Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires a third-party app because Apple and Google do not natively support each other

Your iPhone cannot cast directly to Chromecast the way Android phones can. Apple's AirPlay and Google's Chromecast are separate systems that do not talk to each other. To send video or audio from your iPhone to a Chromecast device, you need to use an app that works with both — the most common options are YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Home itself.

The process differs depending on which app you are using and what you want to cast. Some apps let you cast from within the app itself. Others require you to set up your Chromecast in the Google Home app first, then use that connection from a different app. This guide covers the most practical routes for common tasks like streaming video, playing music, and mirroring your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have built-in cast buttons that connect directly to Chromecast without needing Google Home open.
  • To cast anything, your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Screen mirroring from iPhone to Chromecast is not supported by Google; AirPlay to Apple TV is the native alternative.
  • The Google Home app lets you set up and manage your Chromecast, but most streaming apps do not require it open to cast.
  • If the cast button does not appear, restart both your iPhone and Chromecast, then check that they are on the same network.

Casting video from YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming apps

Open the streaming app on your iPhone and start playing a video. Look for a cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the video player. Tap it.

A list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast by name. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. You can now close the app, lock your iPhone, or use other apps — the video keeps playing on your TV. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop Casting."

This method works with YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Spotify, Pandora, and most other major streaming services. The cast button appears only when a video or song is playing or paused, not on the home screen.

Setting up Chromecast in Google Home before casting

If this is your first time using a Chromecast device, you need to set it up in the Google Home app. read Google Home from the App Store if you do not have it already.

Open Google Home, tap the plus icon in the top left, and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and follow the on-screen steps. You will need to select your home Wi-Fi network and give the Chromecast a name. Once setup is complete, the device appears in Google Home and is ready to receive casts from any compatible app.

You do not need to keep Google Home open to cast — it is only for setup and management. After the first setup, you can cast directly from Netflix, YouTube, or any other app without opening Google Home again.

Casting audio to Chromecast speakers or displays

Casting music works the same way as video. Open Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, or another music app, start playing a song, and tap the cast icon. Select your Chromecast device. The audio plays through your Chromecast speaker or TV speakers instead of your iPhone.

If you have a Chromecast Audio device (an older Google product no longer sold new), it works the same way. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV or a Chromecast Audio, both appear in the cast menu with their names so you can choose which one to use.

You can also cast podcasts and audiobooks from apps like Pocket Casts or Audible using the same cast button method. Not every audio app supports casting — if you do not see a cast icon, that app does not have Chromecast support built in.

Mirroring your iPhone screen to Chromecast

Google does not support screen mirroring from iPhone to Chromecast. This is a limitation of how Apple and Google designed their systems. If you need to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV, use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead.

Some third-party apps claim to mirror iPhone to Chromecast, but they do not work reliably and are not supported by Google. The only dependable way to get your iPhone screen on a TV is through AirPlay to an Apple TV device, or by casting individual apps that have built-in Chromecast support.

Troubleshooting when the cast button does not appear

If you do not see a cast icon in your app, first check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. They must be connected to the same network — if your iPhone is on 5GHz and your Chromecast is on 2.4GHz, they may not see each other. Log into your router settings or ask your internet provider which band your devices are using.

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your iPhone by turning it off and on again. Close the app completely and reopen it. If the cast button still does not appear, the app may not support Chromecast — check the app's help section or try a different app to confirm your Chromecast is working.

If you see the cast icon but cannot connect, tap it and look for an error message. "Device not found" usually means the Wi-Fi networks do not match. "Cannot connect" usually means the Chromecast needs a restart or the app needs an update.

Casting from Safari or other browsers

Safari on iPhone does not have a built-in cast button. If you want to cast a video from a website, your options are limited. Some websites (like YouTube.com) have their own cast button that works the same way as the app. Most other websites do not.

The most reliable workaround is to use the YouTube app or Netflix app instead of the browser, since most video content is available in those apps. If the video is only on a website and not in an app, you may not be able to cast it to Chromecast from your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for anything to cast from my iPhone?

No. Casting itself is free. You need a Chromecast device (which you buy once) and a Wi-Fi network. If you want to cast from Netflix, Spotify, or other services, you need a subscription to those services — but that is separate from casting.

Can I cast while using a VPN on my iPhone?

It depends on your VPN. Most VPNs block local network discovery, which prevents your iPhone from seeing your Chromecast. Turn off your VPN, cast, then turn it back on. Some VPN apps have a setting to allow local network access — check your VPN's settings.

What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my iPhone?

They will not see each other. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, move both devices to the same network. Check your router settings or ask whoever manages your Wi-Fi.

Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time from my iPhone?

Most apps only let you cast to one device at a time. Some apps like Spotify have a "group" feature that lets you cast to multiple speakers together, but you set that up in the app or in Google Home first, then cast to the group as a single device.

Why does the video keep stopping when I cast from my iPhone?

This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your iPhone closer to your router, or move your Chromecast closer to the router. If your Wi-Fi is shared with many devices, other activity on the network can interrupt casting. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.