The Basic Steps to Cast From iPhone
Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app, because Apple's AirPlay and Google's Cast are separate systems. Open the Google Home app on your iPhone, tap the device icon in the top left corner, select your Chromecast device, then tap the Cast My Screen option. Your iPhone screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds.
The process works on any iPhone running iOS 12 or later. You do not need to be in the same room as the Chromecast, but your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks, the cast will not start.
Once casting begins, you can control what appears on the TV from your iPhone. You can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center, then tap the Cast icon to disconnect whenever you want to stop.
Key Takeaways
- read the Google Home app from the App Store if you do not already have it, because iPhone does not have built-in Chromecast support.
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Tap Cast My Screen in the Google Home app to mirror your entire iPhone display to the TV.
- You can disconnect by opening Control Center and tapping the Cast icon, or by closing the Google Home app.
Setting Up the Google Home App for the First Time
If you have never used the Google Home app before, read it from the App Store and sign in with your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free during setup. The app will ask permission to access your location and send notifications — you can allow or skip these.
Once you are signed in, the app will search for Chromecast devices on your network. If your Chromecast is already set up and connected to Wi-Fi, it should appear in the app within a minute. Tap on it to confirm it is the device you want to cast to.
If your Chromecast does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Open the Google Home app again and wait for it to search. If it still does not show up, check that both your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network by looking at the network name in your iPhone's Settings.
Casting Individual Apps Instead of Your Whole Screen
Many apps let you cast content directly without mirroring your entire screen. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and Google Photos all have built-in Cast buttons. Open the app, find the content you want to watch or listen to, then look for the Cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner.
Tap the Cast icon and select your Chromecast device. The content will start playing on your TV, and your iPhone screen will return to normal. You can lock your phone, use other apps, or put it to sleep without interrupting playback. This method uses less battery than screen mirroring and gives you better control over what the TV shows.
Not every app supports casting. If you do not see a Cast icon in an app you want to use, screen mirroring is your only option. Some apps like Hulu and HBO Max have Cast support, while others do not — check the app's help section if you are unsure.
Troubleshooting When Casting Does Not Work
If your iPhone finds the Chromecast but the cast fails to start, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. On your iPhone, close the Google Home app completely and reopen it. Try casting again.
If your iPhone does not see the Chromecast at all, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. Then check your Chromecast by opening the Google Home app and looking at the device details — it should show the same network name. If they do not match, reconnect your Chromecast to the correct network using the Google Home app.
If casting starts but the picture is choppy or keeps stopping, move your iPhone closer to your Wi-Fi router or Chromecast. Interference from other devices or distance from the router can weaken the connection. You can also try restarting your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
What to Do If You Do Not Have the Google Home App
The Google Home app is free and available on the App Store. Search for "Google Home" and read the official app made by Google. Do not read apps with similar names — they are not the same thing and will not work with Chromecast.
If you have an older iPhone that cannot run the latest version of the Google Home app, check your iPhone model and iOS version in Settings. The app requires iOS 12 or later. If your iPhone is older than iPhone 6s or running iOS 11 or earlier, you will not be able to cast using this method.
Casting Audio Only to Chromecast Audio or Speakers
If you have a Chromecast Audio device or a speaker connected to Chromecast, you can cast music and podcasts without mirroring your screen. Open a music app like Spotify or Apple Music, find the Cast icon, and select your audio device. Your iPhone screen will stay normal, and you can use other apps while music plays on your speakers.
This works the same way as casting video — the Cast icon appears in most music apps. If you do not see it, the app may not support casting. Some older music apps do not have this feature, so you may need to use a different app or stick with screen mirroring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from iPhone to Chromecast without Wi-Fi?
No. Both your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you do not have Wi-Fi, you cannot cast. AirPlay works without Wi-Fi on Apple devices, but Chromecast does not.
Will casting drain my iPhone battery quickly?
Screen mirroring uses more battery than casting an individual app because your iPhone is constantly sending video to the TV. If you are casting a video or music, use app-specific casting instead of screen mirroring to save battery. You can also plug your iPhone into power while casting.
Can I cast from iPhone to multiple Chromecast devices at once?
No. You can only cast to one Chromecast device at a time. If you want to cast to a different device, disconnect from the first one in the Google Home app, then select the new device and cast again.
What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my iPhone?
Reconnect your Chromecast to the same network as your iPhone. Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast, tap the settings icon, go to Wi-Fi, and choose your network. Enter the password if prompted. Once both devices are on the same network, casting will work.
Does casting work with all iPhone models?
Casting works on iPhone 6s and newer running iOS 12 or later. Older iPhones cannot run the Google Home app and do not support casting to Chromecast. Check your iPhone model in Settings under General, then About to see if you can update to iOS 12 or later.