Is Chromecast Still Available? What Replaced It

Google Chromecast is still available as a streaming feature, but the familiar Chromecast dongle line has been discontinued. Google replaced its newest standalone streaming device with Google TV Streamer, while built-in Google Cast remains available on many televisions, speakers and other devices.

What happened to the Chromecast devices?

For years, Chromecast referred to small HDMI devices that plugged into a television and let a phone, tablet or computer send video and audio to it. Some models were controlled mainly by casting from another device; later models, including Chromecast with Google TV, added an on-screen interface, remote control and apps.

In August 2024, Google announced Google TV Streamer as the successor to Chromecast with Google TV. Google said it would stop making Chromecast devices, although existing stock could continue to be sold by retailers. That distinction matters: the product line is discontinued, but an older Chromecast may still work, and the casting technology did not disappear.

Availability of remaining Chromecast hardware depends on the country, retailer and model. A listing may be old stock or a used device rather than a newly manufactured product. Check the exact model, condition, included remote and return policy before buying.

What replaced Chromecast?

Google TV Streamer is Google’s current standalone streaming box. It connects to a television over HDMI and provides an on-screen Google TV interface, a remote and access to supported streaming apps. It also supports Google Cast, so a compatible phone or computer can send content to it in much the same way as to a Chromecast.

The key difference is the form factor and emphasis: Chromecast devices were compact dongles that sat behind the TV, while Google TV Streamer is a set-top device intended to sit near it. It is not simply a renamed Chromecast dongle. If you want Google’s current hardware, look for Google TV Streamer; if you want a small, inexpensive used Chromecast, confirm that the particular model meets your needs and is in working condition.

Google TV Streamer is not the only way to cast. A television or streaming device may already have Google Cast built in, making a separate receiver unnecessary. Other streaming platforms and devices can also provide apps and remote-controlled TV interfaces, though their features and casting compatibility differ.

How Chromecast and Google Cast work

“Chromecast” is often used to mean either the discontinued hardware or the act of casting. Google Cast is the underlying technology: a compatible app or browser can direct supported audio or video to a receiver, such as a Chromecast, Google TV Streamer or Cast-enabled television. The receiving device generally fetches or plays the content itself, rather than the phone acting as a simple cable.

To cast, the sender and receiver usually need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open a compatible app, tap its Cast icon, select the television or device, and start playback. The phone can often be used for playback controls while the content continues on the TV. Not every app, video or device supports casting, and the exact controls depend on the app.

Screen mirroring is related but different. It duplicates what is on a phone or computer display, which can be useful for photos or presentations, but may show notifications and can be less suitable for video. Casting from an app is generally the better choice when that app provides a Cast option.

Choosing between an old Chromecast and a new device

Before purchasing any streaming device, check the television’s available HDMI input, internet connection and the services you want to use. Also consider whether you want to control everything with a remote or prefer starting playback from a phone.

• Already own a Chromecast? Keep using it if it connects reliably and supports the apps and streaming quality you need. Discontinuation does not automatically make a working device stop functioning.
• Want Google’s current standalone option? Compare Google TV Streamer with your requirements for interface, remote, ports and placement.
• Have a smart TV? Check its specifications or settings for Google Cast support before buying an extra receiver. Having Google TV or access to streaming apps does not, by itself, guarantee Cast support.
• Considering used hardware? Verify the model and condition, and make sure you can complete setup with your home Wi-Fi and a compatible phone or computer. Older devices may have different feature and software support from newer ones.

When a listing says “Chromecast,” look closely at what is included. The original dongle-style devices and Chromecast with Google TV differ substantially: the latter has its own interface and remote, while earlier models rely more heavily on a phone or computer to choose content.

Common casting problems

If a device does not appear in a casting app, first confirm that the sender and receiver are on the same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks, network isolation settings or separate Wi-Fi bands configured to prevent devices from seeing one another can interfere. A phone using mobile data while the TV is on Wi-Fi may also fail to discover the receiver.

Try these basic checks before resetting anything:

1. Confirm the TV or receiver is powered on, connected to the network and set to the correct HDMI input if it uses an external device.
2. Close and reopen the casting app, then check for app, device and router updates.
3. Restart the phone, receiver and router if discovery or playback remains unreliable.
4. Test another compatible app. If only one app fails, the issue may be specific to that app or its content rather than the Chromecast.

A factory reset is a later option, not the first one: it erases the receiver’s setup and requires configuring it again. Follow the instructions for the exact model. Also distinguish a casting problem from an app availability issue; an older device may not offer the same interface or app support as a newer streaming player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a Chromecast?
Possibly. Google discontinued making Chromecast devices, but retailers may still have remaining stock and used units may be available. Check the model, condition and seller carefully.

Will my existing Chromecast still work?
It can continue to work if the device, network and apps remain compatible. Discontinuation alone does not switch off an existing Chromecast, although support and app compatibility can vary by model over time.

What is the replacement for Chromecast?
Google TV Streamer is the successor to Chromecast with Google TV and supports Google Cast. It is a set-top device rather than the old compact HDMI dongle.

Can I cast without a Chromecast?
Yes, if your television or another connected device has Google Cast built in. You can also use other streaming devices, but casting methods and supported apps differ.

Is Google Cast the same as screen mirroring?
No. Casting from a compatible app sends supported playback to a receiver, while screen mirroring duplicates the sender’s display. The options available depend on the device and app.

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