You cannot connect Chromecast directly to an iPhone, but you can cast from your iPhone to a Chromecast device
Chromecast does not have native support for iPhone the way it does for Android phones. Apple and Google do not share the same casting protocol. However, you can still send video, music, and photos from your iPhone to a Chromecast-connected TV through workarounds: some apps have built-in Chromecast support, and you can mirror your entire iPhone screen to a Chromecast using AirPlay and a third-party device.
The simplest route is to use apps that already support Chromecast casting. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and many others let you tap a cast icon and send content directly to your TV without mirroring your whole screen. If the app you want to use does not have a cast button, screen mirroring is your next option, though it requires an extra device.
Key Takeaways
- Many popular apps including YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have built-in Chromecast support and let you cast directly from your iPhone without any extra hardware.
- Chromecast does not work with AirPlay, so you cannot mirror your iPhone screen to Chromecast the way you would to an Apple TV.
- To mirror your iPhone screen to Chromecast, you need a third-party device like an AirPlay-to-Chromecast converter or a device that supports both protocols.
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Some apps let you cast without mirroring, meaning your iPhone screen can turn off while content plays on your TV.
Apps with built-in Chromecast support
The easiest way to use Chromecast with your iPhone is through an app that has a cast button built in. Open the app, find the cast icon (usually three curved lines with a dot), tap it, and select your Chromecast device from the list. Your content will start playing on your TV when ready.
Apps that support this include YouTube, YouTube Music, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Spotify, Pandora, Plex, and many others. Check the app's menu or settings to confirm it has Chromecast support before you buy or read it. If you use an app regularly and it does not have a cast button, contact the app's developer to request the feature.
When you cast from an app, your iPhone acts as a remote control. You can lock your screen, switch apps, or put your phone to sleep without stopping playback on your TV. This is different from screen mirroring, where your entire display appears on the television.
Screen mirroring from iPhone to Chromecast
Chromecast does not support AirPlay, which is Apple's wireless casting standard. This means you cannot mirror your iPhone screen directly to a Chromecast device the way you would to an Apple TV. However, you have two options if you need to mirror your screen: use a third-party AirPlay-to-Chromecast converter, or use a device that supports both AirPlay and Chromecast protocols.
An AirPlay-to-Chromecast converter is a small software tool or hardware device that translates AirPlay signals into Chromecast signals. Some examples include Airflow, which runs on a Mac or Windows computer and converts AirPlay to Chromecast, or hardware converters sold by third-party manufacturers. These add an extra step and cost, so they are worth considering only if you frequently need to mirror your entire screen.
A simpler alternative is to use a device that natively supports both AirPlay and Chromecast. Some smart TVs, streaming devices, and receivers have both built in, which means you can mirror directly from your iPhone without a converter. Check your TV or device's specifications to see which protocols it supports.
Making sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same network
Chromecast and your iPhone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work. If they are on different networks, the cast button will not appear in your apps, or the connection will fail.
Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected to the same network your Chromecast is using. Your Chromecast's network name appears in the Google Home app under your device settings. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password or network name, you may need to reconnect your Chromecast to the network using the Google Home app.
Setting up Chromecast on your TV first
Before you can cast from your iPhone, your Chromecast device must be plugged into your TV and set up. Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, then read the Google Home app on your iPhone from the App Store.
Open Google Home, tap the plus icon to add a device, select "Set up device," and follow the on-screen steps. You will be asked to connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network and sign into your Google account. Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will appear in the app and be ready to receive casts from your iPhone.
If your Chromecast is already set up but does not appear in your apps' cast menus, restart both your Chromecast and your iPhone. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot before trying to cast again.
Troubleshooting when casting does not work
If the cast button does not appear in your app, first check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are, restart your iPhone and try again. Some apps require you to be signed into an account before casting is available, so log in if you are not already.
If your Chromecast appears in the cast menu but the connection fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem persists, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and select "Reboot device." Wait a few minutes for it to restart, then try casting again.
If you are trying to mirror your screen using a third-party converter or dual-protocol device, check the converter's documentation for troubleshooting steps specific to that tool. Some converters require you to enable AirPlay on your iPhone in Control Center before mirroring will work.
Alternatives if Chromecast does not work for your needs
If you find that Chromecast's lack of direct iPhone support is too limiting, consider other options. An Apple TV supports AirPlay natively and lets you mirror your entire iPhone screen without extra hardware. If you want to stay with Google's ecosystem, an Android phone or tablet will work seamlessly with Chromecast.
Some smart TVs have AirPlay built in, which means you can cast directly from your iPhone without any separate device. Check your TV's specifications or manual to see if it supports AirPlay. If it does, you can skip Chromecast entirely and cast directly to your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast to Chromecast from any iPhone app?
No. Only apps that have built-in Chromecast support show a cast button. Popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify support it, but not all apps do. If an app does not have a cast button, you would need to use screen mirroring through a third-party converter instead.
Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast with my iPhone?
Yes. You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast device using the Google Home app. You do not need to sign into the same Google account on your iPhone, but the device itself requires one during initial setup.
What happens to my iPhone when I cast content?
When you cast from an app with built-in Chromecast support, your iPhone acts as a remote. You can lock your screen, switch apps, or put your phone to sleep without stopping the video or music playing on your TV. If you are screen mirroring, your entire display appears on the TV, so locking your screen will also turn off the TV display.
Can I cast from multiple iPhones to the same Chromecast?
Yes. Multiple iPhones on the same Wi-Fi network can cast to the same Chromecast device. Only one can cast at a time, so if a second iPhone tries to cast while another is already casting, it will take over and stop the first cast.
Why does my Chromecast not show up in the cast menu?
The most common reason is that your iPhone and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the same network as your Chromecast. If you are on the same network, restart both devices and try again.