You cannot cast Apple TV directly to Chromecast from an iPhone
Apple TV and Google Chromecast use different casting systems that do not talk to each other. Apple TV uses AirPlay, which only works with Apple devices and a small number of third-party devices that have licensed the technology. Chromecast uses Google Cast, a separate system. Your iPhone cannot send an Apple TV stream to a Chromecast device because the two platforms are incompatible at the technical level.
If you own both an Apple TV and a Chromecast, you have two separate casting systems in your home. Content you want to watch on Chromecast must come from a Chromecast-compatible app on your iPhone — not from Apple TV. Content you want to watch on Apple TV must use AirPlay from an Apple device.
The confusion often arises because both systems let you cast from your phone to a TV device, but they are not interchangeable. Choosing which one to use depends on what app you are casting from and which device is already connected to your television.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV and Chromecast are separate casting systems that do not work together — you cannot send Apple TV content to Chromecast from an iPhone.
- If you want to cast to Chromecast from your iPhone, you must use an app that supports Google Cast, such as YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+.
- If you want to cast to Apple TV from your iPhone, you must use an app that supports AirPlay, which is built into most Apple devices and some third-party apps.
- Both systems require your iPhone and the TV device to be on the same Wi-Fi network to work.
How to cast to Chromecast from your iPhone instead
If you have a Chromecast device plugged into your TV and want to cast from your iPhone, open an app that supports Google Cast. Most major streaming apps include this feature: YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video all have the Chromecast button built in.
Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap it, then select your Chromecast device from the list that appears. Your iPhone will send the stream to your Chromecast, and you can control playback from your phone or use your TV remote. The app does not need to stay open on your iPhone; the Chromecast device handles the streaming directly from the internet.
If the cast icon does not appear in an app you are using, that app does not support Chromecast. In that case, you can use screen mirroring instead, which mirrors your entire iPhone screen to the TV — but this drains your phone battery faster and uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth than casting does.
How to cast to Apple TV from your iPhone instead
If you have an Apple TV device and want to cast from your iPhone, you need an app that supports AirPlay. Many apps include this feature, including Apple TV (the app), Apple Music, Podcasts, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and others. Some apps show the AirPlay icon automatically; others hide it in a menu.
Look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with curved lines above it. Tap it and select your Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone will send the stream to your Apple TV. Like Chromecast, you do not need to keep the app open on your phone; the Apple TV handles the playback.
If an app does not have an AirPlay button, you can use screen mirroring from your iPhone's Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV. This mirrors everything on your iPhone screen, which works for any app but uses more power and bandwidth.
Why the two systems exist and which one you might prefer
Apple built AirPlay into its ecosystem because it controls both the software and hardware — your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV all speak the same language. Google built Chromecast to work across any device that can run an app, whether it is an iPhone, Android phone, laptop, or tablet. Neither approach is objectively better; they reflect different business models.
If you own mostly Apple devices, AirPlay is simpler because it is built in everywhere. If you own a mix of devices or prefer Google services, Chromecast may feel more natural. Many households use both systems because different people own different phones or because one TV has an Apple TV and another has a Chromecast.
What to check if casting is not working
Both AirPlay and Chromecast require your iPhone and your TV device to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If the cast icon does not appear or your device does not show up in the list, check that both are connected to the same network. Restart your iPhone and your TV device if they are not finding each other.
Make sure your app is up to date. Older versions of streaming apps sometimes have bugs that prevent casting from working. Open the App Store, go to your profile, and check for updates.
If you are trying to cast to a Chromecast and the icon still does not appear, the app may not support Chromecast — not all apps do. Try a different app to confirm your Chromecast is working, then contact the app's support team if you need that specific app to work.
Screen mirroring as a backup when casting does not work
If an app does not support casting and you need to get content on your TV, screen mirroring is your fallback. For Chromecast, open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Chromecast device. For Apple TV, do the same but select your Apple TV instead.
Screen mirroring shows your entire iPhone screen on the TV, so you can use any app. The trade-off is that your phone stays connected and active the whole time, draining battery faster and using more Wi-Fi bandwidth. If you are watching a long video or listening to music for hours, casting is more efficient because the TV device streams directly from the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay on a Chromecast device?
No. Chromecast does not support AirPlay. If you want to use AirPlay, you need an Apple TV, an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or an AirPlay-compatible speaker. Chromecast only works with Google Cast.
Can I use Google Cast on an Apple TV?
No. Apple TV does not support Google Cast. If you want to cast from an Android phone or use Google Cast, you need a Chromecast device or another device that supports Google Cast.
What if I have both Apple TV and Chromecast in my home?
You can use both. Use AirPlay to cast to your Apple TV and Google Cast to cast to your Chromecast. Your iPhone will show both devices in the cast menu when you open a compatible app, so you can choose which TV device you want to send content to.
Does screen mirroring work the same way on both systems?
The process is the same — open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring — but you select either your Chromecast or Apple TV depending on which device you want to mirror to. Screen mirroring works on both systems even if the app you are using does not support casting.
Will casting work if my iPhone is on a different Wi-Fi network than my TV device?
No. Your iPhone and your TV device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks, the cast icon will not appear or your device will not show up in the list. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name.