Safari doesn't have a built-in Cast button, but you can mirror your entire Mac screen to Chromecast using AirPlay and a Chromecast-compatible receiver

Safari on Mac doesn't offer direct casting the way Chrome does. Instead, you'll use your Mac's screen mirroring feature to send everything on your screen—including Safari—to a Chromecast device. This works through AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting standard, paired with a device that accepts AirPlay input, such as a Chromecast with Google TV or a compatible smart TV with built-in Chromecast.

On iPhone or iPad, Safari casting works differently: you can use AirPlay to mirror the entire screen, or in some cases use the share sheet to send a link directly to certain apps. The Mac method is the most straightforward for desktop browsing.

Key Takeaways

  • Mac Safari casting requires your Chromecast device to support AirPlay input, which newer Chromecast with Google TV models do, but older Chromecast dongles do not.
  • You mirror your entire Mac screen through the Control Center or menu bar, not just the Safari tab, so everything on your display appears on the TV.
  • Your Mac and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work.
  • iPhone and iPad users can mirror the screen the same way, or use AirPlay controls in Control Center to send video directly to AirPlay-compatible receivers.

Check if your Chromecast supports AirPlay

Not all Chromecast devices accept AirPlay input. Chromecast with Google TV (the newer rectangular model released in 2020 and later) supports AirPlay mirroring. Older Chromecast dongles (the small circular ones) do not have AirPlay support built in.

If you own an older Chromecast, you have two alternatives: cast from Chrome browser instead of Safari, or use a different receiver that supports both Chromecast and AirPlay, such as a smart TV with built-in Chromecast and AirPlay compatibility. Some Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs support both standards.

Mirror your Mac screen to Chromecast via AirPlay

Open Safari and navigate to the webpage you want to view on your TV. Make sure your Mac is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac menu bar (it looks like a rectangle with sliders), or press Control + Option + Command + A.

In the Control Center panel, look for Screen Mirroring. Click it and a list of available receivers will appear. Select your Chromecast device from the list. Your Mac screen, including the Safari window, will begin mirroring to your TV within a few seconds. The menu bar will show a blue bar indicating mirroring is active.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select Turn Off Screen Mirroring.

Cast from iPhone or iPad Safari

On iPhone or iPad, open Safari and go to the page you want to view. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring and select your Chromecast device. Your entire screen will mirror to the TV.

Alternatively, you can use the share sheet to send a link directly to certain apps. Tap the share icon (the square with an arrow), scroll down, and look for AirPlay-compatible apps like Apple TV or other streaming services. This method sends only the link, not the full screen.

Troubleshoot mirroring problems

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring list, first confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your Mac or iOS device as well.

If mirroring is slow or choppy, move your Mac or device closer to your Wi-Fi router, or reduce the number of other devices using the network. AirPlay mirroring uses significant bandwidth, so a congested network will cause lag and disconnections.

If you see a black screen on the TV after connecting, check that your Chromecast is set to the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to switch inputs until you see the mirroring connection appear.

Why use Chrome instead if you have an older Chromecast

If your Chromecast doesn't support AirPlay, switching to Google Chrome browser gives you a direct Cast button without needing to mirror your entire screen. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right, select Cast, and choose your Chromecast device. Only the Chrome tab you're viewing will appear on the TV, leaving your other windows private.

This method also uses less bandwidth and battery than full-screen mirroring, and it works on Windows and Mac equally well. If you use Safari regularly but own an older Chromecast, installing Chrome alongside Safari may be the most practical solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast just the Safari tab instead of my whole screen?

Not directly through AirPlay. Safari on Mac doesn't have a tab-specific casting option. You can only mirror the entire screen. If you need to cast just one tab without showing other windows, use Chrome browser instead, which has a dedicated Cast feature for individual tabs.

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

Yes. Your Mac or iOS device and your Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work. They cannot be on different networks or one on Wi-Fi and one on cellular.

Will mirroring drain my Mac battery faster?

Yes. Screen mirroring uses more power than normal browsing because your Mac is constantly sending video data over Wi-Fi. Keep your Mac plugged in during extended mirroring sessions if possible.

Can I use my Mac keyboard and trackpad while mirroring?

Yes. Your Mac remains fully functional while mirroring. You can scroll, click, type, and navigate Safari normally, and all actions will appear on the TV in real time.

What if my TV has built-in Chromecast but no AirPlay?

Some older TVs with Chromecast built in don't support AirPlay input. In that case, use Chrome browser on your Mac to cast directly to the TV's Chromecast receiver instead of using AirPlay mirroring.