each other. Check which network your phone is currently connected to in your phone's WiFi settings, then make sure your Chromecast is on the same one.

If your phone and Chromecast are on the same network but still don't connect, try unplugging the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot. Then open Google Home again. If it still doesn't show up, you may need to set up the device from scratch using the Google Home app's "Set up device" option.

Changing WiFi when you're away from home

If you're not on the same network as your Chromecast—for example, you're at work and want to change it remotely—you can't use the "Change WiFi" method. Instead, you'll need to unplug the device, bring it to a location where you can connect to it (usually your phone's hotspot works), and run through the setup process again in Google Home.

Alternatively, if someone is home, you can call or text them the new network name and password, and they can change it for you using their phone on the same network. This is often faster than waiting until you're home.

Connecting to a hidden network

If your WiFi network doesn't broadcast its name, the "Change WiFi" screen won't show it in the list. Instead, look for an option that says "Add a network" or "Other networks" at the bottom of the available networks list. Tap it and manually type in your network name exactly as it is, then enter the password.

Hidden networks work the same way once connected, but the Chromecast has to know the exact name to find it. If you mistype the network name or password, the connection will fail and you'll see an error message asking you to try again.

Troubleshooting connection failures

If the Chromecast tries to connect but fails, the most likely culprit is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly—spaces, capital letters, and special characters all matter. If you're not sure of the password, check your router's settings or the label on the back of the router itself.

Some routers have separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks with different names. Older Chromecast models only work on 2.4GHz, so if your router splits the bands, make sure you're selecting the 2.4GHz network. Newer models support both, but if you're having trouble, try the 2.4GHz network first.

If the Chromecast connects but then immediately disconnects, the network may be blocking it. Some corporate networks and guest networks have restrictions that prevent Chromecast from staying connected. Try connecting to a different network to see if the problem is the device or the network itself.

What happens to your apps and settings after switching networks

Your Chromecast keeps all your apps, preferences, and linked accounts when you change networks. You won't lose your Google account connection, your casting history, or any custom settings you've made. The only thing that changes is which WiFi network it uses to reach the internet.

If you were using the Chromecast on a guest network or a temporary connection, switching to your main home network won't affect anything else on your account. The device simply connects to the new network and continues working as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Chromecast to WiFi without the Google Home app?

No, you need the Google Home app to change networks. The app is the only way to access the WiFi settings on a Chromecast. You can download it free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Will changing WiFi networks erase my Google account from the Chromecast?

No. Your Google account stays linked to the device. Changing networks only changes which WiFi connection the Chromecast uses—it doesn't affect your account or any of your settings.

What if I forget the password to my new WiFi network?

You'll need to reset your router or check the router's settings page on a computer to find or reset the password. Most routers have a settings page you can access by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. Check the label on your router for the default login information.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a mobile hotspot?

Yes. A mobile hotspot works like any other WiFi network. Open Google Home, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose "Change WiFi". Find your phone's hotspot network in the list and enter the password. The Chromecast will connect and work normally as long as the hotspot is active.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to reconnect after I change networks?

Usually 30 to 90 seconds. The device will disconnect from the old network, restart, and connect to the new one. You'll see the connection status update in the Google Home app. If it takes longer than two minutes, try unplugging the device and plugging it back in.