The Basic Steps to Cast from iPad

To cast from an iPad to a Chromecast device, open the app you want to cast from, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), select your Chromecast from the list, and the content appears on your TV. The Cast icon location varies by app — in YouTube it's in the top right, in Google Photos it's in the top left, and in Chrome it's in the menu. Your iPad and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.

Before you start, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in, powered on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. If your Chromecast isn't showing up in the Cast menu, restart both devices and check that they're on the same network. Some older Chromecast models may not support casting from all apps, so if an app doesn't show a Cast icon, that app may not be compatible.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast icon appears in most Google apps and some third-party apps, but its location changes depending on which app you're using.
  • Your iPad and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • Casting from Chrome on iPad lets you mirror your entire browser or just a single tab to your TV.
  • If the Cast icon doesn't appear in an app, that app doesn't support casting, and you'll need to use a different method to get content on your TV.

Casting Video from YouTube and Other Apps

YouTube on iPad shows the Cast icon in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it, choose your Chromecast from the popup menu, and the video starts playing on your TV while you can control playback from your iPad. You can pause, rewind, adjust volume, and skip forward without touching your TV remote.

Google Photos, Google Play Music, and Spotify all have Cast icons in their top menu bars. Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps may or may not support casting — check the app's menu or settings if you don't see a Cast icon. If an app doesn't have a Cast button, you can sometimes cast your entire iPad screen instead, though this uses more battery and may have lag.

Casting Your Entire iPad Screen

If an app doesn't have a built-in Cast button, you can mirror your whole iPad screen to your Chromecast. Open Control Center on your iPad (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, select your Chromecast, and your entire screen appears on the TV. Everything you do on your iPad — opening apps, typing, scrolling — shows up on your TV in real time.

Screen mirroring drains your iPad battery faster than regular casting and can feel sluggish if your Wi-Fi connection is weak. It's useful for presentations, showing photos to a group, or using an app that doesn't have its own Cast button. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Casting from Chrome Browser

Chrome on iPad has a Cast feature in its menu. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom right, select Cast, choose your Chromecast, and you can either cast the current tab or cast your entire screen. Casting a single tab sends just that webpage to your TV, while casting your screen mirrors everything on your iPad.

Tab casting is faster and uses less bandwidth than screen mirroring. If you're watching a video in a browser tab, casting the tab alone is usually the better choice. You can continue using your iPad for other tasks while the tab plays on your TV.

Troubleshooting When Cast Icon Doesn't Appear

If you don't see a Cast icon in an app, first check that your iPad and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPad's Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. Then check your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app — tap your Chromecast device and look at the Wi-Fi network listed under Device Information.

If both devices are on the same network and the Cast icon still doesn't appear, the app may not support casting. Try restarting both your iPad and Chromecast. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. If the Cast icon appears in some apps but not others, those specific apps straightforward don't have casting built in.

What to Do If Your Chromecast Isn't Showing Up

When you tap the Cast icon and your Chromecast doesn't appear in the list, the most common cause is that your iPad and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your iPad's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network as your Chromecast. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your iPad to the same band your Chromecast is using.

If they're on the same network and your Chromecast still doesn't show up, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Wait a few minutes for both devices to fully reconnect, then try casting again. If your Chromecast is very far from your router or blocked by walls, move it closer to improve the connection.

Battery and Performance Tips

When you cast video from an app like YouTube, your iPad doesn't have to work as hard as it does during screen mirroring. The app sends the video directly to your Chromecast, so your iPad battery lasts longer and you can use other apps without slowing down the video playback. This is why casting from an app is better than screen mirroring whenever the option exists.

If you're casting and the video keeps stopping or buffering, move your iPad closer to your Wi-Fi router or move the Chromecast closer to the router. A weak Wi-Fi signal causes both devices to lose connection. You can also try disconnecting other devices from your Wi-Fi to free up bandwidth, or restart your router if the problem persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from iPad to a Chromecast on a different Wi-Fi network?

No. Your iPad and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're away from home, you can't cast to a Chromecast on your home network unless you set up remote casting through the Google Home app, which requires additional setup and works only with certain Chromecast models.

Does casting from iPad drain the battery faster than watching on the iPad screen?

Casting video from an app like YouTube uses less battery than screen mirroring because the app sends the video directly to your Chromecast rather than mirroring your entire screen. Screen mirroring drains battery much faster. Regular casting lets your iPad screen turn off while the video plays on your TV.

What if I want to cast audio only without showing the video on my TV?

Some apps like Spotify and Google Play Music let you cast audio to a Chromecast Audio device or a Chromecast with Google TV. The Cast icon works the same way — tap it and select your device. Your iPad screen can turn off while the audio plays on your speakers or TV.

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

Most apps only let you cast to one Chromecast at a time. When you tap the Cast icon, you select a single device. Some apps may support casting to multiple devices, but this is rare and depends on the app's design.

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

Buffering during casting usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your iPad and Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If many devices are using your Wi-Fi, disconnect some of them to free up bandwidth.