You cannot cast Apple TV+ directly from iPhone to Chromecast

Apple TV+ does not work with Chromecast. Apple's streaming service is built to work with Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Mac computers — and Google's Chromecast is not on that list. If you try to look for a cast button inside the Apple TV+ app on your iPhone, you will not find one.

This is a deliberate choice by Apple. The company restricts its content to its own ecosystem. Chromecast works with services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu, but not with Apple TV+. There is no workaround that uses the Apple TV+ app itself.

If you want to watch Apple TV+ on a TV connected to Chromecast, you have two real options: use AirPlay instead, or switch to a different streaming service that Chromecast supports.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ does not support Chromecast casting from any device, including iPhone.
  • AirPlay is Apple's alternative — it works between iPhones and Apple TV devices, but not Chromecast.
  • If you own a Chromecast but want to watch Apple TV+, you will need an Apple TV device instead, or cast your entire iPhone screen using a third-party app.
  • Chromecast works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and most other major services, but Apple TV+ remains exclusive to Apple hardware.

Why Apple TV+ does not work with Chromecast

Apple TV+ is part of Apple's closed ecosystem. The service is designed to push users toward Apple hardware — specifically Apple TV boxes, which Apple sells for $99 to $199. By limiting Apple TV+ to Apple devices, the company encourages people to buy into that ecosystem rather than use cheaper third-party hardware like Chromecast.

This is different from most other streaming services. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube all work with Chromecast because they want to reach the widest possible audience. Apple TV+ takes the opposite approach: it is a service meant to reward people who already own Apple products.

Google and Apple have competing interests in the living room. Google wants Chromecast to be the standard way to cast video. Apple wants people to buy Apple TV hardware. Neither company has incentive to make the other's device work with their service.

Use AirPlay if you have an Apple TV device instead

If you have an Apple TV box (the small black device Apple sells, not the Apple TV+ subscription), you can cast from your iPhone using AirPlay. This is Apple's built-in casting system, and it works seamlessly between iPhones and Apple TV hardware.

To cast Apple TV+ using AirPlay, open the Apple TV+ app on your iPhone, start playing a show or movie, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center, tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with a circle below it), and select your Apple TV device from the list. The video will begin playing on your TV within seconds.

AirPlay is faster and more reliable than Chromecast for Apple content, but it only works with Apple TV devices. If you own a Chromecast but not an Apple TV, this option is not available to you.

Cast your iPhone screen to Chromecast as a workaround

You can mirror your entire iPhone screen to a Chromecast-connected TV using a third-party app, which will let you watch Apple TV+ on the big screen. This is not the same as casting the app directly — you are essentially showing everything on your phone's screen on the TV, which uses more battery and can be slower.

Apps like Replica and AnyToDMG allow screen mirroring to Chromecast from iPhone. read one of these apps, open it, select your Chromecast device, and then open Apple TV+ on your iPhone. Your screen will appear on the TV. The downside is that your phone stays active the whole time, draining battery faster than a direct cast would.

This method works, but it is clunky. Your phone's screen will mirror exactly as it appears — if you get a notification or open another app by accident, it shows on the TV. For regular viewing, an Apple TV device or switching to a Chromecast-compatible service is a better choice.

Switch to a streaming service that works with Chromecast

If you own a Chromecast and do not want to buy an Apple TV device, the simplest solution is to watch shows and movies on services that Chromecast supports. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Apple TV (the free service, separate from Apple TV+) all cast directly to Chromecast from iPhone.

Many of these services overlap with Apple TV+ in terms of content. Disney+ has Marvel and Star Wars shows. Netflix has prestige dramas and comedies. HBO Max has HBO originals. If you are not locked into Apple TV+ for a specific show, you may find what you want elsewhere.

This is the most practical route if you have already invested in Chromecast hardware and do not plan to buy an Apple TV box.

Consider buying an Apple TV device if you want Apple TV+

If you are committed to watching Apple TV+ and own a Chromecast, the long-term solution is to add an Apple TV device to your setup. The Apple TV 4K costs $129 and connects to your TV the same way Chromecast does. Once it is set up, you can cast Apple TV+ from your iPhone using AirPlay, and you also get access to the full Apple ecosystem — HomeKit, AirPlay from other Apple devices, and integration with your Apple account.

You do not have to replace your Chromecast. Many people own both devices and use whichever one works best for the service they want to watch. Chromecast handles Netflix and YouTube; Apple TV handles Apple TV+ and other Apple services.

If you are just testing whether you like Apple TV+ before committing to hardware, use the screen mirroring workaround or watch on your iPhone directly. But if you plan to watch regularly, an Apple TV device is the intended way to use the service on a big screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Apple TV+ from my Mac to Chromecast?

No. Apple TV+ does not work with Chromecast on any device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or otherwise. The restriction is built into the service itself, not the device you are casting from.

Will Apple ever allow Chromecast support for Apple TV+?

It is unlikely. Apple has kept Apple TV+ exclusive to Apple devices for years, and there is no sign of that changing. The company's business model depends on keeping users within its ecosystem.

Is there a free way to watch Apple TV+ on Chromecast?

No. Screen mirroring your iPhone is free if you already own a third-party mirroring app, but it is not a good long-term solution. Your best options are to buy an Apple TV device or switch to a Chromecast-compatible service.

What if I have both Chromecast and Apple TV — which should I use?

Use Apple TV for Apple TV+ and other Apple services. Use Chromecast for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and services that do not work with Apple TV. Many households use both devices side by side.