Google’s Chromecast and Chromecast Audio users are facing a significant issue due to an expired security certificate, leading to an ongoing outage. The problem, which affects second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, has left users unable to cast content. Google has acknowledged the issue and is currently working on a solution. However, in the meantime, the company has issued an urgent warning advising users not to factory reset their devices, as this will not resolve the problem.
What Is Causing the Chromecast Outage?
On March 9, 2025, Google’s intermediate security certificate authority expired after being in use for ten years. This certificate plays a crucial role in allowing Chromecast devices to securely connect to Google’s backend services and authenticate themselves. Due to its expiration, affected Chromecast models are unable to establish a trusted connection, leading to the widespread outage.
Users trying to cast content are encountering an “untrusted device” error message, preventing them from using their Chromecast devices as usual. The problem has sparked frustration among users, many of whom still rely on these older devices for streaming content to their televisions and speakers.
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Google’s Official Response
Google addressed the issue in an update posted on the Google Nest community site, where Chromecast support is now located. The company stated:
“Do not factory reset your device—we will keep you updated when the fix rolls out. If you have already factory reset your device, we will provide instructions on how to set your device up again as soon as possible.”
This statement confirms that factory resetting the device will not solve the issue, as the underlying problem is related to the expired security certificate, not the device’s settings.
Why Factory Resetting Won’t Work
A factory reset erases all saved settings and configurations, requiring the device to reauthenticate with Google’s servers upon setup. However, since the expired certificate prevents Chromecast devices from establishing a secure connection, a factory reset only worsens the problem by making it impossible to set up the device again. Users who have already performed a reset are currently left with non-functional devices until Google provides further instructions.
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Potential Workarounds
While Google is actively working on a fix, some tech experts have suggested temporary workarounds. Maciej Mensfeld, a Polish security researcher, has proposed a method that involves reauthorizing the Chromecast by changing the date on a connected smartphone to a time before March 9, 2025. This trick might allow the device to bypass the expired certificate issue temporarily.
However, this workaround is not guaranteed to work for all users. Some individuals have reported partial success, while others have encountered persistent issues, particularly with streaming services like Spotify. Additionally, changing the date on a device may cause other apps and services to malfunction, making this a less-than-ideal solution.
A Broader Issue with Expired Certificates
This is not the first time an expired security certificate has caused major disruptions in the tech world. Similar incidents have occurred in the past:
- Microsoft Surface Pro X (2023): An expired security certificate caused built-in cameras to stop working on Surface Pro X tablets, affecting thousands of users.
- Cisco SD-WAN (2023): Cisco faced backlash after an expired certificate led to widespread disruptions in its SD-WAN networking equipment.
- Let’s Encrypt Root Certificate Expiry (2021): The expiration of a root certificate from Let’s Encrypt caused significant connectivity issues for older devices that had not been updated.
These cases highlight the importance of timely certificate renewals and proactive updates to prevent service disruptions.
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Is Google Phasing Out Chromecast?
Some online discussions have speculated that this outage may be a sign that Google is deliberately phasing out Chromecast devices to encourage users to switch to newer alternatives, such as the Google TV streaming device. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Google officially discontinued support and updates for first-generation Chromecast devices in 2023 but has not announced the end of second-generation Chromecast support. While some users see the certificate expiration as a sign that Google is neglecting older hardware, others believe it was an oversight rather than an intentional move to push users toward newer products.
What Should Affected Users Do?
At this point, affected users have limited options. The best course of action is to wait for Google to release an official fix rather than attempting potentially risky troubleshooting steps. Google has assured users that updates will be provided as soon as a solution is available.
For those who have already performed a factory reset, Google has promised to provide guidance on setting up their devices again once the issue is resolved. Until then, users should avoid any further attempts at resetting their Chromecast devices.
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Conclusion
The ongoing Chromecast outage has left many users frustrated, but Google has assured the public that a fix is on the way. Until then, users should avoid factory resetting their devices, as this will not resolve the issue. If you are affected, keep an eye on Google’s updates and wait for further instructions. In the meantime, users looking for uninterrupted streaming may need to consider alternative devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is causing the Chromecast outage?
- The outage is due to an expired security certificate, preventing second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices from connecting to Google’s servers.
- Which Chromecast devices are affected?
- The issue primarily affects second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices.
- Will a factory reset fix the problem?
- No, factory resetting your Chromecast will not resolve the issue and may make it more difficult to restore functionality once a fix is available.
- What has Google said about the issue?
- Google has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. They have advised users not to factory reset their devices.
- Is there a temporary fix for the problem?
- Some users have attempted to change the date on their connected smartphone to a time before March 9, 2025, but this workaround is not guaranteed to work.
- When will Google provide a fix?
- Google has not given a specific timeline but has promised updates as soon as a solution is ready.
- Does this mean Google is ending support for Chromecast?
- While first-generation Chromecast support ended in 2023, Google has not officially discontinued second-generation devices.
- Are other Google devices affected?
- No, the issue is specific to second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices.
- Has this happened before with other tech companies?
- Yes, similar issues have occurred with Microsoft, Cisco, and Let’s Encrypt due to expired security certificates.
- Should I buy a new streaming device?
- If you rely heavily on Chromecast, you might consider switching to a Google TV device or an alternative streaming solution until Google resolves the issue.