AirPlay doesn't work directly with Chromecast, but you can stream Apple content using a workaround or switch to Google's native casting method

Chromecast is built for Google's casting system, not Apple's AirPlay protocol. If you want to send video, audio, or your screen from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Chromecast device, you have two practical paths: use a third-party app that bridges the two systems, or cast using Google's own apps and services instead. The bridge apps work reasonably well for video and music, though screen mirroring is less reliable than native AirPlay.

The simplest approach depends on what you're trying to send. If you're streaming from YouTube, Google Photos, or Spotify, you don't need a workaround at all—those apps have built-in Chromecast buttons. If you're mirroring your entire screen or using an app that doesn't support Chromecast natively, a third-party app like Airflow or LocalCast can relay the stream from your Apple device to your Chromecast.

Key Takeaways

  • Google apps like YouTube, Google Photos, and Spotify cast directly to Chromecast from iPhones and iPads without any extra software.
  • Third-party apps such as Airflow and LocalCast can relay AirPlay streams to Chromecast, though performance varies by app and content type.
  • Full screen mirroring from Apple devices to Chromecast is unreliable and not recommended; use native casting or a bridge app for specific content instead.
  • Your Apple device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for any casting method to work.

Casting from Google apps on your iPhone or iPad

If the app you want to use is made by Google, casting to Chromecast works the same way as it does on Android. Open the app—YouTube, Google Photos, Google Play Music, or Podcasts—and look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Tap it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and the content will begin playing on your TV.

This method works when ready and reliably because the app and the Chromecast speak the same language. No third-party software needed. The cast icon appears in the playback controls or the app's main menu, depending on which Google app you're using. If you don't see it, make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

Using third-party bridge apps to relay AirPlay to Chromecast

Airflow and LocalCast are the most widely used apps that convert AirPlay streams into Chromecast signals. Both are available on the App Store. The process is similar in each: you open the app, select your Chromecast device, then use the app's interface to play video or music, or you send content to the app from another app using AirPlay.

Airflow works best for video files stored on your device or for streaming services that support AirPlay. LocalCast is more flexible with web content and can sometimes handle screen mirroring better, though neither app offers the seamless experience of native AirPlay. Both apps require a one-time purchase or subscription, and performance depends on your Wi-Fi signal strength and the type of content you're streaming.

To use either app, install it, open it, tap the Chromecast icon, and select your device. Then either play content within the app itself or use your device's AirPlay menu to send audio or video from another app to the bridge app, which relays it to your TV.

Why screen mirroring from Apple devices is not reliable

Unlike AirPlay, which mirrors your entire screen to an Apple TV, Chromecast does not have a native screen mirroring feature for iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Some third-party apps claim to offer this, but the results are often choppy, delayed, or disconnected. If you need to show your screen on a TV connected to Chromecast, your best option is to use a Google Chromebook or Android device instead, or to use a different casting method for the specific app or content you want to share.

If you absolutely must mirror an Apple device to a Chromecast, try LocalCast's screen mirroring feature, but expect lower quality and occasional disconnections. For everyday use, it's more reliable to cast individual apps or content rather than your entire screen.

Making sure your devices are on the same network

Chromecast and your Apple device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work. Check your iPhone or iPad's Wi-Fi settings and confirm it's on the same network as your Chromecast. You can verify your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app: open it, tap your Chromecast device, then tap the settings icon (gear) and look for "Wi-Fi" in the device info.

If your home has a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, your Apple device and Chromecast might be on different bands. Some older Chromecast models only support 2.4 GHz. If casting isn't working, try connecting your iPhone or iPad to the 2.4 GHz band specifically, or check your router settings to see which band your Chromecast is using.

Casting audio only from your Apple device

If you want to play music or podcasts on your Chromecast speaker or TV, use the cast icon in Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, or Podcasts. These apps all have native Chromecast support. Tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast device, and the audio will play through your TV or speaker.

For apps that don't have a built-in cast button, you can use a bridge app like Airflow to send audio from AirPlay-compatible apps to your Chromecast. The audio quality is usually good, though there may be a slight delay of a second or two.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If the cast icon doesn't appear or your device won't connect, start by restarting both your Apple device and your Chromecast. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then restart your iPhone or iPad. Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong.

If you're using a third-party bridge app and casting fails, close the app completely and reopen it. Some apps require you to grant permission to access your network; check your iPhone's Settings > Privacy to make sure the app has permission. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app, as cached data sometimes causes connection issues.

If your Chromecast is very old (more than five years), it may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or casting protocols. In that case, consider updating to a newer Chromecast model, or use a different casting method if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay directly with Chromecast?

No. AirPlay and Chromecast are separate systems. Google apps like YouTube and Spotify have built-in Chromecast buttons on iPhones and iPads. For other content, you need a third-party bridge app like Airflow or LocalCast to relay the stream.

Is there a free app that converts AirPlay to Chromecast?

Most bridge apps charge a one-time fee or subscription. LocalCast and Airflow both have paid versions. Some free alternatives exist but are less reliable. Check the App Store reviews before downloading, as quality varies widely.

Why is my Chromecast not showing up in the cast menu?

Make sure your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Restart both devices. If the Chromecast still doesn't appear, check that it's powered on and fully booted by looking at the light on the device itself. If it's still not working, restart your Wi-Fi router.

Can I mirror my Mac screen to Chromecast?

Native screen mirroring from a Mac to Chromecast is not supported. You can cast individual apps or browser tabs using Google Chrome's built-in cast feature, but full screen mirroring is not reliable. Use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead if you need to mirror your Mac.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting streams over your local Wi-Fi network, not through the internet, so it doesn't use your mobile data plan. However, it does use bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network, so other devices may be slower while you're casting video.