Casting from iPhone to Chromecast requires the Google Home app and a compatible casting app
Your iPhone cannot cast directly to Chromecast the way Android phones can. Instead, you use the Google Home app to set up your Chromecast device, then open a compatible app—like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos—and use that app's built-in cast button to send video or audio to your TV. The cast button appears inside the app itself, not in iOS system settings.
The process takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up. Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. You do not need to pair them beforehand; the Google Home app handles the connection when you tap the cast button.
Key Takeaways
- read the Google Home app on your iPhone and use it to set up your Chromecast device on your home Wi-Fi network.
- Casting happens through individual apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify—not through a system-wide iPhone setting.
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- The cast button appears inside each app, usually in the top right or bottom right corner, and looks like a rectangle with curved lines.
- If casting fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Setting up your Chromecast with the Google Home app
Before you can cast anything, your Chromecast device must be set up and connected to your home Wi-Fi. read the Google Home app from the App Store on your iPhone. Open it and tap the plus icon (+) in the top left corner, then select "Set up device" and "Set up new device." The app will walk you through connecting your Chromecast to power and Wi-Fi.
During setup, the app will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Make sure you choose the same network your iPhone is on—this is the network you will use every time you cast. Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will appear in the Google Home app with a name like "Living Room" or "Bedroom." You only need to do this once.
Casting video from YouTube, Netflix, and other apps
Open any compatible app on your iPhone—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or others. Start playing a video. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. On YouTube it is usually in the top right. On Netflix it is usually in the top left. On other apps it may be in the bottom right or inside a menu.
Tap the cast icon. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the Chromecast you want to use. The video will when ready start playing on your TV instead of your iPhone screen. Your iPhone becomes a remote—you can pause, rewind, or adjust volume using the controls on your phone, and the video keeps playing on the TV.
To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The video will stop on your TV and you can continue watching on your iPhone if you want.
Casting music and podcasts from Spotify, Apple Music, and other audio apps
Casting audio works the same way as video. Open Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or another audio app. Start playing a song or podcast. Tap the cast icon—on Spotify it is in the bottom right corner of the now-playing screen. Select your Chromecast device from the list.
The audio will play through your TV speakers or connected speakers. Your iPhone screen can turn off or you can use other apps while the music plays. To switch back to playing audio on your iPhone, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting."
Casting photos and slideshows from Google Photos
Open the Google Photos app on your iPhone. Select a photo or album you want to display. Tap the cast icon (usually in the top right). Choose your Chromecast device. The photo will appear on your TV screen.
If you select an album instead of a single photo, you can start a slideshow by tapping the play button on your TV screen. The slideshow will cycle through all photos in that album. This is useful for displaying family photos or vacation pictures on a larger screen.
Troubleshooting when casting does not work
If the cast icon does not appear in an app, that app does not support Chromecast. Check the app's help section or look for a different app that does—for example, if your streaming service does not have a cast button, try watching through the web version on Safari and casting the entire Safari tab instead (though this is less reliable than app casting).
If the cast icon appears but your Chromecast device does not show up in the list, check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm you are connected. Then unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Open the Google Home app and wait 30 seconds for it to reconnect. Try casting again.
If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Move your iPhone and Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on.
Apps that support Chromecast casting from iPhone
Most major streaming services support Chromecast. Here are the most common ones:
| App | What you can cast |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Videos, live streams, YouTube TV |
| Netflix | Movies and TV shows |
| Spotify | Music, podcasts, playlists |
| Apple Music | Music, playlists, radio stations |
| Disney+ | Movies and TV shows |
| Hulu | Movies and TV shows |
| Google Photos | Photos and slideshows |
| Plex | Personal media library |
| Twitch | Live streams |
If your favorite app is not listed, search the app's settings or help section for "Chromecast" or "cast." Many smaller apps also support it but do not advertise it prominently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from Safari on my iPhone?
Yes, but it is less reliable than casting from an app. Open a website in Safari, tap the share button, and look for a cast option. Not all websites support this, and the quality may be lower than casting through a dedicated app. For best results, use the app version of the service you are trying to watch.
Do I need to keep my iPhone unlocked while casting?
No. Once casting starts, you can lock your iPhone, use other apps, or even turn the screen off. The video or audio will continue playing on your TV or speakers. Your iPhone is just sending the signal; it does not need to stay active.
Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?
No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their content will replace yours. You can pass control by stopping your cast and letting them start theirs.
What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my iPhone?
Casting will not work. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app and make sure your iPhone is connected to that same network in Settings > Wi-Fi.
Can I cast if I am away from home?
Not directly. Chromecast requires both devices to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. If you are away from home, you cannot cast to a Chromecast at home. However, some apps like YouTube TV and Google Play Movies allow remote casting if you set it up in the Google Home app first.