Yes, Chromecast still works, but Google has stopped making new hardware and shifted to a different product line
If you own a Chromecast device, it will continue to cast video, music, and photos from your phone or computer to your TV. Google has not shut down the service or blocked existing devices. However, Google discontinued the standalone Chromecast product in 2022 and replaced it with Google TV, which is built into newer televisions and streaming devices instead of being a separate dongle you plug into an HDMI port.
The older Chromecast models — including the third-generation Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio — still receive software updates through the Google Home app. As long as your device is connected to power and WiFi, casting will work the same way it did when you first set it up. The main difference is that Google is no longer selling new Chromecast hardware, so if your device breaks or you want to buy one, you will need to look at used inventory or switch to a Google TV device.
Key Takeaways
- Existing Chromecast devices continue to work and receive updates through the Google Home app, with no shutdown date announced.
- Google stopped manufacturing standalone Chromecast hardware in 2022 and now builds the casting feature into Google TV devices instead.
- If your Chromecast breaks, you cannot buy a new one from Google directly; you can purchase used units or switch to a Google TV–enabled TV or streaming device.
- Casting from Android phones, iPhones, tablets, and computers still works with older Chromecast models without any changes to how you use them.
What changed when Google discontinued Chromecast
In September 2022, Google announced it would stop selling the Chromecast as a standalone product. The company had already begun integrating the casting technology directly into televisions and other devices through Google TV, which combines the casting receiver with a full operating system and app store. This meant you no longer needed a separate dongle — the TV itself could receive casts.
For people who already owned a Chromecast, nothing changed when ready. Your device kept working. Google continued to push security and feature updates through the Google Home app. The discontinuation only affected new purchases: once inventory ran out at retailers, the product was no longer available from Google's official channels.
Google's reasoning was practical. Putting the casting receiver directly into the TV eliminated the need for an extra device, an extra power cable, and an extra HDMI port. It also meant one less thing to set up. For new TV buyers, this was simpler. For existing Chromecast owners, it meant their hardware would eventually age out without a direct replacement path.
How long will your existing Chromecast continue to work
Google has not announced an end-of-life date for Chromecast devices. The company typically supports hardware for several years after discontinuation, and Chromecast is no exception. As of now, devices from 2015 onward still receive updates and work reliably.
The real risk is hardware failure. Chromecast devices are small and durable, but they do fail occasionally — power supply issues, WiFi chip problems, or physical damage. If your device stops working, you cannot buy a replacement directly from Google. You would need to purchase a used unit from a reseller, or you could replace it with a Google TV device, a Roku, an Amazon Fire TV, or another streaming device that supports casting.
Software support is the other consideration. As Android and casting standards evolve, older Chromecast models may eventually fall behind. However, the core casting function is straightforward enough that it is unlikely to break anytime soon. A Chromecast from 2018 should work in 2025 and likely beyond, assuming the hardware itself does not fail.
What you can still do with an older Chromecast
Your existing Chromecast can still cast from most apps and services. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Google Photos, Chrome browser tabs, and dozens of other apps support casting. You can cast from an Android phone, an iPhone, a tablet, or a computer running Windows or macOS. The experience is the same as it was when you first set up the device.
One limitation: some newer apps and services may drop support for older Chromecast models if they require features only available in Google TV. This is rare, but it can happen. For example, if an app requires a specific video codec or resolution that an older Chromecast cannot handle, it might not cast properly. In practice, this affects very few users.
You can also use Chromecast to mirror your entire phone or computer screen, not just cast individual apps. This is useful for presentations, gaming, or sharing photos. Screen mirroring works on Android phones natively and on iPhones through AirPlay if your TV or device supports it (though older Chromecast models do not support AirPlay).
When to replace your Chromecast with something else
If your Chromecast breaks and you want a direct replacement, you have three main options: buy a used Chromecast from eBay or Facebook Marketplace, purchase a TV or device with Google TV built in, or switch to a different streaming platform like Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
A used third-generation Chromecast typically costs between $25 and $50, depending on condition and seller. This is a reasonable option if you want to stick with what you know and do not need new features. However, used devices carry the risk that the hardware may fail soon after purchase, and you have no warranty.
A Google TV device — such as a Google TV Streamer or a television with Google TV built in — costs more upfront but gives you a full streaming platform with an app store, live TV guides, and voice search. It also guarantees you will receive updates for several more years. If you are buying a new TV anyway, choosing one with Google TV built in is the simplest path forward.
Casting from phones and computers still works the same way
The casting process has not changed. On Android, you swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast from the list. On iPhone, you open an app that supports AirPlay or casting, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your device. On a computer, you open Chrome, click the menu, select "Cast", and choose your Chromecast.
Your WiFi network must be the same for your phone and Chromecast to see each other. If they are on different networks — for example, if your phone is on a guest network — casting will not work. Make sure both devices are on the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band (most modern routers broadcast both).
If casting stops working, the first step is to restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If that does not fix it, restart your phone or computer and your WiFi router. Most casting problems are solved by a straightforward restart.
What Google TV offers that older Chromecast does not
Google TV is a full operating system with an app store, not just a casting receiver. This means you can install apps directly on the device without casting from your phone. You can browse Netflix, YouTube, or other services on the TV itself, without needing to cast. You also get a unified search that looks across all your apps and services at once.
Google TV devices also support voice commands through the Google Assistant. You can say "Hey Google, play The Office on Netflix" and it will start playing without you touching the remote. Older Chromecast devices do not have this feature — they can only receive casts, not run apps or respond to voice commands.
For most people, these features are nice but not essential. If you are happy casting from your phone, an older Chromecast works fine. If you want a more traditional streaming experience with apps and voice control, Google TV is the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Google shut down Chromecast servers and stop the service from working?
Google has not announced any plan to shut down Chromecast. The company typically keeps services running for many years after discontinuing hardware. However, nothing is may provide forever. If Google were to shut down the service, it would likely give users months or years of notice.
Can I still buy a new Chromecast from Google?
No. Google stopped selling Chromecast directly in 2022. You can find used units on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other resellers, but there is no official new stock. Google now sells Google TV devices instead, which have casting built in.
Does Chromecast work with iPhones?
Yes, but with a limitation. iPhones can cast to Chromecast through apps that support casting, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. However, iPhones cannot mirror their entire screen to a Chromecast — that feature only works with Android phones. iPhones can use AirPlay to mirror to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible devices, but not to Chromecast.
What happens if my Chromecast stops working?
If it stops working, try restarting it by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If that does not help, you can buy a used Chromecast, switch to a Google TV device, or use a different streaming platform like Roku or Fire TV. Google does not repair or replace discontinued hardware.
Is Google TV the same as Chromecast?
No. Chromecast is a casting receiver — it receives video and audio from your phone or computer. Google TV is a full operating system that runs apps and can also receive casts. Google TV includes Chromecast technology, but it is much more than that. Think of Chromecast as a feature inside Google TV, not the other way around.