AirPlay and Chromecast are not the same system, so you cannot send AirPlay directly to a Chromecast device
AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming standard for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Chromecast is Google's system for Android phones, tablets, and computers. The two do not talk to each other natively. If you own an Apple device and a Chromecast, you have three real paths forward: use a third-party app that works on both platforms, mirror your entire screen instead of streaming a single app, or cast from a web browser on your Mac.
The easiest route depends on what you want to watch. If you are streaming from Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify, those apps have built-in Chromecast buttons and work directly on any device. If you want to send something from your phone or computer that does not have a Chromecast button, screen mirroring is your next option.
Key Takeaways
- Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Spotify have Chromecast buttons built in and work from iPhones and Macs without any extra steps.
- If an app does not have a Chromecast button, you can mirror your entire iPhone or iPad screen to Chromecast using a third-party app like Replica or AirBeamTV.
- On a Mac, you can cast to Chromecast through Google Chrome by opening the menu and selecting "Cast" — no app needed.
- Chromecast and your Apple device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for any of these methods to work.
Using apps with built-in Chromecast support
The fastest way to get content to your Chromecast from an Apple device is to use an app that already has a Chromecast button. Netflix, YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock all have this feature. Open the app, start playing what you want to watch, and look for a rectangular icon with curved lines in the corner — that is the Chromecast button.
Tap the Chromecast button and a list of nearby Chromecast devices appears. Select the one you want to use. The content moves to your TV when ready, and you can close the app or lock your phone. The video keeps playing on the TV. To stop casting, tap the Chromecast button again and select "Stop Casting."
This method works on both iPhones and Macs, and it is the smoothest experience because the app is designed for it. No screen mirroring lag, no battery drain from keeping your screen on, and full control from your device.
Screen mirroring from iPhone or iPad to Chromecast
If the app you want to use does not have a Chromecast button, you can mirror your entire screen. This sends everything on your phone's display to the TV, including notifications and incoming calls. Third-party apps make this possible because Apple does not allow AirPlay to Chromecast directly.
Apps like Replica and AirBeamTV are the most reliable options. read one from the App Store, open it, and it will scan your network for Chromecast devices. Tap the device you want to use, and your iPhone or iPad screen appears on the TV. The app stays running in the background while you use your phone normally.
Screen mirroring drains your battery faster than app-based casting because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV. It also adds a slight delay — usually less than a second, but noticeable if you are playing a game. For watching video or browsing, the delay is not a problem.
Casting from a Mac using Google Chrome
If you are using a Mac, you do not need a third-party app. Google Chrome has a built-in Cast feature that works with Chromecast. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select "Cast." A window opens showing all Chromecast devices on your network.
You have two options: cast a single tab or cast your entire screen. Casting a tab sends only that browser window to the TV, leaving your other tabs and windows private on your Mac. Casting your screen sends everything — useful if you want to show your desktop or use multiple windows at once.
Select your Chromecast device and the content appears on your TV. To stop casting, click the Cast button again and select "Stop Casting." This method works for any website or web app, including streaming services that have a web version.
Making sure your devices are on the same network
All of these methods require your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. If your Chromecast is on your home network but your phone is on a guest network or mobile hotspot, casting will not work.
Check your Wi-Fi settings on your Apple device and confirm it matches the network name your Chromecast is using. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Chromecast may still be trying to connect with the old one. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and reconnect it to Wi-Fi through the Google Home app.
Troubleshooting when casting does not work
If your Chromecast does not appear in the app or Cast menu, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. On your phone or Mac, turn Wi-Fi off and back on. Then open the app again and look for your Chromecast.
If the Chromecast still does not show up, check that both devices are on the same network. Some routers separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with different names — Chromecast works on 2.4 GHz, so make sure your Apple device is connected to that band, not the 5 GHz one. You can usually change this in your Wi-Fi settings or router admin panel.
If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router or move your phone closer to the Chromecast. Interference from other devices can also cause drops — try moving your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, or other electronics.
Comparing your casting options
Each casting method has different strengths depending on what you are trying to do and which device you are using. The table below shows how they compare on speed, battery use, and what they work with.
| Method | Works on | Best for | Battery drain | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| App with Chromecast button | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, etc. | Low | Seconds |
| Screen mirroring (third-party app) | iPhone, iPad | Any app or content | High | 1–2 minutes |
| Chrome Cast feature | Mac | Websites and web apps | Low (tab) or high (screen) | Seconds |
App-based casting is the best choice when the service you want supports it, because it uses the least battery and has no delay. Screen mirroring is slower and drains your battery faster, but it works with any app. Chrome's Cast feature on Mac is fast and free, and it lets you choose between casting just one tab or your entire screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay to send video to Chromecast?
No. AirPlay and Chromecast are separate systems that do not work together. You must use one of the three methods described above: an app with a built-in Chromecast button, screen mirroring through a third-party app, or Chrome's Cast feature on a Mac.
Do I need to pay for an app to mirror my screen to Chromecast?
Some screen mirroring apps are free with limited features, while others charge a one-time fee or subscription. Replica and AirBeamTV both offer free trials so you can test them before paying. Chrome's Cast feature on Mac is free and built in.
Will screen mirroring work if my phone is locked?
No. Screen mirroring stops when you lock your phone because the display turns off. You must keep your phone unlocked while mirroring, which is why app-based casting is better for long viewing sessions — you can lock your phone and save battery.
Can I cast audio only, without video?
Yes, if the app supports it. Spotify and YouTube Music both have Chromecast buttons for audio-only casting. For other apps, you would need to mirror your entire screen, which includes video.
What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi band than my phone?
Chromecast works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with the same network name, your phone may connect to 5 GHz automatically. Switch your phone to the 2.4 GHz band in your Wi-Fi settings, or ask your router to use a single unified network.