When you’re on the go, you can take your Chromecast anywhere with you. Just slip it into your TV’s HDMI port to project your phone’s screen onto the big screen. However, if you don’t know how to change your Chromecast’s Wi-Fi network, this convenience can quickly become a problem.

To change your Chromecast’s Wi-Fi network, you first need to make sure your phone and the device are on the same network. Next, open the Google Home app and navigate to “Settings.” Here, you’ll need to enter the network credentials to pair your Chromecast to the network.

Read on to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter when connecting your Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network. Unless there’s a problem between the two devices, the process is relatively simple.

You Don’t Need Wi-Fi to Use Chromecast

If you do not have a Wi-Fi router, you can still use Chromecast. However, you will need some kind of internet-based connection for the device to work. This could be by using an ethernet cable, mobile hotspot, or by using “guest mode.”

If you do not have a Wi-Fi connection, or you cannot pair your two devices, you could try:

How to Change Chromecast’s Wi-Fi Network

Suppose that you are taking your Chromecast on vacation with you. When you arrive at your destination (like a hotel, for instance), you will set up your Chromecast as though you were unboxing it for the first time.

However, suppose that you were changing Wi-Fi networks at your current home. Perhaps you set up a private VPN and wanted your Chromecast to use this network. In these cases, you may need to heed the following instructions:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Select your Chromecast device.
3. Click “Settings,” then “Wi-Fi,” and then “Forget this Network” (you can “Remember” this network if you want to make changes later).
4. Tap “+” at the top of the Google Home screen.
5. Pair your Chromecast to your preferred network.

You can learn more about this process here.

Troubleshooting Chromecast’s Wi-Fi Connection

If you have any problems connecting to the internet, try the following measures:

Factory Reset Your Chromecast

By factory resetting your Chromecast, it will be as though you are setting it up for the first time. To do a factory reset, you will need to:

1. Press the Chromecast’s reset button, which is by the micro-USB port. Hold it down until the light stops blinking orange and turns white.
2. Unplug your Chromecast from its power source.
3. Plug your Chromecast back in.

Then, you can connect your Chromecast to its new Wi-Fi network using the steps in the previous section.

Turn off Your Chromecast’s Router

You might try to connect your Chromecast to a new network, only to have it reconnect to your old one. While changing your Chromecast’s Wi-Fi network, turn off your old router. This may help your Chromecast secure a new connection.

Using an Ethernet Cable

To use Chromecast using an ethernet cable, you will need an ethernet adapter (the type might depend on what generation Chromecast you have). Once you have this adapter, simply go into the Google Home app, and select your wired connection. This measure only works on Android and iOS-based devices, though. You cannot use a Windows-based product.

Using a Mobile Hotspot

By using a mobile hotspot, you can connect your Chromecast to your phone’s data. You can do this by:

• Enabling your phone’s hotspot and then connecting your Chromecast to it
• Using a mobile hotspot (like the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot) and connecting your Chromecast to it

If you plan on connecting your Chromecast directly to your phone’s mobile hotspot, you will need to have 3G or higher.

Using Guest Mode

Guest mode allows you to connect your wireless device to your Chromecast without entering Wi-Fi credentials. This will allow you to mirror your phone’s screen without the two devices sharing a Wi-Fi network.

To use guest mode, you will need to:

1. Set up guest mode. This involves going into the Google Home app, then “Settings,” then “Recognition & sharing,” and then turn on “guest mode.”
2. Connect using guest mode. Guests can use Chromecast by tapping the “Cast” icon. From there, they will get a four-letter pin that they will need to enter. Once you enter the pin, you should be able to use the device.

You only need to set up guest mode the first time you use it. The host and guests do not need to take this initial measure every time.