The fastest way: use AirPlay if you have an Apple TV
If your TV is connected to an Apple TV box or has AirPlay built in, you can send YouTube from your iPhone directly to your screen in seconds. Open the YouTube app, start playing a video, then tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) in the top right corner of the player. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list, and the video moves to your television.
The video will play on your TV while your iPhone becomes a remote. You can pause, rewind, or skip forward from your phone, and the screen will dim after a few seconds to save battery. This method works over WiFi, so make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same network.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay (Apple TV or compatible smart TV) is the simplest method and requires only tapping the AirPlay icon in the YouTube player.
- Chromecast works with most Android and some Samsung TVs, and you tap the Cast icon instead of AirPlay.
- Roku, Fire TV, and other brands have their own casting buttons in the YouTube app that work the same way.
- If your TV does not support casting, you can connect your iPhone to a TV via HDMI adapter, though this requires a wired connection.
Using Chromecast or Google TV devices
Many households use Chromecast devices or Google TV-enabled televisions. To cast YouTube from your iPhone, open the YouTube app and tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves) in the top right corner of the player. A list of available devices appears—select your Chromecast or Google TV.
Your video will begin playing on the TV when ready. Unlike AirPlay, Chromecast does not require your iPhone to stay connected to the same WiFi network once casting starts, though it must be on the same network to initiate the connection. You can control playback from your phone or use your TV remote.
Casting to Roku, Fire TV, and other brands
Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, and some Samsung and LG televisions have built-in casting support. Open YouTube on your iPhone, tap the Cast icon in the player, and select your device from the list. The process is identical to Chromecast, and playback controls work the same way from your phone.
If you do not see your TV listed, check that it is powered on and connected to WiFi. Restart the YouTube app and try again. Some older TV models may not appear in the Cast menu even if they support casting—in that case, check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm casting is enabled.
Connecting with an HDMI adapter if your TV does not support casting
Older televisions or those without built-in casting cannot receive wireless video from your iPhone. You can use a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for iPhones with a Lightning port) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer iPhones with USB-C) to connect your phone directly to your TV with a cable. Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, then switch your TV to the HDMI input.
YouTube will display on your TV screen, and you control it from your iPhone as usual. This method works reliably but requires your phone to stay physically connected and near your television. Battery drains faster because your iPhone is powering the video output, so consider plugging in your phone if you plan to watch for more than an hour.
Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear in the Cast menu
The most common reason your TV does not show up is that your iPhone and television are not on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and confirm it is connected to the same network name as your TV. Restart both devices—turn off your iPhone and TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on.
If your TV still does not appear, open the YouTube app settings on your iPhone and look for a "Cast" or "Devices" option. Some phones require you to enable casting in the app settings before devices will show up. If you recently updated YouTube or your phone's operating system, try closing the app completely and reopening it. If the problem persists, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Why your iPhone screen goes black during casting
When you cast YouTube to your TV, your iPhone screen dims or goes black after a few seconds. This is normal and saves battery—the video is playing on your TV, not on your phone. You can still control playback by tapping the screen to bring up the player controls, or by using your TV remote if your device supports it.
If you want to use your iPhone for something else while the video plays, you can lock your phone or open another app. The video will continue playing on your TV uninterrupted. To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Stop Casting," or straightforward pause the video on your TV remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast YouTube from my iPhone to a TV that does not have WiFi?
No, wireless casting requires both devices to be on the same network. Your only option is a wired HDMI adapter connection. If your TV does not have WiFi and you do not want to use a cable, you would need to add a Chromecast, Apple TV, or Roku device to your television first.
Will casting YouTube drain my iPhone battery faster?
Casting uses WiFi and keeps your phone's processor active, so battery drains faster than normal use but slower than if the video were playing on your phone screen. If you plan to cast for more than an hour, plug your iPhone into a charger to avoid running out of power.
Can I use my iPhone for other things while YouTube plays on my TV?
Yes. Once casting starts, you can lock your phone, open other apps, or even leave the room. The video continues playing on your TV. You can still control playback by opening YouTube again and tapping the Cast icon, or by using your TV remote if it supports YouTube controls.
Why does the Cast icon not appear in my YouTube app?
The Cast icon only appears when a castable device is detected on your network. Make sure your TV or casting device is powered on and connected to the same WiFi as your iPhone. If it is, restart the YouTube app. If the icon still does not appear, restart your phone and try again.