Are you having trouble connecting your Chromecast to a new WiFi network because it keeps trying to connect to an old one? This is a common issue that many Chromecast users face, and it can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network and connect to a new one. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network.
Why Does Chromecast Remember Old WiFi Networks?
Before we dive into the steps to make your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network, let’s first understand why it remembers old networks in the first place. Chromecast, like many other devices, has a feature called WiFi network caching. This feature allows the device to remember the WiFi networks it has connected to in the past, along with their passwords. This makes it easier for the device to connect to these networks in the future.
However, this feature can sometimes cause problems, especially if you have changed your WiFi network or password. In such cases, your Chromecast may keep trying to connect to the old network, even if it no longer exists. This is where forgetting the old WiFi network comes in handy.
Method 1: Factory Reset Your Chromecast
One way to make your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network is to perform a factory reset. This will reset your Chromecast to its default settings, erasing all its memory, including the WiFi network it was connected to. Here’s how to do it:
Using the Google Home App
To factory reset your Chromecast using the Google Home app, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on the Chromecast device you want to reset.
- Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Device settings” section.
- Tap on “More.”
- Tap on “Factory reset.”
- Confirm that you want to reset your Chromecast.
Using the Chromecast Device
To factory reset your Chromecast using the device itself, follow these steps:
- Make sure your Chromecast is turned on.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the Chromecast for at least 25 seconds.
- The LED light on the Chromecast will start blinking.
- Release the button when the LED light stops blinking.
- Your Chromecast will now reset to its default settings.
Method 2: Forget WiFi Network Using the Google Home App
If you don’t want to perform a factory reset, you can try forgetting the WiFi network using the Google Home app. Here’s how:
Using the Google Home App
To forget a WiFi network using the Google Home app, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on the Chromecast device you want to forget the WiFi network for.
- Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Device settings” section.
- Tap on “WiFi.”
- Tap on the WiFi network you want to forget.
- Tap on “Forget network.”
- Confirm that you want to forget the network.
Method 3: Change the WiFi Network on Your Router
If you have changed your WiFi network or password, you can try changing the WiFi network on your router to make your Chromecast forget the old network. Here’s how:
Changing the WiFi Network Name (SSID)
To change the WiFi network name (SSID) on your router, follow these steps:
- Log in to your router’s web interface using a web browser.
- Go to the “Wireless settings” or “WiFi settings” section.
- Change the WiFi network name (SSID) to a new name.
- Save the changes.
Changing the WiFi Network Password
To change the WiFi network password on your router, follow these steps:
- Log in to your router’s web interface using a web browser.
- Go to the “Wireless settings” or “WiFi settings” section.
- Change the WiFi network password to a new password.
- Save the changes.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are still having trouble making your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Restart Your Chromecast
Try restarting your Chromecast to see if it resolves the issue. To restart your Chromecast, simply unplug it from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Check Your WiFi Network
Make sure your WiFi network is working properly and that you are entering the correct password. Try connecting to the network using another device to see if it works.
Reset Your Router
Try resetting your router to its default settings. This will erase all its memory, including the WiFi network settings. To reset your router, press and hold the reset button on the back of the router for at least 10 seconds.
Conclusion
Making your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to make your Chromecast forget an old WiFi network and connect to a new one. Remember to always restart your Chromecast and check your WiFi network after making any changes. If you are still having trouble, try resetting your router or seeking help from a professional.
What is the purpose of making Chromecast forget old WiFi?
Making Chromecast forget old WiFi is necessary when you want to connect your device to a new network. If your Chromecast is still connected to an old network, it may not be able to connect to the new one. By forgetting the old network, you can start fresh and connect your Chromecast to the new network without any issues.
Forgetting old WiFi is also helpful when you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your Chromecast. If your device is still connected to an old network, it may be causing interference with your new network. By forgetting the old network, you can resolve any connectivity issues and ensure a smooth streaming experience.
Will making Chromecast forget old WiFi delete my streaming apps?
No, making Chromecast forget old WiFi will not delete your streaming apps. Your streaming apps, such as Netflix and Hulu, are stored on your Chromecast device and are not affected by the WiFi network. When you forget old WiFi, you are only removing the network settings from your Chromecast device.
You will still be able to access your streaming apps and use them to stream content to your TV. However, you will need to reconnect your Chromecast to a WiFi network in order to use the apps. Once you’ve reconnected to a network, you can access your streaming apps and start streaming content again.
How do I know if my Chromecast is connected to an old WiFi network?
You can check if your Chromecast is connected to an old WiFi network by using the Google Home app. Open the app and select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices. Then, go to the settings menu and look for the WiFi network that your Chromecast is connected to. If it’s an old network, you’ll see the network name listed.
If you’re not sure if the network is old or not, you can try to connect to it and see if it works. If you’re unable to connect, it’s likely that the network is old and no longer available. In this case, you’ll need to forget the old network and connect to a new one.
Can I make Chromecast forget old WiFi using the Google Home app?
Yes, you can make Chromecast forget old WiFi using the Google Home app. To do this, open the app and select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices. Then, go to the settings menu and look for the WiFi network that your Chromecast is connected to. Tap on the network name and select “Forget network” to remove the network settings from your Chromecast device.
Once you’ve forgotten the old network, you can connect your Chromecast to a new network by going to the settings menu and selecting “Set up” or “Reconnect”. Follow the prompts to connect to the new network and you’ll be ready to start streaming content again.
Will making Chromecast forget old WiFi affect my other Google devices?
No, making Chromecast forget old WiFi will not affect your other Google devices. Each Google device, including Chromecast, Google Home, and Google WiFi, has its own network settings. When you forget old WiFi on your Chromecast, you are only removing the network settings from that device.
Your other Google devices will still be connected to the old network, and you won’t need to take any action to reconnect them. However, if you’re switching to a new network, you may need to reconnect your other devices to the new network as well.
How long does it take to make Chromecast forget old WiFi?
Making Chromecast forget old WiFi is a quick process that only takes a few seconds. Once you’ve selected the “Forget network” option in the Google Home app, the network settings will be removed from your Chromecast device immediately.
You can then connect your Chromecast to a new network by going to the settings menu and selecting “Set up” or “Reconnect”. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the strength of your WiFi signal and the speed of your internet connection.
What if I forget my WiFi network password?
If you forget your WiFi network password, you won’t be able to connect your Chromecast to the network. In this case, you’ll need to retrieve your password from your router or modem. You can usually find the password on a sticker on the bottom or side of the router.
If you’re unable to find the password, you may need to reset your router to its factory settings. This will restore the default password, which you can then use to connect your Chromecast to the network. Be aware that resetting your router will also disconnect all other devices from the network, so you’ll need to reconnect them as well.