To set up Chromecast on new wifi, you need to either forget the old network in the Google Home app or factory reset the device if the old network is gone. Because a Chromecast can only remember one Wi-Fi network at a time, you must clear its memory before connecting it to your new router.
Before you start: Check your phone and Wi-Fi band
First, make sure your phone or tablet is already connected to the new Wi-Fi network. Then, verify your Chromecast is compatible with your router’s band. The original Chromecast (1st generation) only supports 2.4 GHz networks. Chromecast 2nd gen, 3rd gen, Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast with Google TV support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. No Chromecast supports Wi-Fi 6, 6e, or 7, so ensure your new router is broadcasting a compatible signal. Once connected, you can Chromecast from phone to PC to mirror your screen on a larger display.
Method 1: Reconfigure when you still have the old network
If your Chromecast is still connected to the old Wi-Fi network, you can switch it to the new one without a factory reset. Open the Google Home app, tap and hold your Chromecast’s device tile, and tap the Settings gear icon. Go to Device information, then tap Wi-Fi and select Forget this network. Return to the Google Home app home screen and follow the prompts to set up the Chromecast on your new network as a new device. If you’ve misplaced the remote, you can still setup Chromecast without remote using the physical button on the device. This process clears the old network from memory and lets you enter the new network’s credentials.
Method 2: Factory reset when the old network is gone
If your old Wi-Fi network is no longer available, you must perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR). With the Chromecast plugged in and powered on, press and hold the physical button on the device until the LED blinks yellow, then turns solid white. Release the button and wait for the Chromecast to reboot. After the reset, open the Google Home app and set up the Chromecast as a new device on the new Wi-Fi network. This is the only way to connect when the old network is out of range or no longer exists.
Alternative setup for Chromecast with Google TV
For Chromecast with Google TV, you can change Wi-Fi settings directly from the TV without using the mobile app. Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi network, select the current network, and choose Forget network. After that, select your new network from the list and enter the password. This method bypasses the Google Home app entirely for the Wi-Fi change, though you may still use the app for other settings. If you ever need to cast from a different device, you might wonder how to cast to a Roku, that is a separate process involving screen mirroring or third-party apps, not a native Chromecast function.
