You cannot cast Apple TV directly to Chromecast, but you have working alternatives

Apple TV and Google Chromecast do not work together natively. Apple's ecosystem does not allow direct casting to Chromecast devices the way it does to Apple TV hardware or AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, you can still watch Apple TV content on a Chromecast by using your phone or computer as a bridge, or by subscribing to Apple TV+ through a device that Chromecast supports.

The method you choose depends on what you own and what you are trying to watch. If you have an Android phone, a Mac, or a Windows computer, you have straightforward options. If you only have an iPhone or iPad, your choices are more limited but still possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct casting from Apple TV to Chromecast is not supported because Apple and Google use different casting standards.
  • You can cast Apple TV+ content from an Android phone or Windows computer to Chromecast using the built-in cast button.
  • Mac users can cast to Chromecast through Google Chrome by opening Apple TV in the browser and using Chrome's cast feature.
  • iPhone and iPad users cannot cast Apple TV to Chromecast, but can watch Apple TV+ through a Chromecast-compatible device like a Roku or Fire Stick.
  • Casting from a phone or computer works for streaming, but the quality depends on your Wi-Fi connection and the device doing the casting.

Casting from an Android phone to Chromecast

If you have an Android phone, you can cast Apple TV+ to Chromecast using the Google Home app and the Apple TV app together. Open the Apple TV app on your Android phone and start playing the content you want to watch. Look for the cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it and select your Chromecast device from the list.

Your Android phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for this to work. The casting will begin when ready, and you can control playback from your phone or use your Chromecast remote if you have one. The phone acts as a remote control once casting starts, so you can lock your phone or switch to other apps without interrupting the stream.

Casting from a Windows computer through Chrome

Windows users can cast Apple TV+ to Chromecast by opening the Apple TV website in Google Chrome. Go to tv.apple.com in Chrome, sign in with your Apple ID, and start playing the content you want to watch. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome and select "Cast." Choose your Chromecast device from the list that appears.

Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once casting begins, you can minimize Chrome or switch to other windows on your computer without stopping the stream. The Chromecast remote will control playback, or you can use your keyboard and mouse through the Chrome window.

Casting from a Mac through Chrome

Mac users follow the same process as Windows users. Open Google Chrome, go to tv.apple.com, sign in, and start playing your content. Click the three-dot menu and select "Cast," then choose your Chromecast device. Your Mac and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

The Apple TV app for Mac does not have a built-in cast button, so the Chrome browser method is your only option on macOS. The casting quality depends on your Wi-Fi speed, so a strong connection will give you better results than a weak one.

Why iPhone and iPad cannot cast to Chromecast

Apple devices use AirPlay, their proprietary casting standard, while Google Chromecast uses a different technology. Apple does not allow third-party casting protocols on iOS and iPadOS, so there is no way to cast from an iPhone or iPad to a Chromecast device. This is a deliberate design choice by Apple to keep users within their ecosystem.

If you have an iPhone or iPad and want to watch Apple TV+ on your TV, you will need to use a different device. A Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google TV device can all run the Apple TV app and connect to your TV directly, which is often simpler than casting from a phone.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If the cast button does not appear or casting fails, check that your phone or computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If you are using Chrome on Windows or Mac, make sure Chrome is fully updated by clicking the three-dot menu and checking for updates.

If casting starts but the video buffers or stops, your Wi-Fi connection may be too weak. Move closer to your router or reduce the number of devices using your network. Casting puts more demand on your Wi-Fi than local playback does, so a connection that works fine for browsing may struggle with video streaming.

Alternative: Installing Apple TV+ on a Chromecast-compatible device

Instead of casting, you can install the Apple TV app directly on devices that Chromecast supports. Google TV devices, which often come built into newer televisions or as standalone boxes, can run the Apple TV app. Amazon Fire TV devices and Roku devices also support Apple TV+. This approach is often more reliable than casting because the app runs natively on the device rather than being streamed from your phone or computer.

If you are considering buying a new streaming device, checking whether it supports the Apple TV app is worth doing. Direct installation avoids the Wi-Fi demands of casting and gives you a dedicated remote for the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Apple TV from my iPhone to Chromecast?

No. iPhones use AirPlay, and Apple does not allow casting to Chromecast devices from iOS. You would need to use an Android phone, Mac, or Windows computer instead, or watch through a Chromecast-compatible device that has the Apple TV app installed.

Do I need to pay for anything to cast Apple TV to Chromecast?

You need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch most content, but the casting itself is free. The Apple TV app is free to read on Android, and the web version at tv.apple.com is free to access. You only pay for the subscription to the shows and movies you want to watch.

Will casting drain my phone battery quickly?

Casting uses Wi-Fi and your phone's processor, so battery will drain faster than normal use, but not dramatically. You can plug your phone in while casting, or straightforward let it run down. Once casting starts, you can lock your phone and it will continue streaming without draining the battery as quickly.

What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my phone?

Casting will not work if the devices are not on the same network. Both your phone (or computer) and your Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest one.

Is casting better than using a Roku or Fire Stick with the Apple TV app?

Using a device with the app installed is usually more reliable because it does not depend on your phone's Wi-Fi connection staying strong. Casting works well if your Wi-Fi is good, but a dedicated device gives you a simpler setup and a dedicated remote. For frequent viewing, a Roku or Fire Stick is often the better choice.