Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google Chromecast (2nd Gen) and Chromecast Audio customers are going through points on account of an authentication error.
- Customers have tried a number of troubleshooting steps, however nothing works, whereas newer Chromecast fashions stay unaffected.
- Google has not but acknowledged the problem, leaving customers uncertain whether or not this can be a bug or an unannounced end-of-life determination.
Customers of Google’s 2nd technology Chromecast and Chromecast Audio gadgets are going through vital points as we speak, with their gadgets unable to forged any content material. Experiences have been flooding Reddit and different boards, with pissed off customers encountering an error message that stops them from utilizing their gadgets.
The difficulty first gained traction on the r/googlehome subreddit, the place a number of customers shared their experiences of being unable to connect with their Chromecast (2nd Gen). Different customers within the thread confirmed going through the identical downside, with reviews coming from totally different international locations, suggesting that this isn’t an remoted situation.
Customers have tried widespread troubleshooting strategies — restarting, manufacturing facility resetting, reinstalling the Google Dwelling app, clearing cache/information, and even making an attempt totally different networks — however none of those steps seem to resolve the problem.
A number of customers are additionally reporting seeing one other variant of the problem with an error message that reads: “Untrusted machine: [name] couldn’t be verified. This could possibly be brought on by outdated machine firmware.” The error message solely offers an possibility to shut the dialog field, which means customers are utterly locked out of casting. (h/t: 9to5Google)
The issue appears to solely have an effect on older Chromecast fashions, particularly the 2nd technology Chromecast and Chromecast Audio. Newer fashions, just like the Chromecast (third gen) and Chromecast Extremely, are reportedly functioning with none points.
Naturally, many customers are fearful that Google could have quietly killed off help for these older Chromecast fashions, successfully bricking them in a single day. Given Google’s historical past of sunsetting merchandise with out a lot warning, this concern isn’t completely unwarranted.
Nonetheless, primarily based on the character of the error message, this appears extra prone to be a bug quite than an intentional shutdown. If Google had deliberate to discontinue help, one would count on an official announcement, or on the very least, a clearer message explaining that the gadgets have been now not supported. The wording of the “Untrusted machine” error as an alternative suggests some type of firmware verification failure, which may doubtlessly be resolved with a server-side repair.
We’ll replace this story if and when Google offers extra readability. Within the meantime, tell us if you’re going through the identical situation and you probably have discovered a workaround.
