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Older Chromecast Devices Face Casting Issues: Google Addresses Software Glitch

Recently, many users of older Chromecast devices were startled when their units suddenly lost the ability to cast content. Following the discontinuation of the brand last year, this led to speculation about possible planned obsolescence. Fortunately, it seems that the problem is related to a software malfunction, and Google is actively working on a resolution.

The tech giant informed users via email that its engineering team is “working to resolve this as soon as possible,” promising updates when more information becomes available. Although the communication was somewhat vague, the reassurance that a fix is on the way provides some comfort to frustrated users.

The current issue primarily affects older Chromecast units, as well as the Chromecast Audio device, rendering them unable to cast. Google has acknowledged that the cause has been pinpointed but refrained from sharing specific details about the nature of the problem.

Users have been advised not to perform a factory reset on their impacted devices, as doing so would result in complete lockout from the devices. This recommendation may come as a surprise to many, as a factory reset is often one of the initial steps users take to troubleshoot connectivity issues. While Google has pledged to assist users, a timeline for the resolution remains unspecified.

Curiously, one user on Reddit claims to have identified the root of the problem, suggesting that it relates to an expired certificate embedded within the Chromecast device. This user indicated that the certificate specified it would be inactive after March 9, which coincided with the timing of the issues noted by many users.

For those affected, the situation triggers an “untrusted device error” when attempting to cast on certain models. The only available option at this point is to dismiss the error message, which consequently disables casting altogether. The devices mainly impacted include the 2nd-generation Chromecast released in 2015 and the Chromecast Audio.

Source
www.engadget.com