Yes, you can screen mirror on Chromecast, but the method depends on what device you're using

Screen mirroring sends everything on your phone, tablet, or computer screen to your TV through Chromecast. Android phones and tablets do this natively through a built-in feature called Cast. iPhones and iPads can mirror through AirPlay if your Chromecast is a newer model that supports it, or through third-party apps. Windows and Mac computers can also cast their screens, though the process differs slightly from mobile devices.

The core requirement is the same across all devices: your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast, and the Chromecast must be plugged in and turned on. Once that's true, you can start mirroring in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Android devices cast their screen through the Quick Settings menu or the Cast button in compatible apps, with no additional app needed.
  • iPhones and iPads can use AirPlay to mirror to Chromecast models released in 2022 or later, or use third-party apps like Replica for older models.
  • Windows computers cast through the Action Center, and Mac computers use the Control Center, both built into the operating system.
  • All devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast for mirroring to work.
  • Screen mirroring drains battery faster on phones and tablets, so plug in your device if you plan to mirror for more than an hour.

How to screen mirror from an Android phone or tablet

Open the Quick Settings panel by swiping down from the top of your screen twice (or once on some phones). Look for a button labeled "Cast" or "Screen cast"—the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it, and your phone will search for nearby Chromecast devices. Select your Chromecast from the list, and your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If you don't see a Cast button in Quick Settings, you can still mirror through most apps. Open YouTube, Google Photos, Google Maps, or another Google app, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), and select your Chromecast. This method casts only that app, not your entire screen, but it uses less battery.

To stop mirroring, open Quick Settings again and tap the Cast button, then select "Stop casting." Your screen will return to normal, and the TV will go blank or return to its previous input.

How to screen mirror from an iPhone or iPad

If your Chromecast was made in 2022 or later, you can use AirPlay. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring," select your Chromecast from the list, and enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV. Your iPhone or iPad screen will then mirror to the TV.

If your Chromecast is older than 2022, AirPlay won't work. Instead, read a third-party app like Replica, Streamer for Chromecast, or Airbeam TV from the App Store. Open the app, select your Chromecast, and follow the app's instructions to mirror your screen. These apps work reliably but require a one-time purchase or subscription.

To stop mirroring on either method, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring."

How to screen mirror from a Windows computer

Open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A on your keyboard. Click "Cast" near the bottom of the panel. Windows will search for nearby Chromecast devices. Select your Chromecast, and your screen will mirror to the TV. The first time you connect, you may see a prompt asking for permission—click "Yes" to allow it.

Windows 10 and later versions support this feature built-in, so you don't need to read anything. If the Cast option doesn't appear in your Action Center, make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, and restart your computer.

To stop mirroring, open the Action Center again, click "Cast," and select "Disconnect."

How to screen mirror from a Mac computer

Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your menu bar (it looks like three horizontal lines or a grid). Scroll down and click "Screen Mirroring." A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select your Chromecast, and your Mac screen will mirror to the TV. If prompted, enter the four-digit code shown on your TV.

This feature is available on Mac computers running macOS 13 (Ventura) or later. If you have an older Mac, you can use a third-party app like Streamer for Chromecast or Airbeam TV from the Mac App Store.

To stop mirroring, click Control Center again, click "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring."

Common problems and how to fix them

Your device doesn't see the Chromecast. Make sure both your device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your Chromecast is plugged in and powered on—the light on the device should be solid white or blue, not red. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, restart your phone, tablet, or computer.

The screen mirrors but lags or freezes. Move your device closer to your Chromecast or Wi-Fi router. Other devices using a lot of bandwidth (like someone streaming video) can slow down mirroring. If possible, ask others to pause their streaming, or move to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel through your router settings. Older Chromecast models (first and second generation) are slower at mirroring than newer ones.

The audio cuts out or plays from both the TV and your device. Check your TV's volume and input settings. Make sure the TV is set to the correct HDMI input where your Chromecast is plugged in. On your device, lower the volume slightly—sometimes audio distortion happens at maximum volume. If audio still cuts out, disconnect and reconnect the mirroring.

Your iPhone or iPad won't connect with AirPlay. Confirm your Chromecast model is from 2022 or later by checking the Google Home app. If it's older, use a third-party app instead. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS version.

Battery and performance tips

Screen mirroring uses a lot of power on phones and tablets. If you're mirroring for more than an hour, plug your device into a charger. Lowering your screen brightness before you start mirroring can also help extend battery life.

If you're mirroring a video or presentation, consider casting just the app instead of your entire screen. This uses less Wi-Fi bandwidth and battery. For example, cast YouTube directly from the YouTube app rather than mirroring your whole phone screen—the video will play more smoothly on the TV.

Close other apps running in the background before you start mirroring. This frees up processing power and can reduce lag, especially on older phones or tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my screen while using other apps on my phone?

Yes. Once you start screen mirroring, you can open other apps on your phone and they will appear on the TV. However, if you want privacy—for example, to check a text message—you can swipe up or down to see your phone's home screen without affecting what's on the TV. The TV will continue showing whatever was last displayed.

Does screen mirroring work over a mobile hotspot?

No. Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is using a mobile hotspot, your Chromecast won't see it. Both devices need to be connected to the same home Wi-Fi network or a guest network on the same router.

Can I mirror to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?

No. You can only mirror to one Chromecast at a time. If you want to display on a second TV, you'll need to disconnect from the first Chromecast and connect to the second one.

What's the difference between casting and screen mirroring?

Casting sends a single app to your TV while you use your phone normally. Screen mirroring sends everything on your screen to the TV, including notifications and whatever app you're using. Casting uses less battery and bandwidth, but screen mirroring is more flexible if you want to show multiple things.

Will screen mirroring work if my Wi-Fi is slow?

It depends on how slow. Basic screen mirroring can work on slower connections, but video and animations will lag. If your Wi-Fi speed is below 10 Mbps, you may see stuttering or delays. Moving closer to your router or reducing the number of devices using Wi-Fi can help.