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Last updated: May 5, 2023
How to Use Chromecast with iPhone

Complete Guide on How to Use Chromecast with iPhone in 2023

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Countless smart TV operating systems and devices allow you to stream the latest dramas, headbang to the hardest tunes, and mirror your phone’s screen on the big screen. Apple uses AirPlay to accomplish casting and mirroring to most devices, but Chromecast is different.

In this article, we explore how to use Chromecast from an iPhone. We include step-by-step instructions on setting up a new Chromecast device, casting content from first-party providers, and using a third-party app to make up the difference in technology between Apple and Google.

Can You Chromecast from an iPhone?

The short answer is yes. However, casting from Chromecast iPhone apps requires a few extra steps that other smart TVs and devices don’t. The additional steps are needed because Chromecast lacks AirPlay support, relying on different technology for casting and mirroring.

Apple users must download the Google Home app to complete the Chromecast setup. The Google Home app makes it possible to cast videos from first-party providers. However, you will need a third-party solution for mirroring from an iPhone.

Despite the need for a third-party app to perform screen mirroring, you can use an iPhone to search for videos and music from popular platforms, such as Disney+, Sling TV, and Spotify, without needing another app.

How to Setup a Chromecast Device

Chromecast smart devices expand your TV’s functionality with apps, easy-to-navigate menus, and a method of connecting your iPhone to cast or mirror the content you love. Connecting a Chromecast with an iPhone also provides media controls and Google Assistant voice commands.

Although the Google Home app is pretty straightforward, we made it even easier. Here is the simple step-by-step guide on how to connect to Chromecast iPhone users need to bookmark:

  1. Plug your Chromecast into your TV and connect it to power. Navigate to the HDMI input option on your TV that corresponds to the port you connected the Chromecast to. Follow the prompt on the screen to pair your remote to the Chromecast.
  2. Download the Google Home application from the App Store. Launch the app and sign in with your Google Account.
  3. Tap on the “+” button in the upper left-hand corner.Screenshot of Google Home
  4. Tap on Set up device.Screenshot of Google Home
  5. Tap on New devices.screenshot of Google Home
  6. Choose an existing home or add a new home, then tap Next.Screenshot of Google Home
  7. Tap Chromecast/ Google TV. Google Home will confirm the device you want to set up.Screenshot of Google Home
  8. Scan the QR code when prompted.Screenshot of Google Home
  9. Accept the legal terms of use, and choose where your Chromecast will live.Screenshot of Google Home
  10. Connect your Chromecast to a Wi-Fi connection.Screenshot of Google Home
  11. Sign in with your Google Account. (This time is for the Chromecast device, not the Google Home app).Screenshot of Google Home
  12. Continue clicking through the personalization settings and selecting the options you prefer.
    Screenshot of Google Home
  13. Once you finish personalizing your Chromecast, you will configure your remote and install selected apps.Screenshot of Google Home

You can now use your iPhone to control your Chromecast without needing adaptors or dongles. You can launch a virtual remote from the Google Home app’s homepage or utilize the Google Assistant feature to navigate, launch media, and control volume.

How to Stream Content from an iPhone to Chromecast

Now that you have set up Google Chromecast and paired it with your iPhone, let’s get something streaming on your TV. Here’s how to link your favorite streaming platforms to your Google Home app on your iPhone.

  1. From the Home Tab in Google Home, tap on the Media icon.Screenshot of Google Home
  2. Tap on Video to display a list of supported video streaming platforms.Screenshot of Google Home
  3. Tap on the Link account under the platform you wish to link.Screenshot of Google Home
  4. Now, you must sign in and authorize the link. Tap Continue > Agree and continue > sign into your streaming account and select a profile, and then tap Confirm.Screenshot of Google Home
  5. After you link your account, exit the Google Home app and launch the streaming platform of choice. You will follow the same steps for Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, and Disney+. Once the app loads, you can tap the casting button, which is usually in the upper right-hand corner.Screenshot of the Netflix

Connecting your iPhone with a Chromecast should take only a few seconds. When successful, you will see a banner with media controls at the bottom of the screen.

Tapping on the banner will launch media controls for your video. For example, Netflix will display a snapshot of the show or movie you are watching, options for subtitles, pause, stop, and rewind features.

You may also have the option to display the episode list, allowing you to change videos on the fly.

Screenshot of the Netflix

You can also follow these steps to link other streaming services, like Apple Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and SiriusXM. Google Home also supports programmed routines, allowing you to turn your TV on or off, control the volume, and control media. The only difference will be that you select “Music”, “Radio”, or “Podcasts” instead of “Video” for step one.

Third-Party Mirroring Apps for Chromecast

You may have noticed that only a handful of streaming platforms support Chromecast linking. That means for every other mirroring and casting need on Chromecast, iPhone users will need an alternative solution for getting their iPhone screen on the TV or other devices, like a computer.

One of our favorite third-party apps for Chromecast is Replica. Replica helps bridge the gap in technology between iPhone and Chromecast for things like screen mirroring or web-based video casting.

  1. First, download the Replica app from the App Store. Launch when it finishes downloading.Screenshot of the Replica
  2. After accepting permissions and notifications, you will see a device list connection screen. If you have multiple devices available to connect, select your preferred one. You can choose from several options from the next screen, including screen mirroring or an in-app web browser.Screenshot of the Replica

Something to remember if you use a solution, such as Replica. Many third-party apps will provide a limited free version or a free trial of premium features, like removing watermarks or unlocking sound while casting and mirroring.

Screenshot of the replica

Replica charges $29.99 per year, and other apps will have a similar pricing structure, with annual rates or one-time fees as high as $69.99. Regardless of the cost, these solutions also offer users a platform to share personal content, social media feeds, or whiteboard doodles.

Chromecast Devices – Which One Should I Buy?

Throughout this guide, we talked about Chromecast devices and how to set up Chromecast on your iPhone. However, if you don’t have one, you might wonder which Chromecast device to purchase.

There are currently two types of Chromecast devices—a plug-and-play platform or a dedicated Chromecast Smart TV. Consumers in the market for a brand-new TV should opt for a Chromecast-supported television set from manufacturers like TCL, Hisense, or Phillips.

Shoppers can find a Chromecast-enabled TV at Best Buy, Target, and Amazon. Various models cost anywhere from $279 to $1,599, depending on the size, brand, and video display capabilities.

Likewise, consumers not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on a new TV will need the Chromecast with Google TV device. This Chromecast device comes in two variants, HD and 4K, with the 4K model coming in three colors instead of only white as on the HD version.

Chromecast with Google TV is a much more affordable option for those looking for a way to bring smart TV functions without upgrading their entertainment system. The HD model sells for $29.99, with some retailers charging only $19.99, while the 4K model runs $49.99.

Final Thoughts on Using Chromecast with an iPhone

Chromecast doesn’t support Apple’s AirPlay for casting and mirroring an iPhone screen. Still, it is possible to use the two together. The most critical part of the Chromecast setup iPhone users must be aware of is the Google Home app requirement.

Once you connect your Chromecast to your iPhone via Google Home, you can then link popular streaming platforms, allowing the apps to appear on the Chromecast home page and giving you an advanced media remote with voice control capability.

While there are plenty of first-party streaming apps, iPhone users must download a third-party app, like Replica, to unlock mirroring and web-based video casting features. Using a Google Chromecast and an Apple iPhone together may seem like an oxymoron, but in reality, the two pair well and bring a ton of excellent features to your TV.

FAQs

We covered a lot of information about setting up a Chromecast with an iPhone and how to use various functions. However, you might still have questions about getting up and running. Here are some common questions and their answers.

Using a Chromecast and iPhone together is possible, and thanks to the Google Home app, set up and use is simple. You can stream media from first-party apps or use a third-party app to mirror your iPhone screen and cast personal media.
Unfortunately, you cannot use AirPlay with Chromecast. Google doesn’t support Apple’s AirPlay technology, meaning you will need a third-party solution for screen mirroring or web-based video casting.
In order to connect an iPhone to a TV Chromecast, you will need to download the Google Home app and sign into your Google Account. Then, tap the plus sign in the left-hand corner, select “Set up device”, and follow the on-screen instructions or use our step-by-step guide above.
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