The basic method: use AirPlay or a compatible app

You cannot cast directly from iPhone to Chromecast the way you can from an Android phone. Instead, you have two routes: use AirPlay if your Chromecast device supports it, or open an app that has built-in Chromecast support and cast from inside that app.

AirPlay works only on newer Chromecast models — specifically Chromecast with Google TV (the 2020 model and later) and some Chromecast Audio devices. If you have an older Chromecast, you will need to use an app that supports casting instead.

The app route is more common and works with any Chromecast. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and Hulu all have a cast button built in. When you tap that button, your phone sends the video or audio to your Chromecast, and your phone becomes a remote.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay casting works only on Chromecast with Google TV (2020 and later models), not on older Chromecast devices.
  • Most streaming apps — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu — have a cast button you tap to send content to your Chromecast.
  • Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • Casting from an app does not require AirPlay; the app communicates directly with your Chromecast over Wi-Fi.

Casting from apps with built-in support

Open the app you want to cast from — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or another service that supports Chromecast. Look for a cast icon, which usually looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner (like a speaker with a signal). It is typically in the top right or bottom right of the playback screen.

Tap the cast icon. A list of available Chromecast devices on your network will appear. Select the Chromecast you want to use. The content will start playing on your TV, and your iPhone becomes a remote for pausing, rewinding, or adjusting volume.

Your phone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you do not see your Chromecast in the list, check that both devices are on the same network and that your Chromecast is powered on and set up.

Using AirPlay on Chromecast with Google TV

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV (the 2020 model or newer), you can use AirPlay instead of relying on individual apps. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. Press and hold the Music Recognition widget or the screen mirroring tile — look for an icon that shows overlapping rectangles.

Tap "Screen Mirroring" or "AirPlay and HomeKit". A list of available AirPlay receivers will appear, including your Chromecast with Google TV if it is on the same network. Select your Chromecast. Your iPhone screen will mirror to your TV.

Screen mirroring sends everything on your phone to the TV, including notifications and private messages. If you want to cast only audio or a single app, use the cast button inside that app instead — it is more private and uses less battery.

Checking your Wi-Fi connection

Both your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network you are connected to. Then check your Chromecast: on the Chromecast home screen, look for a Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner. If it shows a network name, your Chromecast is connected to that network.

If your iPhone and Chromecast are on different networks — for example, if one is on your main Wi-Fi and the other is on a guest network — casting will not work. Switch your iPhone to the same network as your Chromecast.

If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Chromecast may still be trying to connect with the old password. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and let it restart. It will prompt you to enter the new Wi-Fi password.

What to do if the cast button does not appear

Not every app supports Chromecast. If you do not see a cast icon in an app, that app cannot send content to your Chromecast directly. You have two options: use AirPlay screen mirroring if you have a Chromecast with Google TV, or look for an alternative app that does support casting.

If the cast button is there but your Chromecast does not appear in the list, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Also restart your iPhone and your Wi-Fi router. Wait a minute for everything to reconnect, then try again.

If you are trying to cast from Safari or a web browser, you cannot do that directly. Instead, use AirPlay screen mirroring on a Chromecast with Google TV, or open the website's app if one exists.

Casting audio only

Apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora let you cast audio to your Chromecast without mirroring your entire screen. Open the app, start playing a song, and tap the cast icon. Select your Chromecast. The audio will play on your TV speakers, and your iPhone screen will go dark or show the album art.

This uses much less battery than screen mirroring and lets you use your phone for other things while music plays. When you are done, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop Casting".

Troubleshooting casting problems

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Move your iPhone closer to your router or Chromecast. If the problem continues, restart both devices: unplug your Chromecast, restart your iPhone, and plug the Chromecast back in.

If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it may be too far from your router or blocked by walls. Move your router closer to the Chromecast, or consider a Wi-Fi extender if your home is large. You can also try switching to the 5 GHz band on your router if your Chromecast supports it — check your router settings to see if you have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

If you have restarted everything and casting still does not work, try factory resetting your Chromecast. On the Chromecast home screen, go to Settings, then System, then Reset. This will erase all settings and require you to set up the device again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from any app on my iPhone?

No. Only apps with built-in Chromecast support show a cast button. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and many others support it, but not all apps do. If an app does not have a cast button, you can use AirPlay screen mirroring on a Chromecast with Google TV instead.

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi as my Chromecast?

Yes. Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on the main network, casting will not work. Switch your iPhone to the same network as your Chromecast.

What is the difference between casting and screen mirroring?

Casting sends only the video or audio from an app to your Chromecast. Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone screen to your TV, including notifications and private messages. Casting is more private and uses less battery. Screen mirroring works on Chromecast with Google TV only.

Can I use my iPhone while casting?

Yes, if you are casting from an app. Your phone becomes a remote, and you can lock the screen or use other apps without stopping the cast. If you are using screen mirroring, your entire screen is being sent to the TV, so anything you do on your phone will show on the TV.

Why does my Chromecast not show up in the cast list?

Check that your Chromecast is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Restart both devices by unplugging your Chromecast for 10 seconds and restarting your iPhone. If it still does not appear, restart your Wi-Fi router and wait a minute for everything to reconnect.