Apple TV won't cast directly to Chromecast, but you have working alternatives
Apple TV and Google Chromecast use different casting systems, so you cannot send Apple TV's app or content directly to a Chromecast device the way you would cast from Chrome or YouTube. Apple TV uses AirPlay, which is Apple's proprietary standard. Chromecast uses Google Cast. The two do not talk to each other.
That said, you have three practical routes: cast your entire screen from an Android phone or tablet, use a web browser to send certain content, or cast from a Mac or iPad using AirPlay to an Apple TV device instead (which is different from the Apple TV app). The method that works depends on what you are trying to watch and what device you are starting from.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV app and Chromecast are incompatible because they use different casting standards — AirPlay versus Google Cast.
- You can cast your entire Android phone or tablet screen to Chromecast, which lets you open Apple TV and watch from there.
- Some content in the Apple TV app works through web browsers on computers, which you can then cast to Chromecast using Chrome's built-in cast feature.
- If you own an Apple TV device (the hardware box), it works with AirPlay and can receive casts from iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Roku, Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs have native Apple TV apps, so casting works directly on those platforms without workarounds.
Casting your Android phone screen to Chromecast
The simplest workaround is to cast your entire Android phone or tablet screen to your Chromecast. This mirrors everything on your phone's display, including the Apple TV app. Open the Apple TV app on your Android device, then swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings. Tap Cast and select your Chromecast device. Your phone screen now appears on your TV, and you can navigate Apple TV normally.
The downside is that your phone controls the playback and stays connected the whole time. If you get a call or notification, it interrupts the cast. Battery drains faster because the screen stays on. But it works reliably and requires no subscription or extra hardware beyond the Chromecast you already own.
Using a web browser to cast Apple TV content
Some Apple TV content is available through a web browser at tv.apple.com. If you are signed into your Apple account there, you can watch certain shows and movies directly in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge on your computer. Once the video is playing in your browser, you can cast that browser tab to Chromecast using Chrome's cast button (the rectangle with a corner triangle, usually in the top right).
This method works best for content you own or subscribe to through Apple TV+. Not all Apple TV app features are available on the web version — some purchased content and rentals may not play through a browser. Check tv.apple.com first to see whether the title you want is available there before you set up the cast.
Why Apple TV devices work differently from the app
The Apple TV device (the hardware box made by Apple, like the Apple TV 4K) is separate from the Apple TV app. The device itself has AirPlay built in, so iPhones, iPads, and Macs can cast to it wirelessly. Chromecast cannot receive AirPlay casts, so the device and Chromecast remain incompatible.
If you already own an Apple TV device and a Chromecast, they serve different purposes. Use the Apple TV device for AirPlay casts from Apple devices. Use Chromecast for Google Cast from Android phones, Chromebooks, and web browsers. You do not need both to watch Apple TV content — one or the other will work depending on what device you are casting from.
Smart TVs with built-in Apple TV apps
Many modern televisions come with the Apple TV app pre-installed or available as a free read. Roku TVs, Amazon Fire TV models, and Samsung Smart TVs all have native Apple TV apps. If your TV is one of these, you can read the app directly to the TV and sign in with your Apple account. No casting is needed — the app runs on the TV itself.
Check your TV's app store or settings menu to see whether Apple TV is available. If it is, this is the cleanest solution because you avoid casting altogether and get full app features on your television screen. You control playback with your TV remote, and there is no battery drain or phone interruptions.
Using AirPlay if you have an Apple device
If you are casting from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you have AirPlay available. Open Control Center on iPhone or iPad (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, and select an Apple TV device if you own one. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV.
This only works with Apple TV hardware, not Chromecast. If you do not own an Apple TV device, AirPlay cannot help you cast to Chromecast. Your options remain screen mirroring from Android or using a web browser on a computer.
Comparing your casting options
| Method | Starting Device | What You Need | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android screen mirroring | Android phone or tablet | Chromecast + Android device | Quick access to Apple TV app without extra hardware |
| Web browser cast | Computer (Windows or Mac) | Chromecast + web browser | Watching Apple TV+ or owned content on a bigger screen |
| Native TV app | Roku, Fire TV, or Samsung TV | Compatible smart TV | Best experience; no casting needed |
| AirPlay to Apple TV device | iPhone, iPad, or Mac | Apple TV hardware + Apple device | Apple ecosystem users with Apple TV hardware |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast Apple TV+ directly to Chromecast?
Not directly. Apple TV+ uses AirPlay, and Chromecast uses Google Cast. You can work around this by casting your Android phone screen or by opening Apple TV content in a web browser and casting that browser tab to Chromecast.
Will casting my phone drain the battery quickly?
Yes. Screen mirroring keeps your phone's display active and uses wireless connection continuously, so battery drains faster than normal use. For longer viewing sessions, plug your phone into power while casting.
What if my TV has both Chromecast and Apple TV built in?
Use whichever one has the Apple TV app. Most newer Roku, Fire TV, and Samsung TVs have the native Apple TV app, so you can sign in directly on the TV without casting at all. Check your TV's app store to confirm.
Can I use Chromecast with an Apple TV subscription?
Yes, as long as you use one of the workarounds — Android screen mirroring or web browser casting. You sign into your Apple account on the app or website, and Chromecast displays the content. Your subscription works the same way.
Is there a way to make Apple TV and Chromecast compatible?
Not without using a workaround. Apple and Google have not made their casting systems compatible. Your options are screen mirroring from Android, casting a web browser, or switching to a TV platform that has a native Apple TV app.