Google offers a solution to adjust the bug that has affected old generation chromecast for several days. The famous small streaming keys will be able to regain service!
Since March 9, many chromecast users have been faced with an unexpected problem: their devices could no longer connect to the Internet, making them unusable. The models concerned mainly include the 2ᵉ generation chromecast and the Audio Chromecast, both launched in 2015. These devices, however robust, have so far made it possible to broadcast multimedia content from a smartphone to a TV or speakers. The bug, caused by an authentication problem, prevented these devices from working properly, causing frustration in many users.
According to the first analyzes, the bug comes from a problem linked to the SSL certificate of the devices. This certificate is essential to guarantee the safety of connections between chromecasts and Google servers. However, the forgetting to renew this certificate made the models concerned unable to connect to the Internet, displaying error messages such as “Untrusted Device” (“unaccompanied device”). This breakdown quickly affected a large number of people, leaving their devices ineffective for several days.
The problem is even more embarrassing for those who tried to resolve the malfunction by resetting their chromecast with factory settings. Unfortunately, this action had the effect of completely disconnecting Wi-Fi devices, thus preventing them from receiving corrective update.
Google therefore had to react quickly to provide a solution. And, since March 14, the company has deployed a correction supposed to settle this bug. Currently under distribution, it should arrive on all the devices concerned in the coming days.
Chromecast bug: automatic repair
For users who have not reset their chromecast, the good news is that they have absolutely nothing to do. The update will automatically set up as soon as the device is connected to the Internet, thus restoring its normal operation. However, for those who have restored their devices with factory settings, the situation remains more complicated. Google has promised to work on a solution to allow these users to reconnect their devices and receive update.
In the meantime, a bypass exists: just change the date of the smartphone used to configure chromecast by choosing a date prior to March 9, 2025, allowing the recovery of the update.
This failure, although temporary, has raised many questions about the future of the old models of Chromecast. Indeed, Google ceased the production of 2ᵉ generation chromecast and chromecast audio in 2019, and completely abandoned the Chromecast range in the summer of 2024 in favor of its new Google TV Streamer box (see our test). Nevertheless, the company continues to offer updates for these older models, which reassures users on the sustainability of their devices.
If you have a 2ᵉ generation chromecast or an audio chromecast, it is advisable to wait a few more days to receive the update. If you have already tried a factory reset, follow Google communications closely to find out the next steps. The company’s support remains available to answer user questions and to guide them in this transition period.