The Google Play Store is facing a serious issue with cast-to-TV and screen mirroring apps.

Recent findings have exposed a concerning trend where the category is flooded with deceptive applications that do not function as advertised. These apps not only fail to deliver on their promises but also trap users in costly subscriptions and flood them with non-dismissible advertisements.

The problem was uncovered by Stefan Hurzlmeier, the developer of LocalCast, a genuine app for casting content to televisions.

While reviewing ads in his own app, he noticed suspicious promotions for apps with a similar look that seemed to target his users. Upon further investigation, Hurzlmeier found a much more alarming situation than mere copycat apps.

The scale of the issue is staggering.

According to the investigation, these fraudulent apps are run by developer networks primarily based in Vietnam and Pakistan. These networks manage over 280 apps across numerous fake developer accounts, with a combined total of 1.8 billion installations.

One of the most notable networks identified is iKame/Begamob, which alone operates more than 130 apps with over 1.5 billion installations.
This level of coordination indicates a systemic manipulation of the Play Store ecosystem rather than isolated incidents.

These apps exploit users in multiple ways:

They Don't Actually Work
The most basic deception is that these apps do not fulfill their advertised functions.
They claim to cast content to televisions or mirror screens, yet they fail to deliver on this core functionality.

Aggressive Advertising

Users say they see ads that won’t close unless they restart their phone.
This is a frustrating and sneaky way to make people click on ads, even when they don’t want to.

Predatory Pricing Schemes

The worst part is the money tricks.
Some apps offer free trials but charge people right away. Others push weekly subscriptions for $25.99, even if the app doesn’t work properly.

Data Privacy Concerns

Looking at an app called “Cast To TV” (version 14.4.4), we found it has 10 tracking tools and asks for 36 permissions, like location, camera, microphone, and storage—way more than needed for just mirroring a screen.
This app is owned by Welly Global Publishing in Hanoi, Vietnam, which fits a pattern of apps from Vietnamese developers.

A Systemic Problem

This isn’t just a few bad apps.
Hurzlmeier called it “systemic manipulation” of the Play Store, where ads are pushed in a coordinated way to trick users of real apps.

The tactics aren’t just about casting apps.
Researchers found some apps steal the search rankings of popular ones. For example, an AI chatbot was rebranded to look like a casting app.

Google's Response and Actions
Google has taken steps to fight these problems.
In 2025, they blocked over 1.75 million apps that broke rules and banned around 80,000 developer accounts.

They also plan to improve Android security.
Starting September 2026, all apps on certified Android devices must come from verified developers. This means confirming their identity, providing government ID, and paying a $25 fee. The idea is to stop bad apps from coming back after they’re removed.

In August 2026, Android will require users trying to install apps outside the Play Store to wait 24 hours.
This delay helps prevent scams that use fake urgency to push bad apps.

Android 17 Beta 2 introduces Advanced Protection Mode.
It stops sideloading from unknown sources, blocks USB data transfers when the phone is locked, and prevents connections to weak 2G networks. Most important, it limits access to the AccessibilityService API, which is often used by bad apps to steal money.

The Broader Malware Landscape

The issue with “Cast To TV” is part of a bigger problem on Android.
In 2025, Google’s Play Protect found 27 million harmful apps outside the Play Store—twice as many as in 2024.

Other malware has also tricked users.
The “Goldoson” malware sneaked into 60 real apps using a third-party library, getting 100 million downloads. It stole private data, like app lists, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth info, and GPS location. It also clicked ads without people seeing them.

What Users Should Know

Android users should stay alert:

Check before downloading: Look at recent reviews and look for complaints about charges or app problems.


Avoid expensive subscriptions: Real casting apps usually cost a one-time fee or a small monthly amount—not $26 a week.


Try alternatives: Telegram added native Chromecast support in early 2025, so it’s a safer way to cast without third-party apps.


Check app permissions: If a screen-mirroring app asks for location, contacts, or camera access, that’s a big red flag.