Screen sharing to Chromecast works differently depending on whether you are using an Android phone, iPhone, Windows PC, or Mac

The fastest route depends on your device. Android phones and Windows PCs have built-in screen mirroring that connects directly to Chromecast without extra apps. iPhones and iPads require Google Home or a third-party app because Apple does not include native Chromecast support. Macs can use Chrome browser to cast the entire screen or a single tab.

Before you start, make sure your phone or computer and your Chromecast device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Your Chromecast must be plugged in and set up through the Google Home app already. If you have not done that yet, set it up first — the device will not appear in your casting options until it is.

Key Takeaways

  • Android phones cast the entire screen through Settings > Display > Cast, or cast individual apps like YouTube and Netflix directly from within those apps.
  • Windows 10 and 11 PCs use Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Connect to a wireless display, or cast through the Chrome browser.
  • iPhones and iPads require the Google Home app to cast the screen, since Apple does not support Chromecast natively.
  • Macs can cast through Chrome browser by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting Cast, then choosing your Chromecast device.
  • All devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and your Chromecast must be set up in Google Home before casting will work.

Screen sharing from an Android phone

Open Settings and go to Display. Look for an option called Cast, Screen mirroring, or Wireless display — the exact name varies by phone maker. Tap it and your phone will search for nearby Chromecast devices. Select your Chromecast from the list. Your entire screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If you do not see a Cast option in Display settings, check Connected devices or Connection preferences instead. Some Samsung phones put it under SmartThings or Samsung DeX. Once you find it and connect, your phone screen will mirror to the TV, including notifications and anything you open.

You can also cast individual apps without mirroring your whole screen. Open YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or another supported app, tap the Cast icon (usually in the top right corner), and select your Chromecast. This method uses less battery and lets you use your phone for other things while the app plays on the TV.

Screen sharing from a Windows PC

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to System > Display. Scroll down and click "Multiple displays" or "Connect to a wireless display." Your PC will search for Chromecast devices. Select yours from the list. Your screen will begin mirroring to the TV.

If that option does not appear, you can cast through the Chrome browser instead. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, and select Cast. Choose your Chromecast device. You can then cast the entire screen, a single tab, or a specific window. Casting a tab uses less bandwidth and battery than casting your whole screen.

To stop casting, go back to the Cast menu and click Stop, or press the Windows key + P and select Disconnect. Your screen will return to showing only on your PC.

Screen sharing from an iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads do not have built-in Chromecast support, so you will need the Google Home app. read it from the App Store and sign in with your Google account. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast.

Open Google Home, tap the Chromecast device you want to use, and look for a Cast my screen option. Tap it. Your iPhone or iPad will ask for permission to start broadcasting. Tap Start broadcast. Your screen will appear on the TV. To stop, open Google Home again and tap Stop casting.

Some apps like YouTube and Netflix let you cast directly from within the app without using Google Home. Look for the Cast icon inside the app itself. This method is often faster and more reliable than casting your entire screen.

Screen sharing from a Mac

Open the Chrome browser and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Cast. A window will open showing your available Chromecast devices. Click the one you want to use.

You will see three options: cast the current tab, cast your entire screen, or cast a specific window. Casting a tab is fastest and uses the least power. Select your choice and click Cast. Your Mac screen or tab will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select Stop. The icon will disappear from your browser when casting ends. If you want to cast from Safari or another browser, you will need to use a third-party app like AirBeamTV or Reflector, since only Chrome has native Chromecast support on Mac.

Troubleshooting when your device will not connect

The most common reason casting fails is that your phone or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your network settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz band instead — some Chromecast devices work better on that frequency.

If your device still does not appear in the cast list, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart your phone or computer. Open the casting menu again and look for your device. If it still does not show up, open the Google Home app and confirm your Chromecast is listed there and shows as online.

For Android phones, make sure you have the latest version of the Google Play Services app installed. For iPhones, update the Google Home app from the App Store. For Windows and Mac, make sure Chrome is up to date. Outdated software is often the reason casting options disappear or fail to connect.

What to do if casting is slow or keeps disconnecting

Slow casting usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your phone or computer closer to the router. If you are far from the router, the connection may drop or lag. Casting a single tab or window instead of your entire screen will also improve performance.

If casting keeps disconnecting, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Too many devices on your Wi-Fi can also cause drops. Disconnect devices you are not using, especially if they are streaming video or downloading large files. After you restart the router, try casting again.

If the problem continues, forget your Wi-Fi network on your phone or computer and reconnect to it. This forces your device to re-authenticate and often fixes connection issues. Then try casting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my phone while using other apps at the same time?

Yes, but it depends on the app. When you cast your entire screen, your phone is locked to that view and you cannot use other apps. When you cast a single app like YouTube or Netflix from within the app itself, you can use your phone for other things while the video plays on the TV. Casting a tab from Chrome also lets you use your phone normally.

Do I need to pay for screen sharing to Chromecast?

No. Screen sharing is a free feature that comes with every Chromecast device. You do not need a subscription or any paid apps. The Google Home app is also free to read.

What if my Chromecast is set up but does not show up when I try to cast?

Make sure your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check the network name in your device settings and compare it to the network your Chromecast is connected to in the Google Home app. If they do not match, reconnect your device to the correct network and try again.

Can I cast from a web browser other than Chrome?

Chrome is the only browser with built-in Chromecast support on Windows and Mac. Safari, Firefox, and Edge do not have native casting. On Android, some apps like YouTube and Netflix have their own Cast buttons that work with any browser or app. On iPhone, you must use the Google Home app to cast your screen.

Will casting drain my phone battery quickly?

Screen mirroring your entire phone uses more battery than casting a single app or tab. If battery life is a concern, cast individual apps like YouTube or Netflix instead of your whole screen. You can also plug your phone into a charger while casting to avoid draining the battery.