Some original Chromecast dongles are no longer working, and nobody knows why

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• First‑generation Chromecast devices are suddenly failing for many users, with apps like YouTube and HBO Max no longer detecting the 2013 dongle.
• The issue is inconsistent: services such as Spotify and Disney+ still work on affected devices.
• Users suspect a backend change may have broken the aging hardware, though there’s no evidence Google intentionally disabled the devices.

The Problem

Google’s original Chromecast may finally be reaching the end of its road. More than a decade after the little HDMI dongle helped make casting mainstream, a growing number of first‑generation owners are reporting that their devices no longer appear as cast targets in popular apps.

Reports began surfacing on Reddit this week, with users saying their 2013 Chromecast models are invisible to apps like YouTube and HBO Max (as covered by 9to5Google). The failures are curiously inconsistent—Spotify and Disney+ still work for many users.

Background

• Launched in 2013, the original Chromecast cost $35 and popularized the “tap‑to‑cast” model.
• Over time Google expanded the lineup with Chromecast Audio and Google TV‑powered devices, selling more than 100 million units before retiring the branding in favor of the newer Google TV Streamer.
• Software updates for the first‑generation Chromecast officially ended in 2023, with a warning that performance could degrade.

Recent Developments

Reddit users note that many first‑generation devices stopped working around the same time, leading to speculation that a backend change finally pushed the aging hardware over the edge. Some have accused Google of deliberately forcing an upgrade, but no concrete evidence has emerged.

A Parallel Incident

In March 2025, second‑generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices began showing “Untrusted device” errors due to expired security certificates baked into the hardware. Google responded with a fix delivered via the Google Home app after widespread backlash. (Full report)

Google’s Response

Google has not publicly acknowledged the latest wave of failures. Android Authority has reached out for comment and will update the story when a response is received. Given that the first‑gen Chromecast has not received updates for years, a fix may never be issued; Google may simply refer users to the original end‑of‑life notice.

Outlook

Affected owners may need to replace their devices with newer hardware such as the Google TV Streamer, which commands a significantly higher price point than the original $35 dongle. Until Google provides an official statement or patch, the issue remains unresolved.