Having multiple Chromecast devices on your home network can get confusing fast. The default device names are generic and often duplicate, making it difficult to distinguish which device you want to cast to. Fortunately, renaming your Chromecast is easy whether you use an iPhone, Android, or Google Home app.
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Why Rename Your Chromecast Device?
Here are some key reasons you may want to change your Chromecast name:
- Avoid confusion when casting content – Default names like “Living Room TV” are generic and unhelpful when you have multiple Chromecasts
- Fix typos or embarrassing names – The name you chose during hurried setup may need improving
- Reflect device location changes – If you move your Chromecast to a new room, update the name accordingly
- Personalization – Give your Chromecast a fun, custom name
Renaming takes only a minute and can save lots of confusion.
How to Change Chromecast Name on iPhone
Changing your Chromecast device name using an iPhone is a straightforward process:
- Open the Google Home app
- Find the room you set the Chromecast up in (may need to scroll through multiple rooms)
- Identify the Chromecast icon – looks like a TV with 3 blue lines
- Tap on “Device Information”
- Select “Device Name”
- Type new custom name
- Hit save
That’s it! The updated name will now display in your Google Home app and when casting content.
Changing Chromecast Name on Android
Similarly, you can rename a Chromecast on Android in a few quick steps:
- Open the Google Home app
- Locate the room the Chromecast is set up in
- Tap the Chromecast icon
- Choose “Device Information”
- Select “Device Name”
- Enter new name
- Tap save
The change will apply across your Google Home app and casting apps.
How to Change Name on Google Home App
The Google Home app makes it just as easy to update your Chromecast name:
- Open Google Home app
- Tap the Chromecast device name under its room location
- Tap Device Information
- Choose Device Name
- Enter new name
- Hit save
That’s all it takes to rename that Chromecast everywhere you use it!
Changing Name on Chromecast Itself
While less convenient, you can also change the name displayed on the Chromecast ambient screen:
- Cast your Android or iOS device screen to the Chromecast
- Open settings through the casting notification
- Under device information tap “Name”
- Type new name
- Select save
This updates the name shown when the Chromecast is idle but does not change the name used in your Google Home or casting apps.
Tips for Renaming Chromecast Devices
When deciding on a new name for your Chromecast, keep these tips in mind:
- Be descriptive – name it based on location or room purposes
- Use nicknames – get creative and fun with it!
- Add numbers – differentiate devices by adding “1” or “2”
- Fix typos – correct any errors made during rushed setup
- Avoid duplicates – make sure names are unique
With unique, descriptive names for each Chromecast on your network, you’ll never cast to the wrong device again!
Why You May Be Unable to Rename Chromecast
In some cases, you may find yourself unable to change the name of your Chromecast device. Typically this happens for one of two reasons:
Wrong Account – The Chromecast must be linked to the same Google account as the device you are using to rename it. Make sure you are signed into the same account everywhere.
No Permission – If another household member set up the Chromecast under their account, you may not have permission to modify device names. Ask them to rename it for you.
As long as you are signed into the right Google account that set up the Chromecast, you should have no issues renaming it from any iPhone, Android, Google Home app, or the device itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about renaming Chromecast devices:
What is the character limit for Chromecast names?
Chromecast names can be up to 24 characters. You can use any letters, numbers or special characters.
Can I rename a Chromecast more than once?
Yes, feel free to change the device name as often as needed. There is no limit.
Does renaming the device also change the host name?
Unfortunately renaming does not change the host name – only the friendly name used in casting apps and Google Home.
What happens if I factory reset my Chromecast?
Factory resetting will change the device name back to the default generic name like “Living Room TV”. You’ll have to rename it again afterwards.
How can I rename a Chromecast I did not set up myself?
If another household member registered the Chromecast under their Google account, ask them to update the name for you. Without the right account permissions, you cannot modify device names.
Conclusion
Being able to customize the name of your Chromecast devices makes managing and using them much easier. No matter which platform you use, renaming only takes seconds once you know the steps.
Unique, descriptive names eliminate confusion when casting content and control which device it plays on. They also let you fix old typos or embarrassing names you may have chosen in haste.
So take a minute to improve your Chromecast names today – and never accidentally cast to the wrong device again!
