How to AirPlay on Google TV [Step by Step Guide]

Do you have a TV with a Google TV interface but have iOS devices in your home? It’s not an individual problem, as many of us have devices from multiple ecosystems, and using them together can be tricky.

The problem is that Google TV is an Android-based interface, and using AirPlay from your Apple device sounds weird. But there’s no reason why you cannot connect your iOS device to your Google TV via AirPlay if it supports it.

AirPlay or Chromecast are wireless protocols that help TVs or other gadgets cast content from devices like phones or PCs. Our office has a Sony 4K TV that supports Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, and HomeKit; you might have the same. Let’s explore how to cast content from your phone to Google TV.

1. Enabling and Using AirPlay on Google TV

The simplest method is to enable AirPlay on your Google TV if it supports it and then cast content for it. Before doing so, connect your TV and Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck on the connection screen. Repeat the following steps:

Step 1: Press the Settings button on your Google TV remote or click the gear icon in the corner and open all settings.

Step 2: Go to System > Apple AirPlay & HomeKit > Apple AirPlay & HomeKit Settings option.

Step 3: Select the AirPlay option on the page and then click the OK button. It’ll enable the feature and make the TV visible to nearby devices.

Step 4: Now, open any media on your iPhone (photos, music, video) and tap the AirPlay icon. Note that some apps may have another cast icon that will redirect you to the AirPlay settings.

Step 5: Select your Google TV name, and then the selected media will appear on the TV.

This fairly simple technique doesn’t force you to jump through hoops to cast content from an Apple device to a Google TV. However, it can be finicky sometimes, and some users have shared their problems with the feature.

It doesn’t work as well as Chromecast and has a high connection failure rate. But keep trying, as it could be an isolated issue, and your TV might work better with AirPlay.

2. Casting Apple Device to Google TV Without AirPlay

Well, it sounds like a dubious idea, right? Sharing content without AirPlay to a Google TV. However, viewing the apps on the big screen without issues is possible. The only problem is limited app support, which can be a letdown if you expect more.

The good news is that all the popular streaming apps, like Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, etc, work flawlessly with a Chromecast-supported Google TV. All you need to do is connect both devices to the same network, launch the app on your iPhone, and tap the cast icon.

It’ll initiate the cast session. Look for your Google TV. Ensure you also enable Cast on the TV; otherwise, you’ll get zero search results. I use it all the time when I don’t want to use the TV app’s UI, but rather, I use my phone to find content and cast it to Google TV.

3. Using a Third-Party App to Cast Apple Device to Google TV

While AirPlay is a free service, you must pay for a third-party app if your Google TV lacks AirPlay support. This problem is with outdated models or Android TVs; a third-party app like AirDroid is a perfect solution. It can help you mirror your device screen, from your Mac or iPhone to the TV.

Install the app on your device and the TV. It differs from AirPlay because you’ll mirror your complete screen instead of the app. But after that, you can view the app in full-screen mode.

4. Using a Streaming Device to AirPlay to Google TV

If you have an old and slow Google TV that doesn’t support AirPlay and needs it, you can use a budget-friendly streaming device. Roku Streaming Stick is a cheap option to enjoy all the popular streaming apps and get AirPlay and HomeKit support on your TV.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K Advanced Wireless Receiver

Plug it into the HDMI port of your TV and then enable AirPlay and HomeKit in the settings. Finding the option may be difficult due to the difference in UI design, but always check the label for Apple support before purchasing a streaming stick.

FAQs

Q. Why won’t my iPhone AirPlay to my Google TV?

It could be because both the devices are connected to different wireless networks or the TV doesn’t support AirPlay.

Q. Is screen mirroring the same as AirPlay?

No. Screen mirroring is when you cast the complete phone screen to the TV and can see every action you do. AirPlay only casts content (photo, video, document) on the TV screen and doesn’t show anything else.

Q. Can I mirror an iPhone without AirPlay?

Yes. You can use cast support in streaming apps like Hulu to cast the screen on Android/Google TV. It only works in some apps but is better than paying for an app.

So, this is how you can AirPlay to a Google TV from your Apple device. You’ll find both Chromecast and AirPlay support for new TVs, but for old models, a third-party app will work better.

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