Chromecast works with iPhone, but not the way it works with Android
Yes, you can use Chromecast on an iPhone, but Google does not give iPhone the same casting button that Android phones have. Instead, you mirror your entire iPhone screen to a TV, or you use apps that have built-in Chromecast support. The second method is simpler and more common — apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos let you tap a cast icon and send video or music straight to your Chromecast without mirroring.
The limitation exists because Apple controls what features appear on iOS, and Google's standard casting system does not integrate the same way it does on Android. But for most people, the apps you already use have the cast button built in, so you will not notice the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos have a cast button on iPhone that sends content directly to Chromecast without mirroring your whole screen.
- Screen mirroring (AirPlay) works on iPhone but requires you to mirror your entire display, which uses more battery and is slower than app-based casting.
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for either method to work.
- Not every app supports Chromecast on iPhone — check the app's menu for a cast icon before you assume it is not available.
Using the cast button in apps on iPhone
Most streaming apps have a cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) somewhere in the playback controls or menu. When you tap it, the app shows you a list of Chromecast devices on your network. Select your Chromecast, and the content plays on your TV while your iPhone screen goes dark or returns to the home screen — your phone is no longer doing the work.
This method works in YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Play Movies, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, Google Photos, Plex, and many others. The cast button location varies by app — sometimes it is in the video player itself, sometimes in a menu. If you do not see it, swipe down from the top of the screen or look in the app's settings.
The advantage is battery life and speed. Your phone sends a command to the Chromecast, then steps out of the way. You can lock your iPhone, switch apps, or even turn the screen off, and the video keeps playing on your TV.
Screen mirroring from iPhone to Chromecast using AirPlay
If an app does not have a cast button, you can mirror your entire iPhone screen using AirPlay, Apple's built-in screen mirroring system. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Chromecast from the list. Your whole screen now appears on the TV.
This method works with any app, but it drains your battery faster because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV. It is also slower — there is a slight delay between what you do on your phone and what appears on the screen. Use this only when the app does not have a built-in cast button.
To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.
Requirements before you start
Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network, they will not see each other. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices show the same network name.
Your Chromecast must be set up and working already. If you have not done that yet, use a computer or Android phone to complete the initial setup through the Google Home app, then come back to your iPhone.
Make sure your iPhone is running a recent version of iOS. Older versions may have trouble connecting. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check.
Troubleshooting when Chromecast does not appear on iPhone
If you do not see your Chromecast in the cast menu or Screen Mirroring list, restart both devices. Turn off your Chromecast by unplugging it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on.
If that does not work, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and select Forget. Then tap the network again and enter your password. This forces your phone to re-join the network and often fixes connection problems.
If you still do not see the Chromecast, check that it is plugged in and that the light on the device is on. A Chromecast with no light is not running. Also verify that your router is working and that other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi.
Apps that do and do not support Chromecast on iPhone
Most major streaming services support Chromecast on iPhone. YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Apple TV, and Google Photos all have the cast button. Smaller or older apps may not.
If an app does not have a cast button, you have two options: use screen mirroring (which works with any app), or contact the app developer to ask if they plan to add Chromecast support. Many developers prioritize Android first because Google owns Chromecast, so iPhone support sometimes comes later or not at all.
Why iPhone and Android Chromecast casting are different
Google built Chromecast casting into Android at the system level, so every app can use it the same way. Apple does not allow Google to do the same on iOS, so Google has to build casting into each app individually. This is why you see a cast button in some apps but not others, and why screen mirroring is your fallback.
Apple offers AirPlay as its own casting system, which works with Apple TV and some third-party devices, but not with Chromecast. Google added AirPlay support to Chromecast so iPhone users could at least mirror their screen, but it is not as seamless as the native Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from Safari on my iPhone to Chromecast?
Not directly through a cast button. You can use screen mirroring to send your entire Safari window to the TV, but the webpage will be mirrored at iPhone resolution, which looks small on a large screen. For video websites, use the cast button in the video player itself if the site has one.
Does Chromecast work on iPhone over cellular, or only Wi-Fi?
Chromecast requires Wi-Fi. Your iPhone and the Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Cellular data does not work for casting. If you are away from home, you can set up a mobile hotspot on another device, but both your iPhone and Chromecast would need to connect to that hotspot.
What if my Chromecast is on a 5 GHz network and my iPhone is on 2.4 GHz?
They will not see each other. Most routers broadcast both frequencies under the same network name, but some split them. Check your router settings to see if you can combine them into one network, or manually connect your iPhone to the same frequency band as your Chromecast.
Can I use Chromecast on iPhone without the Google Home app?
Yes. You only need the Google Home app to set up your Chromecast the first time. After that, individual apps like YouTube and Netflix have their own cast buttons and do not require Google Home to be open. Screen mirroring also works without Google Home.
Does AirPlay work with Chromecast on iPhone?
Yes, but only for screen mirroring. AirPlay is Apple's system, and Chromecast added support for it so iPhone users could mirror their screen. However, AirPlay does not give you the cast button that app-based casting does — you are always mirroring your whole screen.