[Google Chromecast] bhiga:
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FAQ is split into two parts because... I write too much. ;)

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PART 2

Root

For additional root questions, please see the Root Mini-FAQ: What's the big deal with root? thread.

Which Chromecasts are rootable?

A new root exploit was released on August 22, 2014. This exploit covers devices with builds older than 19084 (the exploit was patched in build 19084) and requires a Teensy 2.0 or 2++ development board along with a powered USB OTG cable and 1G+ flash drive. See this post for all the details!

Old: Currently only devices with the original vulnerable bootloader (firmware build 12072) can be rooted.

As newer Chromecasts are already shipping with newer firmware versions (and therefore no vulnerable bootloader), the serial number seems the most reliable way to tell whether an unused, unopened Chromecast can be rooted.

Once set up, a stock Chromecast will automatically update its firmware (OTA updates from Google), so the serial number test is not valid for Chromecasts that have already connected to the Internet, unless you are very lucky and it has not yet downloaded or applied an update. See this discussion.

My Chromecast is supposed to be rootable, but it has already downloaded a Google OTA update. Can I still root it?

A new root exploit was released on August 22, 2014. This exploit covers devices with newer bootloaders (12940-17977, perhaps newer), but requires a Teensy 2.0 or 2++ development board along with a powered USB OTG cable and 1G+ flash drive. See this post for all the details!

Old: If Chromecast has not applied any OTA update, and you did not let it perform the update at boot, then you may be able to abort the update and still root it by opening it, jumping some pins and booting a FlashCast USB stick (it will delete the cached OTA update data). Not for the faint of heart! See this discussion.

If your Chromecast has already applied any OTA update (your firmware build is no longer 12072), then no. Once an update is applied, the bootloader vulnerability is removed and you can no longer root with FlashCast.

How do I root?

A new root exploit was released on August 22, 2014. This exploit covers devices with newer bootloaders (12940-17977, perhaps newer), but requires a Teensy 2.0 or 2++ development board along with a powered USB OTG cable and 1G+ flash drive. See this post for all the details!

Old: You go from a stock Chromecast to a rooted Chromecast by using FlashCast to write a rooted firmware (like Eureka-ROM) by using the vulnerability in the original bootloader. The first time you use FlashCast you have to plug it into and boot it on Chromecast twice - first to prepare the FlashCast stick to accept mods, and the second time to flash a rooted, OTA-disabled firmware so you don't lose root.

Read the Cliff notes version of the procedure, longer more-detailed version, or watch a video of the flashing/rooting process. For a flowchart and troubleshooting, see the Rooting with FlashCast Mini-FAQ.

What does root give me?

ADB, Telnet, SSH, protection from Google OTA updates, ability to run unofficial apps (via Eureka-ROM), ability to change default behavior (like use a different DNS than Google) and the power to peek into the dark corners of your device. ;) See this discussion.

Unofficial apps

Audiour - free audio sharing Info & Download

put.io - download torrents to cloud storage, rather than local

See this post

AllCast (aka AirCast/KoushCast) old beta - stock Chromecasts should use released AllCast - send video stored on Android phone/tablet to Chromecast Download & Info

fling - send (Chromecast-compatible) video stored on computer to Chromecast Download & Info No longer works with Cast SDK 2.0

Custom firmware (installing one of these is REQUIRED to preserve root!)

Flashcast-AutoRoot Keeps up-to-date with Google updates, automatically rooting on install. No extra features, but you can customize since you have root. Must install another rooted firmware like Eureka-ROM first! (See hidden below)

Eureka-ROM (KyoCast functionality and Use DHCP-provided DNS mods built-in, plus automatic Eureka-ROM OTA updates that upgrade while preserving root and a nifty web management panel)

USB storage can be mounted via shell, see this thread.

Stock OS with updates disabled (to preserve root)[/url] no longer maintained, use Flashcast-AutoRoot

Rooted build 13300 (ADB and telnet enabled, OTA updates disabled)

PwnedCast - replaced by Eureka-ROM above. Existing PwnedCast installs will OTA upgrade to Eureka-ROM, unless you have disabled PwnedCast OTA updates.

Mods (apply on top of rooted/custom firmware)

Use non-Google DNS (Unlocator, Unotelly, etc) - unnecessary for Eureka-ROM users who can specify DNS via the Eureka web panel

For reference:

Use DHCP-supplied DNS

Use Unlocator DNS service.

Use UnoTelly DNS service

Stock boot animation - switch back to the stock Chromecast boot animation when using custom firmware

rCast - use Chromecast as a standalone media player without an Internet connection (applies over Eureka-ROM, see the thread)

KyoCast (alternate whitelist) old - see below - run apps that have not been blessed by Google without being a developer.

KyoCast is being phased out and its functionality is included in Eureka-ROM. For reference only, here is the original discussion on KyoCast

How can I check what firmware build my Chromecast has if I can't connect it to the Internet?

Better instructions here.

In order to use the Chromecast app to check the build, your Chromecast just needs to be connected to your WiFi, it doesn't need Internet. So, disconnect the WAN cable on your router. If you have an integrated modem/router, disconnect the DSL or Cable signal line to it - then nothing will connect to the Internet and you can safely check your Chromecast build from the app. If you have a spare AP or router, you can set up an isolated network and connect your phone/tablet/computer and Chromecast to it for setup.

Don't forget to disconnect power on Chromecast before you reconnect the Internet!

To be extra safe, perform a Factory Reset on it by holding down the button until the LED turns red. This will clear the Chromecast settings and it will prompt to be set up again.

I had root with Eureka-ROM and now it appears I don't?

This can happen if the power is pulled or lost during an update.

You may still have the vulnerable bootloader and be able to get root back, depending on how long it has been since the attempted update.

Unplug Chromecast from power until you can re-flash the newest Eureka-ROM via OTG.

This is a good reason to use AC/wall power rather than USB on the TV, as the TV often cuts USB power when the TV is turned off.

For further details, see this post.

Also, see note about rooting newer firmware version above.

Official Apps

(Questions pertaining to them, not a comprehensive list of official applications)

YouTube

Can I play live streams?

Currently you can cast some live YouTube streams on desktop Chrome browser. See here

Not at this time. See here and here too.

Can I play paid channels?

Yes. See here

Can I play 3D videos?

Yes.

HBO GO

Does it work outside of the US?

It might with a DNS service that makes it look like you're in the US (like Unlocator and UnoTelly)

See this discussion, and HBO GO confirmed working without Unotelly

Avia

Do I need to buy the paid version to use with Chromecast?

Yes.

What kind of media can I cast to Chromecast?

It needs to be in a format compatible with Chromecast.

See also What media types does Chromecast support? above.

I'm having trouble casting device-local media to Chromecast

Make sure that it's in a format compatible with Chromecast.

See if your router is listed on Google's router compatibility.

Try using BubbleUPnP or AllCast to cast, or try this workaround using BubbleUPnP as a local DLNA server for Avia to cast from.

Plex

Do I need to subscribe to PlexPass to use Plex with Chromecast?

As of March 13, 2014, no.

Can Chromecast receive 5.1 audio via Plex?

Yes. See this discussion.

Netflix

Can Chromecast play Netflix 3D content?

No.

Can I change the size of captions/subtitles?

Yes, through an unofficial mod by Kyonz.

RealPlayer Cloud

Can RealPlayer Cloud cast content stored on my phone/tablet?

Yes, . See RealPlayer Cloud now casts to Google Chromecast

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