Google is fixing Cast-enabled device Wi-Fi issues with Play Services update, rolling out now

Update (02/01/18): After successfully testing Play Services 11.9.74 beta, Google is rolling out this bug-fixing update to the stable channel. This update should fix network-crashing issues with Google Cast-supported devices, and may also contain a fix for Nexus Player remote sleeping issues. You should be able to download Google Play Services 11.9.75 from the Play Store starting today. 

Update (1/19/17): Google is rolling out a fix for the Wi-Fi issues caused by devices with Chromecast built in. The fix is included in a Google Play Services beta update which should hit devices soon if they’re enrolled in the early-access program. If you don’t feel like waiting for the fix to come to the stable channel, you can download the file by hitting the button below and install it yourself. 

Update (01/17/17): Google has identified the problem and will release an update to Google Play Services on Thursday, January 18 (tomorrow). In the meantime, Google suggests trying to reboot your Android phone and check that your Wi-Fi router is running the latest firmware version.

So, what was the issue? Google says a bug in the Cast software on Android phones was incorrectly sending a large amount of network traffic, which caused the decreased Wi-Fi network speeds. 

If you’re experiencing this issue, hang in there— you don’t have much longer to wait!

Original article (01/15/17): Last week we told you about the Google Home Max killing some Wi-Fi networks. The problem seemed isolated to the Home Max and the TP-Link Archer C7 router. After we published our article, more users posted on the company’s Product Forums indicating that the problem is actually more widespread.

It now appears that users with other TP-Link routers are experiencing the issue as well. Additionally, users with Linksys, Synology, and other types of routers are feeling the pain too. If that wasn’t bad enough, the problem doesn’t appear exclusively with just the Google Home Max. Users with other Home units and Chromecasts are reporting that their networks are being knocked offline too.

TP-Link released a beta software update for the Archer C7 that should solve the issue, but it hasn’t worked for everyone. With multiple affected routers and various Chromecast-enabled devices involved, we’re left to wonder exactly what the problem might be at this point. We haven’t seen an official response on the issue yet, but a Product Forum Manager stated that Google is working on the issue. If you’re having a similar problem, hit the button below to head over to the forums and let Google know.