Can You Chromecast to an Xbox? What You Need to Know

You cannot Chromecast directly to an Xbox console

Chromecast and Xbox use different streaming technologies, so you cannot send a Chromecast stream from your phone or computer directly to an Xbox the way you would to a Chromecast device or a smart TV. Google's Chromecast protocol and Microsoft's Xbox streaming system do not speak to each other.

However, there are workarounds depending on what you are trying to do. If you want to watch content on your TV through an Xbox, or mirror your screen to an Xbox, the path depends on whether you own an Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, and what device you are casting from.

Key Takeaways

Chromecast does not work natively with any Xbox console because they use incompatible streaming protocols.
Xbox One, Series X, and Series S all support screen mirroring from Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, which is the closest alternative to Chromecast.
You can cast from Android phones to Xbox One and Series X/S using the Xbox app, but this only works for certain apps and content, not all screen mirroring.
If your TV has both Chromecast and HDMI input, you can use Chromecast on the TV itself rather than routing through the Xbox.

Screen mirroring from a Windows PC to Xbox

If you have a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you can mirror your entire screen to an Xbox One, Series X, or Series S. This is the closest equivalent to Chromecast and works for any content on your computer.

To do this, open the Windows Settings app, go to System, then Projecting to this PC. Make sure the setting is turned on. Then on your Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features and enable Play to. Once both are set up, right-click on your Windows desktop, select Cast to a device, and choose your Xbox from the list.

The connection works over your home network, so both devices need to be on the same WiFi. The mirroring includes everything on your screen—your cursor, notifications, and any open windows—so it is not selective the way Chromecast can be.

Casting from Android phones to Xbox

Android phones can send certain content to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S using the Xbox app, but this is more limited than full screen mirroring. You can cast video, music, and photos from apps that support the Miracast or DLNA protocols, but you cannot mirror your entire phone screen the way you can with a Windows PC.

To set this up, read the Xbox app from the Google Play Store, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look for the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a WiFi symbol) within supported apps. Not all apps include this feature—it depends on whether the app developer built in casting support.

iPhone users do not have a native casting option to Xbox. Apple's AirPlay protocol does not work with Xbox consoles, so you would need to use a third-party app or mirror through a different method.

Using Chromecast on your TV instead of the Xbox

If your television has built-in Chromecast or a Chromecast device connected to it, you can use Chromecast independently of your Xbox. The Xbox and Chromecast can coexist on the same TV—they just do not talk to each other.

Many modern smart TVs include Chromecast built in, so you can cast directly to the TV without needing a separate Chromecast device. Check your TV's manual or settings to see if Chromecast is available. If it is, you can cast from your phone or computer to the TV while your Xbox is plugged into a different HDMI input, and switch between them using your TV remote.

Why Chromecast and Xbox do not work together

Chromecast uses Google's proprietary casting protocol, while Xbox uses Microsoft's streaming technology. These are two separate ecosystems that were built independently and do not have built-in compatibility. Microsoft has chosen to support Miracast (a wireless display standard) and DLNA (a media streaming standard) instead of Chromecast.

This is similar to how AirPlay (Apple's casting system) does not work with Chromecast or Xbox. Each company has invested in its own technology, and cross-compatibility is not a priority for any of them.

What to do if you want to cast to your TV through Xbox

If you want to watch streaming content on your TV and your Xbox is already connected, the simplest approach is to use the Xbox itself. Most streaming apps—Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and others—have Xbox apps you can read directly. This avoids the need to cast at all.

Go to the Microsoft Store on your Xbox, search for the app you want, and install it. Then sign in with your account and stream directly from the Xbox. This is often faster and more reliable than trying to cast from another device.

If the app you need is not available on Xbox, or if you prefer to use your phone or computer, screen mirroring from a Windows PC remains your best option. For Android phones, the Xbox app's casting feature works for supported apps, though it is not universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromecast device if I own an Xbox?

Yes. You can plug a Chromecast device into a different HDMI port on your TV and use it alongside your Xbox. They do not interfere with each other. Switch between them using your TV remote by changing the input source.

Does Xbox Game Pass include Chromecast support?

No. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service for games and apps on Xbox consoles, PCs, and phones. It does not change the fact that Chromecast and Xbox are incompatible. You can play Game Pass games on your Xbox and stream them to a Windows PC, but not via Chromecast.

Can I cast YouTube from my phone to Xbox?

You can use the YouTube app on Xbox directly by downloading it from the Microsoft Store. If you want to cast from your Android phone, the YouTube app supports casting to Xbox through the cast icon, though this depends on your phone model and YouTube app version. iPhone users do not have this option.

What if my TV does not have Chromecast built in?

You can buy a standalone Chromecast device and plug it into an available HDMI port on your TV. This gives you Chromecast functionality independent of your Xbox. Alternatively, many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and other manufacturers have Chromecast built in, so check your TV's settings before buying a separate device.

Is there a way to make Chromecast work with Xbox?

No. There is no setting, app, or adapter that bridges Chromecast and Xbox because they use fundamentally different technologies. Your options are to use Xbox's built-in apps, mirror from a Windows PC, or use Chromecast on your TV separately from the Xbox.

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.