No, you cannot Chromecast directly to an Apple TV

Apple TV does not support Google's Chromecast protocol. If you own an Apple TV device, you cannot cast to it using the Chromecast button in apps like YouTube, Spotify, or Google Photos. Apple TV uses its own casting system called AirPlay, which works with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and some third-party devices — but not with Android phones or devices that rely on Chromecast.

This is a fundamental incompatibility between two separate ecosystems. Google makes Chromecast; Apple makes AirPlay. They do not talk to each other. If you want to cast from an Android phone or a Chromecast-enabled device to a TV, you need either a Chromecast device (like a Chromecast with Google TV) or a TV with Chromecast built in.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV uses AirPlay for casting, not Chromecast, so Android phones and Chromecast devices cannot cast directly to it.
  • If you have an Apple TV and an Android phone, you can mirror your screen using third-party apps, but this is slower and less reliable than native casting.
  • If you want to use Chromecast, you need a Chromecast device or a TV with Chromecast built in — not an Apple TV.
  • Some streaming apps (like Netflix and YouTube) work on Apple TV directly without casting, so you may not need to cast at all.
  • AirPlay works seamlessly between Apple devices and Apple TV, but requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

How AirPlay works instead of Chromecast

If you own an Apple device — an iPhone, iPad, or Mac — you can cast to Apple TV using AirPlay. Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Screen Mirroring button, and select your Apple TV from the list. On a Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar. The connection is fast and stable, and you can mirror your entire screen or stream video and audio from specific apps.

AirPlay also works with some non-Apple devices, including certain smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony, and some speakers and soundbars. But it does not work with Android phones, Chromebooks, or any device that uses Chromecast as its primary casting method. If your household mixes Apple and Android devices, you will need separate casting solutions for each.

What to do if you have an Android phone and an Apple TV

If you own an Android phone and an Apple TV, direct casting is not possible. However, you have a few workarounds. Some streaming apps — like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ — are built into Apple TV and can be opened directly on the TV without casting. You sign in once on the TV itself, and then use the remote to navigate.

If you need to cast from your Android phone, you can use a third-party app like AirDroid Cast or Miracast to mirror your screen to your Apple TV, but this requires downloading an app on both devices and is slower than native AirPlay. Another option is to use a Chromecast device alongside your Apple TV — plug a Chromecast into a different HDMI port on your TV, and use it for Android casting while keeping Apple TV for AirPlay from your Apple devices.

Choosing between Apple TV and Chromecast for your setup

If you are deciding which device to buy, consider what phones and devices you already own. If your household is all Apple — iPhones, iPads, and Macs — Apple TV is the natural choice and AirPlay will work seamlessly. If you use Android phones, Windows PCs, or Chromebooks, a Chromecast device or a TV with Chromecast built in will be more useful.

If you have a mix of both, you have three options: buy both devices and plug them into different HDMI ports, choose one ecosystem and accept that some devices will not cast natively, or rely on apps that are built into the TV itself rather than casting. Many modern streaming apps work directly on both Apple TV and Chromecast devices, so you may not need to cast as often as you think.

Built-in apps versus casting

Both Apple TV and Chromecast devices come with many popular apps already installed or available to read. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and Spotify all have native apps on both platforms. This means you can open the app directly on the TV and sign in once, rather than casting from your phone every time.

For many people, this is actually more convenient than casting. You do not have to keep your phone unlocked or worry about your phone's battery draining. You can use the TV remote to navigate, and the picture quality is often better because the app is running on the TV itself rather than being streamed from your phone. Check the app store on your Apple TV or Chromecast device to see which apps are available before you buy.

Mirroring your screen as a last resort

If you need to show something on your Android phone on an Apple TV and there is no native app, screen mirroring is your only option. read a third-party mirroring app like AirDroid Cast, install it on both your phone and set it up on your Apple TV, and then mirror your screen. The process is more complicated than Chromecast and the connection can lag, especially if your Wi-Fi is weak.

Screen mirroring works best for one-time tasks like showing photos, browsing the web, or demonstrating something on your phone. For regular streaming of video or music, a native app or a Chromecast device is much better. If you find yourself mirroring often, it is a sign that Apple TV may not be the right device for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromecast with an Apple TV?

Yes. You can plug a Chromecast device into a different HDMI port on your TV and use it alongside your Apple TV. Switch inputs on your TV remote to use whichever device you need. This lets you cast from Android phones using Chromecast and from Apple devices using AirPlay on the same TV.

Does Apple TV have Chromecast built in?

No. Apple TV only supports AirPlay. It does not have Chromecast built in and cannot receive Chromecast casts from any device. If you want Chromecast, you need a separate Chromecast device or a TV with Chromecast built in.

Can I cast from my iPad to an Apple TV?

Yes. Open Control Center on your iPad, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV. You can mirror your entire screen or use AirPlay in apps like YouTube and Apple TV+. The connection is fast and works over Wi-Fi.

What if my TV has both AirPlay and Chromecast built in?

Some newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony have both AirPlay and Chromecast built in. You can cast from either Apple or Android devices directly to the TV without needing a separate device. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm both are enabled.

Is there an app that lets Android phones cast to Apple TV?

No app can make Chromecast work with Apple TV. Third-party mirroring apps like AirDroid Cast can mirror your Android screen to Apple TV, but they are slower and less reliable than native casting. For regular use, a Chromecast device is a better solution.