Yes, Google Chromecast still works, but Google has stopped making new hardware and is shifting users to Google TV devices

If you own a Chromecast, it will continue to work as long as you keep it plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Google has not shut down the service or disabled existing devices. However, Google announced in 2023 that it would stop selling standalone Chromecast hardware and is moving its casting platform into Google TV devices instead. This means you cannot buy a new Chromecast, but the one you already own functions normally.

The shift happened because Google TV — which combines casting, live TV, and app streaming on one device — serves more use cases than Chromecast alone. If your Chromecast is working today, there is no important date to replace it. You can keep using it to cast from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV indefinitely, as long as Google maintains the backend service.

Key Takeaways

  • Existing Chromecast devices continue to work normally and Google has not announced plans to disable them.
  • Google stopped manufacturing new Chromecast hardware in 2023 and now sells Google TV devices instead.
  • Chromecast works only as a receiver — you must cast from another device, whereas Google TV devices have their own apps and remote.
  • If your Chromecast stops working, you cannot buy an identical replacement, but Google TV devices offer the same casting feature plus more functionality.

What changed when Google stopped making Chromecast

Google's decision to discontinue Chromecast was not a sudden shutdown. The company phased out the product line gradually, with the last models selling through retailers until stock ran out. If you bought a Chromecast before mid-2023, you own a device that will remain functional.

The reason for the change was straightforward: Chromecast was a casting-only device, meaning it had no apps, no remote, and no way to browse content on its own. You had to pull out your phone or computer every time you wanted to watch something. Google TV devices do everything Chromecast does — they receive casts from your phone — but they also have built-in apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, plus a remote control. For most people, that is more useful.

How to know if your Chromecast will keep working

Your Chromecast will work as long as three things remain true: Google maintains the casting service, your device stays connected to power and Wi-Fi, and you keep your phone or tablet updated with the Google Home app. None of these are at when ready risk. Google has made no announcement about ending Chromecast support, and the company has strong incentive to keep the service running because millions of devices depend on it.

The real risk is hardware failure. Chromecast devices are small and inexpensive, and like all electronics, they can fail after several years of use. If yours stops turning on or connecting to Wi-Fi, that is a hardware problem, not a service shutdown. At that point, you would need to buy a replacement — which would be a Google TV device, not a Chromecast.

What to do if your Chromecast stops working

If your Chromecast is not casting, start by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then check that your phone and the Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network — they must be connected to the same router. Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, and look at the status. If it says "Connected," the device is working. If it says "Offline," the Chromecast cannot reach your Wi-Fi.

If the device stays offline after a restart, try forgetting the network in your Chromecast settings and reconnecting to Wi-Fi from scratch. If that does not work, the device may have a hardware fault. At that point, buying a Google TV device is your best option because Chromecast hardware is no longer sold anywhere.

Chromecast versus Google TV: which should you buy now

If your Chromecast works, keep it. There is no reason to replace a functioning device. But if you are shopping for a new streaming device, Google TV is the only option Google makes. Google TV devices cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model, and they do everything Chromecast does plus much more.

The main difference is that Google TV devices have their own apps and remote, so you can browse Netflix or YouTube without picking up your phone. Chromecast had none of that — it was purely a receiver. If you liked Chromecast's simplicity and do not want a device with built-in apps, you could look at other casting-only devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite or Roku Streaming Stick, but those are becoming rarer as the industry moves toward all-in-one devices.

Will Google shut down Chromecast in the future

Google has not announced any date when it will disable Chromecast devices or end the casting service. The company has a history of supporting older hardware for many years — Chromecast devices from 2013 still work today. However, nothing lasts forever. If Google ever decides to shut down the service, the company would likely give users months of notice before the shutdown date.

The safer assumption is that your Chromecast will work for several more years, but you should not count on it lasting forever. If you rely on casting as your primary way to watch TV, buying a Google TV device now gives you a backup option and access to built-in apps. If you have a working Chromecast and a smart TV with built-in apps, you are in a good position either way.

How to cast if your Chromecast is working

Casting from your phone or computer to a working Chromecast is the same process it has always been. On Android, open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Chrome — and tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner). Select your Chromecast from the list. The content will start playing on your TV, and you can control it from your phone.

On a computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast. You can cast a tab, a window, or your entire desktop. On iPhone or iPad, some apps like YouTube and Netflix have a cast button built in. If an app does not have a cast button, you cannot cast from it to Chromecast — that is a limitation of the app, not the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a Google Chromecast?

No. Google stopped manufacturing Chromecast in 2023, and it is no longer sold through official channels. You might find used or refurbished units on third-party marketplaces, but there is no may provide they will work or be supported. Google TV devices are the current replacement.

Do I need to replace my Chromecast right now?

No. If your Chromecast is working, there is no reason to replace it. Google has not announced any shutdown date, and existing devices continue to function normally. Replace it only when it stops working or when you want the extra features that Google TV offers.

Will my old Chromecast work with the new Google Home app?

Yes. The Google Home app continues to support older Chromecast devices. As long as you keep the app updated on your phone, your Chromecast should remain castable. If you stop updating the app, casting may eventually stop working.

What happens if Google shuts down the Chromecast service?

If that happens, your Chromecast would no longer receive casts from your phone. Google would likely announce this months in advance. There is no indication this will happen soon, but if you are concerned, a Google TV device gives you a backup option with built-in apps that do not depend on casting.

Can I use Chromecast with a non-Google TV?

Yes. Chromecast works with any TV that has an HDMI port. You plug the Chromecast into the HDMI input, connect it to power and Wi-Fi, and cast to it from your phone. The TV itself does not need to be a Google TV or a smart TV — it just needs an available HDMI slot.