Google’s Chromecast is a great way to stream all your favorite shows and movies. It also allows you to play music and access any other apps with a Wi-Fi connection. To use your Chromecast, you will need to ensure that it always has a stable internet connection.

Below, we’ll go over how you can connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi via the Google Home app. We will also review troubleshooting tips and explain how to change the Wi-Fi network as well.

How Do I Connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi?

If your Chromecast is new and you are connecting it to the Wi-Fi for the first time, you will need to first connect the Chromecast to the TV. Follow these steps:

  • Plug the Chromecast into the TV. You will also need to plug the other end of the Chromecast into an electrical outlet.Set the TV to the HDMI input. Some TVs will do this automatically when you plug in the Chromecast. If not, use the input button on the remote.Download the Chromecast App. This app is available for all Androids and IOS devices.Run the Chromecast software.  The app should ask if you want to run the software and will automatically detect your Chromecast.Enter in the four digits shown on the screen. Once the setup is complete, four numbers should show on the TV screen. Enter the code on the app setup page.Enter in the Wi-Fi network. The software should detect the Wi-Fi network that your app uses and connect to the same one. You will have to enter your Wi-Fi password.

Why Won’t My Chromecast Connect to My Wi-Fi?

Sometimes the setup process won’t work, or the Wi-Fi won’t be able to connect. Start the troubleshooting process by following these tips:

  • Make sure the Chromecast is on and plugged into the TV and the wall.The LED light on the Chromecast should be white.Double-check that the password you are entering is correct.Make sure the Google Home App is running on the newest version.Make sure the Chromecast and your smart device are within 20 feet of each other.Ensure that your router has not been updated and services have not been changed.Make sure you are trying to connect the Chromecast to the same network as your smart device.

If all of these issues seem to be in order, you can try the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Unplug the Wi-Fi router for one minute and then plug it back in.Disconnect the power cable from the Chromecast.Plug the power cable back in after a few minutes.Turn the Wi-Fi off on your mobile device and then turn it back on.If your Wi-Fi is dual-band, try connecting to the 5GHz instead of the 2.4GHz or vice versa.

After rebooting all of the above devices, you should be able to connect to the Wi-Fi. If you have been connected to the Wi-Fi before and it suddenly won’t connect anymore, you can also try the rebooting steps above.

How Do I Change My Chromecast to a New Wi-Fi Network?

If you recently switched to a new router or have decided to connect your Chromecast to a separate router from the rest of the household, follow these steps:

  • Turn on your TV and ensure that the Chromecast is plugged in.Connect your smartphone or tablet to the new Wi-Fi.Open the Google Home App.Tap on Devices.Select Chromecast.Tap the Settings icon in the upper right-hand corner.Tap Wi-Fi.Tap Forget Network, then click Confirm.

This will allow the Chromecast to forget your old network and then connect to your new one. You can now follow the same steps to connect to the new network as you did when you first set up a Wi-Fi connection.

Sometimes the Chromecast will need to be reset before connecting to a new Wi-Fi. If this is the case, press and hold down the button on the Chromecast until the light stops blinking and eventually turns off.

In Summary

Connecting your Chromecast to the Wi-Fi can be easy with the Chromecast App. Make sure your Chromecast is plugged into the TV, and you are connecting it to the same network as your smart device that is using the app.