Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Audio Hit by "Untrusted Device" Error, Leaving Users Unable to Cast
Owners of the Chromecast (2nd generation) and Chromecast Audio are experiencing widespread issues preventing them from casting any audio or video content to their devices. Reports began surfacing earlier today indicating that users are encountering an "Untrusted device: [device name] couldn’t be verified. This could be caused by outdated device firmware” error message when attempting to cast from various applications. This error effectively halts the casting process, leaving users frustrated and unable to utilize their devices for their intended purpose.
The issue appears to be affecting all users of these specific Chromecast models, suggesting a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents. When users attempt to select their Chromecast 2nd Gen or Chromecast Audio device as the target for casting within apps like YouTube, the aforementioned error dialog box appears, preventing any further action. The only option available to users is to dismiss the dialog, effectively blocking the casting function entirely.
Compounding the frustration is the fact that standard troubleshooting steps have proven ineffective. Users have reported attempting various remedies, including rebooting their devices, performing factory resets, and power cycling their network equipment, all to no avail. The error persists regardless of these efforts, indicating that the problem lies beyond the user’s control and requires intervention from Google.
Interestingly, despite the inability to cast content, the screensaver functionality on the affected devices continues to operate normally. Users are still able to view Google Photos, artwork, photography, and the time and weather information displayed on their televisions. This suggests that the core functionality of the Chromecast devices is not entirely compromised, further hinting at a specific issue related to the device verification process.
The problem seems isolated to the Chromecast (2nd generation) and Chromecast Audio models. Newer Chromecast devices, such as the Chromecast (3rd generation) and Chromecast Ultra, do not appear to be affected by this issue. This discrepancy strengthens the theory that the problem stems from a specific firmware or server-side configuration affecting only the older models.
The sudden onset of the "Untrusted device" warning has sparked concerns among users that Google may have intentionally bricked their Chromecasts or is quietly announcing the end-of-life for these devices. This anxiety is understandable, given the unexpected nature of the problem and the lack of official communication from Google.
However, the prevailing sentiment among observers is that this is more likely a bug or a server-side issue rather than a deliberate act by Google. The primary reason for this assumption is that Google has not made any official announcements regarding the deprecation of support for the Chromecast (2nd generation) or Chromecast Audio. Such announcements are typically made well in advance of any significant changes that might impact device functionality.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that even the original Chromecast (1st generation), which Google officially deprecated support for in May 2023, continues to function, including casting content, for many users. This suggests that Google generally maintains a degree of backward compatibility, even for devices that are no longer officially supported.
The Chromecast (2nd generation) and Chromecast Audio are among Google’s older streaming devices, having been announced simultaneously at an event in September 2015. Both devices operate on the 1.56.x firmware version, which has been in use for some time. It is possible that a recent update or change to Google’s authentication servers has inadvertently introduced a compatibility issue with this firmware version, leading to the "Untrusted device" error.
Given the widespread nature of the issue and the lack of user-side solutions, it is widely anticipated that Google will address the problem with a server-side fix in the near future. Such a fix would likely involve updating the authentication protocols or device verification processes to restore compatibility with the Chromecast (2nd generation) and Chromecast Audio devices.
Users are eagerly awaiting an official statement from Google acknowledging the issue and providing an estimated timeframe for a resolution. In the meantime, they are encouraged to monitor Google’s support forums and social media channels for updates. The hope is that Google will act swiftly to resolve this issue and restore full functionality to the affected Chromecast devices, reassuring users that their devices have not been abandoned. The frustration experienced by users highlights the reliance placed on these devices for everyday entertainment and underscores the importance of prompt and effective communication from technology providers when issues arise. The situation also serves as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities associated with connected devices and the need for ongoing maintenance and support to ensure their continued functionality. While the "Untrusted device" error is undoubtedly a significant inconvenience for affected users, the expectation is that Google will address the problem quickly and effectively, reaffirming its commitment to supporting its existing user base.
