How To Connect Chromecast To Wi-Fi in 8 Steps, With Photos

Google’s Chromecast is the perfect solution for casting your smartphone’s screen to your TV or computer. But before anything works, you must connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple procedure and takes only a minute.

Whether you recently unboxed your Chromecast or need to connect an existing device to a new Wi-Fi, we’ll teach you how to do it! We’ll also give you some helpful tips along the way.

Getting Ready to Connect Your Chromecast to Wi-Fi

Before jumping into the steps, let’s provide some context to simplify the process. After you connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi, you can use the Google Home app to cast your iOS or Android screen to a larger screen (as long as it has an HDMI port).

While casting is simple, getting everything set up can be cumbersome. First, plug your Chromecast’s power cable into a working wall outlet (if you have an outlet connected to a power switch, you probably understand the frustration and why we say a working outlet). Then, plug the HDMI cable into a port on the receiving device. The Chromecast light will turn on.

Helpful hint: Take note of which HDMI port you use so you can quickly set the input to your Chromecast.

Next, install the Google Home app on your smartphone (the links are listed in Step 1 of the next section). Then, ensure your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you’ll use with your Chromecast (Settings> Wi-Fi>Network).

Finally, ensure your smartphone, router, and Chromecast are all within 30 feet of each other. Also, remove any obstructions that may interrupt your Internet or Bluetooth signal.

How to Connect a New Chromecast to Wi-Fi

Chromecast has no buttons, so those new to the device may struggle to figure it out initially. To use Chromecast, you need a Wi-Fi network and a Google Home app. Here is how to connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi.

Step 1: Install the Google Home App

The Chromecast’s companion app is called the Google Home App. You can find it in the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android). Open your device’s application store and search Google Home App. Then, tap Get, the cloud icon, or Install.

Note: When launching the app, allow all permissions, and sign into your Gmail account. Then, accept the terms & conditions.

Step 2: Tap the + Symbol

Tap the + symbol in the top left corner.

Step 3: Tap Set Up Device

Now you can tap on Set Up Device at the top of the screen.

Step 4: Tap New Devices

Here, you’ll see two options. Tap New Devices to move forward.

Step 5: Choose a Home

Select the device to which home you’d like to add your Chromet to and tap Next.

Step 6: Select Chromecast

Step 7: Your Device Will Connect

Note: If your device doesn’t connect automatically, scroll down to our quick and easy troubleshooting section.

How to Connect Your Chromecast to a New Wi-Fi

Maybe you have an existing Chromecast and want to connect it to a new Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, you must forget the existing network and set your Chromecast up again. However, we make it pretty easy for you. Here’s how to connect your Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network:

Step 1: Tap Your Chromecast Device

Open the Google Home app and tap on the Chromecast device you need to connect to another Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Tap the Settings Cog

There’s a Settings cog in the upper right corner. Tap it.

Step 3: Tap Device Information

Scroll down the page a bit and tap on Device Information.

Step 4: Tap the Existing Wi-Fi Network

This page will show you your current Wi-Fi network. Tap it.

Step 5: Tap Forget Network

Now you must completely forget the Wi-Fi network. Tap the Forget Network button. Then, confirm by tapping Forget Wi-Fi network.

Step 6: Set Up Your Chromecast Again

Now, you can go back to the previous section and follow those steps. When you get to the Wi-Fi network page, choose the new Wi-Fi network for your Chromecast.

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

Troubleshooting Your Wi-Fi Connection to Chromecast

Sometimes, you follow all the correct steps, and your Chromecast will not connect to Wi-Fi. Don’t get frustrated just yet. We just need to follow a few troubleshooting steps to get you all set up!

Chromecast Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

Several things could prevent your Chromecast from connecting to Wi-Fi. Try any of the below fixes when your Chromecast won’t connect to Wi-Fi:

• Verify the light on the Chromecast and secure the connection (the Chromecast is plugged into a wall outlet and your TV/Computer screen.
• Update the Google Home app in your App Store or Google Play Store.
• Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• Check your smartphone’s Wi-Fi connection.
• Check your router (ensure it’s working and emitting an internet signal).
• Try another Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• Factory reset your Chromecast device.
• Move the Chromecast to within thirty feet of your smartphone and router.
• Check your Wi-Fi password.
• Restart all devices (unplug your Chromecast for ten seconds, unplug your router for ten seconds, and power your phone off and on).

While these troubleshooting steps may seem like a lot, they’re helpful. You can move through them pretty quickly, and once you get the Chromecast working, you’ll see it was well worth it.

Chromecast Won’t Stay Connected to Wi-Fi

Another challenge you may run into is when your Chromecast will not stay connected to Wi-Fi. Fortunately, the troubleshooting steps are pretty simple in this section too. Here’s what to try:

• Restart your Chromecast (unplug the power cable, wait at least ten seconds, and plug it back into the wall outlet).
• Check your internet connection (you can run a speed test).
• Move your Chromecast closer to the router or remove any signal obstructions (the Chromecast must be within thirty feet of your router).
• Try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (instructions in the second section of this article above).
• Reset your Chromecast or router.

These steps should rectify any connection problems you have. But if not, you can contact Google support for more personalized help.

Wi-Fi Connection Successful

Chromecast devices are incredibly handy. Perhaps you need a bigger screen for easier viewing, or you want to show off all your family photos for your friends. The easy part is casting from your smartphone to your Chromecast. The more challenging part is establishing the Wi-Fi connection. Of course, the process is simple if you follow the steps above.