Sometimes a phone or laptop screen just isn’t enough. Squinting at a massive spreadsheet on your smartphone is a fast track to a headache. And trying to huddle around a tiny screen to watch a funny TikTok? Not exactly ideal.
That’s where Google Chromecast® comes in. With it, you can stream content straight to your TV or even a speaker. If you’re ready to browse Reddit on the big screen—or catch a workout video without balancing your phone—you’ll first need to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi.
At Asurion, our experts make tech simple. From choosing the best streaming devices (spoiler: Chromecast is a favorite) to mirroring your Google Pixel® for a better view, we’ve got the tips you need. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to link Chromecast to Wi-Fi.
Set up Chromecast using the Google Home app
Chromecast works by fetching content from device A and broadcasting it onto device B. If you’re building a bookcase, for instance, you could pull up a YouTube tutorial on your phone and project it onto your smart TV. Suddenly, you’re following along much more easily. Or you could connect your Chromebook® through Chromecast so you can rehearse a work presentation in your living room.
Instead of using wires, Chromecast relies on Wi-Fi to stream content between devices. Here’s how to set up Chromecast with the Google Home® app:
- Plug your Chromecast device into a power outlet and turn it on.
- Use the HDMI cable to connect the Chromecast to your TV.
- Download and open the Google Home app on your mobile device. Make sure your device is connected to your Wi-Fi network and switch on Bluetooth so it can find the Chromecast.
- Tap Devices, then Add +.
- Select the Chromecast from the list.
- Follow the prompts to choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The app will confirm that your Chromecast Wi-Fi connection is working correctly.
Reconnect Chromecast after a password change
If your Chromecast isn’t working, the problem might be a changed Wi-Fi password. Whenever you change your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to update your Chromecast network settings to reconnect to the network with the new password.
Follow these steps to change your Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network:
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap Devices and long-press on the tile for the Chromecast.
- Open Settings and tap Device information.
- Select Wi-Fi and tap Forget this network. That wipes the memory of your Wi-Fi connection from the device.
- Go back to the Home screen.
- Repeat the Chromecast streaming setup instructions above to reconnect to the network with your new Wi-Fi password.
The same steps apply if you’re switching to an entirely new Wi-Fi network. That makes it easy to take your Chromecast to a friend’s house, work, a hotel—basically anywhere with an internet connection and a TV or speaker.
Troubleshooting Chromecast connection issues
Followed all the setup steps but your Chromecast® still won’t connect? Don’t worry—it doesn’t always mean the device is faulty. A few common fixes can usually get you online.
- Check your networks. Make sure your Chromecast and phone (or laptop) are on the same Wi-Fi. If one’s using 5 GHz and the other 2.4 GHz, they won’t link—even if it’s the same router.
- Restart your devices. Power cycle your Chromecast, router, and the Google Home app. It may feel basic, but it’s often the fastest way to clear connection hiccups.
- Reduce distance. Weak signal strength can cause issues. Try moving your Chromecast closer to the router to see if performance improves, or check out our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide for more coverage tips.
- Factory reset if needed. If nothing else works, reset the device: in the Google Home app, tap Settings > More > Factory reset. After it reboots, follow our Chromecast setup guide to reconnect it to Wi-Fi.
Still can’t get connected? Don’t give up on your streaming goals. Asurion’s tech support team is available 24/7 by chat, phone, or at a uBreakiFix by Asurion store to help you set up Chromecast, troubleshoot Wi-Fi, and get back to streaming without the frustration.
