Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible app

You cannot cast directly from iPhone the way you can from an Android phone. Instead, you use the Google Home app to set up a connection, then open a compatible app—like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos—and tap the cast icon within that app to send video or audio to your Chromecast device. The iPhone itself does not have a native cast button in Control Center the way Android does.

The process works because individual apps have built-in cast support. You are not mirroring your entire screen; you are telling a specific app to play its content on your TV instead of your phone. This means the app must support casting, and your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Google Home app on your iPhone and use it to set up your Chromecast on your home Wi-Fi network.
  • Open a casting-compatible app like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos, then tap the cast icon to send content to your Chromecast.
  • Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • Not all apps support casting; check the app's menu or help section to see if a cast button is available.
  • If casting fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.

Setting up your Chromecast with the Google Home app

Before you can cast from your iPhone, your Chromecast must be set up and connected to your Wi-Fi. Open the Google Home app (read it free from the App Store if you do not have it). Tap the plus icon in the top left corner and select "Set up device," then choose "Set up new device." The app will walk you through connecting your Chromecast to power and to your home Wi-Fi network.

During setup, the app will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Make sure you choose the same network your iPhone uses. Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will appear in the Google Home app under "Devices." You only need to do this once; after that, your Chromecast stays connected as long as it has power and Wi-Fi.

Finding and using the cast button in compatible apps

The cast button looks like a small rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. In most apps, it appears in the top right corner of the screen or in the playback controls. Open YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or another app that supports casting. Start playing the content you want to watch or listen to, then look for the cast icon.

Tap the cast icon and a list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast by name. The content will begin playing on your TV within a few seconds. While casting, you can control playback from your iPhone—pause, skip, adjust volume—and the changes happen on your TV in real time. You can also lock your iPhone and the casting continues.

Apps that support casting from iPhone

Major streaming services all support casting. YouTube, YouTube Music, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Photos all have cast buttons. Many others do as well—Twitch, Peacock, Paramount+, and others. The easiest way to check if an app supports casting is to open it, start playing something, and look for the cast icon in the playback controls or top menu.

If you do not see a cast icon, the app does not support casting to Chromecast. Some apps may support AirPlay (casting to Apple TV) but not Chromecast. In that case, you would need an Apple TV device instead, or you could use screen mirroring if your Chromecast supports it (some models do, some do not).

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

If the cast button does not appear or casting fails, first check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. Then open the Google Home app and check that your Chromecast is listed under Devices and shows "Connected."

If your Chromecast shows offline or not connected, restart it by unplugging the power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the light on the device to stop blinking and turn solid. Try casting again. If the app still does not show a cast button, close the app completely and reopen it. If that does not work, restart your iPhone and try again.

If you see the cast button but casting fails partway through, the Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Move your iPhone closer to the Chromecast or router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Some apps also require you to be signed into your account before casting works—check that you are logged in.

Screen mirroring as an alternative

Some Chromecast models (like Chromecast with Google TV) support screen mirroring, which lets you mirror your entire iPhone screen to your TV. This is different from casting a single app. To mirror your screen, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your Chromecast device. Your entire iPhone screen will appear on the TV.

Screen mirroring works with any app, but it drains your iPhone battery faster and may have slight lag. Casting a specific app is usually smoother and more reliable. Check your Chromecast model's documentation to see if it supports screen mirroring, as not all models do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the cast button not show up in my app?

Not all apps support casting to Chromecast. Check the app's settings or help menu to confirm it has cast support. If it does not, you can try screen mirroring instead (if your Chromecast supports it), or use a different app that does support casting.

Can I cast while using a different app on my iPhone?

Yes. Once casting starts, you can lock your iPhone, switch to another app, or even close the app you were casting from. The content continues playing on your TV. Some apps pause playback if you close them, so check the app's behavior.

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

Yes, your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network or a different network, casting will not work. Switch to the same network as your Chromecast and try again.

What if my Chromecast is not showing up in the Google Home app?

Make sure your Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Check that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If it still does not appear, restart your iPhone and open the Google Home app again.

Can I cast from multiple iPhones to the same Chromecast?

Yes, but only one device can cast at a time. If two people try to cast simultaneously, the second request will take over and interrupt the first. You can pass control back and forth by tapping the cast button in different apps.