Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible streaming service

Your iPhone cannot cast directly to Chromecast the way Android phones can. Instead, you use the Google Home app to send video or audio from apps that support casting — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and others — to your Chromecast device. The app acts as a bridge between your phone and the device on your TV or speaker.

The process is straightforward once you have the right app installed and your Chromecast set up on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. You open a compatible app, tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast device, and the content plays on your TV or speaker instead of your phone's screen.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Google Home app from the App Store — this is the tool that lets your iPhone find and control your Chromecast device.
  • Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or casting will not work.
  • Only apps that have built-in casting support will show a cast icon — not every app on your phone can send content to Chromecast.
  • Once you tap cast and select your device, the content streams from the internet directly to your Chromecast, not from your phone, so you can lock your iPhone or switch apps without interrupting playback.

Set up your Chromecast device and connect it to Wi-Fi

Before you can cast from your iPhone, your Chromecast device must be plugged in, turned on, and connected to your home Wi-Fi network. If you have not done this yet, plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV or into a power outlet if you are using a Chromecast Audio device, then follow the on-screen setup prompts or use the Google Home app to complete the Wi-Fi connection.

Write down the name of your Wi-Fi network and make sure your iPhone is also connected to that same network. If your Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi band or network, your iPhone will not see it when you try to cast.

Install the Google Home app on your iPhone

Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for "Google Home". read and install the official app made by Google — it is free. This app is what your iPhone uses to discover and communicate with your Chromecast device.

Once installed, open the Google Home app and sign in with the Google account you used to set up your Chromecast. The app will scan your Wi-Fi network and show you a list of Chromecast devices available to cast to. If you do not see your device, check that both your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Cast video from Netflix, YouTube, or other supported apps

Open any app that supports casting — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, and many others all have the cast feature built in. Start playing the video or audio you want to watch or listen to.

Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the bottom left corner. It is usually in the top right corner of the app or in the playback controls. Tap it, and a list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the device you want to cast to, and the content will begin playing on your TV or speaker within a few seconds.

Once casting starts, you can lock your iPhone, close the app, or even switch to a different app — the content will keep playing on your Chromecast. The stream comes directly from the internet to your Chromecast device, not from your phone.

Stop casting and return to your iPhone

To stop casting, open the app you were using and tap the cast icon again. Select "Stop casting" or tap the name of your Chromecast device to disconnect. The content will stop playing on your TV or speaker, and you can resume playing it on your iPhone if you want.

You can also use the Google Home app to stop casting. Open the app, find your Chromecast device in the list, and tap it to see playback controls. Tap the stop button to end the cast session.

Troubleshoot when casting is not working

Your iPhone and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most common reason casting fails. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the same network name as your Chromecast. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band with the same name, try connecting your iPhone to the same band your Chromecast is using.

The cast icon does not appear in your app. Not every app supports casting. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm it has casting built in. If it does, make sure you are signed in to your account within the app — some apps hide the cast button until you log in.

Your Chromecast device does not appear in the cast menu. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your iPhone's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and on in Settings. If the device still does not appear, open the Google Home app and check that your Chromecast is listed there — if it is not, your device may have lost its Wi-Fi connection.

Casting starts but stops after a few seconds. This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your iPhone or Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider or consider upgrading your router.

What apps support casting from iPhone

Most major streaming services have casting built in. Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Google Play Music all support casting to Chromecast. Many other apps do as well — if you see the cast icon in an app, you can use it.

Some apps do not support casting directly, but you may be able to cast your entire iPhone screen instead. This is called screen mirroring or casting your screen, and it works differently — it mirrors everything on your phone to your TV, which uses more battery and can be slower. To do this, open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and look for a "Cast screen" or "Mirror screen" option if your device supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Safari or other browsers on my iPhone?

Safari does not have a built-in cast button like the YouTube app does. However, if a website has a video player that supports casting, you may see the cast icon within that player. Otherwise, you would need to use screen mirroring, which mirrors your entire phone screen to your TV — this drains your battery faster and is slower than regular casting.

What if I do not have a Google account?

You need a Google account to use the Google Home app and set up Chromecast. Creating one is free — go to accounts.google.com and follow the sign-up steps. Once you have an account, you can use it to set up and manage your Chromecast devices.

Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?

Most apps allow you to cast to only one device at a time. When you tap the cast icon and select a device, the content plays on that device. If you want to play something on a different device, you would stop the first cast and start a new one on the second device.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting streams content directly from the internet to your Chromecast, so it uses your home Wi-Fi network's data, not your phone's cellular data. The amount of data depends on the video quality — higher quality streams use more data, just like streaming on any device would.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak where your Chromecast is located, or your router is having issues. Try moving your Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, your router may need a firmware update or you may need to contact your internet provider.