Yes, you can cast from an iPhone, but not all apps support it

Chromecast works with iPhones, but the process is different from Android. Apple does not build Chromecast support into iOS itself the way Android does. Instead, individual apps—like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Home—include their own cast buttons. If an app has a cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), you can send video or audio to your Chromecast from that app.

The catch: not every app supports casting. Safari, Apple TV+, Disney+, and many others do not have built-in cast buttons. For those, you would need to use AirPlay instead, which is Apple's casting system and works with Apple TV devices, not Chromecast.

Key Takeaways

  • Casting from iPhone to Chromecast only works in apps that include a cast button—it is not a system-wide feature like it is on Android.
  • Google apps (YouTube, Google Home, Chrome browser) and major streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Hulu) typically include cast buttons, but check the app first.
  • Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • If an app does not have a cast button, you cannot cast from it to Chromecast, even if the app streams video or audio.

Which apps let you cast from iPhone

Google's own apps almost always support Chromecast. YouTube, Google Home, Google Play Music, Google Podcasts, and the Chrome browser all have cast buttons built in. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos, you can cast photos and videos from those apps too.

Major streaming services support casting as well. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Pandora, and HBO Max all include cast buttons in their iPhone apps. Smaller services vary—check the app's settings or help section if you are not sure. Some apps hide the cast button in a menu rather than showing it on the main screen.

Social media and video apps are less consistent. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat do not support Chromecast casting. Twitch does. YouTube TV and Sling TV support it; traditional cable apps usually do not.

How to cast from your iPhone step by step

First, make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app you want to cast from and start playing the video or audio you want to send. Look for the cast icon—it looks like a rectangle with three curved lines coming from the bottom left corner. On some apps it is in the top right; on others it is in a menu or settings area.

Tap the cast icon. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the Chromecast you want to use. The video or audio will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your iPhone screen will show a small indicator that casting is active, and you can use your phone for other things while the content plays on the TV.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or "Disconnect." The content will stop playing on your TV and return to your iPhone if you were in the middle of something.

Why your iPhone might not find your Chromecast

The most common reason is that your iPhone and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your iPhone to the same band your Chromecast is using—check your Chromecast's network settings in the Google Home app to see which one it chose.

If they are on the same network and the cast button still does not appear, restart the app. Close it completely and open it again. If that does not work, restart your iPhone and your Chromecast (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in). Sometimes the cast button is hidden in a menu—look in settings, the three-dot menu, or the app's main navigation.

If you recently set up your Chromecast, give it a minute to fully connect to Wi-Fi before trying to cast. New devices sometimes take a moment to appear on the network.

Alternatives if the app you want does not support casting

If an app does not have a cast button, you have two options. The first is to use Google Chrome on your iPhone. Open the website in Chrome, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. This works for many websites and some web-based apps, though video quality may be lower than casting from a native app.

The second option is to switch to AirPlay, which is Apple's casting system. If you have an Apple TV device instead of a Chromecast, most apps will have an AirPlay button. AirPlay also works with some smart TVs and speakers that support it, but it does not work with Chromecast devices.

For apps like Safari, Apple TV+, or others without cast support, you are limited to watching on your iPhone or using AirPlay to an Apple TV. There is no way to force casting to Chromecast if the app does not include the feature.

Casting audio only from your iPhone

Music and podcast apps work the same way as video apps. Open Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, or another audio app, start playing something, and tap the cast icon. Select your Chromecast speaker or a Chromecast Audio device if you have one. The audio will play through your TV or speaker, and you can control playback from your phone.

Some apps let you cast to multiple devices at once. In Spotify, for example, you can tap the cast icon and select more than one speaker to play the same song in different rooms. Check your app's settings to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Safari to Chromecast?

Safari does not have a built-in cast button. Use Google Chrome instead—open the website in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Cast." This works for many websites, though some may not display correctly on your TV.

Why does the cast button disappear when I start playing a video?

Some apps hide the cast button once playback starts. Look for it in the app's menu or settings, or swipe down from the top of the screen. If it is truly gone, try pausing the video—the button often reappears when playback is paused.

Can I cast if my iPhone is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Chromecast?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If you are on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), move your iPhone to the same network as your Chromecast.

Does casting from iPhone drain the battery faster?

Casting uses Wi-Fi and keeps your phone's radio active, so battery drain is slightly higher than normal. The effect is small—you will not notice a dramatic difference. Once casting starts, you can lock your iPhone and it will continue playing on your TV.

Can I use my iPhone while something is casting?

Yes. Once casting starts, your iPhone is free to do other things. You can browse, text, or use other apps. The content will keep playing on your TV. You can also control playback (pause, skip, adjust volume) from the app you are casting from.