Device Utility App to Re-activate Chromecast NOT FOUND

[mdbk77]

Setting up a new Chromecast I just bought in Mexico (where our 2nd home is), using our google home app - which worked fine for 2 Google Displays we brought with us.

It says, "Device needs to be activated before setup." The instructions say we must go to Google Play Store to download "Device Utility" to connect the device to our G-Home app. It offers a link to do this if you live in the USA or a different link for "all other countries." Neither link works, it presumably takes me to where the app is supposed to be at Google Store, but just spins and spins. 

If I just use my Android USA phone (Pixel 6Pro) to visit PlayStore, my search for Device Utility does not show such an app, yet it appears there are people in this forum, I assume Americans, who recently downloaded it.

BTW - I do not actually know which Chromecast Generation I have (it is not named on the box or product), I had to pick something, so I picked w/GoogleTV, since i have a Google TV account.

It does appear there's a different PlayStore in every country, but I can't find the one for Mexico. And you're only allowed to change your PlayStore country once per year. Any ideas?

[olavrb]

See following post from Google about it:

• https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Heads-Up-Device-Activation/ba-p/176077

Guide:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/11413815

And if you got Android and need the Device Utility app, but Google Play won't give it to you, downloading the APK from somewhere else is always an option:

• https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/device-utility/

But according to the post from Google (1st link), "Chromecast with Google TV" shouldn't need it.

[mdbk77]

Thank you, Olavrb!! I'm so happy to hear from you. The TV does not offer a "flow" activate the device, so I must need the app.

The APK site is not working for me. It seems when I click to download the latest version, it does not automatically open. I see it in my Downloads, but it cannot be opened?? Please recommend how I can move forward with it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!! WOW!!

[olavrb]

Did you download the .apk to your Android phone? Only an Android will recognize and install that specific package format.

• https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-sideload-install-android-app-apk/
• https://www.apkmirror.com/faq/

[mdbk77]

Yes, I have a pixel 6 pro.

But the APK site is confusing me. There are so many ads and variants of the app. Maybe I only downloaded the documentation (which now opens, but is not an app.

When I click on the app i think i need, under all variants (2.2.8.2), the page seems to only refresh and I'm back at the top. It seems to loop, and nothing is downloaded.

Sorry if I am missing something obvious. 

Can you maybe send me the exact link I need, that I can click and download the right app.

Thank you very very much for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MIke

[olavrb]

I escalated the thread, now it's up to Google to provide a safe workaround.

[mdbk77]

I can't thank you enough, olavrb!! Muchas gracias!!

[JenniferV · Accepted solution]

Hi folks,

Thanks for escalating this and for helping the original poster, olavrb. I appreciate it!

mdbk77, please try to reboot your phone and try again. Using a different mobile phone such as a non Pixel or a non Android device to setup your Chromecast if one is available might also help.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[mdbk77]

THIS WORKED! We tried the phone of a local resident, and somehow she got it working. 

Thank you very much, Jennifer!!!!!!!!

[JenniferV]

Hey mdbk77,

Awesome! Glad to hear that the issue has been sorted out. In the meantime, do you still have other questions and concerns?

Regards,

Jennifer

[mdbk77]

Nope, you were awesome. Thank you, Jennifer! 

[Jeran]

Hiya mdbk77,

I'm glad to hear that olavrb and Jennifer were able to help you out! In that case, if there are no further concerns, I'll go ahead and lock the thread in 24 hours.

Have a good one!

Best regards,

Jeran