Issues with the Android 14 Update on Chromecast with Google TV

Introduction:

At first, people were thrilled by the launch of Android 14 for Chromecast with Google TV. Users expected better general stability as well as new capabilities and increased performance. After the update, however, many users discovered several issues affecting performance, functionality, and usability. The Android 14 update has brought several issues—from HDR artifacts to external storage problems—that Google has still not completely resolved. The principal problems users are encountering, their likely causes, and possible solutions will be explored in this post.

Background on Chromecast using Google TV and Android 14

A next generation of the standard Chromecast dongle, Chromecast with Google TV was introduced in 2020 with a specialized user interface, Google Assistant connectivity, and remote control support. Since then much appreciated, the device offers an economic and simple streaming service.

Google said in 2024, however, that it was phasing out the Chromecast with Google TV line to concentrate on later Google TVbased streaming devices. Still, the organization assured ongoing software support, the Android 14 upgrade being one element of that pledge.

Bringing small enhancements including bug fixes, security patches, and the long expected "Find My Remote" feature, Google first launched Android 14 for early 2024 Google TV powered by Chromecast (4K and HD models). Still, some important aspects of Android TV 14, including the new Thread network stack, were excluded because of hardware constraints.

Major concerns with Android 14 on Chromecast a Google TV

1. Issues with video playback and HDR features

Among the most general criticisms after the Android 14 update is the High Dynamic Range playback. The following issues have been noted by users:

• People see flickering, washed-out colors, or odd visual anomalies including white lines or spots when they watch HDR material.

• With crackling, popping, or delayed audio, in some cases HDR content also presents sound issues presented by crackling or distorted audio.

• Frame rate and refresh rate mismatches: The update has caused certain apps and videos to suffer from imprecise refresh rate switching, which results in stuttering and sluggish playback.

2. External Storage No More Valid

The Android 14 update has brought major issues for individuals who raised their Chromecast storage with external USB drives or hubs:

• Unrecognized drives: Many users said their outside storage is no longer found following the update.

• Users who had previously loaded applications on external storage found that they would no longer run, so they needed to reinstall everything—failing app installations.

• Factory reset needed: Some individuals had to carry out a total factory reset just to restore even basic storage capabilities.

3. performance and stability difficulties

Users who upgraded their Chromecast with Google TV to Android 14 have also suffered performance issues.

• Slow UI: The interface lags noticeably when switching applications and navigating menus.

• Frequent crashes: Some users experience app crashes, especially when launching media intensive applications like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube.

• Greater overheating: The lowered software runs hotter than normal, likely causing increased CPU demand from a Chromecast device.

4. Dysfunctional HDMICEC

Chromecast can control television power and volume features thanks to HDMICEC (Consumer Electronics Control). But many users have complained after the Android 14 upgrade:

• Some TVs now do not react to the turning off of the Chromecast. Turn on, TVs would not work correctly.

• Volume control lags: with the Chromecast remote, users find themselves offline or completely unresponsive.

• Interference with other devices: The update has caused Chromecast to disrupt HDMICEC functionality on other connected devices, such as game consoles or soundbars.

5. Wi-Fi and Connectivity Issues

Furthermore, big source of irritation after updates are connectivity problems:

• Disconnects from Wi-Fi: The Chromecast often disconnects from WiFi and needs manual reconnecting.

• Slow recognition: Users claim slower than normal streaming speeds and problems with buffering even when they are connected ran.

• Even if they worked well before the update, some users find it difficult to pair Bluetooth accessories like headphones or control—even if they worked fine before the update.

Possible Causes of These Issues

The Android 14 update might cause several issues:

• Poor optimization: the update might have not been completely optimized for the restricted hardware of Chromecast; therefore, performance suffer.

• Changes to the Android TV system could have compromised support for different kind of hardware like Wi-Fi modules, HDMI CEC, HDR processing.

• Google might have changed how the software handles external storage, resulting in USB drives not being used.

• Unfixed issues: Bugs are going to happen, as with any significant software update. Google has been slow to admit these particular problems or provide solutions.

Possible workarounds and solutions

Users have experimented several workarounds until Google offers official patches:

Adjusting video and HDR files

• Some people say that lowering the refresh rate solves HDR playback in turning from 4K/60Hz to 4K/30Hz or 1080p for display settings.

• Disable auto HDR switching: Turning off auto HDR switching in the system settings may lower flickering and color problem in some cases.

• Restart the Chromecast: a quick restart may help relieve playback problems temporarily.

Fixing issues with external storage drives

• Experiment with a different file system: certain users achieved results by using FAT32 format on their external drives rather than Ex FAT or NTFS.

• Using a powered USB hub will help to restore performance if the problem stems from power.

• If external storage is seen but apps are not starting, reinstalling them straight on Chromecast's internal storage could assist.

Fixing Stability and Performance Problems

• Clear cache: Erasing the cache for applications that crash may help to steady them.

• Disable unused services; turning off Google Assistant, background processes, or unused features would lower CPU load.

• Factory reset: Resetting the Chromecast to factory settings may occasionally solve major performance issues when all other alternatives have been tried.

Fixing HDMICEC Problems

• Toggle HDMICEC off and on: Restart the Chromecast, deactivate HDMICEC in the TV settings, and then turn it back on to perhaps restore functionality.

• Switching the Chromecast to another HDMI port on the TV has worked for some users.

Fixing Connectivity and Wi-Fi Issues

• Restarting router and Chromecast is a quick fix for occasional connectivity issues.

• Forget and perfectly connect to Wi-Fi: Manually forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting might help to solve longstanding issues.

• Check for interference: Nearby devices like Bluetooth speakers or microwave ovens might be causing interference.

Google's Response or (Lack Thereof)

Google has so far not been very vocal on these topics. Though some little audit fixes have been released since the Android 14 upgrade, they have not completely solved the significant issues impacting customers. Though official answers are sparse, many Chromecast users have used Google's support pages, Reddit, and online forums to vent their anger.

Some consumers worry that Google might not issue many more updates given that it has dropped Chromecast with Google TV as a product line, therefore leaving them permanently with these problems.

Finally

For some customers, the Android 14 upgrade for Chromecast with Google TV has created more of a headache than assistance. Though the update was meant to make things better, it has rather brought missing features, performance issues, and a plethora of problems. Users will have to depend on workarounds or explore other streaming gadgets until Google publishes a more stable update.

Make sure to look for software updates and follow local forum discussions for possible solutions if you are having problems. Meanwhile, let us hope that Google will rise to offer the essential updates to bring back Chromecast with Google TV to its previous dependability.