You cannot cast directly from Chromecast to Apple TV

Chromecast and Apple TV use different casting systems that do not talk to each other. Chromecast uses Google Cast, while Apple TV uses AirPlay. A device built for one system cannot send video to the other without a workaround.

What you can do instead: cast from your phone or computer to Apple TV using AirPlay, or cast to Chromecast using Google Cast. You can also use a streaming app that works on both devices — like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify — and cast the same content separately to whichever device you want to watch on.

The confusion usually comes from mixing up what Chromecast is. Chromecast is not a phone or computer — it is a receiver that sits on your TV and waits for a cast signal. Apple TV is also a receiver, but it listens for AirPlay signals instead. You need a sender (your phone, tablet, or computer) to start the cast.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast and Apple TV use incompatible casting systems, so you cannot send video from one device to the other directly.
  • To watch content on Apple TV, use AirPlay from an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or compatible app instead of Chromecast.
  • Streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube work on both systems, so you can open the app on Apple TV and play content there without casting.
  • If you own both devices, use Chromecast for Android phones and Google devices, and AirPlay for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

How to cast to Apple TV from an iPhone or iPad

Open the app you want to watch — Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+, or another streaming service. Look for the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Tap it.

A list of nearby AirPlay receivers will appear. Select your Apple TV from the list. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. You can control playback from your phone — pause, rewind, adjust volume — and the phone screen will dim or lock without stopping the video.

To stop casting, tap the AirPlay icon again and select "iPhone" or "iPad" to send the video back to your device.

How to cast to Apple TV from a Mac

Open the app or website with the content you want to watch. Look for the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Click it.

Select your Apple TV from the dropdown menu. Your Mac screen will mirror to the TV, or the app will send video directly to Apple TV if it supports AirPlay. You can continue using your Mac normally while video plays on the TV.

To stop, click the AirPlay icon again and select "Off" or your Mac's display name.

What to do if AirPlay is not working

Make sure your Apple TV and your phone or Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay requires both devices to be connected to the same router. Check your Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name matches.

Restart both devices. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Restart your phone or Mac as well. This clears temporary connection problems that block AirPlay.

If the AirPlay icon does not appear in the app you are using, that app may not support AirPlay. Try a different app like Netflix or YouTube to test whether AirPlay itself is working. If it works in one app but not another, the problem is with that specific app, not your devices.

Using streaming apps instead of casting

Many apps work directly on Apple TV without needing to cast at all. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ all have native apps for tvOS, the operating system that runs on Apple TV. You can open the app on your TV, search for content, and play it — no phone needed.

This approach is often faster and more reliable than casting because the app runs on the Apple TV itself rather than streaming from your phone. Your phone battery does not drain, and you can use your phone for other things while the video plays.

To find apps on Apple TV, go to the App Store on your device. Search for the app you want, and read it. Sign in with your account, and you are ready to watch.

Why Chromecast and Apple TV are not compatible

Google built Chromecast to work with Google Cast, a system that lets Android phones, Chromebooks, and other Google devices send video to a Chromecast receiver. Apple built Apple TV to work with AirPlay, a system that lets iPhones, iPads, and Macs send video to an Apple TV receiver.

The two companies did not agree to make their systems talk to each other. Some third-party apps have added support for both — Spotify, for example, works with both Google Cast and AirPlay — but the devices themselves cannot bridge the gap.

If you use both Android and Apple devices in your home, you may want both a Chromecast and an Apple TV, or you can choose one ecosystem and stick with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chromecast if I have an Apple TV?

Yes. Chromecast and Apple TV are separate devices that do not interfere with each other. You can own both and use whichever one matches the device you are casting from — Chromecast for Android phones, Apple TV for iPhones and Macs. They just cannot send video to each other.

What if my streaming app does not have an AirPlay icon?

Some older or smaller apps do not support AirPlay. Try opening the app on Apple TV directly instead — most major streaming services have native tvOS apps. If the app is not available on Apple TV, you may need to use a different service or cast from a different app that does support AirPlay.

Does screen mirroring work instead of casting?

Yes. On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV. Your entire phone or tablet screen will appear on your TV. This works for any app, but it drains your battery faster than casting does because your device is constantly sending video.

Can I cast from a Windows PC to Apple TV?

Not directly. Windows does not have built-in AirPlay support. You can mirror your screen using third-party apps, but the easiest route is to use a streaming app on Apple TV itself, or cast from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac instead.

Why does AirPlay sometimes disconnect?

Wi-Fi interference, distance from the router, or a weak signal can drop the connection. Move closer to your router, reduce the number of devices on your network, or restart both your Apple TV and your phone. If disconnections happen often, your Wi-Fi may be overloaded or your router may need to be repositioned.