Chromecast users recently experienced problems with the second generation Chromecast dongles and the Audio devices not functioning properly. The issue was linked to an expired security certificate stopping the devices from connecting or being set up again, especially if you performed a factory reset.
Google initially advised against factory resetting the devices. But as is customary, their users will always defy them because they’re not always right. In this case, they were. You’ll be unable to set up affected devices again afterward.
Updates for Chromecast dongle and Audio issue now rolling out
Google eventually rolled out a fix for the affected Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Audio devices. If you had done the factory reset they warned against, you would need to update the Google Home app to allow re-setup.
The intended update for the app carries the version numbers 3.30.1.6 for Android and 3.30.106 for iOS. It might take a few days before all users get access to it. But once it’s fully available, Google will confirm it with an official announcement.
We sincerely apologize for this disruption and any inconvenience it may have caused, and we are committed to ensuring all users are back up and running as quickly as possible.
Google.
However, if you weren’t so quick to do a reset, your devices should work fine once you upgrade to firmware version 1.56.467165 for the Chromecast (2nd gen) and Firmware version 1.56.467166 for Chromecast Audio.
To confirm that these numbers are correct and match your update, open the Google Home app. Tap and hold your Chromecast or Audio device tile. Tap the settings icon, then Device information. Check for Cast firmware version under Technical information.
Regardless of which path you took, you might want to restart your device properly. Otherwise, your device will remain stuck in an incomplete state or continue to experience connectivity and setup issues.
Is Google planning another yet another product burial?
Before Google’s official solutions were even ready, users had already found a temporary workaround. It involved manually setting their phone’s date to March 1st before trying to set up their Chromecast again.
It was effective and clever as it tricked the Google Home app and Chromecast into thinking the time period was before the issue started. This suggests that the problem was linked to a software expiration or time-sensitive authentication failure.
There are conspiracy theories from users that Google may have deliberately caused issues with older Chromecast devices in the first place. The company is phasing them out in favor of the Google TV Streamer, also known as Chromecast with Google TV.
If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a newer streaming device that combines Chromecast functionality with a built-in interface powered by Google TV. Unlike older models, it operates as a standalone device with its own remote control, apps, and home screen.
Chromecast Audio was discontinued in 2019, and while the 2nd Gen Chromecast continued working, it is now an aging product. The timing also coincides with Google orchestrating a broader shift in its ecosystem, including its decision to replace Google Assistant with Gemini completely.
