Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible streaming service
You cannot cast directly from most iPhone apps to Chromecast the way you can from Android. Instead, you use the Google Home app to set up a connection, then open a compatible streaming service (like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify) and use its built-in cast button. The iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once connected, video and audio stream from the service through your phone to your TV—your phone acts as a remote control, not the source.
Some apps, like YouTube and Google Play Movies, have a native cast button inside the app itself. Others require you to mirror your entire screen through Control Center instead. The method depends on which app you are using and whether it has built-in Chromecast support.
Key Takeaways
- read the Google Home app on your iPhone and make sure your Chromecast is set up and powered on.
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have a cast button inside the app—tap it and select your Chromecast device.
- If an app does not have a cast button, you can mirror your entire iPhone screen through Control Center instead.
- Casting uses your Chromecast's internet connection, so your phone can lock or switch apps without interrupting playback.
Setting up your iPhone and Chromecast on the same network
Before you cast anything, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings by opening Settings, tapping Wi-Fi, and confirming which network you are connected to. Your Chromecast should have been set up during its initial configuration—if you have not done that yet, plug it in, turn on your TV to the HDMI input where it is connected, and follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi.
If your Chromecast is already set up but you are unsure which network it is on, open the Google Home app on your iPhone, tap the Chromecast device, and look at the Wi-Fi network listed under Device Info. Switch your iPhone to that same network if it is different. Both devices must be on the same network—if one is on your main Wi-Fi and the other is on a guest network, casting will not work.
Casting from apps with a built-in cast button
YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and many other streaming services have a cast button built directly into their apps. Open the app, start playing the video or music you want to watch, and look for a rectangular icon with a small triangle in the corner—this is the cast button. It usually appears in the top right or bottom right of the playback screen.
Tap the cast button. A list of available Chromecast devices on your network will appear. Select your Chromecast by name. The app will connect in a few seconds, and playback will move to your TV. Your iPhone screen will show a smaller playback control panel, and you can lock your phone or open other apps without stopping the video or music. To stop casting, tap the cast button again and select "Stop Casting."
If you do not see a cast button in an app you expected to have one, the app may not support Chromecast, or you may need to update it. Check the App Store to see if an update is available.
Mirroring your iPhone screen when an app lacks a cast button
If the app you want to use does not have a cast button, you can mirror your entire iPhone screen to your TV instead. This sends everything on your phone's display to the Chromecast—useful for apps like web browsers, games, or less common streaming services. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPhone (or up from the bottom on older models). Look for a button labeled "Screen Mirroring."
Tap Screen Mirroring and wait a moment for your Chromecast devices to appear. Select your Chromecast by name. Your iPhone screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds. The audio will play through your TV speakers. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring."
Screen mirroring uses more battery and data than casting through an app, because your phone is sending the entire display rather than just a video stream. If you plan to watch for more than an hour, consider plugging your iPhone in.
Troubleshooting when casting does not work
If the cast button does not appear in an app, or if your Chromecast does not show up in the list, start by checking the Wi-Fi connection. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm you are on the same network as your Chromecast. If you are on different networks, switch your iPhone to the Chromecast's network and try again.
If both devices are on the same network but the Chromecast still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. While it restarts, close the streaming app on your iPhone completely and reopen it. This clears any stale connection data. If the cast button still does not appear after these steps, the app may not support Chromecast—try using screen mirroring instead.
If screen mirroring is not working, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. Restart both your iPhone and Chromecast after updating.
Common mistakes that interrupt casting
One frequent mistake is closing the streaming app while casting. If you close YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify while it is playing on your TV, the playback stops when ready. The app needs to stay open in the background to maintain the connection. You can lock your phone or switch to other apps, but do not swipe the streaming app away from the app switcher.
Another common issue is forgetting that your phone is still casting. If you switch to a different app and that app tries to play audio or video, it may interrupt the cast or cause unexpected behavior. Always stop casting through the cast button before opening a different streaming app.
Leaving your iPhone on a weak Wi-Fi signal can also cause buffering or disconnections. If you are far from your router, move closer or consider moving your router closer to where you watch TV. A strong connection keeps the cast stable.
Casting music and podcasts to Chromecast
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Podcasts all support casting to Chromecast. Open the app, start playing the song or episode you want, and tap the cast button (usually in the bottom right or top right of the playback screen). Select your Chromecast, and the audio will play through your TV speakers. This is useful when you have guests over or want to play music throughout your home without keeping your phone in your hand.
The same rules explore: both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the app must stay open in the background. You can control volume and skip tracks from your iPhone while the audio plays on your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast to Chromecast if my iPhone is on a different Wi-Fi network?
No. Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on the main network, switch your iPhone to the main network first. Some routers allow you to connect both to the same network even if they have different names—check your router settings if you are unsure.
What happens if I lock my iPhone while casting?
Locking your iPhone does not stop the cast. The video or music continues to play on your TV, and you can unlock your phone and use the cast controls whenever you want. Your phone acts as a remote, not the source of the stream.
Can I cast from Safari or Chrome on my iPhone?
Safari and Chrome do not have a native cast button like YouTube does. Use screen mirroring instead: open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, select your Chromecast, and the webpage will appear on your TV. Keep in mind that screen mirroring uses more battery than casting through an app.
Why does the cast button not appear in Netflix?
Make sure Netflix is updated to the latest version in the App Store. If it is up to date and the cast button still does not appear, try closing Netflix completely and reopening it. If the button still does not show, your iPhone and Chromecast may not be on the same Wi-Fi network—check your network settings.
Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?
Most apps only allow you to cast to one device at a time. If you want to play the same content on multiple TVs, you would need to cast to each one separately, which means opening the app and selecting a different Chromecast each time.