Apple TV and Chromecast don't work together directly
You cannot cast Apple TV+ (the streaming service) or content from an Apple TV device straight to a Google Chromecast. Apple and Google use different casting systems—Apple uses AirPlay, Google uses Chromecast—and they don't speak to each other. If you try to cast from an Apple device to a Chromecast, you'll find no option to do so.
The reason is technical: Apple TV+ is built to work with Apple's ecosystem (iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Apple TV boxes), while Chromecast is Google's standard for Android devices and other non-Apple hardware. Neither company has built a bridge between them.
That said, there are real ways to watch Apple TV+ on a TV connected to Chromecast. They just require a different approach than casting.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ cannot be cast directly to Chromecast because Apple and Google use incompatible casting systems.
- You can watch Apple TV+ on a Chromecast-connected TV by casting your entire Android phone or tablet screen, though video quality may be lower.
- Connecting an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, or Mac) to your TV via HDMI cable or an external adapter bypasses Chromecast entirely and lets you use AirPlay.
- The simplest option is often to use a device that has Apple TV+ built in, such as a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Samsung Smart TV.
Screen mirroring your Android phone to Chromecast
If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can mirror your entire screen to a Chromecast-connected TV. Open the Apple TV+ app on your Android device, start playing what you want to watch, then use your phone's built-in screen mirroring feature to send it to the Chromecast.
The steps vary slightly by Android version and phone brand. On most phones, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full quick settings menu, look for "Cast" or "Screen Mirroring," select your Chromecast, and confirm. The Apple TV+ video will then play on your TV through the Chromecast.
One drawback: screen mirroring sends everything your phone displays, not just the video. If you get a notification or open another app, your TV will show it. Also, video quality over screen mirroring is sometimes lower than a direct cast would be, and the connection can be less stable.
Using an HDMI cable or adapter with an Apple device
If you own an Apple device—an iPhone, iPad, or Mac—you can connect it directly to your TV with a cable or adapter, completely bypassing Chromecast. This gives you full control and the best picture quality.
For an iPad or iPhone, you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer models) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones and iPads). Plug the adapter into your device, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, and switch the TV to that HDMI input. Open Apple TV+ and play what you want. The video will appear on your TV at full quality.
For a Mac, use a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter if your Mac has USB-C ports, or a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter for older Macs. The connection works the same way: plug in, switch inputs, and play.
This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port—you don't need Chromecast at all. The downside is that you're tethered by a cable, so you can't move the device around the room.
Checking if your TV has Apple TV+ built in
Many modern TVs come with Apple TV+ already installed, which means you can open the app directly on the TV without any casting or cables. This is the simplest option if your TV supports it.
Check whether your TV is a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, or Vizio Smart TV. All of these platforms have the Apple TV+ app available. Go to your TV's app store, search for Apple TV+, and read it. Sign in with your Apple ID, and you can stream directly to the TV without any intermediate device.
If your TV doesn't have the app built in, you can add a device: a Roku stick, Fire TV stick, or Apple TV box all support Apple TV+ and plug into your TV's HDMI port. An Apple TV box also supports AirPlay, so you can cast from your iPhone or iPad if you prefer.
Why Chromecast and Apple TV+ don't work together
The incompatibility comes down to business strategy. Apple built AirPlay as its casting standard and keeps it exclusive to Apple devices and services. Google built Chromecast for Android and non-Apple hardware. Neither company has incentive to make the other's system work on their platform.
This isn't unique to Apple TV+. You'll run into the same issue trying to cast other Apple services (like Apple Music or Apple Fitness+) to Chromecast. Conversely, you can't easily cast Google services like YouTube TV to an Apple TV box using Chromecast—you'd have to use AirPlay or screen mirroring instead.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | What you need | Video quality | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen mirroring Android to Chromecast | Android phone or tablet | Good (may vary) | Moderate—a few taps, but notifications show on TV |
| HDMI cable from iPhone, iPad, or Mac | Apple device + USB-C or Lightning to HDMI adapter | Excellent | straightforward—plug in and play, but you're tethered by cable |
| Apple TV+ app on your smart TV | Compatible TV (Roku, Fire, Samsung, LG, Vizio) | Excellent | Very straightforward—open the app and sign in |
| Apple TV box connected to TV | Apple TV device ($99–$199) | Excellent | Very straightforward—supports both AirPlay and direct app use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay instead of Chromecast?
AirPlay only works between Apple devices and devices that support AirPlay—Chromecast is not one of them. If your TV has AirPlay built in (some newer Samsung, LG, and Vizio models do), you can use that instead of Chromecast. Otherwise, you need an Apple TV box or an HDMI cable to use AirPlay.
Will Google ever make Chromecast work with Apple TV+?
It's unlikely. The two companies have competing interests, and neither has shown willingness to integrate the other's casting system. Your best bet is to use one of the workarounds listed above.
What if I have both an Apple device and a Chromecast?
Use the HDMI cable method with your Apple device instead. It gives you better quality and more reliable performance than trying to work around the incompatibility.
Does screen mirroring drain my phone battery faster?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more power than normal use because your phone is constantly sending video data to the Chromecast. If you plan to watch for more than an hour or two, consider using an HDMI cable or a TV with the app built in.
Can I cast Apple TV+ from a Mac to Chromecast?
No, not directly. You can screen-mirror your Mac to Chromecast (on some Macs and Chromecasts), but this has the same limitations as mirroring from an Android phone—lower quality and notifications appearing on your TV. An HDMI cable is more reliable.