You cannot cast directly from your phone to a PC without extra software

Chromecast is designed to send video and audio from your phone to a TV or speaker, not to a computer. If you want to see your phone's screen on your PC or Mac, you need either a third-party casting app or to use your phone's built-in screen mirroring feature paired with compatible software on your computer.

The most reliable path depends on what you own: Android phones have more native options than iPhones, and Windows PCs have more built-in support than Macs. This guide walks you through the real methods that work, what each one costs, and which one fits your setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast itself does not work phone-to-PC; you need either a casting app or your phone's screen mirroring feature plus compatible PC software.
  • Android phones can use Google Home app to cast to a Chromecast device on the same network, then view that on your PC browser, but this requires a Chromecast plugged into a TV or monitor.
  • Windows 10 and 11 PCs can receive a direct wireless cast from Android phones using the built-in Connect app, with no extra hardware needed.
  • iPhones cannot cast to Windows or Mac natively; you will need a third-party app like Reflector or AirBeam, most of which charge a one-time or monthly fee.
  • The fastest setup for Android to Windows is opening Settings on your phone, selecting Cast, and choosing your PC from the list.

Android phone to Windows PC using built-in casting

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in receiver that lets Android phones cast directly to your PC without installing anything on the phone. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This method works for screen mirroring (showing everything on your phone) or casting specific apps like YouTube or Netflix.

On your Windows PC, open Settings, go to System, then select Display. Scroll down and click "Projecting to this PC." Choose "Available everywhere on find networks" or "Available everywhere" depending on your security needs. Leave this window open or minimized while you cast from your phone.

On your Android phone, swipe down from the top to open Quick Settings. Look for "Cast," "Screen Cast," or "Wireless Display" — the name varies by phone maker. Tap it, wait a few seconds for your PC to appear in the list, then tap your PC's name. Your phone screen will appear on your monitor within 5 to 10 seconds. To stop, tap the cast icon again and select Disconnect.

Common issues: If your PC does not appear in the cast list, restart both devices and make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some Android phones require you to enable Developer Options first — go to Settings, About Phone, tap Build Number seven times, then return to Settings and look for Developer Options to turn on wireless debugging.

Android phone to Mac using third-party apps

Mac computers do not have built-in casting support, so you will need a third-party app. Reflector and AirBeam are the most common choices. Both let Android phones cast to your Mac over Wi-Fi, though they require purchasing a license.

Reflector costs around $20 to $30 for a one-time purchase and works on both Mac and Windows. read it from Reflector's website, install it, and launch the app. Your Mac will appear in the cast list on any Android phone on the same network. AirBeam works similarly but is subscription-based, usually $5 to $10 per month.

After installing Reflector or AirBeam on your Mac, open the app and leave it running. On your Android phone, open Quick Settings, tap Cast, and look for your Mac's name. Tap it to connect. Your phone screen will mirror to your Mac within a few seconds. The connection stays active until you disconnect from the phone or close the app on your Mac.

iPhone to Windows PC or Mac

iPhones do not support casting to Windows or Mac natively. You will need a third-party app on your computer. Reflector works for both Mac and Windows and supports iPhones using AirPlay, Apple's built-in mirroring standard.

Install Reflector on your Windows PC or Mac, launch it, and leave it running. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring," wait for your computer to appear in the list, and tap it. Your iPhone screen will appear on your computer within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Other paid options include AirBeam (subscription-based, works on both platforms) and Nemo (one-time purchase for Mac only). All of these apps require your iPhone and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Using Chromecast as an intermediary with your phone

If you have a Chromecast device plugged into a TV or monitor, you can cast from your phone to the Chromecast, then view the Chromecast output on your PC using a browser. This is not true phone-to-PC casting, but it works if you already own a Chromecast and a display.

On your Android phone, open the Google Home app, tap the Chromecast device, and select Cast My Screen. Your phone will cast to the Chromecast. On your PC, open Chrome or any browser, go to the Chromecast's web interface (usually found by typing your Chromecast's IP address into the address bar), and you can view the cast there. This method is slower and less direct than native casting, and it requires a Chromecast device and a display.

For iPhones, you can cast to a Chromecast using apps like Streamer for Chromecast or Chromecast for iPhone, but these are third-party apps with limited functionality and are not officially supported by Google.

What to do if your devices are on different networks

All casting methods require your phone and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are not, casting will not work. Move both devices to the same network, or use a mobile hotspot from one device to connect the other.

If you are trying to cast over the internet (from a phone on mobile data to a PC on a different network), you will need a VPN or remote desktop software like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer instead. These are different tools designed for remote access, not casting.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If your phone does not see your PC in the cast list, restart both devices and wait 30 seconds. Check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network by opening your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your PC's network settings. If they are on different networks, move them to the same one.

If the cast connects but the screen is black or frozen, close the casting app on your PC and restart it. On your phone, disconnect and try casting again. If video is laggy or audio is out of sync, move your phone and PC closer to your Wi-Fi router, or restart your router.

For Windows PCs, make sure you have turned on "Projecting to this PC" in Settings and left it running. For Macs with third-party apps, check that the app is in your Mac's firewall exceptions — go to System Preferences, Security & Privacy, Firewall Options, and add the app to the allowed list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast my phone to my PC if we are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No, casting requires both devices on the same network. If you need to share your screen over the internet, use remote desktop software like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer instead. These tools are designed for that purpose and work across different networks.

Does Chromecast work with iPhones?

Chromecast works with iPhones for casting video and audio to a TV or speaker, but not for screen mirroring. To mirror an iPhone screen to a PC or Mac, you need a third-party app like Reflector or AirBeam, which use AirPlay instead of Chromecast.

What is the difference between casting and screen mirroring?

Casting sends specific content (like a YouTube video) from your phone to another device, while screen mirroring shows everything on your phone's screen on the other device. Most casting apps also support screen mirroring, so you can do both.

Do I need to pay for casting software?

Android to Windows casting is free using the built-in feature. Android to Mac and iPhone to any computer require third-party apps, most of which charge a one-time fee ($20 to $30) or monthly subscription ($5 to $10). Free options exist but are often slower or less reliable.

Can I cast while my phone is charging?

Yes, casting works while your phone is plugged in. There is no conflict between charging and casting, and your phone will not overheat from casting alone.