How to Connect Your iPhone to Chromecast in Four Steps

Connect Your iPhone to Chromecast Using the Google Home App

To cast from your iPhone to a Chromecast device, you need the Google Home app installed on your phone and your Chromecast plugged into power and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. The app handles the connection — Chromecast does not appear in your iPhone's Bluetooth settings or AirPlay menu.

Open the Google Home app, tap the device you want to cast to, then select "Cast my screen" or open a compatible app like YouTube or Netflix and use the cast button within that app. Your iPhone's screen or the app's video will appear on your TV within seconds.

If your Chromecast does not show up in the Google Home app, restart both devices, check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and make sure your iPhone's Wi-Fi is turned on — it must stay on even while casting.

Key Takeaways

read the free Google Home app from the App Store; Chromecast does not work through AirPlay or Bluetooth on iPhone.
Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
You can cast your entire screen or use the cast button inside apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Chrome to send just that content.
If the Chromecast does not appear in Google Home, restart your iPhone and Chromecast, then check that Wi-Fi is on and both devices are on the same network.

Step-by-Step: Casting Your Screen from iPhone

First, open the Google Home app and make sure you are signed into the Google account linked to your Chromecast. Tap the device card for the Chromecast you want to use — it will show the device name and a thumbnail of what is currently on your TV.

Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the device card, then select "Cast my screen." Your iPhone will ask for permission to start casting. Tap "Start" and your entire screen will appear on the TV. Everything you do on your iPhone — opening apps, scrolling, typing — will show on the TV in real time.

To stop casting, open the Google Home app again, tap the device card, and select "Stop casting." Your TV will return to whatever was on before.

Casting Apps and Videos Instead of Your Whole Screen

Most streaming apps have a built-in cast button that is faster and uses less battery than casting your entire screen. Open YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or another supported app, and look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen.

Tap the cast icon and select your Chromecast from the list. The video or music will start playing on your TV, and your iPhone screen will go dark or return to your home screen — you can even lock your phone and the content keeps playing. This method works better for long videos or music because it does not drain your battery.

Not every app supports casting. If you do not see a cast button, you can still cast your screen instead, but the app must be compatible with Chromecast for in-app casting to work.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast Not Showing Up in Google Home

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app, the most common cause is that your iPhone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name as your Chromecast. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your iPhone to the 2.4 GHz band — older Chromecast models work better on 2.4 GHz.

Restart both devices: unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stop blinking. On your iPhone, force close the Google Home app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or swiping down from the top right on newer iPhones) and dragging the app up. Reopen Google Home and check again.

If the Chromecast still does not show up, open the Google Home app settings, sign out of your Google account, and sign back in. Make sure you are using the same Google account that set up the Chromecast originally.

Casting from Chrome Browser on iPhone

If you are using the Chrome browser on your iPhone, you can cast web pages directly to your Chromecast. Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right, and select "Cast." Choose your Chromecast from the list and the web page will appear on your TV.

Chrome casting works the same way as app casting — your iPhone screen can lock and the webpage stays on your TV. This is useful for showing photos, articles, or web content on a larger screen without casting your entire phone.

What to Do If Casting Keeps Disconnecting

If your cast connection drops frequently, move your iPhone closer to your Wi-Fi router or Chromecast device. Wi-Fi interference from other devices, walls, or distance can cause the connection to drop. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Check that your Chromecast firmware is up to date by opening the Google Home app, tapping the device, going to Settings, and looking for any available updates. Old firmware can cause connection problems. If casting still drops, try using a different Wi-Fi network if you have one available, or move the Chromecast to a location with stronger Wi-Fi signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast with my iPhone?

Yes. You need a Google account to set up Chromecast and to use the Google Home app. The account does not have to be your primary email, but it must be the same account you used to set up the Chromecast device.

Can I cast to Chromecast without Wi-Fi?

No. Both your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Chromecast does not work over Bluetooth or cellular data.

Will casting drain my iPhone battery quickly?

Casting your entire screen uses more battery than casting from within an app. If you are watching a long video, use the app's built-in cast button instead — your iPhone screen can lock and your battery will last longer.

Can I use Chromecast with AirPlay instead of Google Home?

No. Chromecast only works with the Google Home app on iPhone. AirPlay is Apple's casting system and works with Apple TV, not Chromecast. Some newer TVs have both built in, but you must use Google Home for Chromecast.

What if I have multiple Chromecast devices at home?

The Google Home app shows all your Chromecast devices in one place. Tap the device card for whichever Chromecast you want to cast to, then select "Cast my screen" or use the cast button in an app. You can only cast to one device at a time from your iPhone.

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.