You cannot cast Apple TV directly to a Chromecast, but you can mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen instead

Apple TV and Google Chromecast use different casting systems that do not talk to each other. Apple TV uses AirPlay, while Chromecast uses Google Cast. If you want to watch Apple TV content on a Chromecast-connected TV, your best option is to mirror your device's screen to the Chromecast, then open the Apple TV app on that mirrored screen. This works on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, though the steps differ slightly for each.

Screen mirroring sends everything on your device to the TV—not just the Apple TV app. This means notifications, messages, and other apps will also appear on the big screen. If you want only Apple TV to show, keep your device in your lap and use it as a remote while the app plays on the TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV and Chromecast are incompatible casting systems, so you must mirror your entire device screen to the Chromecast instead of casting the app directly.
  • On iPhone and iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Chromecast device from the list.
  • On Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Chromecast device.
  • Once your screen is mirrored, open the Apple TV app and play content normally—the video will appear on your TV through the Chromecast.
  • Screen mirroring drains your device's battery faster than casting, so plug in your phone or tablet if you plan to watch for more than an hour.

How to mirror from an iPhone or iPad to Chromecast

On an iPhone or iPad, screen mirroring is built into the Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center. Look for the Screen Mirroring button—it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it and wait a moment for your Chromecast devices to appear in the list.

Select your Chromecast device by name. Your iPhone or iPad screen will turn black for a few seconds, then your home screen will appear on the TV. Open the Apple TV app and sign in with your Apple ID if you are not already logged in. Play any show or movie, and it will stream to your TV through the Chromecast.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your TV will return to its normal input, and your device will no longer send its screen to the Chromecast.

How to mirror from a Mac to Chromecast

On a Mac, screen mirroring is accessed through Control Center. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen—it looks like a rectangle divided into sections. A dropdown menu will open. Look for Screen Mirroring and click it.

Your available Chromecast devices will appear in a submenu. Click the name of the Chromecast you want to use. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV after a few seconds. Open the Apple TV app from your Dock or Applications folder, sign in, and play your content. The video will stream to your TV through the Chromecast.

To disconnect, click Control Center again, select Screen Mirroring, and choose Stop Mirroring. Your TV will return to its previous input.

Why your Chromecast device is not showing up in the mirroring list

If your Chromecast does not appear when you open Screen Mirroring, the device is likely not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, tablet, or Mac. Check your Chromecast's settings on the TV itself—look for the Wi-Fi network name it is connected to, and make sure your Apple device is on the same network. If they are on different networks, your device cannot find the Chromecast.

Restart both your Chromecast and your Apple device if they are on the same network but still not connecting. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Try opening Screen Mirroring again.

If the Chromecast still does not appear, check that your Wi-Fi router is working and that both devices have a strong signal. Move closer to the router if you are far away. Some older Chromecast models may also have compatibility issues with newer versions of iOS or macOS—check Google's support site for your specific Chromecast model to confirm it supports screen mirroring from Apple devices.

Battery drain and performance during screen mirroring

Screen mirroring uses more power than regular casting because your device is constantly sending video and audio data to the Chromecast over Wi-Fi. An iPhone or iPad will lose battery much faster than it would if you were just watching the Apple TV app normally. If you plan to watch for more than an hour, plug your device into a charger before you start.

Performance can also be affected if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. If the video stutters, freezes, or the audio cuts out, move your device closer to the router or move the Chromecast closer to the router. A weak connection will cause lag and buffering during playback.

What to do if you want to cast instead of mirror

If you have a Google TV or Android TV instead of a Chromecast, you may be able to cast directly from the Apple TV app without mirroring your whole screen. Some newer Android TVs have built-in support for AirPlay, Apple's casting system. Check your TV's settings or the Apple TV app itself—if your TV supports AirPlay, you will see a cast button inside the app.

If your TV does not support AirPlay and you do not want to mirror your entire screen, consider using an Apple TV device instead. A second-generation Apple TV 4K or newer can connect directly to your Chromecast-connected TV via HDMI, and it will give you a dedicated device for streaming Apple content without draining your phone's battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Apple TV to Chromecast without mirroring my whole screen?

Not directly—Apple TV and Chromecast use incompatible systems. Screen mirroring is the only way to get Apple TV content on a Chromecast TV from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you want to cast without mirroring, you would need a TV that supports AirPlay natively, or you would need to use an Apple TV device instead.

Will my Apple TV subscription work when I mirror to Chromecast?

Yes. Your Apple ID and subscription status travel with you when you mirror. Sign into the Apple TV app on your mirrored screen the same way you would on your device, and all your shows and movies will be there.

Does screen mirroring work over cellular data, or do I need Wi-Fi?

You need Wi-Fi. Both your Apple device and your Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work. Cellular data will not help—the connection happens over your home Wi-Fi, not through your phone's data plan.

Can I use my iPhone as a remote while the screen is mirrored?

Yes. Once your screen is mirrored and the Apple TV app is playing, you can use your iPhone or iPad to control playback, pause, rewind, or change shows. The remote controls work normally even though your screen is being sent to the TV.

What is the difference between mirroring and casting?

Mirroring sends your entire device screen to the TV, including notifications and other apps. Casting sends only the app you choose, leaving your device free for other tasks. Chromecast does not support casting from Apple TV, so mirroring is your only option.