Can't enable Developer Mode on new Chromecast with Google TV

[JasW]

Just got my second CC w/Google TV, and I'm stunned to find that for some reason, I can't enable Developer Mode. Going to System > About and hitting Android TV OS Build seven or even seven hundred times does nothing. Which means I can't enable the installation of third party apps and a bunch of other things.

Interestingly, the Android TV OS Build on the newer CC w/Google TV is different/apparently newer than the one on my first CC w/Google TV. See pics below—the launch/first one has QTS1.210311.008.7350836, while the new one has QTS1.210311.017.A2.7686849. (What's that "A2" all about?) In any event, the first one says the system is up to date.

 

[cropster]

I was able to solve this by just updating to the latest version using the builtin updater in settings. The out of the box firmware (which I didn't document sorry but was a 2021 fw) was giving me this same bug.

 

[DonChino]

Never mind.

In case any of you "stumble" in here from Google, then just know that you do not have to UPDATE any firmware. I am on the April, 2021 Security Level and I just bought that new 4K Chromecast with Google TV.

Go to the SEARCH option in the TOP MENU on the HOME screen and do a Voice Search for TOOLS and then install "Developer Tools". It will basically ENABLE the Developer Mode and then you can UNINSTALL the App.

Easy and now I have Developer Mode, so I can install nefarious Apps to my Chromecast, muhahaha...

Thanks for "forcing" me to search and documenting a better answer with RESULTS !!!