AirPlay and Chromecast work together, but not the way you might expect

AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming system. Chromecast is Google's. They do not speak to each other directly — your iPhone or Mac cannot send an AirPlay signal straight to a Chromecast device. However, you can stream content from Apple devices to Chromecast using a workaround: apps that support both systems, or by casting your entire screen through Google's native tools.

The simplest path depends on what you want to stream. If you are using Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or another major app, those apps usually have a built-in cast button that works on Chromecast without needing AirPlay at all. If you want to mirror your whole screen, or stream from an app that does not have native Chromecast support, you will need to use your Mac's screen mirroring feature or a third-party app on iOS.

Key Takeaways

  • Most streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) have their own cast buttons and do not require AirPlay or screen mirroring at all.
  • To mirror your Mac screen to Chromecast, open System Preferences, select Displays, and choose your Chromecast from the AirPlay menu — but only if your Mac and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • iPhone and iPad cannot mirror directly to Chromecast; you will need a third-party app like Google Home or a casting app built into the service you are using.
  • Screen mirroring from Mac to Chromecast works best for video and photos, but may lag with fast-moving content or games.
  • Make sure your Apple device and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before attempting any casting or mirroring.

Casting from apps that have built-in Chromecast support

Open the app you want to stream from — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, or another service. Look for a cast icon, usually a rectangle with a curved line in the bottom corner, or a button labeled "Cast" or "Devices." Tap or click it.

A menu will appear showing available devices. Select your Chromecast by name. The app will begin streaming to your TV when ready. You can now control playback from your phone or Mac, or use your TV remote if your Chromecast supports it. The app itself does the work; AirPlay is not involved.

This method works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it is the fastest way to stream if the app you want supports it. Most major services do. Check the app's help section if you cannot find the cast button — some apps hide it in a menu or settings panel.

Mirroring your Mac screen to Chromecast

Connect your Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar (or press Control + Command + Q on older Macs). Select "Screen Mirroring."

A list of available displays will appear. Look for your Chromecast device by name and click it. Your Mac screen will now appear on your TV. Everything you do on your Mac — opening apps, typing, moving the cursor — will show on the television in real time.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose "Disconnect." Mirroring uses your Wi-Fi connection, so a weak signal will cause lag or disconnections. If your Mac keeps dropping the connection, move closer to your router or restart both devices.

Casting from iPhone or iPad to Chromecast

iPhones and iPads cannot mirror their screens to Chromecast the way a Mac can. However, many apps have built-in cast buttons. Open the app, find the cast icon (usually in the top or bottom corner), and select your Chromecast device.

If the app you want does not have a cast button, you have two options. First, check whether the service offers a web version you can open in Safari on your Mac and then mirror from there. Second, read the Google Home app on your iPhone, open it, tap your Chromecast device, and look for a "Cast My Screen" option — this feature is available on some Chromecast models and allows limited screen mirroring from iOS.

For most everyday use, the app's native cast button is the most reliable method. Screen mirroring from iPhone to Chromecast is not as stable as Mac-to-Chromecast mirroring and may not work on older Chromecast devices.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your Apple device cannot find your Chromecast, first check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name. Then check your Chromecast's Wi-Fi connection by opening the Google Home app on any device and tapping your Chromecast — it will show which network it is connected to.

If they are on different networks, connect your Apple device to the same network as your Chromecast. Some homes have multiple Wi-Fi networks (often a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band); Chromecast devices typically work better on 2.4 GHz, so try connecting there first.

If both devices are on the same network and the cast button still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart your Apple device. Wait 30 seconds for both to reconnect to Wi-Fi before trying again.

Why AirPlay does not work directly with Chromecast

AirPlay is Apple's proprietary protocol. Chromecast uses Google's Cast protocol. They are incompatible by design — Apple devices are built to recognize AirPlay receivers (Apple TV, HomePod, AirPlay-compatible speakers), and Chromecast devices only recognize Cast signals.

This is why you cannot straightforward select a Chromecast from your AirPlay menu. Instead, individual apps handle the translation by supporting both systems. Netflix, for example, has code that lets it send a Cast signal to Chromecast when you tap its cast button, even though you are using an Apple device.

If you want to use AirPlay with your TV, you would need an Apple TV device instead of a Chromecast. If you want to use Chromecast, you work through the app's cast button or screen mirroring on Mac.

Casting audio to Chromecast speakers

If you have a Chromecast Audio device or a speaker with Chromecast built in, you can stream music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the same cast button method. Open Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or another audio app, tap the cast icon, and select your speaker.

Unlike video casting, audio casting works smoothly across all Apple devices. The speaker will play the audio while your phone or Mac screen turns off or locks, saving battery. You can control volume and playback from your device or from the speaker itself if it has physical buttons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay to send video to Chromecast?

No. AirPlay and Chromecast are separate systems and do not work together. Use the app's cast button instead, or mirror your Mac screen through Control Center. For iPhone, most streaming services have their own cast buttons built in.

Why does my Chromecast not show up when I look for cast devices?

Your Apple device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and make sure both are connected to the same network name. If they are, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then restart your Apple device and wait 30 seconds before trying again.

Does screen mirroring from Mac to Chromecast work for everything?

Screen mirroring works for most content, but fast-moving video, games, and graphics-heavy apps may lag or stutter because the data travels over Wi-Fi. For smooth playback of movies or shows, use the app's native cast button instead of mirroring your entire screen.

Can I mirror my iPhone screen to Chromecast like I can with Mac?

Not on most Chromecast devices. iPhone screen mirroring to Chromecast is limited and unreliable. Instead, use the app's cast button if it has one, or open the service in Safari on your Mac and mirror from there.

What if the app I want to use does not have a cast button?

Mirror your Mac screen to Chromecast instead. Open Control Center, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Chromecast device. Everything on your Mac will appear on the TV, including that app. This method works for any app but may be slower than native casting.