How to Cast from Chromecast to an Apple TV Device

You cannot cast directly from Chromecast to Apple TV

Chromecast and Apple TV use different casting systems that do not talk to each other. Chromecast uses Google's protocol; Apple TV uses AirPlay. If you want to send video or audio from a Chromecast device to an Apple TV, you will need to use a workaround — either cast to both devices separately from your source app, or use a device that supports both systems.

The confusion usually happens because both devices sit under your TV and both let you cast wirelessly. But they are not compatible with each other. A Chromecast cannot send its signal to an Apple TV, and an Apple TV cannot receive a Chromecast signal.

Key Takeaways

Chromecast and Apple TV use incompatible wireless casting systems — Chromecast uses Google Cast, and Apple TV uses AirPlay.
If you own both devices, you can cast the same content to each one separately from your phone or computer, but not from one device to the other.
Some streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) let you choose which device to cast to when you open the cast menu.
If you want a single device that works with both systems, consider a smart TV with both Chromecast and AirPlay built in, or use a Mac or iPad as an intermediary.
Switching between devices means unplugging one and using the other, or buying a second HDMI input on your TV.

Why these two systems do not work together

Google and Apple built their casting systems on different technical foundations. When you cast to Chromecast, your phone sends a signal that tells the Chromecast device to pull the video stream directly from the internet or your local network. Apple TV works the same way with AirPlay — your phone tells the Apple TV to fetch the content.

Because each system speaks its own language, a Chromecast cannot understand an AirPlay command, and an Apple TV cannot understand a Google Cast command. They are not designed to relay signals to each other. This is a hardware and software limitation, not something you can fix with settings or updates.

Casting the same content to both devices separately

If you own both a Chromecast and an Apple TV, the most practical workaround is to cast from your source app to whichever device you want to use at that moment. Most streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu — include a cast button that lets you choose your destination.

Open the app on your phone or tablet, tap the cast icon (usually three curved lines in a corner), and select either your Chromecast or your Apple TV from the list. The app will then send the stream to that device. If you want to switch devices, stop the cast on the first device and start a new cast to the second one.

This method works well if you use one device most of the time and only occasionally switch. It does not work if you want to mirror your entire screen or use both devices at once — for that, you would need two separate HDMI inputs on your TV and two remote controls.

Using a Mac or iPad as a bridge

If you have a Mac or iPad, you can use it as an intermediary. A Mac or iPad can receive a Chromecast signal and also send an AirPlay signal to Apple TV. This is a workaround, not a direct solution, and it works only for certain types of content.

For example, you could cast a YouTube video from your phone to your Mac using Chromecast, then use AirPlay on the Mac to send it to your Apple TV. However, this adds an extra step and uses more battery and network bandwidth. It is most useful if you are already using your Mac for other tasks and want to route the output to your TV.

Not all apps support casting to a Mac, and not all content that casts to Chromecast will also cast from a Mac to Apple TV. Test this with the specific app and content you want to use before relying on it as your main method.

Smart TVs with both Chromecast and AirPlay built in

Many newer smart TVs — particularly Samsung, LG, and Sony models — have both Chromecast and AirPlay built directly into the TV. If your TV has both systems, you do not need separate Chromecast or Apple TV devices at all. You can cast to the TV itself from either your Android phone (using Chromecast) or your iPhone (using AirPlay).

Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if it supports both. Look for "Google Cast" or "Chromecast built-in" and "AirPlay" in the specifications. If your TV has both, you can cast from either ecosystem without buying additional hardware. You still cannot cast from a Chromecast device to an Apple TV device, but you can cast from your phone to your TV using whichever system your phone supports.

Replacing one device with the other

If you find yourself using only one device and rarely switching, the simplest solution is to replace the one you use less often. If you have a Chromecast but mostly use an iPhone, replacing it with an Apple TV means you can use AirPlay natively. If you have an Apple TV but mostly use Android devices, a Chromecast is cheaper and works better with your phone.

Chromecast devices typically cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model. Apple TV starts at around $100 for the base model and goes higher for larger storage. If you use both Android and Apple devices regularly, keeping both is reasonable — just accept that you will need to choose which one to use each time you want to cast.

When to call for help

If you have both devices connected and neither one is showing up in your cast menu, the issue is usually a network problem, not a compatibility problem. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer. Restart your router, then restart both the Chromecast and Apple TV by unplugging them for 30 seconds.

If one device works but the other does not, check that device's manual for setup instructions specific to your phone type (Android or iOS). If you are still stuck, contact Google support for Chromecast issues or Apple support for Apple TV issues — they can walk you through network troubleshooting steps specific to your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Chromecast remote to control an Apple TV?

No. Chromecast remotes (if your model has one) only work with Chromecast devices. Apple TV remotes only work with Apple TV. Each device has its own remote control system. If you own both, you will need both remotes, or you can use your phone to control whichever device you are casting to.

Will a future update make Chromecast and Apple TV compatible?

There is no announced plan for this. Google and Apple have competing interests in the streaming market, and neither has incentive to make their systems work together. Both companies continue to improve their own systems, but compatibility between them is unlikely.

Can I cast from an Apple TV to a Chromecast?

No, for the same reason you cannot cast from Chromecast to Apple TV — they use incompatible systems. The direction does not matter; the two devices straightforward cannot communicate with each other.

What if I want to use both devices on the same TV?

You can plug both into different HDMI inputs on your TV and switch between them using your TV remote. This lets you use Chromecast when you want Google Cast and Apple TV when you want AirPlay, but you cannot use both at the same time on a single input.

Is there a device that works with both Chromecast and AirPlay?

Yes — many smart TVs have both built in. Some streaming devices like Roku also support both systems. Check the product specifications before buying. If your TV already has both, you do not need a separate Chromecast or Apple TV device.

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.