Guest Mode option missing

[DeniseG]

I recently set up my 3rd generation Chromecast using Google Home. We do not yet have wifi, so I had to use a hotspot. I completed the setup including getting the updates without any issues, however when I went to the Recognition & Sharing screen, there was no option for Guest Mode. Through my internet research before purchasing this device, I was convinced that one could use guest mode with the 3rd gen device. Have unlimited data on my Android phone, so the plan was to cast from the phone until wifi came to our rural area. What else can I try? 

[JillG]

Hi @DeniseG 

Unfortunately, Guest Mode has been removed. See this help page Set up and manage guest mode - Chromecast Help 

Jill

[Alex_S]

Hi there,

It seems like your questions were already addressed. I want to make sure that everything is covered on your end. Feel free to reply to this thread if you have additional questions or concerns.
 

Thanks for the help, @JillG.

Regards,
Alex

[DeniseG]

I intentionally bought the 3rd gen Chromecast since my research indicated it had guest mode that could be used when wifi was not available. From the replies above, I now see that it was a wasted purchase. Too bad it's past the 30 days allowed for returns. 

[Kimy]

Hi DeniseG,

Your mobile hotspot setup will still work despite the unavailability of Guest mode. Guest mode was applicable for users to cast on Chromecast devices connected to a network that they weren't on. So this means that if someone wants to cast on your Chromecast device, they need to connect to the network that it is connected to. That means they have to connect to your hotspot too. I hope this clarifies the confusion. Let us know if you still have questions.

Thanks,

Kimy

[Kimy]

Hi there,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,
Kimy

[drgt]

1. Bad decision to stop support to guest mode. I am not willing to give my wifi pass to my guests.

2. Does my chromecast 3 still have the guest ability and I just cannot see / set it in the home app, or the ability was removed via firmware auto update? If the ability is still there, can I take advantage with an older version of the Home app?

[Kimy]

Hi drgt,

Oh no! This is not the experience we want you to have, and we understand that your security is your top priority. The Guest Mode capitalized on the previous function where cast-enabled apps (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, etc.) had an option to choose different ways to communicate with devices that couldn’t be found within the same network.

Since it’s no longer available, even if the Guest Mode is still available and the Google Home App can still assign a code for the casting destination (Chromecast device, TV with built-in Chromecast, etc.), cast-enabled apps from devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) would not ask for a code because it would only search through the local devices.

For example, if a phone is connected to LTE or another network other than the one where the Chromecast device is connected, then it won’t find it and won’t ask for a code. This renders the Guess Mode obsolete, which is why it needed to be deprecated. I hope this gives clarity to the situation. Let us know if you still have questions.

Regards,

Kimy

[drgt]

Thank you for the clarification.

However, in lieu of people unwillingness to share their wifi pass, the need to cast to someone's Chromecast (with their permission through one time code or whatever) is strong out there and someone must address it (I think)!

Thanks again.

[Alex_S]

Hello drgt,
 

We understand that it is a very useful feature of Chromecast devices. We're always looking for ways to improve, and we'll take it as feedback. We don't have any news to share about having it back, but you can send feedback to the Google Engineering team about your concern. While they won't respond directly to you, this is the best way to let them know about it.
 

Let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with.

Sincerely,
Alex

[honestinnit]

If I'd have noticed this before, I'd have warned you not to buy any Google product - their support / help information is all outdated and incorrect, when you try to get help their fanboys get angry that you don't love their product if you dare to say it's rubbish, and their products are really just basic, poor-quality versions of things you can get from other brands - only, unlike many other brands, there is no actual support, just a forum where other random people guess how to help you. Example: Chromebook is just an android with a keyboard, with no office - not even its own version - and no ability to download an alternative such as Libre / Open Office. It's compatible with absolutely nothing and when I made the mistake of buying one because of its cheaper price tag, it made doing university work virtually impossible. A free example: Google has now wrecked its search by attempting to copy Bing - but whereas Bing gives autosuggestions that can be ignored, Google changes all the text and if you try to delete it but then type a letter again, it changes it again. Google was once the main search engine, but now it's playing catch-up.

[Kimy]

Hi honestinnit,

Thanks for posting. Do you have a Chromecast device? Do you need help with it? For support, you can visit the Google Help Center and choose the product you need help with. The availability of support depends on the product, like chat support or a callback from the support team. Now for Chromebooks, the support depends on the manufacturer (Samsung, Acer, HP, etc.), not unless it’s a Pixelbook. These manufacturers integrated the Chrome OS into their products just like other devices have Windows OS. Their support teams are trained to handle issues concerning operating systems. After all, if the device needs replacement, they are the ones to provide it. About tools, there are similarities and differences between Windows OS and Chrome OS. Microsoft Office, which has Microsoft Word, has a counterpart with Google Docs; Microsoft Excel has a counterpart with Google Sheets; Microsoft PowerPoint has a counterpart with Google Slides; and a lot more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team if you have a specific product that you need help with.

Cheers,

Kimy

[honestinnit]

The only Google thing I use is the browser, and that's just because internet explorer and edge are rubbish. I had a Chromebook but it was rubbish - despite your claims, there was no compatibility with anything other than an android. It was literally just an android with a keyboard, in the shape of a laptop. Even printing required a convoluted set-up and, for some people, the requirement to use a Microsoft computer to set it up! And when I tried to get support, fanboys went mad that I had dared to call their beloved product rubbish, because it was. As for different manufacturers excuses, if it's Google branding then it's Google's responsibility to make sure it has proper stuff on it. I've used several Windows computers throughout my life, and even old library ones have the same basic stuff - Word, etc. - as Windows 10. Google Docs is internet-based and not even close to compatible with Microsoft Office or even just Microsoft Word. And that's what I mean about it being an android with a keyboard - you can use the internet, like on an android, but you can't download any proper Office suite or alternative - just as you can't on an android.

Google went totally downhill.

[Kimy]

Hello honestinnit,

We hear you. Our team is working hard to deliver the best experience for our users — we'll take this as feedback to improve our products and services. Let me know if you still have questions.

Sincerely,

Kimy