[Updated] Fix for Chrome crashing while casting to TV reportedly in beta

Update 27/06/24 01:40 pm (IST): Google is now rolling out a new update that fixes this issue, so be sure Chrome is up to date.

Update 25/06/24 01:40 pm (IST): A fix for the issue is live in Chrome Canary with v128.0.6536.0, according to a Chromium engineer on the Issue Tracker.

Update 20/06/24 01:40 pm (IST): In a recent post, a community manager acknowledged the issue and confirmed that Google is working on a solution.

Our team is aware of this behavior and working on a resolution. We will share an update on this thread once it has been resolved.

Original article from June 17 follows:

In the past week, some Chrome users have experienced frustrating crashes when attempting to cast from their browser to TVs and other devices. The issue, affecting both Windows and macOS users, manifests when the cast button is clicked, causing all Chrome tabs and windows to shut down unexpectedly.

Those using Chrome version 126.0.6478.62 on macOS Sonoma and Windows reported the browser crashing immediately upon casting. This problem extends to users casting to Chromecast and Roku devices, and even impacts alternative browsers and applications, such as Microsoft Edge and YouTube Music.

But don’t despair! It seems the cavalry has arrived in the form of Chrome Beta. Users who have bravely ventured into the beta channel are reporting that casting is working once again. This is great news for everyone affected, as it suggests a fix is on the horizon for the stable version of Chrome as well.

In my tests, I didn’t have any crashing issues in Chrome and MS Edge, which suggests the issue may not be affecting everyone. I can still cast from YouTube on Chrome version 126.0.6478.62 to my Chromecast with Google TV yet this version is broken for other users.

If you’re eager to get back to casting without delay, consider switching to Chrome Beta. The beta channel gives you early access to new features and bug fixes, and in this case, it might just save your sanity.

For those who prefer to stick with the stable version of Chrome, there’s still hope. A clever workaround has emerged that involves casting your browser tab instead of the specific video or website you want to watch. This method seems to bypass the crashing bug, allowing you to enjoy your content on your TV once again.

The exact cause of the crashing bug remains a mystery, but it’s clear that something went awry in recent Chromium updates. Thankfully, the Google team is hard at work on a fix, and the success of Chrome Beta suggests they’re on the right track.

While the crashing bug has been a major inconvenience for Chrome users, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The Chrome Beta fix and the tab casting workaround offer temporary solutions, and a permanent fix is likely just around the corner. So hang in there, your casting woes may soon be a thing of the past.