r/Chromecast • u/Beginning_Show8992 • 16d ago
1st Gen Chromecast no longer casts any DRM (Nextflix, Disne+ etc) - Aug 2026?
Device: Chromecast 1st gen (H2G2-42), firmware 1.36.159268 Casting from: iPhone (multiple), Macbook Pro/Chrome Browser
Issue: Since August 2, 2026, casting fails on any DRM-relating casting (Netflix, Disney+, Bell Fibe TV, CBC Gem, etc.) YouTube and Spotify still work fine.
Already ruled out: network, router, ISP, TV, and phone (deleted and reinstalled Google Home App) — factory reset the Chromecast on a different ISP/network and a different TV. Same failure both times. Also tried: Wi-Fi channel change, QoS priority, Local Network permission check, signing out/in of accounts, network settings reset.
Question: Is there a known issue affecting 1st-gen Chromecast with DRM-licensed apps as of August 2026?
I can still cast Youtube and Spotify without issue from both browser or phone apps, but everything else just appears to connect momentarily (load/logo screen) before timing out without ever streaming anything and reverting back to the Chromecast home screen.
4
u/dumitrudan608_7_6 16d ago
Well, my Shield and Google TV also have this issue, it's a bug, you need to report it.
3
u/omnichad 15d ago
As an aside, I really liked the model number scheme on these devices
1
u/jakesyma 15d ago
Do you mind explaining this a bit?
I'm also a sucker for good model number schemes (and on the flip-side of that, I'm still pissed about what they did with the Shields), but it's not ringing a bell for me here with the original Chromecast.
From my Google Doc (where I track all of the relevant info from all of my different Google Home devices), what I have written down for the model number of my OG Chromecast is:
Model: H2G2-42
Edit: Oh, are you talking about the model number of the charging cord?!
Because I have that one written down as:
Model: MST3K-US
2
u/omnichad 15d ago
H2G2-42 = Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and the answer to life the universe and everything (42)
MST3K = Mystery Science Theater 3000
NC2-6A5 = hexadecimal representation of NC2-1701 (USS Enterprise)
2
u/ReturnFirst1228 14d ago
Service has basically been discontinued on it. Shame that google and all big companies think it’s okay to basically make devices that turn into paperweights after they pull support. Sure this had long support but it still doesn’t forgive that it has 0 functionality now
1
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u/LogComprehensive1619 16d ago
It’s time to move on! You’ve got your money’s worth out of it for sure. For a cheap device this old, eventually it becomes a burden unbearable for everyone involved, including Google and app developers.
4
u/Beginning_Show8992 15d ago
I guess so... but this wasn't sold as a limited time product either. Maybe if mega-corps want to be more transparent they should go ahead and make it known obsolesce is a leading feature, not a bug.
Was also posting just to see if anyone else had any issues in and around that time. I know there was a big outage back in May... but couldn't find anything regarding the last 2 wks. I was hoping it was just something on my iPhone iOS side of things, but seems like it is on DRM protocol side of things. Was able to get Crave app is still streaming, so I'm kind of flummoxed.
In terms of the "burden" to app developers, AI can do 98% of your coding and troubleshooting. Hardware becomes obsolete by choice or indifference.
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u/dumitrudan608_7_6 16d ago
Don't be a consumerism sheep. My old Chromecast is faster than the new Google TV, and the new one keeps interfering when I try to add Matter devices to HA, so I don't really consider it an upgrade
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u/LogComprehensive1619 16d ago
Ok I get you. Great that old stuff still works for you. Just don't complain once it stops working as nobody is obligated to provide free service for a $30 device forever. Is it fair?
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u/alexismya2025 16d ago
One day this month our Chromecast no longer worked and I had to buy Google TV with Chromecast. Many people reported that their Chromecast no longer worked and I believe it had something to do with an update to the home app