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Chromecast (2nd Gen) and Chromecast Audio Hit by "Untrusted Device" Error: A Timeline of the Ongoing Saga

For the past several days, owners of the Chromecast (2nd generation) and Chromecast Audio devices have been experiencing a frustrating and widespread issue preventing them from casting audio or video content. The problem manifests as an "Untrusted device" error message within casting-enabled applications, effectively rendering these once-reliable streaming devices useless. The message, specifically stating "[name] couldn’t be verified. This could be caused by outdated device firmware," pops up after users select their Chromecast (2nd gen) or Chromecast Audio as a casting target within apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Google Play Music.

The core issue appears to prevent any content from being streamed to the affected devices. Users are met with a simple "close" button on the error dialog box, offering no practical solution or workaround. Frustrated owners have taken to online forums and social media platforms to express their concerns, reporting that standard troubleshooting steps, such as rebooting the Chromecast, performing factory resets, and even reinstalling casting applications, have proven entirely ineffective.

Interestingly, while casting functionality is broken, the screensaver feature of the Chromecast, which displays Google Photos, art, or other images along with the time and weather, continues to function normally. This observation suggests that the core Wi-Fi connectivity and basic operating system functions of the devices are still operational, pointing to a potential issue related to authentication or DRM processes during the casting initiation phase. Newer Chromecast models, including the 3rd generation Chromecast and the Chromecast Ultra, do not appear to be impacted by this widespread problem.

The sudden appearance of the "Untrusted device" warning has understandably led to speculation and concern among users. Some fear that Google may have intentionally "bricked" their devices, rendering them permanently unusable. Others worry that the issue signals an impending end-of-life announcement for these older Chromecast models. The lack of official clarity from Google in the initial stages of the problem only fueled these anxieties.

However, the possibility of intentional obsolescence seems unlikely, particularly given Google’s relatively recent support deprecation announcement for the original Chromecast (1st generation) in May of 2023. Even that first-generation device, despite being officially unsupported, continues to function for basic casting operations. It would be a significant departure from previous practices for Google to abruptly disable devices without prior notification or a clear explanation. It’s more plausible that the "Untrusted device" error is a bug, a software glitch triggered by a change on Google’s servers or within the device’s firmware.

The Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio are significant devices in Google’s streaming history. Both were announced at the same event in September 2015, marking a period of expansion in Google’s media consumption ecosystem. Like all Chromecast devices, they currently operate on the 1.56.x firmware version. While not the latest and greatest in streaming technology, they have provided years of reliable service to countless users, making their sudden incapacitation all the more disruptive and disappointing.

A Timeline of Google’s Response:

• March 9th (Original Report): Reports began flooding in regarding the "Untrusted device" error affecting Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio users. Initial troubleshooting efforts proved futile.

• March 10th: Google acknowledged the issue, stating that they were "aware of an issue with Chromecast v2 and Chromecast Audio devices" and were actively working on a fix.

• March 11th: Google provided an update, indicating that their "team has identified the cause of the issue impacting Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio devices." However, a specific timeline for a resolution remained unconfirmed.

• March 12th: Google initiated more direct communication, sending out an email to affected Chromecast owners. The email acknowledged the ongoing problem but offered no immediate fix or estimated time of arrival (ETA) for a resolution, stating only that they were working to resolve the issue "as soon as possible." This lack of concrete information continued to frustrate users.

• March 14th: A significant development occurred with the release of firmware version 1.56.467165 for the Chromecast (2nd gen) and version 1.56.467166 for the Chromecast Audio. Users were advised to check the device page within the Google Home app to confirm if the update had been applied. Instructions were provided to force the update by unplugging and replugging the Chromecast device. The TV screen would display an upgrade progress indicator during the installation. However, Google remained silent on a solution for those who had already performed a factory reset of their devices.

• March 19th: Google Home app version 3.30.x was widely rolled out on both iOS and Android platforms. This update is necessary for setting up Chromecasts that have been factory reset, addressing a critical gap in the earlier troubleshooting steps.

The Path Forward:

While the firmware update and the Google Home app update represent significant steps toward resolving the issue, users are still encouraged to closely monitor their devices and the Google Home app for updates. The forced update method (unplugging and replugging) remains the recommended approach for ensuring the latest firmware is installed.

It’s essential for Google to maintain clear and consistent communication with affected users throughout this process. Providing detailed explanations of the root cause of the problem, the steps taken to address it, and estimated timelines for complete resolution will help to alleviate user frustration and restore confidence in the Chromecast ecosystem. Additionally, offering support or potential compensation for users who have been inconvenienced by this widespread outage could go a long way in mitigating the negative impact on customer loyalty. As the situation develops, keeping users informed and supported remains paramount.