How to Mirror Your iPhone to Chromecast Using AirPlay and Google Home

You need Google Home app and AirPlay support to mirror iPhone to Chromecast

Chromecast does not connect directly to iPhones the way it does to Android phones. Instead, you use AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting system, which works through your Google Home app and a compatible Chromecast device. The process involves opening the Home app on your iPhone, selecting your Chromecast, and casting content from apps that support AirPlay — like YouTube, Netflix, or Apple TV.

Not every app works this way. Some apps (like Spotify or Disney+) let you cast directly through their own buttons. Others require you to use screen mirroring, which sends everything on your iPhone screen to the TV. The method you use depends on what you are trying to watch and which app you are using.

Key Takeaways

Your Chromecast must be set up in the Google Home app on your iPhone before you can cast anything to it.
AirPlay casting works through the Home app for video apps like YouTube and Netflix, but some apps have their own cast buttons built in.
Screen mirroring sends your entire iPhone display to the TV and works with any app, but uses more battery and can be slower than direct casting.
Your iPhone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for any casting method to work.

Set up your Chromecast in Google Home before casting

Open the Google Home app on your iPhone and sign in with the Google account you want to use. Tap the plus icon in the top left corner and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and follow the on-screen steps to connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi. The app will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

Once your Chromecast is set up, it will appear in the Home app as a device you can control. Make sure your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast — if they are on different networks, casting will not work. You only need to set up your Chromecast once; after that, it stays connected and ready to receive casts from any iPhone on that network.

Cast video from YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming apps

Open the streaming app on your iPhone and find the video you want to watch. Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap it and select your Chromecast from the list. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds.

While the video plays on your TV, you can use your iPhone as a remote. You can pause, rewind, or skip forward without interrupting playback. The video continues on your TV even if you lock your iPhone screen or switch to another app. This method uses less battery than screen mirroring and gives you the best picture quality because the app streams directly to your Chromecast.

If you do not see a cast icon in the app, the app may not support AirPlay casting. In that case, use screen mirroring instead (see the next section). Some apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music have their own cast buttons that look different — they may say "Connect to a device" or show a speaker icon. Tap those buttons to see your Chromecast as an option.

Use screen mirroring to cast any iPhone app or screen

Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone display to your TV in real time. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring" and select your Chromecast from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds.

While screen mirroring is active, anything you do on your iPhone shows up on the TV — opening apps, typing, scrolling, everything. This works with any app, even ones that do not have a built-in cast button. The downside is that screen mirroring uses more battery power than direct casting and can sometimes feel slower or less smooth, especially if your Wi-Fi connection is weak.

To stop screen mirroring, open Control Center again and tap "Screen Mirroring," then tap "Stop Mirroring." Your iPhone screen will no longer appear on the TV, but any app that was running will keep playing on your TV if it supports casting.

Troubleshoot when your iPhone will not connect to Chromecast

If your iPhone does not see your Chromecast in the Home app or in Control Center, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. Then open the Google Home app and check that your Chromecast is listed and shows "Connected" underneath its name.

If your Chromecast shows "Offline" in the Home app, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for the light on the device to turn solid white, which means it has reconnected to Wi-Fi. Then try casting again from your iPhone.

If the cast icon does not appear in your streaming app, restart the app by closing it completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restart your iPhone. Sometimes the Home app needs to be updated — open the App Store, go to Updates, and check if Google Home has a newer version available.

Understand the difference between casting and screen mirroring

When you use the cast icon in an app, that app sends video directly to your Chromecast over Wi-Fi. Your iPhone is just controlling playback, like a remote control. This is fast, uses less battery, and lets you use your phone for other things while the video plays on TV.

Screen mirroring copies your entire iPhone display and sends it to the TV. It works with any app but requires more processing power and battery. If you are watching a video through screen mirroring and you open another app on your iPhone, that app will also appear on the TV. Screen mirroring is useful when an app does not have a cast button or when you want to show someone something on your phone screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my iPhone to a Chromecast without the Google Home app?

No, you need the Google Home app to set up your Chromecast and to cast from most apps on iPhone. Some apps like YouTube have their own cast buttons that work through the Home app in the background. Screen mirroring uses Control Center instead of the Home app, but your Chromecast still needs to be set up in Home first.

Why does my cast keep stopping or disconnecting?

A weak Wi-Fi connection is usually the cause. Move your iPhone closer to your router or move your Chromecast closer to the router. If your Wi-Fi is crowded (many devices connected), restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also check that your Chromecast firmware is up to date by opening the Home app, tapping your Chromecast, and looking for any update notifications.

Can I cast to Chromecast from multiple iPhones at the same time?

Only one iPhone can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If another iPhone tries to cast while one is already casting, it will take over and stop the first cast. You can switch between iPhones, but you cannot have two iPhones casting simultaneously to the same device.

Does casting from iPhone use a lot of data?

Casting uses Wi-Fi, not cellular data, so it does not count against your phone plan. However, if you are using screen mirroring over a slow Wi-Fi connection, it can slow down your internet for other devices. Direct casting through app cast buttons uses less Wi-Fi bandwidth than screen mirroring.

What if my Chromecast is older — will it still work with iPhone?

Older Chromecast models work with iPhone through screen mirroring and through apps that have built-in cast buttons. Some very old Chromecast devices may not support the latest features, but basic casting should work as long as your device is set up in the Google Home app and connected to Wi-Fi.

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.