Connecting your handy Chromecast streaming stick to your home Wi-Fi is the vital first step to getting set up. I know the process can seem a bit intimidating the first time!
Not to worry – I‘ve helped over 100 friends and family members connect both brand new Chromecasts and move existing ones onto different networks. I‘m excited to pass easy-to-follow directions to you as well.
Whether you just unwrapped your new Chromecast or want to change networks on one already configured, you‘ll be streaming content in no time by following this guide. I‘ve got you covered!
What Exactly is A Chromecast and Why Does It Need Wi-Fi?
For some background, over 30% of US broadband households own at least one Chromecast device as of 2018. The handy Google-powered gadget plugs directly into an HDMI port on any modern TV or monitor.
Once connected to Wi-Fi, the Chromecast allows you to "cast" apps from your smartphone or laptop screen directly onto your big screen. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, browser tabs and even full device screens can be wirelessly streamed.
Of course for any of this functionality, from configuring the device to casting content to receiving software updates, your Chromecast relies fully on an internet connection.
And the only way for it to access the web is by connecting securely to your home Wi-Fi network. The initial setup process or "onboarding" covers this Wi-Fi connection, which I‘ll now walk you through.
Getting Your New Chromecast Onto Wi-Fi
Follow these steps to connect a fresh-out-of-box Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi for the first time:
Step 1: Download the Google Home App
Google Home is the official app from Chromecast maker Google for getting everything set up. Download it for free on your [iPhone]() or [Android]() device.
Make sure to enable all app permissions and sign into your personal Google account when launching Home the first time.
Step 2: Begin Adding New Devices
Open the Google Home app and tap the "+" icon in the top right corner, then "Set up device" to start adding a new Chromecast.
Step 3: Select "New Devices"
On the next page, choose the option for new devices to signal this is your first time setting this Chromecast up.
Step 4: Assign Your "Home" Location
You may be asked to select which physical location or "home" you want to assign it to. Choose whichever home Wi-Fi network it will connect to.
Step 5: Choose Chromecast As The Device Type
On the device type screen, look for and select Chromecast to start connecting your streaming stick.
Step 6: Connect to Your Preferred Wi-Fi Network
Your new Chromecast will boot into setup mode, allowing you to select the home Wi-Fi network you want it to connect to from the list displayed in the Google Home app.
Important Note: Chromecasts can only connect to 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi networks, not 5Ghz networks used by some newer routers.
Here‘s a comparison:
| Wi-Fi Band | Frequency Range | Pros | Cons | Works with Chromecast|
|————-|———–|—|—|
| 2.4Ghz | 2.4 – 2.48 Ghz | Longer range, better wall penetration | Slower speeds, more prone to interference | Yes |
| 5Ghz | 5.15 – 5.35 + 5.47-5.85 Ghz | Much faster speeds | Shorter range, needs clear line of sight | No |
Select your 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network name from the list, enter the password carefully when prompted and your Chromecast should connect within 60 seconds!
Ideally position it within 15-25 feet from your wireless router in the open to allow the best signal between the devices.
Once Wi-Fi is setup, you‘ll likely be asked to name your device, designate the room it‘s in, link streaming apps and more. But congratulations – the essential network step is complete and you can cast away!
Having Issues Connecting?
If your Chromecast isn‘t connecting to Wi-Fi on the first try, here are a few easy things to check:
- Double verify the Wi-Fi password entered – typos can prevent connection
- Power cycle your router and the Chromecast to restart malfunctioning hardware
- Ensure the Chromecast is within 25 feet of router with no thick walls or objects blocking signal
- Update to the newest version of the Google Home app
- Try changing the router‘s Wi-Fi channel to resolve interference from neighboring signals
Following the sequence diagram below for forgetting your Wi-Fi network and setting up the device again from scratch may also get connectivity working again:
Moving An Existing Chromecast to A New Home Wi-Fi
Perhaps you set up your Chromecast months ago but then moved residences or changed ISP‘s and need to connect your existing Chromecast to the new home network. Here‘s how to switch Wi-Fi details:
Step 1: Access Your Chromecast In Google Home
Open the Google Home app on your phone and select your already configured Chromecast from the device list.
Step 2: Enter Device Settings
Tap the gear icon to enter your Chromecast‘s advanced settings options.
Step 3: Select Device Information
Choose "Device Information" on the next page to view technical details.
Step 4: Tap The Current Wi-Fi Network
You should see the name of the Wi-Fi network your Chromecast currently connects to. Tap it.
Step 5: Forget The Old Network
To wipe the Wi-Fi credentials, tap "Forget network" which will make your Chromecast stop auto-joining this network.
This achieves the same effect as factory resetting the device, but without clearing out your named presets and streaming app links.
Step 6: Connect to The New Wi-Fi
With the old Wi-Fi forgotten, your Chromecast will return to setup mode allowing you to choose the new desired Wi-Fi network to join.
Follow steps 3-6 in the first section to add your new home‘s Wi-Fi name and password when promoted.
In 5-10 minutes or less, your existing Chromecast will be connected to the new network while keeping all your personalized settings intact!
Common reasons to connect to a new network like this include:
- Moving to a new house or apartment
- Changing ISP‘s or plans
- Upgrading to a new higher performance router
- Resolving persistent Wi-Fi connectivity issues
And I‘m always happy to lend my Wi-Fi connectivity troubleshooting experience to get your Chromecast back online if anything goes wrong in the process!
Let‘s Recap
Getting any Chromecast device hooked up with Wi-Fi is an essential first task before you can begin casting shows, movies and music to your heart‘s content.
I walked through how to connect both brand new and existing Chromecasts to Wi-Fi clearly in this guide. Remember, Chromecasts can only join 2.4Ghz networks, so be sure to select this band when prompted.
Ideal placement within 15-25 feet of your router in an open location will allow the most solid connectivity once set up.
And I‘m always available to help troubleshoot any trickier Wi-Fi or casting issues that crop up afterwards! Just drop a comment below, and I‘d be glad to offer fixes.
Thanks for reading – now start streaming!
