- A Redditor has discovered that the second-generation Chromecast has an expired certificate authority, which is causing it to fail device authentication and stop working and being set up.
- As a workaround, users can bypass device authentication by following the steps mentioned below.
- If you have factory reset your Chromecast, you can set your phone’s date back to March 8, 2025, and potentially proceed with the setup. When you are done setting up the Chromecast, you can correct your phone’s date.
Second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices have not been working for users these past couple of days. The devices are failing to cast content, frustrating users who rely on them for their casting needs. Google is aware of the issue and is working on fixing it. In the meantime, the company is advising users not to factory reset their non-functional Chromecasts. If you’re scratching your head about what exactly is happening, we have more information to share, including possible workarounds for enthusiasts.
Why is the second-generation Chromecast not able to cast anymore?
Reddit user tchebb spent some time troubleshooting the cause of failing Chromecasts. According to the Redditor’s investigation, Google issued an intermediate CA (Certificate Authority) with a validity period of only 10 years for second-generation Chromecast devices, and the CA has expired. Consequently, Google apps that rely on this CA fail to validate the Chromecast as a genuine device and refuse to communicate with it, including during the initial setup.