How to Change Your Chromecast to a New Wi-Fi Network

Various casting devices allow you to cast media files from mobile phones and tablets to your TV or PC, but Google Chromecast is one of the most portable devices among them. You can take it anywhere, but there's a little catch—it can only memorize one Wi-Fi network at a time.

If you take your Chromecast with you or have multiple Wi-Fi sources inside the house, you will need to switch Wi-Fi regularly. Depending on the reason for the switch, the process can be simple or a little tricky.

Two main reasons to change the Wi-Fi network

If you're not sure if you need to change your Wi-Fi network on your Chromecast device, there are some common reasons why it's necessary.

Reason 1: Network changes

Usually, the reason for changing Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi connection is a simple switch between networks, such as switching from broadband to mobile hotspot or while traveling. The steps are a breeze, and all you have to do is make sure your mobile device is close to the streaming one.

Reason 2: The network is no longer active

If the Wi-Fi network you connected your Chromecast to is no longer active, things will get a bit tricky. This will happen when you change routers. You configured your Chromecast for the network that no longer exists, so your Google Home app on your mobile device won't be able to recognize it.

There's a solution for both, and this article provides a step-by-step guide to get you back up and running.

Perform a Simple Chromecast Network Switch

If your existing network is active, you simply switch Chromecast from one to the other. It is also the solution when you are having connectivity issues.

Unfortunately, switching networks is not as simple as one might think. You'll have to forget your current network (when you're connected to that network) and then set it up again.

1. Turn on the TV connected to your Chromecast device and make sure your smartphone (or tablet) is connected to the internet.
2. Open the Home app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Tap on your Chromecast device.
   
4. Tap the settings cog in the top right corner.
5. Tap "Wi-Fi".
   
6. Tap to confirm that you want to forget the current network.

Once you've followed these steps, you'll need to reconnect your Chromecast device to the internet. We have outlined these steps below. Keep in mind that the Wi-Fi network on Chromecast must match that of your phone. If you get the error message, that could be the problem.

Notes If the Wi-Fi option does not appear in the Home app settings, you are not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device or the TV is not turned on. If you don't have access to this network, follow the steps below to change your network.

Set up Chromecast for a new modem or router

If you've changed networks, your Android phone or iPhone won't connect to your Chromecast.

If so, your best bet is to reset Chromecast manually. This will erase the old Wi-Fi network and allow you to use the new one.

The button next to the micro-USB port on Chromecast is the reset button. Press and hold it for 15 seconds.

While you hold the button, the device light will flash, so release it when the light stops flashing and stays on.

Now your Chromecast will reboot and reset to factory defaults. The device erases the old Wi-Fi network and all current settings. Therefore, the installation begins again. Connect Chromecast to the new Wi-Fi network, and voila!

If you forgot the steps or asked someone else to do it, follow the guide below.

Set up Chromecast on Android or iPhone after reset

Setting up Chromecast is the same for iPhones and Android phones, and it's a pretty straightforward process.

1. Plug the Chromecast device into your TV's HDMI port. Then grab the remote and set the input to the one you used for your Chromecast.
   
2. Since the Google Home app is already installed on your mobile device, tap the "Configure 1 device" option on the home screen. Choose a home for your device and tap " Next. »
   
3. The app searches for nearby wireless devices. Once it locates your Chromecast, tap " Yes " go forward. You will see a code on your phone, as well as on your TV screen. Faucet " Yes " again to confirm you can see it, then follow the prompts.
   
4. Choose a location for your Chromecast. Faucet " Next " and follow the prompts to connect to the new network.
   

Possible Solutions to Chromecast Connection Failure

If you are having difficulty during the installation process, there are a few things you need to check on your Android or iPhone.

Solution 1: Make sure both devices are on the same network

First, you need to make sure that Chromecast and your mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network. To do this, go to " Settings " and choose « Wi-Fi. »

Keep in mind that you may have multiple networks available. From 2,4 GHz to 5 GHz, make sure you are connected to the same frequency.

Solution 2: Make sure Bluetooth is on

Your Bluetooth option must also be activated. To check this, go to " Settings " and choose «Bluetooth. »

Solution 3: Reconnect to the network

After making sure your smartphone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is turned on, visit " Settings " again choose « Wi-Fi, » then tap on the Chromecast open Wi-Fi network to connect to it. Take note that you do not select your Wi-Fi router here.

Overall, the Chromecast Wi-Fi setup process depends on whether you are changing networks or have changed routers or modems. In the first case, the steps are quite simple. The second scenario requires you to reset the Chromecast and go through the setup process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Casting with Chromecast should be simple and straightforward, but there's always more to learn. That's why we've included this section to answer more of your questions.

Can I use a Chromecast without Wi-Fi?

Although you can use your Chromecast without a dedicated Wi-Fi connection, you will still need an internet connection. Whether that connection is from a mobile hotspot or even Ethernet (with an adapter), you'll need to find a way to connect your Chromecast to the internet.

Fortunately, we have an article here that shows you all of your options.