Amazon Video and Chromecast Don't Work Together Directly

Amazon Video (the streaming service in your Amazon Prime account) does not have built-in Chromecast support. When you open the Amazon Video app on your phone or tablet, you will not see a Chromecast button the way you would in Netflix or YouTube. This is because Amazon and Google have not integrated their services—Amazon prefers to push its own Fire TV devices instead.

That said, you have two real ways to get Amazon Video on your TV through a Chromecast device: screen mirroring and using a web browser. Both work, but they have different limitations and setup steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Video app does not have a native Chromecast button, but you can mirror your phone or tablet screen to cast video.
  • Screen mirroring works on Android phones and tablets by opening Settings, selecting Cast or Screen Mirroring, and choosing your Chromecast device.
  • On iPhone or iPad, screen mirroring is called AirPlay and requires an Apple TV, not a Chromecast—it will not work with Google's device.
  • You can also open Amazon Video in a web browser on your computer and cast the browser tab to Chromecast using Chrome's built-in cast feature.
  • Screen mirroring may cause audio or video lag and drains your phone battery faster than native casting.

Screen Mirroring Amazon Video from an Android Phone or Tablet

If you have an Android device, you can mirror your entire screen to the Chromecast. Open the Amazon Video app and start playing the video you want to watch. Then swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings menu.

Look for a button labeled Cast, Screen Mirroring, or Smart View (the exact name depends on your phone brand). Tap it, and your device will search for nearby Chromecast devices. Select your Chromecast from the list. Your phone screen will now appear on your TV, including the Amazon Video player. The video will play on the big screen while you control it from your phone.

Keep your phone close to the Chromecast and router while mirroring—distance and interference can cause the connection to drop. Also expect some lag between when you tap a button on your phone and when the action appears on screen. This is normal for mirroring and does not mean something is broken.

Why iPhone and iPad Cannot Mirror to Chromecast

Apple devices use AirPlay, not Chromecast, for wireless casting. AirPlay only works with Apple TV devices, not with Google Chromecast. If you have an iPhone or iPad and want to watch Amazon Video on your TV, you will need either an Apple TV or a different casting method.

Your other option is to use a web browser on a computer and cast that instead (see the section below). This is often more reliable than trying to find a workaround on your phone.

Casting Amazon Video from a Web Browser on Your Computer

Open Google Chrome on your computer and go to amazon.com. Sign in to your account and navigate to the video you want to watch. Start playing it in the browser.

Look for the Cast icon in the top right corner of Chrome—it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner. Click it and select your Chromecast device from the list. Chrome will cast the browser tab to your TV. The video will play on the big screen, and you can control playback from your computer keyboard or mouse.

This method is often smoother than phone screen mirroring because the video stream goes directly from Amazon's servers to your Chromecast, rather than being mirrored from your computer's screen. You can also minimize the Chrome window or switch to a different browser tab on your computer without interrupting playback on the TV.

What to Do If Your Chromecast Is Not Showing Up

If you do not see your Chromecast device in the cast menu, first check that your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. Devices on different networks cannot find each other. Restart both your Chromecast (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in) and your casting device.

If the Chromecast still does not appear, open the Google Home app on your phone and look at the list of devices. If your Chromecast shows up there but not in the cast menu, try opening the Amazon Video app or Chrome again. Sometimes the cast menu needs a moment to refresh after you open an app.

If your Chromecast is not in the Google Home app at all, it may not be set up yet. Follow the setup instructions that came with your device or visit Google's Chromecast setup page for step-by-step help.

Screen Mirroring Performance and Battery Drain

Screen mirroring uses more power than native casting because your phone or tablet is constantly sending its display to the Chromecast. Expect your battery to drop noticeably faster than normal—sometimes 10 to 15 percent per hour, depending on your device and screen brightness.

You may also notice the video pauses briefly or the audio cuts out for a moment, especially if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your phone is far from the router. This is not a problem with Amazon Video itself; it is how screen mirroring works. If lag becomes annoying, try moving closer to your router or casting from a computer instead, which usually delivers a more stable connection.

Why Amazon Does Not Support Chromecast Natively

Amazon owns Fire TV, a competing streaming device that works with Amazon Video, Prime Video, and other Amazon services. By not adding Chromecast support to the Amazon Video app, Amazon encourages people to buy Fire TV devices instead. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation—Amazon could add Chromecast support if it chose to.

If you cast Amazon Video regularly, you might find it worth buying a Fire TV device or Stick, which will give you a native app with a dedicated remote and no lag. But if you already own a Chromecast and only watch Amazon Video occasionally, screen mirroring or browser casting will work fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Amazon Video to Chromecast from the Amazon Video app on my phone?

Not directly—the app has no Chromecast button. You must use screen mirroring on Android or cast from a web browser on your computer. iPhone and iPad cannot mirror to Chromecast at all.

Will casting Amazon Video drain my phone battery?

Yes, screen mirroring uses significant battery power. Expect 10 to 15 percent per hour. Casting from a computer uses your computer's power instead, so it is a better choice if you plan to watch for a long time.

Is there lag when I cast Amazon Video to Chromecast?

Screen mirroring often has a slight delay between your phone and the TV. Casting from a web browser is usually smoother. If lag is severe, check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong and your devices are close to the router.

What if I have an iPhone—can I cast Amazon Video to my Chromecast?

No. iPhones use AirPlay, which only works with Apple TV. You can cast from a Mac using Chrome, or you could buy an Apple TV device instead.

Do I need a Fire TV device to watch Amazon Video on my TV?

No. You can cast it to Chromecast using the methods in this guide. A Fire TV device is more convenient if you watch Amazon Video often, but it is not required.