Connecting Your iPhone to Chromecast
You cannot connect an iPhone directly to Chromecast the way you would connect an Android phone. Chromecast works through casting—sending video or audio from an app on your phone to a Chromecast device plugged into a TV or speaker. iPhones can cast to Chromecast, but only through apps that have built-in casting support. You cannot mirror your entire iPhone screen to Chromecast like you can with AirPlay.
The apps that work with Chromecast on iPhone include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Home, Google Photos, and many others. When you open one of these apps and tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), your iPhone searches for nearby Chromecast devices and lets you send that content to your TV or speaker.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone and Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
- Only apps with built-in Chromecast support can send content to your device—you cannot mirror your entire iPhone screen.
- Look for the cast icon (a rectangle with curved lines) inside the app you want to use, then select your Chromecast device from the list.
- If your Chromecast does not appear, restart your router, move closer to it, or restart the Chromecast device itself by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
Check Your Wi-Fi Network First
Both your iPhone and your Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network you are connected to. Then check your Chromecast device: open the Google Home app on any phone or tablet, select your Chromecast, tap the settings gear icon, and look at the Wi-Fi network listed under "Wi-Fi." If they do not match, you need to connect your Chromecast to the same network as your iPhone.
If your Chromecast is not yet set up, you will need to use the Google Home app to connect it to your Wi-Fi first. This is a one-time step that happens before you can cast anything to it.
Find and Tap the Cast Icon in Your App
Open the app you want to cast from—YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or another app with Chromecast support. Look for the cast icon, which appears as a small rectangle with three curved lines in the bottom right or top right corner. The icon is usually white or gray. Tap it.
Your iPhone will search for Chromecast devices on your network and show you a list. Select the device you want to cast to. Once you select it, the app will begin sending content to that Chromecast device, and your TV or speaker will display or play it. You can continue using your iPhone for other tasks while casting happens in the background.
What to Do If Your Chromecast Does Not Appear
If you tap the cast icon and your Chromecast device does not show up in the list, the most common cause is that your iPhone and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Double-check both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID).
If they are on the same network, try these steps in order: First, move your iPhone closer to the Chromecast device and router—distance and walls can weaken the connection. Second, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Third, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Wait a few minutes for everything to reconnect, then try casting again.
If you still do not see your device, open the Google Home app and check that your Chromecast is online and working. If it shows as offline or disconnected, you may need to set it up again using the Google Home app.
Casting From Different Apps Works the Same Way
Whether you are casting YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos, the process is identical: make sure you are on the same Wi-Fi network, open the app, find the cast icon, and select your device. The only difference is what content you are sending. Some apps let you search for content within the app before casting; others let you cast whatever is currently playing.
Not every app supports Chromecast. If you do not see a cast icon in an app you use, that app does not have Chromecast built in. You can check the app's help section or the App Store listing to confirm whether casting is supported.
Using Your iPhone While Casting
Once you have started casting, your iPhone screen can go dark or you can switch to another app—the content will keep playing on your TV or speaker. This is different from AirPlay mirroring, where your iPhone screen displays on the TV. With Chromecast, your phone is just a remote control sending instructions to the device.
You can pause, skip, or adjust volume using the controls in the app on your iPhone. The cast icon will remain visible in the app while you are casting, and you can tap it again to stop casting or switch to a different device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror my entire iPhone screen to Chromecast?
No. Chromecast on iPhone only works with apps that have built-in casting support. If you need to mirror your entire screen, use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead. Some Android devices can mirror their entire screen to Chromecast, but iPhones cannot.
Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting when I cast from my iPhone?
This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak. Move your iPhone and Chromecast closer to your router, or check if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. Restart your router and Chromecast, then try again. If disconnections continue, your Wi-Fi signal may not be strong enough in that location.
Do I need a Google account to cast from my iPhone?
You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast device using the Google Home app, but once it is set up, you do not need to sign in on your iPhone to cast. Just make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?
No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their content will take over and yours will stop. Some Chromecast devices have a guest mode that lets visitors cast without being on your home network.
What if the cast icon does not appear in an app I want to use?
That app does not support Chromecast. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm. You can also search the App Store for the app name plus "Chromecast" to see if casting is mentioned in the description or reviews.