Chromecast works with iPhone, but not the way you might expect
You cannot pair your iPhone directly to Chromecast the way you would pair it to a Bluetooth speaker. Instead, you use your iPhone to control what plays on the Chromecast device, which is plugged into your TV. The Chromecast itself connects to your home WiFi network, and your iPhone connects to the same network. Once both are on the same WiFi, apps on your iPhone can send video, music, or photos to your TV through the Chromecast.
The process takes about five minutes if your WiFi network is already set up. You do not need to create an account or sign into anything special — just make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same network, then open a compatible app and tap the cast button.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone and Chromecast must be connected to the same WiFi network before you can cast anything.
- You control casting from inside apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos — there is no separate pairing step.
- The cast button appears in the app itself, usually in the top right or bottom right corner, and looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves.
- If the cast button does not appear, your app may not support Chromecast, or your devices are not on the same WiFi network.
Check that your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network
Open Settings on your iPhone and tap WiFi. Note the name of the network you are connected to. Then check your Chromecast: during setup, it connects to a WiFi network and remembers it. If you set up your Chromecast recently, it is probably already on your home network.
If you are not sure which network your Chromecast is on, unplug it and plug it back in. A light on the device will blink while it searches for the network it was set up with. Once the light stops blinking and stays solid, it has connected. If the light keeps blinking after two minutes, your Chromecast may not remember the network — you will need to set it up again using the Google Home app on your iPhone.
Both devices must be on the same network. If your iPhone is on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network, casting will not work. Switch your iPhone to the same network as your Chromecast.
Open a compatible app and find the cast button
Apps that work with Chromecast include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others. Open one of these apps on your iPhone. Look for a button that looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner — this is the cast button. It is usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen, depending on the app.
In YouTube, the cast button is in the top right. In Spotify, it is at the bottom right. In Google Photos, it is in the top right. The exact location varies by app, but the icon always looks the same: a small rectangle with curved lines coming from one corner.
If you do not see the cast button, your app may not support Chromecast. Check the app's help section or try a different app. Some apps require you to be signed in before the cast button appears.
Tap the cast button and select your Chromecast device
When you tap the cast button, a list of available devices appears. You will see your Chromecast listed by name — for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom" or "Chromecast." Tap the name of the device you want to cast to.
Your iPhone is now connected to that Chromecast. The app will show a blue cast button (instead of white or gray) to indicate an active connection. Whatever you play in the app will now appear on your TV.
To stop casting, tap the cast button again and select "Stop casting" or tap the device name a second time. The video or music will stop playing on your TV, but it will keep playing on your iPhone if you want it to.
What to do if the cast button does not appear
If you tap the cast button location and nothing happens, or if you cannot find the button at all, check three things. First, make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network — this is the most common reason casting does not work. Second, make sure the app itself supports Chromecast; not every app does. Third, try closing the app completely and opening it again.
If the cast button still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for the light to stop blinking, then open the app again and look for the cast button.
If you are using a VPN on your iPhone, it may prevent your phone from seeing your Chromecast. Turn off the VPN, make sure both devices are on the same network, and try again.
Casting audio and photos works the same way
You can cast music from Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music the same way you cast video. Open the app, tap the cast button, select your Chromecast, and the audio will play through your TV speakers. The app will show what is playing on your TV.
You can also cast photos from Google Photos or the iPhone Photos app. Open Google Photos, select a photo or album, tap the cast button, and the photos will display on your TV. You can swipe through them on your iPhone to control what shows on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from my iPhone while using other apps?
No. Once you start casting, you must keep the casting app open on your iPhone. If you switch to another app or lock your screen, casting will stop. Some apps let you control playback from the lock screen or from Control Center, but the app must stay active in the background.
Do I need a Google account to cast from my iPhone?
You do not need a Google account to cast. Your iPhone and Chromecast just need to be on the same WiFi network. However, some apps like YouTube or Google Photos may require you to sign in to that specific app before the cast button appears.
Why does my Chromecast not show up in the list of devices?
Your iPhone and Chromecast are probably not on the same WiFi network. Check your iPhone's WiFi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network your Chromecast uses. If you recently changed your WiFi password, your Chromecast may have lost the connection and needs to be set up again using the Google Home app.
Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?
Most apps let you cast to only one device at a time. If you have multiple Chromecast devices in your home, you can switch between them by tapping the cast button and selecting a different device, but you cannot send the same content to two devices simultaneously from your iPhone.
What if my iPhone keeps disconnecting from Chromecast?
Move your iPhone closer to your WiFi router. If your WiFi signal is weak, the connection between your iPhone and Chromecast may drop. You can also try restarting your WiFi router by unplugging it for 10 seconds, or restart your Chromecast the same way. If disconnections keep happening, your router may be too far from your devices.