Chromecast works with most streaming apps, but not all content types

Chromecast can receive video, audio, and photos from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV or speaker. The catch: not every app supports it, and some apps let you cast only certain content. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Google Photos work reliably. Peacock, Disney+, and HBO Max work too. But apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram do not have built-in casting — you cannot send a video from those apps directly to your screen.

What you can cast depends on three things: whether the app itself supports Chromecast, whether the content is protected against copying, and what device you are casting from. A video that streams fine on your phone might not cast if the app's developer did not build in that feature, or if the content owner blocked it.

Key Takeaways

  • Streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, and HBO Max support Chromecast, but social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat do not.
  • You can cast your entire screen from an Android phone or Windows computer, which works around apps that lack native casting support.
  • Some apps let you cast video but not audio, or let you cast only certain content types within the same app.
  • Casting requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the content must not be protected by digital rights restrictions.

Video streaming apps that cast reliably

Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google TV all have the cast button built in. Open the app, find the video you want, and tap the cast icon — usually a rectangle with a curved line in the corner. Your TV appears in a list, you select it, and the video starts playing on your screen instead of your phone.

Some apps cast only certain content. YouTube TV lets you cast live channels and recordings, but YouTube Premium members who read videos offline cannot cast those downloads. Hulu's free tier with ads supports casting, but some older content may be blocked by the rights holder. Amazon Prime Video casts most titles, but some licensed movies and shows have casting disabled by the studio.

The cast button usually appears in the top right or bottom right of the video player. If you do not see it, the app either does not support casting or you are not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.

Music and podcast apps that work with Chromecast

Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and iHeartRadio all support casting. Open the app, start playing a song or podcast, and the cast icon appears in the player. Tap it, select your Chromecast device, and the audio plays through your TV speakers or a Chromecast Audio device.

Casting music is useful when you want sound throughout your home without carrying a speaker from room to room. You can keep using your phone for other things — the music keeps playing on your TV or speaker independently.

Photos and screen mirroring as workarounds

Google Photos, Amazon Photos, and Flickr support casting individual photos or slideshows to your TV. Open the app, select a photo, tap the cast icon, and it displays on your screen. This works well for showing family pictures or vacation photos without plugging cables into your TV.

If an app does not have a cast button, you can cast your entire phone or computer screen instead. On Android phones, swipe down from the top, find "Cast" or "Screen cast", select your Chromecast, and everything on your phone displays on your TV. On Windows computers, press Windows key + K, select your Chromecast, and your desktop appears on the TV. This method works for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and any other app, but it drains your phone battery faster and the video quality depends on your Wi-Fi speed.

Content that cannot be cast

Some streaming services block casting for certain content. Netflix does not let you cast content marked as "offline read only." Disney+ may block casting on some licensed content. Paramount+ and other services occasionally restrict casting on new releases or live sports to prevent unauthorized recording.

Content protected by HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) cannot be cast at all. This is a copy-protection system used by some studios, particularly for premium live events and new theatrical releases. If you see an error message saying the content cannot be cast, HDCP protection is usually the reason.

Apps that require a cable or satellite subscription to log in — like ESPN, DIRECTV, or Comcast Xfinity — may not support casting even though the app itself works on your phone. Check the app's settings or help section to see if casting is available for your subscription level.

Casting requirements and common problems

Both your phone and your Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is on your home network and your Chromecast is on a guest network, casting will not work. Check your router settings to make sure both devices are on the same band.

Casting stops if you lose Wi-Fi connection or if your phone goes to sleep. Some apps let you lock your screen and keep casting, but others pause the video when the screen turns off. Check your phone's settings — you may need to disable sleep mode while casting, which will drain your battery faster.

If the cast button does not appear in an app, restart both your phone and your Chromecast device. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then open the app again and look for the cast icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my iPhone to Chromecast?

Yes, but only from apps that have built-in Chromecast support. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ work. You cannot screen-mirror your entire iPhone screen to Chromecast the way you can with Android — Apple devices use AirPlay instead. Some apps like YouTube let you cast from iPhone, but TikTok and Instagram do not.

What if the app I want to use does not have a cast button?

If you have an Android phone or Windows computer, cast your entire screen instead. On Android, swipe down and tap Cast, then select your Chromecast. On Windows, press Windows key + K and choose your device. Your whole screen appears on the TV, though this uses more Wi-Fi bandwidth and drains your phone battery faster.

Why does casting stop when my phone screen goes dark?

Some apps pause casting when your phone sleeps to save battery. Go to your phone's settings and disable sleep mode while you are casting, or look in the app itself for an option to keep playing when the screen is off. Keep in mind that leaving your screen on will drain your battery.

Can I cast live TV or sports events?

It depends on the app and the rights holder. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV support casting live channels. ESPN and other sports apps may block casting on certain events. Check the app's help section or try casting — if it does not work, the content is likely restricted by the broadcaster.

Does casting work on public Wi-Fi?

No. Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. On public Wi-Fi at a hotel or coffee shop, both devices would need to connect to that same network, but most public networks do not allow devices to communicate with each other for security reasons. Casting works best on your home network.