The first sign should have been that the original Chromecast is dying. Days after first-gen Chromecasts stopped being able to receive casts from YouTube, HBO, Paramount+, and Chrome, Google has updated a support page that shows which Chromecasts will receive critical security updates going forward and there’s only one device on the list.
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) from 2022 is the only device left standing. Google’s five-year guarantee of support for that model ends in 2027.
Chromecasts that get a “no” in the “Currently receiving critical security updates” column are:
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Chromecast Voice Remote
- Chromecast (3rd gen)
- Chromecast Ultra
- Chromecast Audio
- Chromecast (2nd gen)
- Chromecast (1st gen)
This end-of-support update was noticed today by a Reddit user.
What this means for Chromecast users
Chromecast users won’t be left high and dry with non-functioning devices that suddenly stop streaming. The devices should continue to work as usual.
Of course the writing was on the wall for Chromecast support ever since the introduction of the Google TV Streamer in 2024. Many users were upset that the Google TV Streamer was not a 1:1 replacement for the Chromecast, as it’s a set-top box instead of a dongle and is more expensive.
While there are some advantages that come with the Google TV Streamer, including smart home integration, they’re not ones that make a real difference to anyone looking for a cheap streaming solution, which is why so many people have held onto their Chromecasts.
Google has not made any official announcement about the end of support for the Chromecasts. AP has reached out and if we get more information, we’ll update this story.
Some good news
In the same post that noted the change to Google’s support page, some Redditors are reporting that their first-gen Chromecasts have spontaneously started working again.
“My 1st gen is working again. Guys DON’T throw your 1st gens. It’s back in tracks!” one user wrote. It spurred others to try with good results: “Thanks! Yes, it indeed works NOW! It didn’t work on 05/18, but now works again!!!!”
So if you have a first-gen Chromecast, there’s likely some life left in it yet.
The original Chromecast is dying, and users suspect Google is behind it
The first generation of Chromecast was discontinued over three years ago, but still worked until recently
