Apple TV app works on Chromecast, but only through your phone or web browser

You can watch Apple TV content on a Chromecast device, but not by casting the Apple TV app itself. Instead, you cast from your phone, tablet, or a web browser to your Chromecast. This means you control playback from your phone while the video plays on your TV—the same way you'd cast YouTube or Netflix.

The Apple TV app does not have a built-in Chromecast button like Netflix does. You have to use your phone's operating system to cast the screen or the video stream. On Android, this works through Google Cast. On iPhone or iPad, you use AirPlay to a compatible device, which is different from Chromecast and requires an Apple TV box or AirPlay-compatible TV.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple TV app on Android phones can cast to Chromecast using the phone's built-in Google Cast feature, not a button inside the app.
  • iPhone and iPad users cannot cast Apple TV to Chromecast because Apple uses AirPlay instead, which Chromecast does not support.
  • You can watch Apple TV on Chromecast through a web browser by going to tv.apple.com and casting your browser tab to the device.
  • Casting from your phone means you control playback from the phone while video plays on your TV; closing the app or locking your phone may stop playback.

Casting Apple TV from an Android phone to Chromecast

Open the Apple TV app on your Android phone and start playing a show or movie. Look for the Google Cast icon—it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen. Tap it and select your Chromecast device from the list.

Once you tap the device, the video will begin playing on your TV and you control it from your phone. You can pause, rewind, or skip forward using the phone's playback controls. Keep your phone unlocked and the app open while watching; if you lock the phone or switch apps, playback may stop or become unreliable.

If you do not see the Google Cast icon, make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the Apple TV app and try again. Some older Android phones or versions of the app may not support casting.

Casting Apple TV from a web browser

Go to tv.apple.com in any web browser on your computer or phone. Sign in with your Apple ID and start playing content. Look for the cast icon in the video player—it is usually in the bottom right corner next to the volume control.

Click the cast icon and select your Chromecast device. The video will play on your TV while you control it from your browser. This method works on Windows, Mac, Android, and even iPhone, since you are using the browser rather than the app.

Browser casting is often more stable than app casting because the browser stays active in the background. You can lock your phone or switch to other apps without interrupting playback.

Why iPhone and iPad cannot cast to Chromecast

Apple devices use AirPlay, Apple's proprietary casting system, instead of Google Cast. Chromecast does not support AirPlay. This means you cannot cast the Apple TV app from an iPhone or iPad to a Chromecast device, even if both are on the same network.

If you own an iPhone or iPad and want to watch Apple TV on your TV, you have two options: use the web browser method (tv.apple.com), or buy an Apple TV box or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV. An Apple TV 4K box connects to any TV and receives AirPlay from your phone.

What happens when you cast Apple TV to Chromecast

When you cast, your phone sends a signal to Chromecast telling it which video to play and from where. The Chromecast then streams directly from Apple's servers to your TV—your phone is not sending the video itself. This is why the quality depends on your internet speed and the Chromecast model you own.

Your phone acts as a remote control. The playback controls on your phone screen match what is happening on the TV. If your phone loses internet connection or goes out of range of your Wi-Fi, the video on your TV will pause or stop.

Some users report that casting from the Apple TV app is less reliable than casting from the web browser. If you experience frequent disconnections or playback issues, try the browser method instead.

Chromecast models and Apple TV compatibility

Apple TV content casts to all Chromecast models: the standard Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, and older Chromecast devices. There is no version requirement—if your Chromecast can cast other apps like Netflix or YouTube, it can cast Apple TV.

Chromecast with Google TV has a built-in interface and remote, which some people find easier to use than casting from a phone. However, you still cannot open the Apple TV app directly on the Chromecast device itself. You must cast from your phone or browser.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If the cast icon does not appear in the Apple TV app, check that your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. They must be on the same network to communicate. Restart both devices and try again.

If casting starts but stops after a few minutes, your internet connection may be unstable. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router. Also check that you are not running other bandwidth-heavy tasks on your network, like large downloads or video calls.

If the video plays on your TV but the audio does not, check your TV's volume and input settings. Make sure your TV is set to the correct HDMI input where the Chromecast is plugged in. Restart the cast by stopping playback on your phone and casting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Apple TV+ shows to Chromecast?

Yes. Apple TV+ is part of the Apple TV app, so any show or movie available through your subscription can be cast to Chromecast using the methods described above. The casting method is the same whether you are watching Apple TV+ originals or other content in the app.

Do I need an Apple TV subscription to cast to Chromecast?

You need whatever subscription or purchase is required to watch the content in the Apple TV app. If you are watching free content or content you own, you do not need an Apple TV+ subscription. Casting does not change what you need to watch—it only changes how you watch it.

Will casting drain my phone battery?

Casting uses less battery than playing video on your phone screen, but your phone stays active and connected to Wi-Fi. Expect moderate battery drain over a two-hour movie. Plugging your phone in while casting is a good idea if you plan to watch for a long time.

Can I use my phone for other things while casting Apple TV?

You can switch to other apps, but playback may pause or stop depending on your phone and the app version. The web browser method is more reliable if you want to use your phone for other tasks while watching.

Is there a way to get the Apple TV app on my Chromecast device itself?

No. Google and Apple do not have an agreement to put the Apple TV app on Chromecast devices. You must cast from your phone or browser. If you want the Apple TV app built into your TV device, you need an Apple TV box, a compatible smart TV with Apple TV built in, or a Roku or Fire TV device that has the app installed.