Yes, but you need Google Home or a compatible app

You cannot cast directly from iPhone to Chromecast the way you can from Android. Apple and Google do not have native integration between iOS and Chromecast. However, you have two working routes: use the Google Home app to cast certain content, or use third-party apps that support Chromecast, such as YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+.

The limitation exists because Chromecast uses Google's Cast protocol, and Apple does not build that protocol into iOS. This means you are casting through an app, not through a system-wide feature. The good news is that most streaming services you already use on iPhone support Chromecast output.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone cannot cast its entire screen to Chromecast, but individual apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify can send video or audio to your TV.
  • The Google Home app lets you cast audio from Apple Music, podcasts, and other audio sources if your Chromecast device supports audio.
  • Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • AirPlay is Apple's casting system and works with Apple TV, but not with Chromecast.

Casting video and audio from individual apps

Most major streaming apps on iPhone include a Cast button. Open the app, start playing content, and look for a rectangular icon with curved lines in the bottom right or top right corner. Tap it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and the video or audio will stream to your TV.

Apps that support Chromecast casting include YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Plex, and many others. The Cast button location varies by app, but it is usually near the playback controls. If you do not see a Cast button, that app does not support Chromecast.

Once you start casting, your iPhone screen can go dark or you can close the app — the content keeps playing on your TV. You control playback from your iPhone or from a physical remote if your Chromecast came with one.

Using Google Home to cast audio

The Google Home app on iPhone can cast audio to a Chromecast Audio device or to a Chromecast with Google TV that has a speaker. Open Google Home, tap the device you want to cast to, then select the music or podcast source. You can cast from Apple Music, Podcasts, or other audio apps that integrate with Google Home.

This method works best for music and podcasts rather than video. The casting happens through Google Home, not directly from the audio app, so the process is slightly different than using the Cast button in Spotify or Apple Music. If you have a Chromecast Audio (an older Google product that is no longer sold but still works), this is one of the main ways to use it from iPhone.

Making sure your devices are on the same network

Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks — for example, if your Chromecast is on your home network and your iPhone is on a guest network — casting will not work.

Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password or added a new router, you may need to reconnect your Chromecast to the network. Open Google Home, tap the Chromecast device, go to Settings, and select Wi-Fi to reconnect.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

If the Cast button does not appear in an app, that app does not support Chromecast. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm. Some apps require a paid subscription before casting is available — for example, some versions of Hulu only allow casting on the ad-free plan.

If the Cast button appears but your Chromecast does not show up in the list, restart both devices. Turn off your Chromecast by unplugging it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Restart your iPhone. Then open the app again and look for the Cast button. If the problem persists, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect to it.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Move your iPhone or Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

AirPlay is not the same as Chromecast

If you own an Apple TV, you can use AirPlay to cast from your iPhone to it. AirPlay is Apple's casting system and works seamlessly across Apple devices. However, AirPlay does not work with Chromecast devices. If you want to cast from iPhone to a TV, you need either a Chromecast (using the methods above) or an Apple TV (using AirPlay).

Some smart TVs have both AirPlay and Chromecast built in. Check your TV's manual or settings to see which casting systems it supports. If your TV has both, you can use either one from your iPhone.

What you cannot do with iPhone and Chromecast

You cannot mirror your entire iPhone screen to Chromecast. Screen mirroring from iPhone only works with AirPlay and Apple TV. You also cannot cast web browser tabs from Safari to Chromecast — that feature exists on Android and on Mac, but not on iOS.

If you need to show your iPhone screen on a TV, your options are AirPlay with Apple TV, or using an HDMI adapter to plug your iPhone directly into the TV. Some apps like Zoom and Google Meet have built-in casting features that let you share your screen through the app itself, but this is not the same as full screen mirroring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Safari to Chromecast?

No. Safari on iPhone does not have a Cast button. You can only cast from apps that have built-in Chromecast support. If you want to watch web content on your TV, open it in a Chromecast-compatible app like YouTube or use AirPlay with Apple TV instead.

Do I need to pay to cast from my iPhone?

No. Casting itself is free. However, you need a subscription to the streaming service you are casting from — for example, Netflix or Spotify. The Chromecast device itself is a one-time purchase, but casting does not add any extra cost beyond what you already pay for the app.

Why does my Chromecast not show up when I try to cast?

Make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices by unplugging the Chromecast for 10 seconds and restarting your iPhone. If the problem continues, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect to it. Check that your Chromecast is powered on and has a stable internet connection.

Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at once from my iPhone?

Most apps only let you cast to one device at a time. Some apps like Spotify have a feature to play on multiple speakers, but this is a separate feature from Chromecast casting. Check your app's settings to see if multi-device casting is available.

What happens if I close the app while casting?

The content keeps playing on your TV. You can close the app, lock your iPhone, or switch to another app, and the cast will continue. To stop casting, open the app again, tap the Cast button, and select "Disconnect" or "Stop casting."