Apple TV and Chromecast don't work together directly

Apple TV and Google Chromecast use different casting systems, so you cannot send Apple TV content to a Chromecast device the way you would cast from Chrome or YouTube. Apple TV uses AirPlay, Google's system uses Chromecast protocol, and they do not speak to each other. If you want to watch Apple TV on a Chromecast-connected screen, you have three real options: use a device that supports both, cast your entire screen instead of the app, or use a different app.

The fastest route depends on what device you are casting from — phone, tablet, or computer — and whether you want to cast just the Apple TV app or your whole screen. Each method has different limits on picture quality and what you can do while casting.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV app does not have built-in Chromecast support, so you cannot cast the app itself to a Chromecast device.
  • You can cast your entire phone, tablet, or computer screen to Chromecast, which will show Apple TV but may reduce video quality and drain your device's battery.
  • An Android phone or tablet can cast the Apple TV app to Chromecast if you enable screen mirroring through your device's display settings.
  • Some smart TVs and streaming devices support both Apple TV and Chromecast natively, which is simpler than casting.
  • If you use an iPhone or iPad, screen mirroring to Chromecast is not possible — you would need to use AirPlay to an Apple TV device instead.

Cast your entire screen from an Android phone or tablet

If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can mirror your whole screen to Chromecast, which will show the Apple TV app running on your device. Open the Apple TV app, start playing what you want to watch, then swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open Quick Settings. Look for Cast or Screen Mirroring — the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version.

Tap it, then select your Chromecast device from the list. Your phone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The video will play on your TV while your phone acts as a remote. You can adjust volume, pause, or skip using your phone's controls. Keep in mind that screen mirroring uses more battery than casting an app would, and the video quality may be slightly lower than if you were playing directly on the TV.

Cast from a Windows or Mac computer

On a Windows computer, open the Apple TV app or go to tv.apple.com in Chrome. Click the Cast button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle in the corner) in the top right of the window. Select your Chromecast device. Your computer screen will mirror to the TV, and Apple TV will play there. You can minimize the browser window or switch to other windows on your computer while the video continues playing.

On a Mac, the process is similar if you use Chrome — open tv.apple.com, click Cast, and select your device. If you use the Apple TV app on Mac, there is no built-in Cast button. Your best option is to use screen mirroring through AirPlay if you have an Apple TV device, or use Chrome and cast from the browser instead.

Why iPhone and iPad cannot cast to Chromecast

iPhones and iPads use AirPlay for wireless casting, not Google's Chromecast protocol. Apple and Google have not built bridges between these systems. If you try to screen mirror from an iPhone or iPad, you will see only AirPlay options — no Chromecast devices will appear in the list.

If you have an iPhone or iPad and want to watch Apple TV on your TV wirelessly, you need either an Apple TV device (a separate box or built into some newer TVs) or a TV that has AirPlay built in. Some Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs support AirPlay directly. Check your TV's settings or manual to see if AirPlay is available.

Use a device that supports both systems

Some streaming devices and smart TVs have both the Apple TV app and Chromecast built in. If your TV or streaming device supports both, you can straightforward open the Apple TV app directly on that device — no casting needed. Google TV devices (like some Chromecast with Google TV models) have the Apple TV app available in the Google Play Store. Roku devices also support the Apple TV app. Amazon Fire TV devices do not have Apple TV, but they do support Chromecast casting.

Check what device you have and whether the Apple TV app is available in its app store. If it is, read it, sign in with your Apple ID, and play content directly. This is simpler and gives you better video quality than screen mirroring.

Screen mirroring versus casting: what's the difference

Screen mirroring sends everything your device displays to the TV — your whole screen, all notifications, and all apps. It uses more power and can reduce video quality slightly because your phone or computer has to encode and send the entire display. Casting an app sends only that app's video stream directly to the TV, which uses less battery and often delivers better picture quality. Google Chromecast is designed for app casting, but since Apple TV does not support Chromecast natively, screen mirroring is your fallback.

If you are watching for more than an hour or two, screen mirroring will drain your phone's battery noticeably. If you need to use your phone for other things while watching, screen mirroring ties up your whole device. For longer viewing sessions, a device with native Apple TV support is more practical.

What to do if you do not have a compatible device

If your Chromecast device does not support the Apple TV app and you cannot screen mirror, you have a few alternatives. Some content from Apple TV is available on other platforms — check whether the show or movie you want is on Netflix, Disney+, or another service you can cast natively. You can also buy or rent individual titles through Google Play on your Chromecast device, though this costs more than an Apple TV subscription.

If you watch Apple TV regularly, the simplest long-term solution is to add an Apple TV device (the box or a TV with AirPlay built in) or switch to a streaming device that has both Apple TV and Chromecast support, like Google TV or Roku.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Apple TV to Chromecast from my iPhone?

No. iPhones use AirPlay, not Chromecast. You would need an Apple TV device or a TV with AirPlay built in. If you have a Chromecast, you cannot cast Apple TV from an iPhone to it.

Will screen mirroring reduce the video quality?

Slightly, yes. Screen mirroring sends your entire device display, which requires more compression than casting an app directly. The difference is usually small on a 1080p stream, but more noticeable on 4K content. If video quality matters, use a device with native Apple TV support instead.

Can I use my phone for other things while screen mirroring Apple TV?

You can, but it will interrupt the video. If you switch apps or lock your phone, the screen mirroring may pause or stop. For uninterrupted viewing, keep your phone on the Apple TV app and avoid switching away.

Does Google TV have the Apple TV app?

Yes. Google TV devices (including some Chromecast with Google TV models) have the Apple TV app available in the Google Play Store. read it, sign in, and play directly on the device — no casting needed.

What if my TV has both Chromecast and AirPlay?

If your TV has both, use AirPlay from your iPhone or iPad, or use the Apple TV app directly if it is installed on the TV. AirPlay will give you better quality and battery life than screen mirroring to Chromecast.