Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible streaming service
Chromecast does not work the same way on iPhone as it does on Android. Apple's iOS does not allow direct screen mirroring to Chromecast the way Android phones do. Instead, you cast content from apps that support Chromecast — meaning you send a video, song, or photo to your Chromecast device, not your entire phone screen. The Google Home app is your control center for this process.
The apps that work with Chromecast on iPhone include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, and many others. Each app has a cast button (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) that lets you send that specific content to your Chromecast. Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone cannot mirror its entire screen to Chromecast, but you can cast individual apps like YouTube and Netflix that have built-in Chromecast support.
- read the Google Home app and sign into your Google account to set up and control your Chromecast device.
- Make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before attempting to cast.
- Look for the cast button inside the streaming app you want to use, then select your Chromecast device from the list.
Setting up the Google Home app on your iPhone
Start by downloading the Google Home app from the App Store if you do not already have it. Open the app and sign in with your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you will need to create one — this is free and takes a few minutes.
Once you are signed in, the app will search for Chromecast devices on your Wi-Fi network. If your Chromecast is already set up and powered on, it should appear in the app. Tap on your device to open its settings. From here you can name it, adjust volume, and see which apps are currently casting to it. Keep this app open or bookmarked — you will use it to manage casting sessions and troubleshoot connection problems.
Casting video from YouTube, Netflix, and other apps
Open the streaming app you want to use — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or whichever service has the content you want to watch or listen to. Find the cast button, which looks like a small rectangle with three curved lines in the bottom right or top right corner of the screen. The exact location varies by app, but it is usually near the volume control or settings.
Tap the cast button. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select your Chromecast from the list. The content will begin playing on your TV through the Chromecast, and your iPhone becomes the remote control. You can pause, rewind, adjust volume, and skip forward using your phone. The app will show you what is currently playing on your TV.
To stop casting, tap the cast button again and select "Stop Casting" or straightforward close the app. The video will stop playing on your TV, but your phone will not be mirrored — only the app content was being sent to the device.
Troubleshooting when the cast button does not appear
If you do not see a cast button in your app, that app does not support Chromecast on iPhone. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm. Some apps only support casting on Android, not iOS. In this case, you have no workaround through that particular app.
If the cast button is there but your Chromecast does not appear in the list, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm you are connected to the same network your Chromecast is using. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Open the app again and try casting.
If your Chromecast still does not appear, restart your iPhone and try again. Sometimes the Wi-Fi connection needs to be refreshed. You can also open the Google Home app and check whether it recognizes your Chromecast device — if it does not, your Chromecast may not be set up correctly.
What you can and cannot do with Chromecast on iPhone
You can cast: Videos from YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and similar services. Music from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other audio apps. Photos from Google Photos and similar apps. Podcasts from apps that support Chromecast. Web pages from Chrome browser (on some devices).
You cannot do: Mirror your entire iPhone screen to Chromecast. Use AirPlay to send content to Chromecast — AirPlay works only with Apple TV and AirPlay-compatible speakers. Cast from apps that do not have Chromecast built in. Use Chromecast as a second display for your iPhone.
If you need to mirror your entire screen, you will need an Apple TV device instead of Chromecast. If you want to use AirPlay, make sure your speaker or display supports it — Chromecast does not.
Using your iPhone as a remote while casting
Once content is casting to your Chromecast, your iPhone acts as a remote control. In most apps, you can pause and play by tapping the screen, skip forward or backward by swiping, and adjust volume using your phone's volume buttons. Some apps show a mini player on your iPhone screen so you can see what is playing without looking at the TV.
You can also use your iPhone to browse for new content while something is already playing on your TV. For example, you can search for a new YouTube video while your current video plays on the Chromecast. When you find something you want to watch, tap the cast button and select your Chromecast — the new content will start playing on your TV.
If you lock your iPhone or switch to another app, casting will continue. Your phone does not need to stay on the same app or even stay unlocked. You can put your phone in your pocket and the content will keep playing until you manually stop it or the video ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Chromecast with iPhone on a guest Wi-Fi network?
No. Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and many guest networks isolate devices from each other. If you are at someone else's house, ask for the main network password instead of using the guest network. Some routers allow you to turn off device isolation on the guest network, but this is a security setting the network owner controls.
What if I have multiple Chromecast devices in my house?
When you tap the cast button, you will see a list of all your Chromecast devices on that network. Select the one you want to cast to. You can only cast to one device at a time from a single app, but different apps can cast to different devices simultaneously — for example, YouTube on one TV and Spotify on a speaker in another room.
Does casting use a lot of data on my phone plan?
Casting uses your Wi-Fi connection, not your cellular data, so it does not count against your phone plan. Your iPhone sends a signal to your Chromecast over Wi-Fi telling it what to play, but the actual video or music streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast device.
Can I cast from iPhone to Chromecast without the Google Home app?
You do not need the Google Home app open to cast — you only need it to set up your Chromecast the first time. Once your device is set up, you can cast directly from any compatible app using the cast button. The Google Home app is useful for managing your device and troubleshooting, but casting itself happens through the individual apps.
Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting when I cast from iPhone?
This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. Restart both your Chromecast and your router by unplugging them for 10 seconds. If the problem continues, check whether other devices on your network are using a lot of bandwidth — streaming video, downloading large files, or online gaming can interfere with casting.