Apple TV and Chromecast do not work together directly

Apple TV and Google Chromecast are separate streaming systems that do not connect to each other. You cannot cast from Apple TV to a Chromecast device, and you cannot use Chromecast to control an Apple TV. They are built on different technology and do not share the same casting protocol.

However, there are ways to get both services on the same television. You can use both devices at the same time by connecting them to different inputs on your TV, or you can stream the same content through either device depending on which one you prefer in the moment. The choice depends on what you own, what content you want to watch, and how your television is set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV devices use AirPlay technology, while Chromecast uses Google Cast, and these two systems cannot communicate with each other.
  • You can connect both an Apple TV and a Chromecast device to the same television using separate HDMI inputs or by switching between them.
  • Some streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube work on both Apple TV and Chromecast, so you can watch the same content through either device.
  • If you want to cast from your phone or computer, you need to use AirPlay for Apple TV or Google Cast for Chromecast — the method depends on which device you own.

How to use both devices on one television

If you own both an Apple TV and a Chromecast, you can connect them to the same TV by plugging each into a separate HDMI port. Most televisions have at least three or four HDMI inputs. Once both are connected, you switch between them using your TV remote by selecting the correct input or HDMI channel.

This setup lets you use whichever device you prefer at any given time. You might use Apple TV for content from the Apple ecosystem and Chromecast for content you want to cast from your phone or computer. Switching between them takes a few seconds and does not require unplugging anything.

If your television has only one available HDMI port, you would need to unplug one device to use the other, or use an HDMI switcher box that lets you toggle between multiple devices without physically moving cables.

What content works on both devices

Many popular streaming services are available on both Apple TV and Chromecast. Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, and HBO Max all have apps for both platforms. This means you can watch the same shows and movies through either device.

The main difference is how you control playback. On Apple TV, you use the Apple TV remote or your iPhone to control what plays. On Chromecast, you typically cast from your phone, tablet, or computer using the Google Home app or the cast button built into many apps.

Some services are exclusive to one platform or the other. Apple TV+ (Apple's subscription service) only works on Apple TV devices and other Apple hardware. Some niche streaming services may only support one casting method, so check the app's requirements before assuming it will work on your device.

Casting from your phone or computer

If you want to send video or audio from your phone to your TV, the method depends on which device you own. Apple devices like iPhones and iPads use AirPlay to send content to Apple TV. Android phones and most computers use Google Cast to send content to Chromecast.

AirPlay works within the Apple ecosystem — your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can send video, audio, or your entire screen to an Apple TV. Google Cast works with Android phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and computers running Windows or Mac. Some apps support both methods, but the casting button or menu option will be labeled differently depending on which system the app uses.

If you have an iPhone and a Chromecast, you cannot use AirPlay to cast to the Chromecast. You would need to use an app that supports Google Cast, or you would need to use an Apple TV instead. The same limitation applies in reverse — Android phones cannot use AirPlay to cast to Apple TV.

Mirroring your screen to either device

Both Apple TV and Chromecast support screen mirroring, but again using different technology. On an iPhone or iPad, you can mirror your entire screen to Apple TV using AirPlay. On an Android phone, you can mirror your screen to Chromecast using Google Cast.

Screen mirroring is useful when you want to show photos, documents, or apps on your television. The process is built into both operating systems — on iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner and tap Screen Mirroring; on Android, swipe down twice and look for Cast or Screen Cast.

If you are using a computer, Mac users can mirror to Apple TV through System Preferences, and Windows users can cast to Chromecast through the Settings menu or by using the Google Home app. The steps are slightly different for each, but both take less than a minute to set up.

Which device to choose if you can only have one

If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple TV is the better choice because AirPlay is built into your devices and works seamlessly. If you own Android phones or primarily use a Windows computer, Chromecast is the better choice because Google Cast is native to your devices.

Consider what streaming services you use most. If you subscribe to Apple TV+, you need an Apple TV device or another Apple device to watch it. If you use YouTube frequently and want to cast it easily, Chromecast is simpler because the cast button is built into the YouTube app.

Price also matters. Chromecast devices are generally less expensive than Apple TV boxes. Apple TV starts at a higher price point but offers more processing power and integrates more deeply with the Apple ecosystem if you own multiple Apple devices.

Common reasons people think they work together

The confusion often comes from the fact that both devices can stream the same apps and content. Because Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube work on both, people assume the devices can talk to each other. They can both reach the same content, but they do it independently — not by connecting to each other.

Another source of confusion is that both systems use the word "cast" or "casting." Apple calls its system AirPlay, but people often use the word "cast" to describe sending content to Apple TV. Google's system is called Google Cast or Chromecast. The similar terminology makes them sound like they should be compatible, but they are completely separate technologies.

Some people also mix up Chromecast with Chromecast built into televisions. Some newer smart TVs have Chromecast built in, which means you do not need a separate Chromecast device. However, this does not change the fact that built-in Chromecast still cannot work with Apple TV or AirPlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay to send something to my Chromecast?

No. AirPlay only works with Apple TV and other Apple devices. Chromecast uses Google Cast, which is a different system. If you want to cast from an Apple device to a television, you need either an Apple TV or a TV with AirPlay built in.

Can I cast from my Android phone to an Apple TV?

No. Android phones use Google Cast, and Apple TV only accepts AirPlay. You would need to use a Chromecast device or a TV with built-in Chromecast to cast from an Android phone. Some streaming apps may have workarounds, but native casting does not work between the two systems.

What if my TV has Chromecast built in — can I still use Apple TV?

Yes. A television with built-in Chromecast can still accept an Apple TV connected through HDMI. You would switch between them using your TV remote's input selector. Built-in Chromecast does not prevent you from using other devices; it just means you have one fewer HDMI port available.

Do I need both devices, or is one enough?

One device is usually enough. Choose based on what you own — if you have Apple devices, get Apple TV; if you have Android devices, get Chromecast. Both can stream the major services like Netflix and Disney+. You only need both if you want to support multiple ecosystems or have specific content that only works on one platform.

Can I use a Chromecast app on my Apple TV?

No. Apps designed for Chromecast do not work on Apple TV, and vice versa. Each device has its own app store and software. You can use the same streaming services on both, but the apps are different versions built for each platform.