How to Mirror Your Screen to a Chromecast Device

Screen mirroring sends your phone, tablet, or computer display to your TV through Chromecast

Screen mirroring is the process of sending everything on your device's screen to a TV connected to a Chromecast. Unlike casting a single app (like Netflix), mirroring shows your entire display — your home screen, browser tabs, documents, photos, or anything else you're looking at. The TV becomes a second monitor in real time, and you control it from your phone or computer.

The steps differ depending on whether you're mirroring from an Android phone, iPhone, iPad, Windows computer, or Mac. Each has its own menu path, but the underlying idea is the same: your device finds the Chromecast on your home network and sends the display wirelessly.

Key Takeaways

Screen mirroring works only when your phone, tablet, or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Android phones and tablets use the Quick Settings menu to find the Cast option; iPhones and iPads use Control Center.
Windows computers cast through the Settings app under System > Display > Multiple Displays; Macs use AirPlay through the menu bar.
If your device doesn't see the Chromecast, restart both the device and the Chromecast, then check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

Mirroring from an Android phone or tablet

Open the Quick Settings panel by swiping down twice from the top of your screen (or swiping down once, then tapping the settings icon). Look for a button labeled Cast, Screen Cast, or Mirror Screen — the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version. Tap it.

Your phone will search for Chromecast devices on your network. When it finds yours, the device name will appear in a list. Tap the name to connect. Your phone's screen will now appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Quick Settings again and tap the Cast button a second time, or tap the device name and select Disconnect.

If you don't see a Cast button in Quick Settings, check your phone's Settings app under Display or Connected Devices — some Android phones hide the Cast option in a submenu. On Samsung phones, it's often called SmartThings or Screen Mirroring and may be in the same Quick Settings panel.

Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and older). Look for a button labeled Screen Mirroring — it shows a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it.

A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Tap the name of your Chromecast. Your iPhone or iPad screen will now mirror to the TV. The Screen Mirroring button in Control Center will turn blue to show that mirroring is active. To stop, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

If you don't see Screen Mirroring in Control Center, you can add it by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and tapping the plus sign next to Screen Mirroring. Note that iPhone and iPad mirroring works best on the same Wi-Fi network; some older Chromecast models may not support Apple devices.

Mirroring from a Windows computer

Open the Settings app and go to System > Display > Multiple Displays. Look for a dropdown menu that says Connect to a wireless display or Project to this PC. Click it and select your Chromecast device from the list.

Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + K to open the Quick Connect menu, which shows nearby Chromecast devices. Click your device name to begin mirroring. Your entire desktop will appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, press Windows key + K again and click Disconnect.

If the dropdown menu doesn't appear or your Chromecast isn't listed, make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older Windows versions may require you to install Chromecast drivers or use the Google Home app instead — read it from the Microsoft Store and look for a Cast option in the app's menu.

Mirroring from a Mac

Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar (top-right corner of your screen) and look for Screen Mirroring. Click it to see a list of available Chromecast devices. Select your Chromecast to begin mirroring your Mac's display to the TV.

If you don't see Screen Mirroring in Control Center, open System Settings > General > AirPlay and Handoff, and make sure AirPlay Receiver is turned on. Then try Control Center again. Your Mac's screen will now appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, click Control Center, click Screen Mirroring, and select Turn Off Screen Mirroring.

Macs work best with newer Chromecast models (third generation and later). If your Mac doesn't detect your Chromecast, restart both devices and confirm they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also try using the Google Home app on your Mac as an alternative way to cast.

Troubleshooting when your device won't find the Chromecast

The most common reason a device can't find a Chromecast is that they're on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same network as your Chromecast. You can verify this by looking at the Wi-Fi name in your device's settings and comparing it to the network name shown in the Google Home app on your Chromecast.

If both devices are on the same network and your device still doesn't see the Chromecast, restart both. Unplug the Chromecast from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the light to stabilize. At the same time, restart your phone, tablet, or computer. Then try opening the Cast menu again.

If the Chromecast appears in the list but won't connect, try "forgetting" the Wi-Fi network on your device and reconnecting to it. On Android, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, long-press the network name, and tap Forget. Then reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network, and tap Forget This Network. Restart your device and try mirroring again.

What to expect once mirroring starts

Once your screen is mirroring, everything you do on your device appears on the TV with a slight delay — usually less than a second. You can use your phone or computer normally; the TV will follow. If you open an app, change the brightness, type a message, or swipe through photos, all of it shows on the TV in real time.

Keep in mind that mirroring uses more battery power than normal use, especially on phones and tablets. If you're mirroring for an extended period, plug your device into power. Also, some apps (like Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services) may not allow their content to be mirrored for copyright reasons — the app will show a message on the TV saying the content can't be displayed, though it will continue playing on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror while using my phone for something else?

Yes. Your phone's screen mirrors to the TV, so anything you do on the phone appears on the TV. You can open apps, take photos, browse the web, or do anything else — it all shows on the TV. If you want privacy, you can stop mirroring by opening the Cast menu and disconnecting.

Does mirroring work on a different Wi-Fi network?

No. Your device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to find each other and connect. If you're at a friend's house or a coffee shop, both devices need to be connected to that same network. Guest networks sometimes work, but some routers block communication between devices on guest networks.

Why is the picture on my TV delayed or laggy?

A slight delay (under one second) is normal. If the delay is longer or the picture stutters, move your device closer to the router or Chromecast, or reduce the number of other devices using the Wi-Fi. Mirroring uses more bandwidth than casting a single app, so a crowded network can cause lag.

Can I mirror from multiple devices to the same Chromecast at once?

No. Only one device can mirror to a Chromecast at a time. If a second device tries to connect, it will either fail to connect or disconnect the first device. You'll need to stop mirroring on one device before starting on another.

What if my Chromecast is older — will mirroring still work?

First-generation Chromecast (2013) and second-generation (2015) have limited or no mirroring support. Android mirroring works on most second-gen models, but iPhone and Mac mirroring requires third-gen Chromecast (2018) or newer. Check your device's model number in the Google Home app to confirm which features it supports.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.