Yes, Chromecast devices still work, but Google has stopped making new ones

Google discontinued the Chromecast line in 2023 and replaced it with Google TV, a software platform built into televisions and streaming devices instead of a standalone dongle. If you own an older Chromecast device, it continues to function — Google still pushes software updates and the casting feature works the same way it always did. The difference is that you cannot buy a new standalone Chromecast anymore, and Google is gradually moving users toward Google TV devices and other casting methods.

The core casting technology itself has not changed. You can still send video, music, photos, and audio from your phone, tablet, or computer to a television using any Chromecast model you already own. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos all still support casting. The infrastructure on Google's side remains active and functional.

Key Takeaways

  • Existing Chromecast devices continue to receive updates and work as they did before, even though Google stopped manufacturing them in 2023.
  • Google replaced Chromecast with Google TV, which is built into new televisions and streaming devices rather than sold as a separate dongle.
  • Casting from phones, tablets, and computers to your television still works through the same apps and the same process you have always used.
  • If your Chromecast stops working, the problem is usually your Wi-Fi connection, your router settings, or a need to restart both devices rather than a Google server issue.

What changed when Google discontinued Chromecast

Google's decision to stop making Chromecast devices does not mean the ones in circulation are being shut down. Instead, Google shifted its casting strategy. Rather than selling a small device you plug into any TV, Google now builds the casting software directly into new televisions from manufacturers like Sony, LG, and TCL, and into streaming devices like the Google TV Streamer (released in 2024) and the Chromecast with Google TV that was sold before the discontinuation.

For people who own older Chromecast models — the original Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Chromecast Ultra, or the Chromecast with Google TV — nothing stops working on the day of discontinuation. Google continues to maintain the servers that handle casting requests. Your device will still connect to your Wi-Fi, still receive software patches, and still cast content from compatible apps.

The practical impact is that you cannot buy a brand-new standalone Chromecast dongle from Google anymore. If your device breaks or you want to add casting to another television, you would need to buy a used Chromecast, use a TV with Google TV built in, or choose a different casting method like AirPlay (for Apple devices) or Miracast (for Windows devices).

Common reasons a Chromecast stops working

Most Chromecast failures are not caused by Google shutting down the service. The most frequent culprit is your Wi-Fi connection. Chromecast devices connect to your network wirelessly, and if the signal is weak, drops frequently, or if your router is not broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band (which older Chromecasts require), the device will not respond to casting requests.

The second most common issue is that your phone, tablet, or computer is on a different network than your Chromecast. Many homes have a guest network or a 5 GHz band separate from the 2.4 GHz band. Your casting device and your Chromecast must be on the same network to communicate. Check your router settings and make sure both are connected to the same SSID.

A straightforward restart often fixes temporary glitches. Unplug your Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stabilize. At the same time, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well. Then try casting again. This clears memory on both devices and often restores a connection that had become stuck.

If casting still does not work, check whether the app you are trying to cast from supports Chromecast. Older apps or apps from smaller services may not have built-in casting support. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and most major streaming services do support it. Smaller apps sometimes do not.

How to check if your Chromecast is still receiving updates

Google pushes updates to Chromecast devices automatically, usually overnight when the device is idle and plugged in. You do not need to do anything to receive them. However, you can check the current software version and see when the last update occurred by opening the Google Home app on your phone, selecting your Chromecast device, tapping the settings icon (gear), and scrolling to "Device information."

If your device shows a software version from within the last few months, it is still receiving updates. If the version date is more than a year old, your device may not be connecting to the internet properly, or it may be too old for Google to continue updating. Very old Chromecast models (first generation, released in 2013) eventually stopped receiving updates, but devices from 2015 onward generally still do.

Alternatives if your Chromecast no longer works

If your Chromecast breaks and you want to replace it, your options depend on your television and budget. The Google TV Streamer is Google's current casting device, released in 2024. It costs more than the old Chromecast dongle did, but it includes a remote control and runs full apps rather than just casting. It supports 4K video and works with any television that has an HDMI port.

If your television was manufactured in the last few years, it may already have Google TV built in. Check your TV's settings menu or the manufacturer's website. Samsung, Sony, LG, and TCL all sell models with Google TV pre-installed, which means you do not need a separate device at all.

For Apple users, AirPlay is an alternative. If your TV supports AirPlay (many newer models do), you can cast from iPhones, iPads, and Macs without needing a Chromecast. For Windows users, Miracast is built into Windows 10 and later, and many newer televisions support it. Amazon Fire TV devices also support casting from Android phones and some other sources.

When Google might shut down Chromecast servers

Google has not announced a date when it will shut down the servers that handle Chromecast casting. The company typically keeps older hardware functional for many years after discontinuing it. For example, the original Chromecast from 2013 still works today, more than a decade later. However, Google does not may provide indefinite support.

If Google ever does shut down Chromecast servers, the company would likely announce it at least a year in advance, as it has done with other products. There is no indication that this is happening soon. The infrastructure is not expensive for Google to maintain, and millions of people still use Chromecast devices, so there is no business reason to turn it off.

That said, if you rely on a Chromecast device as your primary way to cast to your television, it is worth considering a backup plan. Buying a TV with Google TV built in, or keeping a Google TV Streamer on hand, ensures you will not be left without a casting option if your current device fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still cast to my Chromecast from Netflix and YouTube?

Yes. Netflix and YouTube both still support casting to Chromecast devices. Open the app, start playing a video, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines), and select your Chromecast from the list. The video will play on your television instead of your phone.

Does Chromecast work without a Google account?

You need a Google account to set up a Chromecast device initially, but once it is set up, you can cast to it from any phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. The person casting does not need to be logged into the same Google account as the person who set up the device.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually means your router is too far away, there is interference from other devices, or your Wi-Fi password changed. Move the Chromecast closer to the router, check that it is still connected to the correct network in the Google Home app, and re-enter your Wi-Fi password if needed. Restarting both the Chromecast and the router often fixes the problem.

Is Chromecast being replaced by Google TV?

Yes, Google TV is the replacement. Google TV is software that runs on televisions and streaming devices instead of a standalone dongle. If you buy a new Google TV device or a television with Google TV built in, you get the same casting capability as Chromecast, plus the ability to run apps directly on the device.

Will my old Chromecast stop working in 2025?

No. Google has not announced any shutdown date for Chromecast servers. Existing devices will continue to work as long as Google maintains the infrastructure, which the company has done for over a decade with the original Chromecast. If that changes, Google would announce it well in advance.