Is Your Chromecast Acting Up? Users Report Widespread 'Strange Errors'

If your Chromecast suddenly went silent, you're definitely not alone. Widespread reports are emerging of errors crippling Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and Chromecast Audio devices, with users finding their devices completely unable to cast content.

Since Sunday afternoon, users have been encountering errors like “We couldn't authenticate your Chromecast” and “Couldn't be verified.” This isn’t the first time this has happened. Back in August 2021, users reported encountering this error when attempting to cast to Android TVs, though troubleshooting eventually resolved it. This time, however, nothing seems to work—restarting, resetting, and reinstalling all lead to dead ends.

Meanwhile, newer models like the Chromecast (3rd Gen) and Chromecast Ultra remain unaffected. This has fueled speculation that Google may have quietly pulled the plug on older devices. And given Google’s track record of abruptly discontinuing products (RIP, Google Stadia), users are understandably nervous.

The culprit appears to be an expired authentication certificate, causing affected devices to be labelled as “untrusted.” While Google hasn’t officially confirmed dropping support, the affected models are nearly a decade old. The company officially discontinued the Chromecast line in August 2024, replacing it with the more advanced Google TV Streamer. However, Google had promised continued software and security updates.

For now, users are stuck waiting for a fix. If you’re affected, hang tight—or consider upgrading to a newer device.