How to Connect a Chromecast to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

  • Wireless Network Name (SSID)
  • Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

2. Connect Your Chromecast to Your Wi-Fi Network

In order to cast from your device to your Chromecast, the device and the Chromecast should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone and tap Get Started.
Welcome screen with Get Started highlighted.


  1. Choose which Google account you want to connect to the Chromecast.
Choose account screen.


  1. Google Home requires permissions to see your location in order to find nearby devices. Click Next.
Location access screen with Next highlighted.


  1. Click Allow when prompted.
Location access allow or deny screen.


  1. Google Home will now scan for nearby devices.
  2. In the list of devices found, tap the device you wish to set up and tap Next.
  3. A connection code will be displayed on the TV and within the Google Home app.
Connection code with I See It highlighted.


  1. Confirm the connection code displayed on the TV matches the code within the Google Home app. If it matches, select I SEE IT.
    If you do not see a confirmation code on the TV, move closer to the Chromecast and tap on I DON'T SEE IT.
  2. If prompted, select your country and then tap Continue.
  3. To help identify this Chromecast in the future, choose the room name and tap Continue.
Name your Chromecast screen.


  1. Choose the WiFi network you want to connect to and tap Next.
  2. Enter the WiFi password and click Connect.
  3. You should now be connected to WiFi. Follow the remaining prompts until finished.
Completion screens

3. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

4. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

5. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

6. Incompatible Routers

Although Chromecast is compatible with most networking equipment, some routers or gateways may cause issues when trying to connect your Chromecast to them. Usually when networking equipment does not work with Chromecast, it's because it lacks support for the network protocols that Chromecast uses to operate.

The table below covers networking equipment that has been found to cause issues for Chromecast users. Be aware that the majority of this list is made up of older networking equipment, but may still exist as part of a home network.

We try to keep this list up-to-date, but it is only indicative. If your router is on this list, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further details or replace your router or gateway with a more recent product.

MakeModel2 WireVariesActiontecM1000PK5000GT724WGGT701WG ADSLMI424WRApple AirportExpress 802.11nExtreme Base Station A1408ArrisTG862G/CTCisco1142NComcastSMCD3GNVLinksysE4200NetgearNighthawk N7000R6300WGT624v3TP-LinkArcher C7Verizon FiOSMI424-WR Rev EMI424WR-GEN2

Some wireless routers broadcast a dual-band wireless signal and provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Your device may not see the 5GHz network, which is completely normal. Not all devices contain the antenna to communicate on the 5GHz band. Also, some routers broadcast guest networks that your device may not be able to connect to depending on your router's settings.

7. What's next?

8. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

  • In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
  • From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
  • Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

9. What's next?

10. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

11. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

12. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

13. What's next?

14. What's next?