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

Screen mirroring is the process of sending whatever appears on your device's screen to your television in real time. When you mirror to Chromecast, you're using Google's wireless technology to cast that image from your phone, tablet, or computer to a Chromecast device plugged into your TV. The TV shows exactly what your device shows—your apps, photos, web pages, or anything else on your screen.

The setup is straightforward: your device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you initiate the mirror from your device itself. Unlike casting a single app (which sends just that app to the TV), mirroring sends your entire screen, which is useful when you want to show presentations, browse the web together, or display photos from your device on a larger screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can mirror.
  • On Android phones and tablets, open the Quick Settings panel and tap "Cast" or "Screen Cast" to find your Chromecast device.
  • On iPhones and iPads, use the Control Center to open "Screen Mirroring" and select your Chromecast from the list.
  • On Windows and Mac computers, the process differs—Windows uses the "Connect" app or built-in casting, while Mac requires third-party software or AirPlay alternatives.
  • Once mirroring starts, your device's screen appears on the TV with a slight delay, and you can continue using your device normally.

Mirroring from an Android phone or tablet

On Android devices, screen mirroring is built into the operating system. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel (one swipe opens notifications, the second opens the full settings menu). Look for a button labeled "Cast," "Screen Cast," or sometimes "Wireless Display"—the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Tap that button and your device will search for nearby Chromecast devices. When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap it to begin mirroring. Your phone or tablet's screen will now appear on your TV. A small icon will remain visible on your device to show that mirroring is active. To stop mirroring, tap the Cast button again and select "Stop Casting."

If you don't see a Cast option in Quick Settings, check your device's settings menu under Display or Connected Devices—some Android phones place it there instead. If it's still not available, your device may not support screen mirroring, though most Android phones and tablets made in the last five years do.

Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads use Control Center to access screen mirroring. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center. Look for "Screen Mirroring" in the list of options and tap it.

Your device will display a list of available Chromecast devices. Tap the name of your Chromecast, and mirroring will begin when ready. Your iPhone or iPad screen will now appear on your TV. A blue bar at the top of your screen indicates that mirroring is active. To stop mirroring, 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 some older iPad and iPhone models may not support Chromecast mirroring—Apple's native AirPlay system works with Apple TV devices instead.

Mirroring from a Windows computer

Windows 10 and 11 include built-in casting features. Press the Windows key and the A key together to open the Quick Settings panel, then look for "Cast" or "Project." Click it to see available devices. Select your Chromecast from the list, and your computer screen will begin mirroring to your TV.

Alternatively, you can use the "Connect" app, which is built into Windows. Search for "Connect" in the Windows Start menu, open it, and select your Chromecast device. The Connect app gives you more control over display settings and allows you to choose whether to mirror your entire screen or extend your display.

If neither method works, make sure your Windows computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some corporate or public Wi-Fi networks block the connection protocol that Chromecast uses, so mirroring may not work on those networks. If you're on a network like that, you'll need to use a personal Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone instead.

Mirroring from a Mac computer

Macs do not natively support Chromecast mirroring—Apple's ecosystem uses AirPlay instead. However, you can mirror a Mac to Chromecast using third-party software. Google Chrome browser includes a built-in casting feature that works on Mac. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. This will mirror your Chrome browser window (not your entire screen) to the TV.

If you want to mirror your entire Mac screen to Chromecast, you'll need third-party applications. Several options exist, though they vary in cost and features. Search your Mac App Store for "Chromecast" to see what's currently available. Some require a one-time purchase, while others are free but may have limitations.

The simplest workaround for many Mac users is to use an iPhone or iPad to mirror instead, since those devices have native Chromecast support. Alternatively, if you have an Apple TV device, you can use AirPlay, which is built into macOS and works seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem.

Troubleshooting common mirroring problems

If your device doesn't find your Chromecast, the most common cause is that they're not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both your device and Chromecast are connected to the same network name. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart.

If mirroring starts but the image is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move your device closer to your Wi-Fi router or Chromecast device. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can interfere with the wireless signal. If you're far from the router, try moving closer to test whether distance is the problem.

On Android, if the Cast button doesn't appear in Quick Settings, restart your phone and check for system updates in Settings > About Phone > System Update. On iPhone, restart your device by powering it off and back on. If mirroring still doesn't work after these steps, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

What to expect once mirroring is active

Once mirroring begins, your device's screen will appear on your TV with a slight delay—usually less than a second, but noticeable if you're watching for it. Everything you do on your device will show on the TV: opening apps, scrolling, typing, and touching the screen. The TV will also play audio from your device unless you've muted it.

Your device will continue to work normally while mirroring. You can adjust brightness, volume, or settings on your device, and those changes will appear on the TV. Battery drain is faster during mirroring because your device is constantly transmitting data, so plug in your phone or tablet if you plan to mirror for an extended period.

To stop mirroring, use the Cast or Screen Mirroring button on your device—don't just turn off the TV or unplug the Chromecast, as this can leave your device in a confused state. Always disconnect through the proper menu to may support a clean stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror to Chromecast if I'm on a different Wi-Fi network than my TV?

No. Your device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If you're away from home and your TV is at home, you cannot mirror to it remotely. You can only mirror when both devices can reach the same network.

Does screen mirroring work over mobile data or a hotspot?

Yes, if your Chromecast is connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone, you can mirror from another device to that same hotspot. However, this uses your phone's data plan and drains the battery quickly. It's mainly useful as a temporary solution when a regular Wi-Fi network isn't available.

Why is my mirrored screen blurry or pixelated on the TV?

This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move closer to your router or Chromecast, or reduce the number of devices using your Wi-Fi. Some devices also allow you to adjust the resolution in casting settings—check your device's display or casting options to see if a lower resolution setting improves stability.

Can I mirror and use my phone at the same time without the TV seeing what I'm doing?

No. Screen mirroring sends everything on your screen to the TV. If you want to use your phone privately while something else plays on the TV, you'll need to stop mirroring first. Some devices allow you to cast a single app instead of your entire screen, which keeps the rest of your device private.

What if my device doesn't have a Cast or Screen Mirroring option?

Older devices may not support screen mirroring. Check your device's age and operating system version—most phones and tablets from the last five years support it, but very old devices do not. If your device is newer but still lacks the option, contact the manufacturer's support to confirm whether your specific model supports Chromecast mirroring.