So, you didn’t really think about a good name for your Chromecast when you set it up, and now you’re stuck with a name that you don’t like or that doesn’t make sense.
Don’t worry, it’s a simple process to update the name of your Chromecast. In this article, we’ll take you through how to do it step by step.
How To Change Your Chromecast Name?
How to change the name of your Chromecast depends on the connected device you’re using, but it’s a simple process with any device.
Google Home App
If you are controlling your Chromecast from your smartphone, then you are probably using the Google Home App, available for both Android and iPhone.
- To get started, simply open the app and choose the icon in the top right hand corner to get a list of your connected devices. From here, choose your Chromecast.
- Once you have selected your device, tap on the three dots in the top right hand corner to get a dropdown menu and choose Settings.
- On the Settings screen you will see “Name” as an option. You can select this, and then enter the new name that you would like to use for your Chromecast.
Google Chrome
- If you are controlling your Chromecast from your computer using Google Chrome, start by opening the browser.
- Choose the three dots icon in the top right hand corner and then choose Cast from the dropdown menu.
- Your connected devices should appear, and you will want to pick the Chromecast that you want to manage. When you choose it, you should get another dropdown menu, from which you can select Manage Cast Devices.
- This will take you to yet another screen, where you will need to choose the Settings gear icon in the top right hand corner.
- This will open another dropdown menu where you will see Device Name as an option, and you can enter your new Chromecast name.
- Click Apply when you are done.
Managing Other Chromecast Settings
Device name is only one of the various settings that you can change on your Chromecast from these Settings menus in the Google Home App or in Google Chrome.
Background Image
You can change the background image on your Chromecast to display personal images. But even if you don’t want to do this, it can be a good idea to access these settings.
When on default, Chromecast uses your internet connection to download large, high-quality images to display on your TV. Because the images need to be of very good quality to display on your big screen, a Chromecast can use more than 20GB a month just on these images.
To change your background image, you will first need to create a folder for your selected background images in Google Photos. You can do this within the Google Photos App on your phone or on Google Drive on your computer. Make sure you give the album an appropriate name.
One you have done that, you can open the Google Home App and choose your Chromecast device from the menu in the top right hand corner. Once you have done that, choose the three dots in the top right hand corner, which will reveal a dropdown menu that includes “Backdrop Settings.”
This will give you options for where you want to draw content, and you should select Google Photos. This will open another menu where you should toggle on “Selected Albums,” otherwise it will draw on all the images. You can then mark the new album that you have created.
From this same menu you can change the speed with which your images change. Select the Custom Speed option and toggle it on, then choose your desired change interval.
When using Google Chrome, choose the three dot menu in the top right hand corner and choose Cast. From here, choose your device and then Manage Cast Devices. Here again you will find an option for “Backdrop Settings” and you can choose your Google Album using the same process.
WiFi Network
If you need to update your internet network for your Chromecast, you can also do this from your Google Home or Chrome menu. But this is only simple if both your Chromecast and your device are still connected to the same (old) network. It can be more challenging if you have already upgraded and lost the network that your Chromecast was connected to.
If you still have your old network, switch on your Chromecast and your managing device and make sure they are both connecting to the same network.
Open the Google Home App and choose the three bar hamburger menu in the top left hand corner. From here, choose Devices, and then hit the three dot menu that shows up next to the name of your Chromecast. Nowe choose Settings and the WiFi. From here, you will be able to select a new network for your Chromecast and enter the password.
The process is the same when using Google Chrome on your computer—just navigate to the same Settings menu by choosing the three dots menu in the top left hand corner of Chrome and choosing Cast.
If you have lost your old Wi-Fi network already, then your smartphone or computer will not be able to connect to your Chromecast and you will need to reset it. You can find our detailed instructions on resetting your Chromecast here. But you basically just need to hold down the small button on the side of the Chromecast until the light flashes. This will reset your device so you can set it up again.
You will need to sign back into your Google account and then you can connect to the new Wi-Fi network.
You can read our complete review of the Google Chromecast to learn more about its functionality.
What To Name Your Chromecast?
There are no specific rules for what you should name your Chromecast. But, if you have multiple devices on your network, you will want something that helps you choose the right device quickly.
You might not want to choose just “Chromecast,” though, if you live in an apartment building. If any of your neighbors has a Chromecast, you may be able to detect each other’s devices, and if they are both called Chromecast, this could lead to some confusion!
If you have multiple Chromecasts in your home in different rooms, then it’s a good idea to indicate the location of the device in its name.
You are limited to a name of no more than 20 characters, but it is advisable to use less than 12, otherwise the name gets truncated on your screen.
But outside of these guidelines, there are no rules for what to name your device.
Looking to buy a Chromecast? Get the best price on the original here or the new Chromecast with voice remote here.
FAQs
How do I change the name of my Chromecast?
You can change the name of your Chromecast from the Device Settings menu on the Google Home App or in Google Chrome. There you will find the current name listed. Select the name and replace it with the new name that you desire.
How do I reset Chromecast for a new owner?
You can reset your Chromecast and clear all your data by performing a factory reset. This can be done in the Device Settings Menu for your Chromecast in the Google Home App or in Google Chrome.
If you are unable to access your Chromecast in this way, make sure it’s plugged in, and then hold down the small button on the side of the device for about 15 seconds until the light flashes. This will hard factory reset your Chromecast.
What is my Chromecast Network Name?
You can check which Wi-Fi network your Chromecast is connected to in the Device Settings menu in the Google Home App or Google Chrome. Here you can also change your Wi-Fi settings. But this is only possible if both your Chromecast and your controlling device are still connected to the same network.
If you have already deactivated your old Wi-Fi network, you will need to factory reset your Chromecast and set it up again to change the network.
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