Apple TV and Chromecast don't work together directly

You cannot cast Apple TV content to a Google Chromecast device. Apple TV is built into Apple devices and uses AirPlay, Apple's own casting standard. Chromecast uses Google's casting technology, which is separate and incompatible. If you try to cast from an Apple device to a Chromecast, the option straightforward won't appear.

This isn't a limitation you can work around with settings or apps. The two systems speak different languages at a technical level. However, there are real alternatives depending on what you're trying to watch and what devices you own.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV and Chromecast are incompatible because they use different casting technologies—AirPlay versus Google Cast.
  • If you have an Apple device and a Chromecast, you can cast other apps like Netflix or YouTube, but not the Apple TV app itself.
  • To watch Apple TV content on your TV, you need either an Apple TV device, an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or a device that supports both AirPlay and your TV.
  • Google TV devices and some Android TV models support AirPlay, making them compatible with Apple TV content.

What you can cast from Apple devices to Chromecast

Even though Apple TV won't cast to Chromecast, many other apps will. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and a Chromecast, you can cast Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and most other streaming services. The casting button appears inside the app itself—look for the rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner.

The limitation is specific to Apple's own services and apps. Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Podcasts don't have a Chromecast option. This is by design: Apple wants its content watched through AirPlay-compatible devices, which keeps the experience within Apple's ecosystem.

Devices that work with both Apple TV and your TV

If you want to watch Apple TV content on your television, you have several options. An Apple TV device (the small box that connects to your TV) is the most direct route. These come in different models and price points, and they connect via HDMI. Once connected, you can watch Apple TV, use AirPlay to send content from your phone, and access other streaming apps.

You don't have to buy an Apple TV box if your TV is newer. Many modern smart TVs—including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio models—have AirPlay built in. Check your TV's settings or manual to see if it supports AirPlay. If it does, you can send Apple TV content directly from your iPhone or iPad to the TV without any extra hardware.

Google TV devices and some Android TV models also support AirPlay now. This means a Google Chromecast with Google TV (the newer model with the remote) can receive AirPlay from Apple devices, including Apple TV content. The older Chromecast models without Google TV cannot do this.

How to check if your Chromecast supports AirPlay

Google added AirPlay support to Chromecast with Google TV in late 2021. If you have the older Chromecast (the small dongle without a remote), it does not support AirPlay and cannot receive Apple TV content.

To check which model you own, look at your device or your Google Home app. Open the Home app, tap the Chromecast device, then tap the settings icon. If the device information shows "Chromecast with Google TV," it supports AirPlay. If it just says "Chromecast," it does not.

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can cast Apple TV content to it from any Apple device. Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Chromecast from the list. The content will play on your TV through the Chromecast device.

Why Apple and Google don't share casting technology

Apple and Google built separate casting systems because they serve different business goals. AirPlay is tightly integrated with Apple's hardware and software. Google Cast (used by Chromecast) is designed to work across many manufacturers and devices. Neither company has strong incentive to adopt the other's standard.

In recent years, the two companies have made small moves toward compatibility. Google added AirPlay support to Chromecast with Google TV, and Apple has allowed AirPlay on some non-Apple devices. But these are exceptions, not the rule. Most Chromecast devices still cannot receive AirPlay, and most Apple devices still cannot send to Google Cast.

Alternatives if you want to use Chromecast with Apple content

If you already own a standard Chromecast (without Google TV) and want to watch Apple content, you have a few workarounds. You can mirror your entire iPhone or iPad screen to the Chromecast using Google's Home app, though this drains battery and can be slow. Open the Home app, tap your Chromecast, tap the settings icon, then select "Cast my screen." This sends everything on your device to the TV, including the Apple TV app.

Screen mirroring works but isn't ideal for long viewing sessions. A better long-term solution is to upgrade to a Chromecast with Google TV, which supports AirPlay natively. Alternatively, if your TV supports AirPlay, you can skip Chromecast entirely and cast directly to the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay on a regular Chromecast?

No. Only Chromecast with Google TV supports AirPlay. The older Chromecast models (the small dongle) do not have this feature. If you need AirPlay support, you'll need to upgrade to the newer model or use a different device.

Will casting Apple TV drain my phone battery?

If you use screen mirroring to send Apple TV to a standard Chromecast, yes—it uses significant battery. AirPlay casting (on compatible devices) uses much less power because your phone just sends a signal to start playback; the Chromecast or TV handles the streaming directly.

What if my TV doesn't have AirPlay and I have a regular Chromecast?

You can still watch Apple TV content by mirroring your phone or tablet screen to the Chromecast using the Google Home app. It's slower and less reliable than native casting, but it works. For a better experience, consider upgrading to a Chromecast with Google TV or an Apple TV device.

Can I cast from an Android phone to Apple TV?

No. Android devices cannot cast to Apple TV devices or use AirPlay. Apple TV works only with Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs and devices. If you use Android, you'll need a Google Chromecast or another Google Cast-compatible device.