The Chromecast with Google TV update is finally here. Google started rolling out a new build on October 12 that lifts the 4K model’s security patch from October 2025 to August 2026. It’s the first update this device has had all year.
If you still use the older dongle as your main streamer, you’ll want this one installed tonight.
Here are the key facts before we get into the details:
- Build number: UTTA.260813.002, according to 9to5Google.
- Security patch level: August 2026, up from October 2025.
- Who gets it: the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) only. The HD model got nothing today.
- Release notes: “Other bug fixes and performance improvements.” No new features.
- Last update: a security release for the 4K model in November 2025, about 11 months ago.
In short, this is a maintenance release. It’s worth installing, but don’t expect your home screen to change.
What the Chromecast with Google TV update actually changes
The headline change is the security patch level. Moving from October 2025 to August 2026 means the 4K dongle picks up almost a year of Android security fixes in one go.
Google’s release notes add only “bug fixes and performance improvements.” That’s the same vague line the company used on the last build, so don’t count on a visible speed boost. Think of it as a tune-up rather than a makeover.
It’s also worth being clear about what’s missing. There are no new Google TV features, no new apps and no interface changes in this build. The value is in the fixes you can’t see.
One caveat: the August 2026 patch is still about two months behind the current month. TV devices often trail phones on patches, but it shows how slowly this line is serviced. Going from a 2025 patch to a 2026 one is still a big jump for security.
Why the HD model is left out (for now)
The two Chromecast models usually get updated together, which makes today’s split unusual. According to 9to5Google, the HD variant has no release yet. It may simply be a staggered rollout, but Google hasn’t said so.
Here’s how the three Google TV streamers stand right now, based on Google’s firmware page as of its June 2026 update and today’s report:
| Device | Latest known build | Security patch |
|---|---|---|
| Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | UTTA.260813.002 (rolling out now) | August 2026 |
| Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | UTTC.250917.004 (no new release yet) | October 2025 |
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | UTTK.260317.003 | April 2026 |
This matters because the HD model is now the one furthest behind. If you own it, keep checking for updates over the next few weeks.
The newer Google TV Streamer is in better shape. It received its own first update of 2026 back in June. If you’re thinking about moving up, our look at the next-gen Google TV Streamer leak covers what may come next.
How to install the update right now
Updates usually arrive on their own, but rollouts happen in stages. You can ask your Chromecast to check manually, which is faster than waiting.
Follow these steps on the device itself:
- Open Settings from the Google TV home screen.
- Choose System, then About.
- Select System update and let it download.
- Restart when prompted.
Afterward, you can confirm the build in the Google Home app. Tap your device, open Settings, then Device information, and look for the system firmware version.
What to do if the update doesn’t show up
Don’t panic if “System update” says you’re up to date. Staged rollouts mean some devices see the build a few days later than others, and Google hasn’t published regional details.
Check again in a day or two, and keep the dongle connected to Wi-Fi and powered. Also, make sure you really own the 4K model, because the HD version isn’t getting this build.
Old security patches are a bigger deal than they sound. We covered the same worry with the Pixel 6 end of support: devices that stop getting patches slowly become riskier to leave on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chromecast with Google TV still supported in 2026?
Yes, at least the 4K model is. It just received a new build with the August 2026 security patch. I couldn’t find an end-of-support announcement for either model.
Does the new update add any features?
No. Google’s notes only mention bug fixes and performance improvements, plus the updated security patch level.
Why hasn’t my Chromecast HD received the update?
The report says only the 4K model has a release so far. The HD model is normally updated alongside it, so it may follow soon, but that isn’t confirmed.
How do I check my Chromecast firmware version?
Open the Google Home app, press and hold your device, then go to Settings and Device information. The system firmware version is listed under Technical information.
Our take: install it, then keep an eye on the HD model
Update the 4K Chromecast tonight. It takes a few minutes, and almost a year of missing security patches is the kind of gap you shouldn’t leave open on a device that’s logged into your streaming accounts. If you own the HD version, the long gap between updates is a quiet hint that Google’s attention has moved to the newer Streamer, so plan your next upgrade accordingly.
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