How to Cast to Apple TV From an Android Phone or Tablet

Android devices cannot cast directly to Apple TV using the standard casting method

Apple TV uses AirPlay, Apple's proprietary casting protocol, which Android does not support natively. This means you cannot open an app on your Android phone, tap a cast button, and send video to Apple TV the way you would with a Chromecast or Android TV device. However, several workarounds exist depending on what you want to watch and which Apple TV model you own.

The most reliable options are screen mirroring through third-party apps, using AirPlay-compatible apps that run on Android, or casting through a web browser. Each method has different setup steps and works better for different types of content.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV does not natively support Android casting because it uses AirPlay, which is Apple-only technology.
Third-party apps like AirDroid Cast and Mirroring information can mirror your Android screen to Apple TV, though setup requires your devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Some streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have built-in AirPlay support and will let you cast directly from Android if your Apple TV is on the same network.
Casting through a web browser works for some content but is slower and less reliable than native app casting.
Wired connection via HDMI adapter is the most stable option if you need consistent, lag-free casting.

Using third-party screen mirroring apps

Apps like AirDroid Cast, Mirroring information, and ApowerMirror let you mirror your entire Android screen to Apple TV. These apps work by creating a connection between your Android device and Apple TV over your home Wi-Fi network. Both devices must be connected to the same network for this to work.

To use AirDroid Cast: read the app on your Android phone, open it, and select "Start Mirroring." The app will show you available devices on your network. Select your Apple TV from the list. On your Apple TV, you will see a prompt asking you to allow the connection — confirm it, and your Android screen will appear on the TV. The lag is usually one to two seconds, which is acceptable for browsing or showing photos but not ideal for gaming.

These apps typically cost between $5 and $15 for a one-time purchase or monthly subscription. Free versions exist but often include ads or limit mirroring time to 10 minutes per session. Test the free version first to see if the lag and connection stability work for your use case.

Casting from apps that support AirPlay

Many popular streaming apps now include AirPlay support, which means you can cast directly from the app without needing a separate mirroring tool. This method is faster and more reliable than screen mirroring because the app sends the video stream directly to Apple TV rather than mirroring your entire screen.

Apps with AirPlay support on Android include YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Plex, and some versions of Netflix. Open the app, start playing content, look for the cast icon (usually three stacked lines with a Wi-Fi symbol), and tap it. Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices. The video will play on your TV while your phone screen returns to normal — you can lock your phone or use other apps without interrupting playback.

Not all apps support AirPlay on Android, and support varies by region and app version. Before relying on this method, check the app's settings or help section to confirm AirPlay is available. If the cast button does not appear, the app does not support it on your device.

Casting through a web browser

If you want to watch something from a website rather than an app, you can cast through your Android browser. Open Chrome or Firefox on your Android phone, navigate to the website (YouTube, Vimeo, or a streaming service), and look for a cast icon in the video player or browser menu. Tap it and select your Apple TV.

Browser casting is slower than app casting and sometimes causes buffering or connection drops, especially if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. It works best for short videos or when you do not have the app installed. For regular use, downloading the app and using native AirPlay support is more stable.

Using a wired HDMI connection

If wireless casting is unreliable or you need zero lag, connect your Android device directly to Apple TV using an HDMI cable and an adapter. Android phones use USB-C or Micro-USB ports, so you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or Micro-USB to HDMI adapter depending on your phone model. Plug the adapter into your phone, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into an available HDMI port on your Apple TV.

Your Android screen will when ready appear on the TV with no lag. This method also charges your phone while you use it, which is useful for longer viewing sessions. The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, and you cannot use your phone for other tasks without interrupting the connection. USB-C to HDMI adapters cost $15 to $40 depending on the brand and whether they include additional ports.

Checking compatibility with your Apple TV model

Older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) have limited AirPlay support and may not work with third-party mirroring apps. If you own an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (4th generation or newer), all methods described here should work. Check your Apple TV model by going to Settings > About on the device itself.

If you have an older model and third-party apps do not work, a wired HDMI connection is your most reliable option. You can also consider upgrading to a newer Apple TV model if you plan to cast frequently from Android — the current Apple TV 4K costs around $129 and supports all modern casting methods.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If your Android device and Apple TV are not finding each other, restart both devices and make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices into different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) — if your phone connects to one and your Apple TV to the other, they will not see each other. Log into your router settings and move one device to match the other, or enable band steering if your router supports it.

If casting starts but the connection drops frequently, move your Android phone closer to your Wi-Fi router or Apple TV. Walls, microwaves, and other wireless devices can interfere with the signal. If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you are using a third-party mirroring app, try uninstalling and reinstalling it — sometimes the connection cache becomes corrupted and a fresh install fixes it.

For lag during screen mirroring, close unnecessary apps running in the background on your Android phone. Each open app consumes bandwidth and processing power, which slows down the mirroring stream. Closing them can reduce lag by one to two seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google Cast or Chromecast to send content to Apple TV?

No. Google Cast and Chromecast are Google's protocols and do not work with Apple TV. Apple TV uses AirPlay exclusively. If you want to use Google Cast, you would need a Chromecast device or Android TV instead of Apple TV.

Do I need to pay for a third-party mirroring app?

Most third-party mirroring apps offer free trials or free versions with limitations. AirDroid Cast and Mirroring information both have free versions that let you test before paying. If you only cast occasionally, the free version may be enough. For regular use, a paid subscription ($5 to $15 per year) removes ads and time limits.

Will casting drain my Android phone's battery quickly?

Yes, screen mirroring and casting use significant power because your phone is constantly sending data over Wi-Fi and keeping the screen active. If you are casting for more than an hour, plug your phone into a charger. Using a wired HDMI connection also charges your phone while you cast.

Can I cast audio only from Android to Apple TV?

Yes, if the app supports it. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music all let you cast audio to Apple TV without mirroring your screen. Open the app, start playing music, tap the cast icon, and select your Apple TV. Your phone screen can turn off and you can use other apps without interrupting playback.

What should I do if my Apple TV does not appear in the cast list?

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Apple TV is powered on and not in sleep mode. Restart your Wi-Fi router and both devices. If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, connect both devices to the same band. If the problem continues, check that your Apple TV software is up to date by going to Settings > System > Software Updates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.