Changing your Chromecast's WiFi connection takes about five minutes and requires only your phone or computer

Your Chromecast connects to the internet through WiFi, just like your phone or laptop. If you move it to a different room, switch internet providers, or change your WiFi password, you need to tell the Chromecast about the new network. The process is straightforward: you use the Google Home app on your phone to walk the device through connecting to your new WiFi, and it stores those details so it works the next time you turn it on.

You do not need to unplug the Chromecast or do anything complicated. The device stays plugged in the whole time, and you control everything from your phone or computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app on your phone, find your Chromecast in the device list, and tap the settings gear icon to start the WiFi change process.
  • Select "Forget this network" to clear the old WiFi details, then choose your new network name from the list and enter the password.
  • The Chromecast will reconnect within 30 seconds and show a confirmation message on your phone when the new connection is active.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network the Chromecast is currently using.

What you need before you start

Have your phone or computer nearby with the Google Home app installed. If you do not have it yet, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). The app is free.

You will also need the password for the new WiFi network you want to connect to. If you do not know it, check the router itself — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. You should be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast when you make the change, so your phone can communicate with it.

Opening the Google Home app and finding your device

Open the Google Home app on your phone. You will see a list of devices at the bottom of the screen. Look for your Chromecast — it will have a name like "Living Room" or "Bedroom" or whatever you named it when you first set it up. If you see multiple devices, find the one you want to change.

Tap and hold on the Chromecast device tile. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for the settings gear icon (it looks like a small gear or cog) and tap it. This opens the device settings page.

Removing the old WiFi connection

On the settings page, scroll down until you see "Forget this network" or "WiFi" with a button next to it. Tap "Forget this network." The Chromecast will disconnect from your current WiFi when ready. This is normal — you are clearing out the old connection details so you can add new ones.

Your phone will stay connected to your WiFi (your phone does not need to forget anything). The Chromecast is now waiting for new WiFi information.

Connecting to your new WiFi network

While still in the settings page, look for "Set up device" or "WiFi" and tap it. The app will show you a list of WiFi networks in range. Find your new network name in the list and tap it. If you do not see it, make sure the network is turned on and broadcasting its name, then wait a few seconds and tap the refresh button.

When you tap your network name, a box will appear asking for the password. Type it in carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you make a mistake here, the Chromecast will not connect. After you enter the password, tap "Connect" or "Next."

Waiting for the connection to complete

The app will show a loading screen while the Chromecast connects to the new network. This usually takes 15 to 30 seconds. Do not close the app or walk away during this time — stay on the screen until you see a confirmation message.

When the connection is successful, you will see a message saying something like "Connected" or "Your device is online." The Chromecast will also appear back in your device list in the Google Home app. At this point, the change is complete. You can close the app and use your Chromecast normally.

What to do if the connection fails

If you see an error message or the Chromecast does not connect after 60 seconds, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back and try entering the password again, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. Some passwords also contain special characters like hyphens or underscores — make sure you are typing those correctly.

If the password is correct but the Chromecast still will not connect, try this: unplug the Chromecast from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (about 30 seconds), then open the Google Home app and try the WiFi change process again from the beginning. This resets the device and often clears temporary connection problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to set up my Chromecast all over again?

No. Changing the WiFi network only updates the internet connection. All your settings, apps, and preferences stay the same. You will not lose anything.

What if I cannot see my Chromecast in the Google Home app?

Your phone needs to be on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast to control it. If your Chromecast is still connected to the old network and you have already switched your phone to the new network, you will not see it. Switch your phone back to the old network temporarily, complete the WiFi change on the Chromecast, then switch your phone to the new network.

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

Yes. Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com/device-activity. Sign in with the Google account linked to your Chromecast, find the device, and follow the same steps to change the WiFi network. The process is identical.

Will my Chromecast remember this new WiFi if I unplug it?

Yes. Once you have successfully connected to the new network, the Chromecast stores that information. You can unplug it, move it to another room, or turn it off and on again, and it will automatically reconnect to that same network the next time it powers on.

What if my WiFi network name has special characters or spaces in it?

That is fine. Type the network name and password exactly as they appear. Spaces and special characters are part of the password, so include them. Just make sure you are matching uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.