Chromecast and AirPlay are separate systems that don't connect to each other
No, Chromecast does not support AirPlay. They are two different casting technologies built by different companies—Google makes Chromecast, and Apple makes AirPlay—and they do not speak the same language. If you own a Chromecast device, you cannot send video or audio from an Apple device using AirPlay to that Chromecast. The reverse is also true: an Apple TV cannot receive a Chromecast stream.
This matters because it affects what devices you can cast from and what you can cast to. If you have both Apple devices and a Chromecast, you will need to use each system's own casting method. Understanding which devices work with which system helps you avoid frustration when you sit down to stream something.
Key Takeaways
- Chromecast uses Google's casting protocol and works with Android phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and some Windows and Mac computers running Chrome.
- AirPlay is Apple's system and works only with iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Mac computers.
- If you want to cast from an Apple device to a TV, you need an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, not a Chromecast.
- Some third-party apps on Apple devices can cast to Chromecast, but this is the exception, not the standard.
What devices can cast to Chromecast
Chromecast receives streams from Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and computers running the Chrome browser on Windows or Mac. When you cast to Chromecast, you are sending a signal from your device to the Chromecast, which then pulls the video or audio from the internet and plays it on your TV.
Some apps on iPhones and iPads can cast to Chromecast—YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix are common examples—but this is because those apps were built to support Chromecast, not because Chromecast supports AirPlay. The app itself handles the casting, not the phone's operating system. This is why most Apple apps do not offer a Chromecast option: their developers chose to build for AirPlay instead.
What devices can cast to Apple TV or AirPlay speakers
AirPlay works with iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Mac computers. If you own any of these devices and want to cast to a TV or speaker, you need either an Apple TV box or a smart TV that has AirPlay built in. Some TV manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, and Sony, now include AirPlay support in their newer models, but Chromecast devices do not.
AirPlay is tightly integrated into Apple's operating systems, which is why it is simpler to use on Apple devices than Chromecast casting often is. You can usually find the AirPlay button in Control Center on an iPhone or iPad, or in the menu bar on a Mac.
Why these systems don't work together
Chromecast and AirPlay use different technical standards and were designed by companies with different goals. Google built Chromecast to work across many devices and operating systems. Apple built AirPlay to work seamlessly within its own ecosystem of devices. Neither company has licensed their technology to the other, so there is no bridge between them.
This is a business decision as much as a technical one. Each company wants users to stay within its own system. Apple does not want to make it straightforward to cast from an iPhone to a Google device, and Google does not want to make it straightforward to cast from an Android phone to an Apple TV. The result is that you cannot mix and match.
Workarounds if you have both Apple and Google devices
If you own both Chromecast and Apple devices, you have a few options. The simplest is to use the right casting system for the right device: use AirPlay for your iPhone or iPad, and use Chromecast for your Android phone or Chromebook. Many households do this without much trouble.
Some apps work around this limitation by supporting both systems. YouTube, for example, lets you cast to either Chromecast or AirPlay depending on what device you are using. Netflix and Spotify do the same. Check the app's menu to see what casting options it offers.
If you need to cast from an Apple device to a Chromecast regularly, you could mirror your entire screen using a tool like AnyToDMG or similar third-party software, but this is clunky and not what either system was designed for. It is usually simpler to just use the native casting method for each device.
Choosing between Chromecast and Apple TV for your setup
If you are deciding what to buy and you own mostly Apple devices, an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV makes more sense than Chromecast. If you own mostly Android devices or use a Chromebook, Chromecast is the natural choice. If you have a mix of both, you might end up buying both systems, or you might choose based on which devices you use most often.
Some people also choose based on price. Chromecast devices are generally cheaper than Apple TV. Others choose based on what other features they want—Apple TV includes apps and a remote, while Chromecast is a simpler device that relies on your phone to control it. Neither choice is wrong; it depends on what you already own and what you plan to do with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay on a Chromecast device?
No. Chromecast does not support AirPlay. If you want to use AirPlay, you need an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay built in. Chromecast only receives Chromecast streams.
Can I cast from my iPhone to a Chromecast?
Only if the app you are using supports Chromecast. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and some other apps let you cast from an iPhone to Chromecast. Most Apple apps do not offer this option because they are built for AirPlay instead.
What if I want to use both AirPlay and Chromecast in my home?
You can own both systems. Use AirPlay for your Apple devices and Chromecast for your Android devices. Many households do this. Some apps support both, so you can choose which one to use depending on what device you are casting from.
Is there a device that supports both AirPlay and Chromecast?
No device supports both natively. Some smart TVs support both AirPlay and Google Cast (Chromecast's newer name), but Chromecast devices themselves do not support AirPlay.