The fastest way: use AirPlay if you have an Apple TV
If your TV has an Apple TV box or is a newer Apple TV model, AirPlay is the simplest connection method. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone, start playing a video, tap the screen to show controls, then tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an arrow pointing up) in the top right corner. Select your Apple TV from the list, and the video will play on your TV within seconds.
AirPlay works over your home WiFi network, so both your iPhone and Apple TV must be connected to the same network. The connection is stable and the video quality matches what you see on your phone. If you don't see the AirPlay icon, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that AirPlay is enabled on your Apple TV.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay is the fastest method if you own an Apple TV, requiring only a tap on the AirPlay icon during playback.
- Chromecast works with most modern TVs and Android devices, and also works with iPhones through the YouTube app's built-in Cast button.
- Both methods require your iPhone and TV to be on the same WiFi network.
- If your TV doesn't support either method, you can connect your iPhone directly to your TV using an HDMI adapter and a Lightning cable.
Using Chromecast if your TV has it built in
Many newer TVs have Chromecast built directly into the display. To use it, open YouTube on your iPhone, tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with WiFi waves) in the top right corner of the app, and select your TV from the list. The video will stream to your TV when ready.
Chromecast works the same way whether it's built into your TV or connected as a separate device. Your iPhone controls playback from the YouTube app — you can pause, skip, or adjust volume without picking up a remote. The connection is wireless and works over your home WiFi network.
Connecting a separate Chromecast device to an older TV
If your TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, you can buy a Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. Once it's plugged in and connected to your WiFi network, the process is identical: open YouTube on your iPhone, tap the Cast icon, select your Chromecast device, and the video plays on your TV.
Chromecast devices are small and inexpensive, and they work with any TV that has an HDMI port. Setup takes about five minutes — you'll need to connect the Chromecast to your WiFi network using the Google Home app on your iPhone, then you're ready to cast. The device draws power from the HDMI port or from a USB cable, depending on the model.
Using an HDMI adapter if you don't have AirPlay or Chromecast
If your TV doesn't support AirPlay or Chromecast, you can connect your iPhone directly using an HDMI adapter. You'll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter (Apple makes one, and third-party versions are available), an HDMI cable, and an HDMI port on your TV. Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and to your TV, then switch your TV to the HDMI input where you plugged in the cable.
This method mirrors your entire iPhone screen on your TV, so YouTube plays exactly as it appears on your phone. The video quality depends on your TV's resolution and the HDMI cable quality. This is a wired connection, so your iPhone stays tethered to the TV, but it works with any TV that has an HDMI port and doesn't require WiFi or any setup beyond plugging in the cable.
What to do if the Cast button doesn't appear
The Cast icon only shows up in the YouTube app when a compatible device is available on your WiFi network. If you don't see it, check that your iPhone and your TV (or Chromecast device) are connected to the same WiFi network. Restart the YouTube app and try again.
If you're using AirPlay, make sure your Apple TV is turned on and connected to power. If you're using Chromecast, check that the device is plugged in and has finished its startup sequence — this usually takes a minute or two after you first plug it in. If the device is new, you may need to set it up using the Google Home app before it appears as a casting option.
Choosing between wireless and wired connection
Wireless casting through AirPlay or Chromecast is more convenient because you can move around your home and your phone isn't tethered to the TV. Both methods work over WiFi and let you control playback from your phone. The trade-off is that they require compatible hardware — an Apple TV for AirPlay, or a TV with Chromecast built in (or a separate Chromecast device).
A wired HDMI connection works with any TV and doesn't depend on your WiFi network, so it's more reliable if your WiFi is unstable. The downside is that your iPhone stays plugged into the TV, which limits where you can sit and makes it harder to use your phone while watching. HDMI adapters are inexpensive, but you need to buy one if you don't already have one.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If the video starts but then stops or buffers frequently, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your iPhone closer to your router, or move your TV's Chromecast device or Apple TV closer to the router. Wireless casting uses more bandwidth than regular WiFi browsing, so a weak signal will cause playback to stall.
If the video plays on your phone but not on your TV, check that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Some home networks have a separate guest network — make sure your iPhone and TV are both on the main network, not the guest network. If you're using Chromecast, try unplugging the device for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. If you're using AirPlay, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use YouTube on my iPhone while casting to my TV?
Yes. When you cast through AirPlay or Chromecast, your iPhone controls the video but the screen itself is free to use for other things. You can browse, text, or use other apps while the video plays on your TV. If you lock your iPhone or switch apps, the video keeps playing on your TV.
Do I need a paid YouTube subscription to cast to my TV?
No. Casting works with the free version of YouTube. If you have YouTube Premium, you can read videos to watch offline, but casting itself doesn't require a subscription.
Will casting drain my iPhone battery faster?
Yes, casting uses more battery than just playing video on your phone because your iPhone is actively transmitting to your TV over WiFi. If you're casting for a long time, plug your iPhone into a charger to avoid running out of battery.
Can I cast YouTube from my iPhone to a TV that doesn't have WiFi?
No, wireless casting requires WiFi. Your TV doesn't need to be connected to the internet itself, but it needs to be on the same WiFi network as your iPhone. If your TV isn't on WiFi, use an HDMI adapter and cable instead.
What's the difference between mirroring and casting?
Mirroring sends your entire iPhone screen to your TV, so everything you see on your phone appears on the TV. Casting sends only the video to your TV, and your iPhone screen stays independent. YouTube casting is more efficient because it only sends the video, not your whole screen.