To change the wireless network for Chromecast without resetting, use the TV menu for Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer, and the Google Home app for Chromecast (3rd gen or older), Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio. The exact method depends on your model and whether the old Wi‑Fi network is still available.
Before you change your Chromecast wireless network
First, identify your Chromecast model. Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer have a remote and a TV interface; Chromecast (3rd gen or older), Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio do not. Ensure your mobile device or tablet uses the same Google Account as the streaming device. Confirm whether the old Wi‑Fi network is still reachable, if it is, you can change networks without a factory reset. If the old network is gone, you will need to factory reset the device.
Change Wi‑Fi on Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer
Use the TV menu to forget the old network and set up on the new one. This method works only when the old network is still available. Google TV Streamer uses this same TV menu method.
- On the TV, go to Settings.
- Select Wi‑Fi network.
- Select Forget network. The specific menu path is Settings > Wi‑Fi network > Forget network.
- Set up the device on the new network.
Change Wi‑Fi on Chromecast (3rd gen or older), Chromecast Ultra, or Chromecast Audio
Use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. The device must be reachable on the old network. Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast Audio are explicitly models that use this Google Home app method.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap Home > All devices.
- Touch and hold the device tile.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Device information.
- Tap Wi‑Fi.
- Tap Forget this network. The specific menu path in the Google Home app is Home > All devices, then touch and hold the device tile, then Settings > Device information > Wi‑Fi > Forget this network.
- Return to the Home screen and set up the device again on the new network.
This process is identical for both iPhone and Android, the Google Home app is used on both platforms.
What to do if the old Wi‑Fi network is gone
If the old network is unavailable, a factory reset is required. Google’s community help provides these steps.
- Keep the Chromecast plugged in and powered on.
- Press and hold the physical button on the device. The factory reset button sequence is: press and hold until the LED blinks yellow, then turns solid white, then release.
- Release the button.
- Wait for the device to reboot, then set it up as a new device in the Google Home app.
Troubleshooting Chromecast Wi‑Fi problems
If the device is not visible in the Google Home app, confirm your phone or tablet is signed into the same Google Account as the streaming device. If the old network cannot be reached, a factory reset is necessary before setting up on a new network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change Wi‑Fi without resetting?
Yes, if the device is still reachable on the old network. Use the TV menu on Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer, or the Google Home app on older models.
Can Wi‑Fi be changed without resetting?
Yes, if the device is still reachable.
What if the old network is gone?
Factory reset the device and set it up again.
Which app is used on iPhone and Android?
Google documents the Google Home app for older Chromecast models. The menu steps are the same on both iPhone and Android.
Are there carrier-specific steps?
No.
What if my Chromecast is not showing up in the Google Home app?
Make sure your mobile device is on the same Google Account as the Chromecast. Also verify both devices are connected to the same Wi‑Fi network.
Do I need to forget the network before setting up on a new one?
Yes. Forgetting the old network clears the saved credentials and allows the device to accept a new network during setup. This is required for both TV-menu and Google Home app methods.
For the wider topic, see setting up wireless connections.
