Simply put, Chromecast from Google is one of the best content streaming devices in the market right now. When plugged into a TV, this brilliant streaming media adapter provides users with easy access to multiple online streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, as well as Google Play.
The device connects to your home’s wireless network. Using your smartphone or computer as a remote, this device allows you to cast your favorite TV shows, movies, and other streaming content with great ease.
Even better, the Chromecast allows you to throw content from your computer browser onto the TV screen.
Basically, all you’re doing is using your phone or computer to tell Chromecast what to do.
It gets even more interesting;
You see, the fact that you’re using a smaller screen to cast to a large screen may have to doubt the quality of the streaming content.
However, Chromecast is designed in such a way that it uses its own connection technology to retrieve the casting stream in the best quality possible.
For example, if you’re streaming content to a 4K TV, this device will display 4K content that you can’t really watch on your phone or desktop computer.
Before we discuss how to connect Chromecast to Wifi, we are first going to learn how to set it up.
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How to Setup Chromecast
Setting up Chromecast is a pretty easy and straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide on how to setup Chromecast.
1. Plug Chromecast into Your TV
After unpacking the device, wait for it to power up before plugging it into a power outlet.
The first step is plugging in the Chromecast device into your TV’s HDMI port and then connecting the USB power cable to your Chromecast.
You can either plug the USB cable into the wall using the adapter included or simply use one of the USB ports located at the back of your TV. If the USB port at the back of your TV doesn’t supply enough power to the Chromecast, plugging it into the wall is a good idea.
2. Download the Google Home App
To set up Chromecast, you’ll need to download the Google Home App on your smartphone. The app is available for iOS and Android devices on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
If using Chromecast on your laptop or desktop computer, you don’t need to download the app, especially since there is no app that’s designed for these devices. Instead, all you need to install is the Google Chrome Web Browser and you’re good to go. If you already have Google Chrome installed on your computer, you can pass on the installation step.
At this time, turn on your television and choose the correct input. The Chromecast will power up and you’ll know it’s ready for use when you see a setup prompt on your TV screen.
On the TV screen, you’ll see a prompt asking you to set up a new device. You will see a code displayed on your phone or computer and on your TV screen
If they match, simply select YES. Chromecast has now been paired with your TV.
The next step is configuring the device to connect to the internet. This will allow you to stream any kind of content from your phone or computer to the TV.
3. How to Connect Chromecast to Wifi
Now that the basic set up requirements for Chromecast are complete, it’s now time to connect your Chromecast to your Wifi network. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect Google Chromecast to Wifi network;
· Open the Google Chromecast App on your phone and select “Add Device”
· Add the Chromecast device on the app
· Head over to the Settings and tap your Chromecast device
· Tap on the Wifi option from a list of wireless networks available
· Select the wifi you would like to connect your device with
· After selecting the wifi network, input the password and connect
· Now with the device connected to wifi, you can stream movies, watch and play video games, and stream all kinds of content on your TV.
How to Change Wifi Network on Google Chromecast
If you’re having trouble connecting Chromecast to the internet with your current network or simply want to change the network, the process is simple.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the wifi network on Chromecast.
- First things first, ensure that your smartphone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same wifi network as your Chromecast
- Next, open the Google Home Application
- Head over to the Settings area
- Here, scroll down to the wifi section. Right below is the active wifi network you’re currently connected to
- To change your wifi network, simply tap Wifi, and then “Forget Network”
- After tapping “Forget Network”, simply repeat the setup procedure as discussed above to set up your Chromecast device to a new network
One of the reasons why you may need to change your wifi network is because you’ve replaced your router or modem. This simply means that it won’t be possible to connect your phone or computer to Chromecast.
In this case, resetting the device to factory settings manually will remove the old wifi network. After the reset, simply follow the above steps on how to connect Chromecast to Wifi.
Chromecast Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network- How to Fix
If you’re having trouble connecting Chromecast to your home wifi network, here are a few troubleshooting tips to fix the issue;
- It’s possible the device is not getting a strong wifi signal from your router and therefore won’t connect to the internet. Make sure that you place your wifi router close to your TV and Chromecast for better connectivity. If you’re still having connection issues, it’s possible that the router isn’t strong enough to transmit a stronger wifi network. You might want to consider purchasing a wifi extender
- Reboot Chromecast- Rebooting the device can help fix network issues like failure to connect to wifi. To reboot Chromecast, simply head over to the installed Google Home App. Next, tap your device and search for the Settings area. Tap “More Settings” and then tap “Reboot”. Rebooting your router/modem could also work
- Factory Reset Chromecast- If you’re sure nothing is wrong with your router/modem and rebooting the device doesn’t seem to work, you might want to consider resetting the device back to factory settings. However, doing so will erase any saved data, including your wifi network name, password, and other configurations.
- Update your Chromecast firmware- You may not be aware of this but a common wifi network issue affecting most Chromecast devices is a failure to update it to the latest firmware version. Consider updating your device firmware as soon as a new version is out to avoid network connectivity issues
- Turn wifi on and off on the device you’re using to connect to Chromecast, like a smartphone or computer. Reconnecting the wifi network on your device may be the solution to Chromecast’s wifi connection problems
- Make sure that you’re using Google Home App, not the older app version, the Chromecast App.
- Try to unplug both your router and Chromecast device from their power outlet for at least 5 minutes before reconnecting. During this time, it would be a good idea to turn your smartphone or computer off. This might help fix the wifi network connection problem you’re facing
- If you’re currently using a dual-band router, consider setting up your Google Chromecast device on either one of these speeds- 2.4GHz or 5 GHz. 5GHz offers the fastest bandwidth, so the wifi signal to your device will be stronger.
How to Connect Chromecast to WiFi- Wrapping it Up
Connecting Chromecast to your wifi network is quite easy and hassle-free. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to learn how to set up the device and use it to stream movies, your favorite TV shows, and other quality content on your TV.
This guide includes a step-by-step guide on how to connect chrome cast to wifi and generally how to change an existing wifi network.
Good luck and enjoy streaming and casting your favorite content directly to your TV.