Key points
- Google released update UTTA.260813.002 for the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).
- The patch advances the Android Security Patch Level to August 2026.
- The HD variant did not receive an update, breaking the usual simultaneous release pattern.
The short version
- The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is receiving its first software update of 2026.
- The update includes security patches dated August 2026 and general performance fixes.
- Owners of the HD version are not getting this specific update release today.
The details
Google has begun distributing update UTTA.260813.002 to users of the Chromecast with Google TV (4K). According to 9to5Google, this release marks the first update for the device in 2026, arriving eleven months after the previous version was released. The update brings the Android Security Patch Level to August 2026, moving it forward from the October 2025 level that was previously in place.
Google’s release notes specify that this update is intended solely for the 4K model of the streaming stick. The HD variant of the Chromecast with Google TV is not receiving a new release at this time. This deviates from the company’s standard practice, where both streaming device models typically receive updates simultaneously. The release also includes unspecified bug fixes and performance improvements alongside the security patches.
The context
The eleven-month gap between updates is notable for a connected device that handles streaming media and smart home controls. Security patch levels indicate the date of the most recent security fixes included in the software. By updating to the August 2026 level, the 4K model now incorporates security fixes that were not present in the October 2025 version. This ensures the device addresses vulnerabilities discovered and patched in the intervening months.
The update process requires user action to initiate. Owners must navigate through their device settings to download and install the new software. This manual step is standard for Google TV-based devices, ensuring users have control over when their system restarts and applies changes. The lack of an HD update suggests a potential shift in support priorities or a technical delay specific to that hardware variant.
What to watch
Users should monitor whether the HD variant receives a corresponding update in the coming weeks. The divergence in release schedules may indicate different update cycles for the two models. Additionally, keeping an eye on Google’s official security bulletins will provide details on the specific vulnerabilities addressed by the August 2026 patch level.
What to do and how to stay safe: Google
- Check for system updates on your Chromecast with Google TV (4K) by going to Settings > System > About > System update.
- Install the update immediately to apply the August 2026 security patches and improve device stability.
- If you own the HD variant, verify if an update is available for your specific model, as it was not included in this release.
- Keep your streaming device connected to the internet to ensure it receives future security updates automatically when available.
Step-by-step guide: Secure Home Routers for Small Business Networks
General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Chromecast with Google TV HD get this update?
No, according to 9to5Google, the update UTTA.260813.002 is rolling out just for the 4K model, with no new release for the HD variant today.
How long has it been since the last update?
It has been eleven months since the last release, making this the first update of 2026 for the device.
What security level does this patch bring?
The update bumps the Android Security Patch Level to August 2026, up from the previous October 2025 level.
