To play YouTube from a phone on a TV, you primarily use the YouTube app to cast to a Chromecast or Google Cast-enabled TV, or you pair the phone as a companion with a smart TV's built-in YouTube app. Both methods require the YouTube app on your phone, you cannot use YouTube.com in a mobile browser for casting.
How to play YouTube from a phone on a TV: The two primary methods
There are two documented ways to play YouTube from a phone on a TV wirelessly: casting to a Chromecast or Google Cast device, and using a smart TV's built-in YouTube app with your phone as a companion. Both require the YouTube app installed on your phone and the same Wi-Fi network for the devices.
Cast YouTube from your phone with Chromecast
This method uses a Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, or a TV with Google Cast built in. It turns your phone into a remote while the video streams directly to the TV.
- Connect your phone and the Chromecast or Google Cast-enabled TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the YouTube app on your phone.
- Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol). Google says the Cast button may not be in the same place in every app.
- Select your Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, or Google Cast-enabled TV from the list.
- The video will start playing on your TV, and your phone acts as a remote for playback controls.
- To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and choose Disconnect.
Your phone can also act as a remote: after tapping Cast, tap Remote to control playback from your phone. Voice control is available by tapping Cast, then the microphone icon, to search or control playback with your voice. A key limitation is that you cannot cast from YouTube.com in a mobile browser, you must use the YouTube app. Google says casting from YouTube is supported from YouTube.com and from most embedded YouTube videos, but the YouTube-specific help page says mobile browsers cannot cast from YouTube.com.
This method is ideal for casting apps to a TV because it streams the video directly to the TV, freeing your phone for other tasks while maintaining control.
Use your phone as a companion with a smart TV's YouTube app
If your TV has a built-in YouTube app, you can link your phone to it without a separate casting device. This creates a paired experience where your phone can control what plays on the TV.
- Turn on your smart TV or streaming device and open its YouTube app.
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet.
- Wait for an automatic pop-up on your phone that shows what is playing on the TV.
- If the pop-up does not appear automatically, tap the notification or icon to see what is playing on the TV. For the companion method, Google says to tap to see what is playing on the TV if the pop-up does not appear.
Once linked, you can browse and select videos on your phone, and they will play on the TV. Your phone controls playback, and you can also use the TV remote. This method works with any smart TV or streaming device that has the YouTube app, with no model-specific requirements beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the Cast button appearing in my YouTube app?
The Cast button may not appear if your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network, or if you are using a mobile browser instead of the YouTube app. Google states that casting from YouTube.com in a mobile browser is not supported for phones, you must use the YouTube app.
Can I control playback on the TV using my phone?
Yes. When casting via Chromecast, your phone becomes a remote for pause, play, skip, and volume. When using the companion method with a smart TV, your phone also controls what plays on the TV.
Do I need to buy a Chromecast to play YouTube from my phone on my TV?
Not necessarily. If your TV has a built-in YouTube app, you can use the companion method without any extra device. If your TV does not have built-in casting or a YouTube app, a Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, or other Google Cast-enabled device is required.
Can I cast YouTube from an iPhone the same way as from an Android phone?
Yes. Google's instructions for casting from the YouTube app are the same for both iPhone and Android: open the app, tap Cast, and select your device.
What devices can I cast YouTube to?
Supported devices include Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, TVs with Google Cast built in, and Android TV devices. Google documents Android TV devices in its casting help.
Related reading: How To Mirror A Cell Phone and How To Cast Tubi From A Phone To TV.
