The fastest way to reconnect your Chromecast to a different network

To change your Chromecast's WiFi connection, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, go to Settings, select WiFi, and choose a new network from the list. The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one without losing any of your saved apps or preferences.

If the Google Home app doesn't show your Chromecast, or if it won't connect to the new network, you may need to factory reset the device and set it up again from the beginning. This is less common but happens when the Chromecast has trouble communicating with your phone during the switch.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Chromecast's WiFi through the Google Home app, not through your router or the Chromecast itself.
  • The device must already be plugged in and connected to a WiFi network (even the old one) before you can change it.
  • If the app can't find your Chromecast, restart both the device and your phone, then try again.
  • A factory reset erases all settings but is sometimes necessary if the Chromecast won't respond to WiFi change commands.

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

Start by making sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want your Chromecast to use. Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices — it will show the name you gave it during setup, or "Chromecast" if you never renamed it.

Tap the device, then tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner. Scroll down and select WiFi. The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently on. Tap "Change" or "Forget Network" depending on which version of the app you have. Select your new network from the list and enter the password if it's password-protected. The Chromecast will disconnect and reconnect within 30 seconds to a minute.

Once it reconnects, the Google Home app will confirm the change. You can now cast to your Chromecast from any device on that same network. If you cast from a device on a different network, it won't work — your phone and Chromecast must be on the same WiFi.

What to do if Google Home can't find your Chromecast

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app, the device may have lost connection to WiFi or the app may not be communicating with it properly. First, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait about a minute for it to restart and reconnect to the old network.

While the Chromecast is restarting, restart your phone as well. Close the Google Home app completely and reopen it. If your Chromecast appears now, try the WiFi change again. If it still doesn't show up, your phone and Chromecast may be on different networks — make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network the Chromecast is currently using, then try once more.

When you need to factory reset instead

If the Google Home app still can't find your Chromecast after restarting both devices, or if the Chromecast connects to the new network but then when ready disconnects, a factory reset may be necessary. This erases all settings and returns the device to its original state, but it's the most reliable way to fix connection problems.

To factory reset, unplug the Chromecast and locate the small reset button on the back or side of the device. Plug it back in while holding the reset button for about 15 seconds until the light on the device starts blinking. Release the button and wait for the Chromecast to restart. The light will stop blinking when it's ready. You'll then need to set it up again using the Google Home app, which will walk you through connecting to your new WiFi network.

Why your Chromecast might not connect to the new network

The most common reason a Chromecast won't connect to a new network is that the password is wrong. Double-check that you're entering the exact password for the network you selected — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you're not sure of the password, check your router or ask whoever manages the network.

Another reason is that your router may not be broadcasting the network name (SSID) publicly. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name for security. If your network doesn't appear in the Chromecast's list, you may need to manually enter the network name and password instead of selecting it from the list. Check your router's settings to see if the network is hidden, and ask your network administrator if you're not sure.

Older Chromecast models only support 2.4 GHz WiFi networks, not 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands and your new network is 5 GHz only, the Chromecast won't see it. Check your router settings to see which band your network is on, or connect to a 2.4 GHz network instead.

Moving your Chromecast to a guest network or different router

If you're moving your Chromecast to a guest network, the process is the same — just select the guest network name from the list in Google Home and enter its password. Keep in mind that guest networks are sometimes configured to block communication between devices, which can prevent casting from working properly. If casting doesn't work on the guest network, check your router's guest network settings or ask your network administrator.

If you're moving to a completely different router (for example, after replacing an old one), the steps are identical. Your Chromecast doesn't care which router it connects to — it only needs to be on the same network as your phone. Just follow the WiFi change steps in Google Home and select the new router's network name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast to change the WiFi?

No. The Chromecast should stay plugged in the whole time. It needs power to communicate with the Google Home app and to switch networks. Unplugging it is only necessary if the device stops responding or won't connect after you've tried restarting it.

Will changing the WiFi erase my apps or saved shows?

No. Changing the WiFi network doesn't erase anything on your Chromecast. Your apps, preferences, and any saved information stay exactly as they are. Only a factory reset erases settings.

Can I change the WiFi from a computer instead of a phone?

The Google Home app works on phones and tablets, but not on computers. You'll need to use a phone or tablet to change the WiFi. If you don't have access to a mobile device, you can factory reset the Chromecast and set it up again on a phone or tablet, which will connect it to your new network.

What if my Chromecast connects to the new network but then keeps disconnecting?

This usually means the Chromecast is too far from the router or there's interference from other devices. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router, or move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices that use the 2.4 GHz band. If the problem continues, a factory reset often fixes it.

Can I use my Chromecast on two different networks?

No. A Chromecast can only be connected to one WiFi network at a time. If you want to use it on a different network, you have to change the WiFi through Google Home. You can't switch between networks automatically — you have to manually change it each time.