Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible streaming service
Your iPhone cannot cast directly to Chromecast the way Android phones can. Instead, you use the Google Home app to send video and audio from apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and others to your Chromecast device. The app acts as a bridge between your phone and the Chromecast, telling it what to play. This works over Wi-Fi, and both your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same network.
Not every app supports casting. Streaming services built into the app (like Netflix or YouTube) usually do. Screen mirroring—casting everything on your phone's screen—is not available on iPhone, but most major apps have a built-in cast button you can tap to send content directly.
Key Takeaways
- read the Google Home app on your iPhone and sign in with the Google account that set up your Chromecast.
- Make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you try to cast.
- Open a compatible streaming app like YouTube or Netflix, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast device from the list.
- You control playback from your iPhone while the video or audio plays on your TV or speaker.
- If the cast button does not appear in an app, that app does not support casting to Chromecast.
Set up the Google Home app on your iPhone
read the Google Home app from the App Store and open it. Sign in with the Google account you used to set up your Chromecast device. If you do not have a Google account, create one—it is free and takes a few minutes.
Once you are signed in, the app will show your Chromecast device by name. If it does not appear, make sure your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Tap the device name to confirm it is online and working. You do not need to do anything else in the Google Home app to cast—it just needs to be installed and signed in.
Connect your iPhone and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings (Settings > Wi-Fi) and note which network you are connected to. Then check your Chromecast by opening the Google Home app, tapping your device, and looking at the network name listed under "Wi-Fi".
If they are on different networks, reconnect your Chromecast to your iPhone's network. In the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, then tap the settings icon (gear) in the top right. Tap "Wi-Fi" and follow the steps to select your network and enter the password. This usually takes less than a minute.
Cast video from YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and other apps
Open any streaming app that supports casting—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, and Peacock all work. Start playing a video or song. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. It is usually in the top right or bottom right of the player.
Tap the cast icon. A list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast by name. The video or audio will start playing on your TV or speaker within a few seconds. Your iPhone screen will show a small player so you can pause, skip, or adjust volume. You can lock your iPhone or switch to another app—playback continues on your Chromecast.
To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or tap the X next to your device name.
What to do if the cast icon does not appear
If you do not see a cast icon in an app, that app does not support casting to Chromecast. Some apps only work with AirPlay (Apple's casting system) or do not support casting at all. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm.
If the cast icon is there but your Chromecast does not show up in the list, restart both devices. Turn off your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your iPhone by powering it off and on. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network, then try again.
Control playback from your iPhone while casting
Once casting starts, your iPhone becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume from the player on your screen. The video or audio plays on your TV or speaker, not on your phone's speaker.
If you close the app or lock your iPhone, playback continues on your Chromecast. To resume control, open the app again and tap the cast icon—the player will reappear. You can also control playback from the Google Home app: tap your device, then tap the media controls at the bottom of the screen.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Forgetting to sign into Google Home: The app must be installed and signed in, even if you never open it. If casting is not working, open Google Home and confirm you are logged in.
Being on different Wi-Fi networks: This is the most common reason casting fails. Double-check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same network. Guest networks sometimes do not work—use your main network if possible.
Expecting screen mirroring: iPhone does not support screen mirroring to Chromecast. You can only cast from apps that have a built-in cast button. If you need to mirror your entire screen, use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead.
Tapping the wrong icon: The cast icon (rectangle with curved lines) is different from the AirPlay icon (triangle with a circle). Make sure you are tapping the cast icon, not AirPlay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from Safari or other web browsers?
No. Safari and most web browsers do not support casting to Chromecast on iPhone. You can only cast from apps that have a built-in cast button. If a website has a video player with a cast button, it may work, but this is rare on iPhone.
What if I do not have a Google account?
Create a free Google account at google.com. You will need it to sign into the Google Home app and set up your Chromecast. It takes a few minutes and requires only an email address and password.
Can I cast music from Spotify or Apple Music?
Spotify supports casting to Chromecast. Open a song or playlist, tap the cast icon at the bottom of the player, and select your device. Apple Music does not support Chromecast casting on iPhone—use AirPlay instead.
Does casting use a lot of data?
Casting streams over Wi-Fi, so it does not use your cellular data. Your iPhone sends a command to your Chromecast, and the Chromecast streams the content directly from the internet. Your phone does not read or upload the video itself.
Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?
Only one person can cast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their content will take over and yours will stop. You can take turns by stopping your cast and letting the next person start theirs.