How To Use Chromecast From An iPhone?

Google Cast technology initially launched with Chromecasts but has since expanded to numerous devices, including smart TVs, speakers, and other compatible gadgets.

Apple products are often designed to work best with their own proprietary technology, which may lead iPhone users to wonder whether they can use Google Cast-enabled devices.

If you own an iPhone and are considering using it with Chromecast or other Google Cast-compatible products, the good news is that they work well together.

With the help of the Google Home app, iPhone users can set up and cast content to Chromecast devices and other gadgets that support the Google Cast protocol.

However, there are a few key requirements to keep in mind. Your iPhone must be running iOS 15 or later, and both your iPhone and Chromecast need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

If you have multiple Wi-Fi bands with separate SSIDs (for example, one for 2.4GHz and another for 5GHz), you may encounter issues if the devices are connected to different networks.

One limitation for iPhone users is that Apple does not provide built-in support for mirroring the entire screen to a Chromecast.

While Android users and those using Google Chrome on a computer can mirror their displays directly, iPhones require third-party apps to accomplish the same task.

Setting Up a Chromecast Using an iPhone

If you’ve just purchased a new Chromecast, you’ll need to go through an initial setup process before you can start streaming content.

The setup can be completed using an iPhone with just a few simple steps.

Steps to Set Up Chromecast with an iPhone

Download and install the Google Home app from the App Store if you haven’t already. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
Plug the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your TV. Connect it to a power source using the included power adapter and cable.
- If you have a 4K HDR TV and a 4K-capable Chromecast, use an HDMI port that supports high-quality video output, preferably HDMI 2.1 or at least HDMI 2.0.
Turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI input where the Chromecast is connected.
Pair the Chromecast remote if you’re using Chromecast with Google TV. In most cases, this happens automatically. If not, press and hold the Back and Home buttons on the remote until the LED indicator starts flashing.
Choose a language for your Chromecast.
Open the Google Home app on your iPhone and navigate to the Devices section.
Tap the “+” (Add) icon and select New device to start the pairing process.
Choose the home location for your Chromecast and tap Next to proceed.
Wait for the app to detect the Chromecast. Once found, tap Next to continue.
Scan the QR code displayed on your TV screen using your iPhone’s camera when prompted.
Accept the terms and conditions to complete the pairing.
Select the room where your Chromecast is located and tap Next.
Connect the Chromecast to Wi-Fi by selecting your preferred network and entering the password if required.
Sign into your Google account to link the Chromecast to your Google ecosystem.
Review and accept the privacy policy to proceed.
Customize Chromecast settings as prompted by the Google Home app, allowing necessary permissions and setting up preferences.
Complete the remote setup (if applicable), including volume and power control for your TV.
Wait for Chromecast to install necessary updates and applications before finalizing the setup.

Once all these steps are completed, your Chromecast is ready to use, and you can start streaming content from your iPhone.

How to Cast Content from an iPhone?

After setting up Chromecast, you can start casting media from your iPhone to any Google Cast-compatible device.

This includes not only Chromecast dongles but also many modern smart TVs, smart speakers, and displays like the Google Nest Hub.

Steps to Cast Media from an iPhone

Open a supported app that includes Google Cast functionality. Popular options include YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and Google Photos.
Find the content you want to play and start playback on your iPhone.
Look for the Google Cast icon (which resembles a screen with Wi-Fi waves in the corner). It is usually located at the top of the app or within the playback controls.
Tap the Cast icon and select the device you want to stream to from the list of available devices.
The content will begin playing on the selected device, and you can use your iPhone as a remote to pause, play, adjust the volume, or change content.

To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select Disconnect or Stop Casting from the menu.

Is It Possible to Mirror Your iPhone Screen with Google Cast?

iPhones lack a native feature for mirroring their screens to Chromecast, unlike Android devices and Chrome browsers on computers.

Apple’s AirPlay technology supports screen mirroring but is limited to Apple’s ecosystem, functioning exclusively with Apple devices like the Apple TV.

However, iPhone users can still mirror their screens to Google Cast devices using third-party applications.

A highly recommended option is Screen Mirror – Smart View Cast, which can be downloaded from the App Store.

Steps to Mirror an iPhone Screen to Chromecast

Download and install the Screen Mirror – Smart View Cast app from the App Store.
Open the app and complete the initial setup process by following the on-screen instructions.
Tap the “Screen Mirroring” button within the app.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast device.
Select the Google Cast icon to choose the Chromecast device you want to mirror to.
Tap the “Record” button to start the mirroring process.
A “Screen Broadcast” window will appear. Select Start Broadcast to begin mirroring.
After a brief countdown, your iPhone screen will appear on the Chromecast-connected display. You can now open apps, browse the web, or play media while your screen is mirrored.
To stop mirroring, return to the app, tap “Stop Mirroring,” and confirm by selecting “Stop Broadcast.”

While this method works well for many users, the experience may not be as smooth as Apple’s native AirPlay due to potential delays and resolution limitations.

FAQs

Can iPhones use all Chromecast features?

Yes, iPhones can perform most of the same functions as Android devices when using a Chromecast. The only significant limitation is that iPhones cannot mirror their screens natively and require a third-party app for this function.

Can you cast to devices other than Chromecast?

Yes, Google Cast is supported on a wide range of smart TVs, speakers, and displays from brands like Sony, LG, and Vizio. Most of these devices do not require extra setup beyond connecting to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.

Can an iPhone be used to set up a Chromecast?

Yes, you can set up a Chromecast using an iPhone by following the steps in the Google Home app. The process is the same as it would be on an Android phone.

Do all iPhone models support Chromecast?

Most modern iPhones support Chromecast, but they must be running iOS 15 or later to be compatible with the Google Home app.

By following these instructions, you can fully utilize Chromecast with your iPhone, whether you’re setting up a new device, casting content, or using third-party apps for screen mirroring.