Google issues a fix for Chromecast ‘untrusted’ bug

If you’re one of the unlucky Chromecast owners whose “untrusted” device stopped working earlier this week, here’s some good news: a fix is on the way. 

As reported by 9to5Google, Google has issued a fix that should restore service to the stymied Chromecast streamers, including the second-generation Chromecast (pictured above) and the Chromecast Audio. 

“We’re pleased to share some positive news regarding Chromecast 2^nd gen & Audio,” read a Google email shared on Reddit. “The fix is being implemented and will be available shortly. Thank you for understanding.” 

Users of the affected Chromecasts should keep their devices connected to Wi-Fi to apply the fix, Google told 9to5Google, adding that the patch rollout will be “completed over the next few days.” 

At least a few Chromecast users on Reddit said their devices were already working again. 

The Chromecast bug cropped up on Sunday, when the owners of older Chromecast players and the Chromecast Audio started getting errors that read, “Untrusted device: [name] couldn’t be verified. This could be caused by outdated device firmware.” The devices then refused to play. 

Newer Chromecast devices, including the Chromecast with Google TV (both the 4K and HD versions) as well as the Google TV Streamer, weren’t affected by the glitch. 

The timing of the bug was unfortunate. Just last month, Google stopped selling its Chromecast with Google TV models in favor of the $100 Google TV Streamer (the second-gen Chromecast and Chromecast Audio were discontinued years ago), leading some to worry that Google had dropped support for the older devices. 

But Google assured users that the “untrusted device” error was a simply a bug. Google also advised users not to reset their devices as the company worked on a fix. 

Google hasn’t specified the reason for the “untrusted” errors, but some users have speculated that expired SSL certificates were to blame.