Chromecast Users Rejoice: Google Rolls Out Fix for Expired Security Certificate Authority

In a move that’s sure to bring relief to many, Google has announced that it’s starting to roll out a fix for Chromecast devices that were crippled by an expired security certificate authority. The issue, which began on March 9, left users of the second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices unable to connect to official Google apps. But don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on what’s happening and what you need to do to get your Chromecast up and running again.

What Happened?

The problem arose when a Google-owned device authentication certificate authority, which had been valid for ten years, expired over the weekend. This caused the Chromecast devices to display an “untrusted device” error, effectively rendering them useless. The issue was traced back to the expired certificate authority, which had been used to authenticate devices and ensure secure connections.

The Fix

Google has confirmed that it will push out a firmware-level update to affected devices over the next few days. The update will move the devices to a new Google-owned certificate authority with an expiration date set for 2045, giving users an additional 20 years of use. To receive the update, simply leave your Chromecast powered on and connected to the internet.

The Catch

However, users who tried to perform a factory reset to troubleshoot the issue may face an extra hurdle. The expired certificate authority prevents these devices from being trusted enough to receive the update, so some additional steps will be needed to get the fix. According to Tom Hebb, a Chromecast hacker and former Meta software engineer, users may need to update Google’s client software to push past the certificate issue and get the fixed firmware onto their device.

What’s Next?

While the fix is being rolled out, Google is urging users to avoid performing factory resets, as this will clear user data and prevent the update from being received. Instead, users should simply keep their Chromecast devices powered on and connected to the internet. For those who have already performed a factory reset, it’s recommended to check the Community page for updates and next steps.

The Bigger Picture

The expiration of the certificate authority is just the tip of the iceberg. Other devices, including the Chromecast Ultra, Google Home, Google Home Mini, and possibly some Chromecast-enabled smart TVs from other vendors, are also facing certificate expiry problems. These devices are set to run into the same issue in 2026 and 2027, so it’s likely that Google will need to roll out similar updates to keep these devices secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google’s fix for the expired security certificate authority is a welcome relief for Chromecast users. While the process may be a bit more complicated for those who performed a factory reset, the update should be relatively straightforward for most users. By keeping your Chromecast powered on and connected to the internet, you should be able to receive the update and get your device up and running again.