How to Stream Apple TV on a Chromecast Device

You cannot cast Apple TV directly to Chromecast, but you have working alternatives

Google Chromecast does not natively support Apple TV, the streaming service. Apple TV is locked to Apple's ecosystem—it runs on iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV boxes, and a few Samsung and LG smart TVs. Chromecast devices do not fall into that list. However, you can still watch Apple TV content on a TV connected to Chromecast by using your phone or computer as a bridge.

The most practical route depends on what device you own. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can mirror your screen to Chromecast and play Apple TV through that mirror. If you have an Android phone, you cannot use Apple TV at all—the app only exists for Apple devices and web browsers. A Windows PC can also mirror to Chromecast and run Apple TV through a browser.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV the service is not built into Chromecast and cannot be cast directly like Netflix or YouTube.
You can mirror an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC screen to Chromecast and play Apple TV through that mirror.
Screen mirroring works but introduces a delay and uses more battery than native casting would.
If you own an Apple TV box (the hardware device), you can connect it directly to your TV and do not need Chromecast.
Android phones cannot run the Apple TV app, so mirroring is not an option from Android devices.

Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad

Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad and start playing what you want to watch. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom, depending on your device model) to open Control Center. Look for the Screen Mirroring button—it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it and select your Chromecast device from the list.

Your iPhone or iPad screen will now appear on your TV, and the Apple TV app will play through that mirror. The video will play at the same quality as your internet connection allows, but you will notice a slight delay between what you see on your phone and what appears on the TV. This is normal for screen mirroring. Keep your phone unlocked and nearby, because locking it or switching apps will pause or stop playback.

Mirroring from a Mac computer

Connect your Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar, then click Screen Mirroring. Select your Chromecast device. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV.

Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, or Firefox all work) and go to tv.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and start playing. Because you are using a web browser rather than the native Apple TV app, some features may be limited, but video playback works reliably. Unlike a phone, your Mac can stay locked or in the background without interrupting playback, so this is a more stable option if you plan to watch for a long time.

Mirroring from a Windows PC

On Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows key and P together to open the projection menu. Select Connect to a wireless display and choose your Chromecast device. Your PC screen will mirror to the TV.

Open a web browser and navigate to tv.apple.com. Sign in and play your content. Like the Mac approach, you are using the web version of Apple TV rather than a dedicated app, but it works for watching shows and movies. Windows PCs handle mirroring well and do not require you to keep the screen active, so this is a practical long-term solution.

Why you cannot cast Apple TV directly

Apple TV is a proprietary service that Apple controls tightly. The company has chosen to make it available only on devices it manufactures or has partnerships with. Chromecast is Google's casting technology, and Google does not have a licensing agreement with Apple to put the Apple TV app on Chromecast devices. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation—the hardware could theoretically support it, but Apple has not permitted it.

This is different from Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, which offer native Chromecast support because those companies have made deals with Google. Apple prefers to keep Apple TV confined to its own ecosystem, which encourages people to buy Apple hardware. Screen mirroring is the workaround that exists because it is a general feature of both iOS and macOS, not something specific to Apple TV.

What to expect when you mirror instead of cast

Screen mirroring sends everything on your device's screen to the TV, not just the video. If a notification pops up on your phone, it will appear on your TV. If you switch apps, the TV will show that switch. This is different from casting, where only the video stream goes to the TV and your phone remains private.

Mirroring also uses more battery and data than casting does, because your device is constantly sending the entire screen image rather than just a video file. If you are watching a two-hour movie, expect your phone battery to drop noticeably. Keeping your device plugged in during long viewing sessions is practical.

Video quality depends on your Wi-Fi connection. If your network is slow or unstable, the picture may stutter or drop resolution. Casting services like Netflix handle this more gracefully because the Chromecast device itself manages the connection. With mirroring, your phone or computer is doing the work, so network problems affect it more directly.

If you want native Apple TV support, consider an Apple TV box

Apple makes a hardware device called Apple TV (the box, not the service). It connects directly to your TV via HDMI and runs the Apple TV app natively. If you use Apple services regularly and want the smoothest experience, buying an Apple TV box eliminates the need for Chromecast altogether. It costs more upfront but gives you full access to Apple TV, AirPlay, HomeKit, and other Apple features without mirroring.

Some newer Samsung and LG smart TVs also have the Apple TV app built in, which is another way to get native support without buying a separate device. Check your TV's app store to see if Apple TV is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay instead of Chromecast to watch Apple TV?

AirPlay is Apple's casting technology and works only between Apple devices. If you have an Apple TV box or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, you can cast from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly. Chromecast does not support AirPlay, so this does not help if Chromecast is what you own.

Will mirroring Apple TV drain my phone battery quickly?

Yes, screen mirroring uses significantly more battery than casting does. For a two-hour movie, expect 20 to 40 percent battery drain depending on your phone model and screen brightness. Plugging in your phone during viewing is recommended.

Does the web version of Apple TV at tv.apple.com have all the same shows and movies?

The web version has the same content library as the app, but some features like offline downloads and certain playback settings are app-only. For watching live and on-demand content, the web version works the same way.

Can I use an Android phone to watch Apple TV on Chromecast?

No. The Apple TV app does not exist for Android phones, and screen mirroring from Android to Chromecast will not help because the app is not installed. Android users cannot access Apple TV unless they use a web browser on a computer that is mirrored to Chromecast.

Is there a delay when I mirror Apple TV to Chromecast?

Yes, screen mirroring introduces a noticeable delay—usually one to three seconds between your device and the TV. This is normal and happens because your phone or computer is constantly sending screen images over Wi-Fi. Native casting services like Netflix have much less delay because the Chromecast device handles the streaming directly.

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.