AirPlay and Chromecast are not directly compatible

You cannot send an AirPlay stream directly from an Apple device to a Chromecast. AirPlay is Apple's proprietary streaming protocol, and Chromecast uses Google's Cast protocol — they do not speak to each other natively. If you try to AirPlay to a Chromecast device, it will not appear in your AirPlay menu, and your Apple device will not recognize it as a compatible receiver.

However, there are real ways to stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Chromecast-connected TV. The most practical routes involve either mirroring your entire screen, using apps that support Cast natively, or casting through a workaround app designed to bridge the two systems.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay and Chromecast are incompatible protocols, so direct AirPlay streaming to Chromecast will not work.
  • Many streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) support Cast directly from within the app, bypassing the need for AirPlay.
  • Screen mirroring from an Apple device to Chromecast requires a third-party app or casting through an Android intermediary device.
  • Some third-party apps like AirBeamTV or Streamer for Chromecast can convert AirPlay to Cast, though they require a subscription or one-time purchase.

Use Cast-compatible apps instead of AirPlay

The simplest solution is to use apps that support Google Cast natively. Most major streaming services — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify, Hulu, and HBO Max — have a Cast button built into their apps. When you open one of these apps on your iPhone or iPad, look for the Cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) and tap it to send the stream directly to your Chromecast.

This method works better than screen mirroring because it sends only the video or audio stream, not your entire screen. The video quality is often higher, and your phone remains responsive — you can lock the screen, switch apps, or even turn off your phone without interrupting playback. The Chromecast handles the streaming independently once you have cast the content.

Mirror your screen from Mac or iPad using a third-party app

If you need to mirror your entire screen — for example, to show a presentation or browse the web on your TV — you will need a third-party app. AirBeamTV and Streamer for Chromecast are the most widely used options. Both apps run on your Mac or iPad and convert your screen to a format Chromecast can receive. AirBeamTV costs around $5 to $10 depending on your device, while Streamer for Chromecast offers a free trial with a subscription model.

To use either app, install it on your Apple device, open it, and select your Chromecast from the list of available devices. The app will then mirror your screen to the TV. Latency is usually one to three seconds, which is noticeable but acceptable for most tasks. Gaming and real-time interaction are less smooth than with native AirPlay, but web browsing, document viewing, and presentations work reasonably well.

Cast through an Android device as a workaround

If you own an Android phone or tablet, you can use it as a bridge between your Apple device and Chromecast. Cast your content from the Android device to the Chromecast, then use AirPlay to mirror your iPad or iPhone to the Android device. This creates an indirect path but avoids third-party apps.

This method is cumbersome and introduces extra steps, so it is most useful only if you already have an Android device on hand and do not want to purchase or subscribe to a mirroring app. For regular use, a dedicated third-party app is faster and more reliable.

Check whether your TV has both AirPlay and Chromecast built in

Some newer smart TVs — particularly Samsung, LG, and Sony models — include both AirPlay and Chromecast support built directly into the TV. If your TV has both, you can AirPlay directly to the TV without needing a separate Chromecast device. Look in your TV's settings under "AirPlay" or "Screen Mirroring" to confirm it is enabled.

If your TV supports both protocols, you have the flexibility to use whichever works best for the moment. AirPlay will appear in your Apple device's Control Center, and Cast will appear in compatible apps. You do not need to choose one or the other — both can coexist on the same TV.

Understand the limits of screen mirroring

Screen mirroring from Apple to Chromecast works, but it has real drawbacks compared to native AirPlay or direct Cast support. The video stream is compressed more heavily, which can reduce clarity on larger screens. Audio and video may drift slightly out of sync, especially over a crowded Wi-Fi network. Battery drain on your Apple device is also faster because the screen stays active and the device is constantly encoding video.

For these reasons, screen mirroring is best used for occasional tasks — showing photos, presenting slides, or troubleshooting — rather than for watching movies or playing music for extended periods. If you regularly stream video or audio, using a Cast-compatible app or switching to a TV with native AirPlay support will give you a better experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I AirPlay music to Chromecast?

Not directly through AirPlay. However, most music streaming apps (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music) have a Cast button in the app itself. Open the app, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast. This sends the audio stream directly to the device without using AirPlay.

Will AirPlay work if I update my Chromecast?

No. Chromecast firmware updates do not add AirPlay support. AirPlay and Cast are separate technologies maintained by Apple and Google respectively. Updates to Chromecast improve Cast performance and add new features, but they do not bridge the gap between the two protocols.

Is there a free way to mirror my screen to Chromecast?

Not on Apple devices without a subscription or one-time purchase. Some third-party apps offer free trials, but ongoing screen mirroring typically requires payment. If you have an Android device available, you can use it as an intermediary at no cost, though this is slower and less convenient.

What if my Chromecast is not showing up in the mirroring app?

Make sure your Apple device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and the mirroring app. If the Chromecast still does not appear, check that the TV is powered on and the Chromecast is fully booted (the light should be solid, not blinking). Some older Chromecast models may not be compatible with certain third-party mirroring apps.

Can I use AirPlay and Chromecast on the same TV at the same time?

Only if your TV has both built in. A standalone Chromecast device cannot receive AirPlay. If your TV supports both protocols natively, you can switch between them, but you cannot send two different streams simultaneously — the TV will display whichever source you select.