Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
After news of the end of the Chromecast lineup of devices hit back in August of 2024, we were left wondering about the future of Google’s popular streaming dongle when it comes to future updates. Android 14 was promised, but the January update came and went with no sign of the OS upgrade, and I’m sure many began to wonder if it was ever going to actually arrive.
Staying true to their word, Google is finally rolling out Android 14 for the Chromecast with Google TV. This update, originally anticipated in the late stages of 2024, is here and ready for public consumption. The build number is UTTC.241218.004, and it’s a hefty 809 MB download, which takes your device from Android 12 straight to Android 14.
According to 9to5 Google, the release notes highlight some key improvements. Notably, the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote now supports “Find My Remote” and “Customizable Button” features. This is great news for those who picked up the remote as a standalone addition, as they can now take full advantage of these features.
Beyond the remote enhancements, the update also brings a security patch update, moving from November 2024 to January 2025. As always, Google mentions “System Stability and Improvements,” which, while somewhat vague, hopefully translates to a smoother, more reliable experience. While it’s unclear if Android 14 will be the final major OS upgrade, Google is still clearly committed to providing ongoing support with smaller updates.
To get the Android 14 update on your Chromecast with Google TV, simply navigate to Settings > System > About > System update. The download and installation process is straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying the latest version of Android TV in no time.
SUBSCRIBE TO UPSTREAM
Get Chrome Unboxed delivered straight to your inbox
Upstream is our flagship, curated newsletter with the top stories, most click-worthy deals, giveaways, and trending articles from Chrome Unboxed sent directly to your inbox a few times a week. Join 31,000+ subscribers.
