yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
The likelihood of a 3A unit shipped with the original vulnerable bootloader (build 12072) is probably less than winning the lottery.

"Regular" Chromecast does quite a bit, especially with the latest batch of apps. If you really need root, try to find a rootable unit and give your "regular" Chromecast to a friend or family member.
[Google Chromecast] kakarotto.ss1:
thanks for the fast reply. meaning that it is useless for me to root my CC? if i try or force it to be rooted, what are the risks? can i un-bricked it like other devices?
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
A CC with a 3A serial number can't be rooted at the present time. If you want or need the root, you need to find a new/unused CC with a serial number of at least 3922 or lower. Somewhere in the 3922 range the bootloader was updated by Google.
[Google Chromecast] kakarotto.ss1:
i see. thanks for the details. sorry for asking, is it possible to root 3A serial number in the future?
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
Maybe, nobody knows for sure.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
What wptski said, plus Chromecast is not like a phone or tablet. The bootloader is locked and because it can't be connected to a computer via USB like a phone/tablet, the only known means to flash it right now is the bootloader itself. So it's a bit of a chicken and egg scenario.

The first-release bootloader allowed executing unsigned code, which is the exploit FlashCast uses to modify the system.

The bootloader was updated with a later update, and eventually Chromecasts started shipping from the factory with the non-vulnerable bootloader.

So vulnerable bootloader is required to flash and root. At least until a new root method is found and released.

So the serial number helps determine whether the Chromecast might have shipped from the factory with a vulnerable bootloader.

But even if it shipped from the factory with the vulnerable bootloader, if it received a Google OTA update, then the bootloader was updated with the OTA update and is no longer vulnerable and hence no longer rootable.
[Google Chromecast] kakarotto.ss1:
i see the complication. this flashing method is a new thing to me. since i had updated my CC, then it is no longer rootable. or i can wait for the new method to root non-vulnerable bootloader. thanks for clearing my mind up. maybe i'll seek a new one if i have to. TQ.
[Google Chromecast] extrem0:
Actually, your cc couldn't be rooted even if you hadn't update it. Its serial number most likely tells that it comes already with a non vulnerable bootloader (updated).
[Google Chromecast] HearthC0re:
FlashCast did run, i.e. the screen showed up but red light.

everything else was according to instructions.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
If you see the FlashCast screen, then there is still hope for root!

Plug the USB stick into your computer and check the flashcast log files.

The most likely problem is that it'll say something about no image found

Get Properties on your eureka_image.zip and check the Details tab to make certain the actual name is exactly eureka_image.zip and not eureka_image.zip.zip

I'm gonna go edit the OP now, because this is a very common problem for Windows users, and I really despise the fact that the Windows default is to hide file extensions. Knowledge is power! Hidden stuff is for malware!! :cowboy:
[Google Chromecast] HearthC0re:
My windows PC can't even format the Stick anymore, neither can it open it.

And I don't need to make sure, I disabled hiding file extensions a LOOONG time ago..

Hope or not. My dearest mother was so nice and plugged it in their tv to test it out and let it update.

Guess One's down for the count, gotta get another as soon as they're available in germany.. (can't check serial numbers online - most of the time).....
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
Not being able to reformat the USB stick sounds like it wasn't set up by the BIN file but you saw Flashcast on the screen. You'll have to use DISKPART to repair the stick now. A video was made about this subject, not sure if there is a link to the thread in the FAQ but there are other on YouTube. Repair the stick and try it again.

Link to how to repair the USB stick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRsUuiuWQMM
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Bummer. If the stick wasn't mountable after moving it to the computer, then FlashCast didn't finish its setup (the first boot of a fresh FlashCast stick, it creates a FAT32 partition so you can mount it on computer and add your mods/ROMs), possibly because for whatever reason it didn't like the stick.

You should be able to revive the stick for general use by using DISKPART to clear it - or do a low-level format using my favorite utility, ChkFlsh (be sure to right-click and Run as Administrator)
[Google Chromecast] 85gallon:
Got the stuff in today and rooted the CC. Hooked up the de-embedder and it works great. Paid $34.95 for it.

Although it took me forever to get my remote control working right AFTER I had to relearn how to reassign the inputs on my Sony receiver. :( The remote is a Harmony 900 and the software took a crap and I couldn't get the volume working. When I finally got the volume working for the CC for some reason it quit working for the other activities like watching my Dish DVR or my Popcorn Hour. And in trying to fix it, my remote did not want to reprogram. So I spent a couple hours researching what was wrong with the Harmony software and totally reprogramming my remote. This has been a Jam up remote and the issue had nothing to do with setting up the CC.

Anyway, thanks for the help.

Here is the de-embedder I bought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281096191368?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Very nice. HDCP pass-through and EDID are important, glad to see the de-embedder you got has those features. I don't forsee any problems.

Your Harmony remote, well, that one's beyond my expertise. :eek:
[Google Chromecast] 85gallon:
The remote is werkin now. It was just a PITA that I didn't need in the middle of the other stuff.
[Google Chromecast] G-Caryo:
I got today my second chromecast from amazon and both are rootable :laugh:

But when I get a chromecast which serial isn't in the roorable Serial Numbers list, what will happen when I try to root it and the chromecast isn't rootable? I will brick it, or?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
There's no harm in trying. If it's not rootable then FlashCast simply will not run.

Remember that you MUST flash a custom firmware to preserve root, or you will lose root ability once Chromecast applies an OTA update (shortly after it gets Internet access).
[Google Chromecast] G-Caryo:
I know, I updated my first one. Shame on me :crying:

But then I orderd a second one and that is also rootable :D
[Google Chromecast] extrem0:
From where amazon shipped these chromecasts?
[Google Chromecast] oppy:
Already on the list I know - rooted my 3902 s/n no problem. I had purchased through Amazon a while back and left it sitting in the box for a couple months.
[Google Chromecast] ClearD:
Just got my powered otg cable! Gonna get started as soon as I get to work!

Sent using XDA-funded carrier pigeons
[Google Chromecast] eddi003:
Unfortunately I did not get a rootable CC. I got a 3902 :(

Gesendet von meinem Galaxy Nexus mit Tapatalk
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
A 3902 should be good although there has been a few that should that weren't! Just guessing that were maybe reissued by Google and updated in the process.
[Google Chromecast] eddi003:
Thank you! I still waiting for my otg cable and try it once.

Gesendet von meinem Galaxy Nexus mit Tapatalk
[Google Chromecast] G-Caryo:
Tamworth, United Kingdom

I live in Italy and I have also ordered those from amazon.it and both are frome the same warehouse.
[Google Chromecast] wilspeak:
Mod edit: do not quote the entire first post.

Hello I bought this chromecast >>>ssn# 3A22..... IS NOT ROOTABLE, I would like to ask if the unrootable chromecast will ever be able to be rooted ?
[Google Chromecast] G-Caryo:
If someone find a new exploit then yea
[Google Chromecast] ClearD:
I am absolutely livid. I spent a while digging through that best buy stock to find one that's rootable, and my 3917 is not. It was never connected to the internet, period. Disconnected internet from a linksys router and connected my phone to the router and set up the chromecast sans-internet to check the build number after it failed to flash, and the firmware shipped (sealed in box) was 12940. Of course, I tried to flash it straight out of the box without ever connecting it to anything at all on the HDMI side. Full serial is: 3917101Z2NY8. Add that as an exception or something. I've gotta go look for another. :crying: However, when I do, I still plan on looking for several. But apparently, there are no guarantees.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Sorry to hear that. Yes, the serial number is the best we have, but it's still a guideline. It could have fallen off the supply chain at some point and started over from the beginning (hence getting a newer firmware), or it might've been returned, recertified, reflashed and reshipped. No way to know for sure without an insider telling us.

I'll add your to the list of exceptions. It's small, but not small enough to be discounted.
[Google Chromecast] derausgewanderte:
went to local BB and found ~40 of them, but all were 3B... and 3A...s. Only because I came here first I was able to see that it is a B and not an 8.

thanks for the list. will keep looking in other stores....

cheers
[Google Chromecast] silverramsrt:
I probably know the answer, but I'll ask anyway. Has anyone tried to root subsequent firmware releases to see if Google slipped in an exploitable boot loader? I know people with rooted CC don't want to risk losing root, so they won't check. I plan on buying a CC soon. Too bad I can't find any that are rootable. And I'm not paying $70-$150 for one on flea bay...
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
While I haven't asked for or logged many of the other builds, all the serials listed "not rootable" were tried with FlashCast.

I would guess that if there was a bootloader with the same vulnerability it would've been caught, and not being able to run unsigned code on the updated bootloader(s) makes subsequent bootloaders pretty difficult to scan for vulnerabilities.
[Google Chromecast] silverramsrt:
This answered my question. Thanks.
[Google Chromecast] abernav:
kind of lost here

Hey guys I got a chrome cast for christmas and have a question if it is rootable or not the first 7 digits of the serial number are 3C01101 ( then its just letters after that)

I'm still a noob so so I cannot upload a picture

Thanks in advance if you can help :o
[Google Chromecast] dcharleyultra:
Probably not. So far the S/N has been 3922xx and lower (as mentioned in the OP.)
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Highly doubt it's rootable, but you can have the distinction of being the first one with a 3C to try. If you do, please let us know how it goes.

Quick test: Unplug Chromecast power. While holding down the button, plug in power. Continue to hold the button down. Check what you see on the TV screen. If you see a tiny row of colored dots slightly right to the middle of the screen, then there might be chance of root.
[Google Chromecast] newk9:
Another 3906 that's not rootable =(

3906101ZWWMC wouldn't flash. Bought in a store three weeks ago.
[Google Chromecast] eddi003:
I have tested it. the result is negative. :(

Gesendet von meinem GNEX CM11 using Tapatalk
[Google Chromecast] rexxxxx:
hi guys, just got my new chromecast from the US and the serial is beginging with 3A281 what can I do with it ?

I am new to Chromecast, but I want to get as much as I can from it.

I have read that if I set it up for the first time some things change permanenty so I want to ask you.

I see the serial is not rootable so what to do from now on - do I setup it and just use it or ..... ?

thanks in advance
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
That's odd as there is another 3902 in the list that was able to be rooted. Ah! I see now there is also one in not rootable list also!
[Google Chromecast] abuttino:
I just rooted a 3920 earlier this week
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
What firmware build does it have?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Do you know what firmware build it came with?
[Google Chromecast] newk9:
14975, but it has been on wifi for a few hours after the root attempt. I have not been notified of any update though. Not sure if that is done without letting me know.

Skickat från min GT-I9300 via Tapatalk
[Google Chromecast] jb.traveller:
I just got my CC today and the build No is 3B271, I could cry, no flash for me. I live in the UK and it was an american one. As yet I haven't plugged it. Is it worth a try to flash it, I don't want to fry it! :)
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
No way an original-batch 3906 would have 14975, so either it was already updated, or came from the factory with 14975, but I'm not sure any are coming from the factory with 14975 yet, so I think it was updated.

If you don't have Chromecast on constant wall power, it would update when next powered up and you might not notice if your TV is on another input.

FlashCast is safe to try. Either its code will run (you have root potential) or not (no root).
[Google Chromecast] jb.traveller:
Thanks for the reply bhiga for putting my mind at rest.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Please let us know how it goes. I had a pessimistic moment and added you to the No list, but since you haven't confirmed FlashCast denial yet... I shall edit my post again! :silly: (need a headslap smiley)
[Google Chromecast] jb.traveller:
Will do, just waiting for a cable of Eba*.
[Google Chromecast] skinote:
So I just got a CC with serial 3A10 (ordered new from Amazon) - I tried this out, but I see nothing on the sceren when I hold the button down - is rooting it a lost cause?
[Google Chromecast] ClearD:
I'd say yes, no 3A's have been rootable yet.
[Google Chromecast] Shoeby:
Just wanted to check in, Bought a new Chromecast from my local Best Buy a week ago. SN started with 3921 Rooted w/ no problems. They are still out there people! Hang in there.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Unless...

someone at the factory makes a huge mistake

Google "un-fixes" the bootloader vulnerability

you otherwise miraculously get the original 12072 bootloader on a newer Chromecast

a new root method is discovered

...no Chromecasts with serials higher than 3922 will be rootable by FlashCast. Sorry.
[Google Chromecast] newk9:
It looks like it's rooted after all! I just figured it wasn't since I didn't see any Team Eureka logo anywhere. And no other obvious signs. But when I rebooted it today the logo came up. Felt pretty good =)

My bad..
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Great to hear! Eureka-ROM is stealthy in its awesomeness. I'll add a note about checking whether the web panel is up to confirm root. :)
[Google Chromecast] zarun:
Not Rootable

Unfortunately 3A26 and 3A28 not rootable. Boot came with build 12940. :(:(:crying:
[Google Chromecast] sirdystic:
3817 confirmed for rootable.
[Google Chromecast] sehaas:
[MENTION=3050092]bhiga[/MENTION] we successfully rooted two devices with SN starting with 3909 and 3829
[Google Chromecast] abernav:
Thanks for your help! but sadly it didn't work :(

I tried this and no dots appeared on the screen and it didn't ship with rootable software :(

But thanks for your help!!
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
You're welcome. Thank you for trying and confirming.
[Google Chromecast] PetrichorXFi:
Is Rootable: 3921

Successful root on SN:3921
[Google Chromecast] ironstorm:
Successful rooting/flashcast/eureka on:

3725

3818

3825

3826

Thanks gents!

Should also mention that flash time for eureka_image.zip was 6:10 +/- 5 seconds on the last 2 devices I did.
[Google Chromecast] ClearD:
Went back to best buy and nothing of value was found.

Sent using XDA-funded carrier pigeons
[Google Chromecast] cheath94:
I can confirm that with flashcast and eureka, 3906, 3907, and 3822, worked flawlessly.
[Google Chromecast] mrgrantt:
New News?

Any New News on rooting 3b cast or updated cast
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Nothing past 3922. It will take either a new root exploit or a huge Google "favor" for it to happen.

Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
[Google Chromecast] CKGorham:
I just picked up a 3C serial yesterday, Plex works good streaming movies from my networked external HDD.
[Google Chromecast] karimrim:
Not rootable : 3A30

Obviously you might say

3A30 not rootable ( doesn't boot on flashcast at all, staying red )

Edit : bought from amazon.fr
[Google Chromecast] jo3holl4nd:
Late

I know I'm really late to the party, but my 3814 is rooted.
[Google Chromecast] raichur0xx0rz:
Finally found a random Y cable lying around in an old laptop case to get my 3811 rooted.

Grabbed the CC at BBY late Dec when I noticed that the boxes were different for the newer models vs. the older ones. That may be slightly beneficial to add into the OP, if it isn't already common knowledge. It may be easier for someone to first look for the old packaging art vs the new one (new has the light flare on the render image) than to grab each one and carefully read the S/N. Less sketchy ;)
[Google Chromecast] Bright09:
Is 3921 H rootable? Just Re looking
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Did you read the first post? It should be, as long as it hasn't been connected to the Internet.

Sent from a device with no keyboard. Please forgive typos, they may not be my own.
[Google Chromecast] mathorv:
SN: 3916xxxXxXXX

Rootable as advertised.

/rooted
[Google Chromecast] muzicman82:
So, I have a 3B16 so I am going to assume it isn't rootable. I also had it configured and on the web. I had no reason to investigate root when I got it. The only reason I am looking into it is I want to configure it to use UnoTelly DNS service. I don't want my whole router to.

I guess this means I'm SOL or am going to have to buy one that IS rootable. And, on that front.. anyone have a good source for one? I don't want to pay extra for one. But I assume all newer store stock is going to be newer serials? Or is anyone getting lucky?
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
You can try, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

You can still find them depending on your area and how wiped-out-of-Chromecasts your local store may be. Larger stores probably got larger initial shipments, but they may also have sold out of the early shipments as well, so it's a bit of a gamble.

I recommend going to the store and explaining what you're looking for and why. Sometimes the employees may help you out. At the very least they'll be less likely to call security. ;)
[Google Chromecast] fly4awhtgye:
If anyone can help me with a rootable Chromecast for cost plus shipping, please let me know. All my local stores were wiped clean. Thanks.

Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
[Google Chromecast] FaraiNL:
I just rooted 3 Chromecasts namely a 3910, a 3921 and a 3922. Nothing out of the ordinary so far but it's notable that I bought the 3921 and 3922 from Amazon on the 24th of December. So apparently there are still some rootable ones floating around in their warehouse...
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
Cool. If you don't mind, could you provide the full serial on the 3922, as it seems some in that range are updated (not rootable) and others are not (rootable)? You are free to decline for personal reasons, I will understand.
[Google Chromecast] pharpe:
Is there any place still selling Chromecast with rootable serial numbers. I check everyone at Bestbuy and the one I ordered from Amazon last week were all too new.
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
It would be helpful to know where you're located for local stores.

Online, beyond eBay and verifying with the seller that it has not been set up or connected to the Internet and is in a potentially-rootable range, I don't know of anything.
[Google Chromecast] pharpe:
Dallas or Houston areas
[Google Chromecast] newk9:
For anyone in Sweden reading this, you can still get rootable ones at netonnet. Linköping has at least 10 left in the store.
[Google Chromecast] FaraiNL:
I'm putting them up on eBay later today so I'm not really comfortable with giving the whole serial out in public but I'll send you a PM :)
[Google Chromecast] zeus_chingon:
Today I went to 2 Staples, 2 Best Buys and couldn't find one. That's until I went to one of those Best Buy Mobile store inside the mall, then I found 2 of them, serial number 3921. Of course I grabbed one. You might have better luck searching on those smaller stores where they don't showcase the Chromecast. My location is Houston.
[Google Chromecast] raichur0xx0rz:
Hm... Didn't think about checking a BBYM location for them. That might be a good option for me as the store near me is tucked away in the mall as well and doesn't see much traffic. Though, it's a small store and I don't know how well they would respond to me checking serial numbers =\
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
When I was at my local BB looking through the boxes, a sales person asked me if I was looking for a certain serial number and walked then away. They may ask but I doubt if they really care.
[Google Chromecast] raichur0xx0rz:
Rockford is known for its high crime rate so I'm not sure how kindly they'll take to me poking around, but yeah, it shouldn't matter. I'll have to give it a shot this weekend.

Does walmart also sell chromecasts in store? I'm not sure where else to look other than BBY.
[Google Chromecast] wptski:
Yes, Walmart does but my local one had nothing but the newer batch back around Black Friday time. Before Xmas a farther away BestBuy had a bunch of 39xx's so I got another for my nephew.
[Google Chromecast] raichur0xx0rz:
Yeah I would figure a large B&M store like Walmart would only have the newer models. Oh well. If BBY Mobile doesn't have any then I'll just assume they're all gone.

I should have bought the extra rootable ones at BBY when I saw them in December so some people on XDA who were looking for them could have them =\
[Google Chromecast] fly4awhtgye:
Wish I'd had looked before Christmas. Had to shell out $70 for one on eBay earlier...

Sent from my Wicked Sprint S3 flashed to Page Plus Cellular
[Google Chromecast] raichur0xx0rz:
Went to my BBY Mobile store and found one out of the three there that was rootable. Now to root it and then see what I'll do with it.
[Google Chromecast] zeus_chingon:
Congratulations!
[Google Chromecast] nightfire37:
I believe i have a rootable chromecast but has connected to the internet and have the latest OTA build from Google. My serial is 3809101ZRCFX. Is there any way that I can flash the device back to a previous build?
[Google Chromecast] ddggttff3:
Sorry, but once a device is updated it is stuck on that build. There is no way to downgrade any device that has taken an official google OTA.
[Google Chromecast] nightfire37:
Oh well. Thanks for telling me this.
[Google Chromecast] fly4awhtgye:
I've got a rootable Chromecast on the way. What is the biggest benefit of rooting the unit? In your experience...
[Google Chromecast] ddggttff3:
Besides keeping the device unlocked for any future fun, you get more customization features such as the ability to use our white list service which adds more apps and enables Fling. We are working on adding more features though, like adding your own idle screen wallpapers, and I know behind the scenes there's some work on getting a linux distro going on the device with a working graphics stack. That could open the entire world of linux to the device...

No promises though ;)
[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
SSH/Telnet/ADB on/off, DNS control (use non-Google DNS like Unlocator/Unotelly/etc)... :)

Root Mini-FAQ: What's the big deal with root?

Not to mention your Chromecast is supercharged with Eureka-ROM. ;)
[Google Chromecast] AndroInDisguise:
Yes they do :D
[Google Chromecast] br0ken_shad0w:
Thanks for the Best Buy Mobile tip. I foolishly upgraded my 3815 I got for Christrmas because my girlfriend wanted to watch something and I'd forgotten about this....

So yesterday on a whim, I went to the nearest Best Buy store on the slim chance they might have some rootable serials in stock. Of course not, all 3A/3B. Then decided to go to the nearest Mobile store and found a 3921. This is in Houston by the way.