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How to set up Chromecast using your iOS device

Google released a new app that allows iPhone and iPad users to manage their Chromecast using only their iOS device. Here's how to set it up.

Dan Graziano Associate Editor / How To
Dan Graziano is an associate editor for CNET. His work has appeared on BGR, Fox News, Fox Business, and Yahoo News, among other publications. When he isn't tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos, he can be found enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.
Dan Graziano
2 min read
Chromecast_iPhone.jpg
Dan Graziano/CNET

Apple users, rejoice. Google this week released its long-awaited Chromecast app in Apple's App Store for devices running iOS 6 or higher. The Chromecast app gives iPhone and iPad users the ability to easily set up and manage the popular $35 TV dongle from their device.

The company previously released native applications for Android, Mac, and Windows users, but iOS was left in the dark.

Here's how you can now easily pair your Chromecast with your iOS device:

Plugging it in
Plug the Chromecast into your TV, connect the power cord, turn on the TV, and switch to the proper HDMI input setting. Next, download the Chromecast app on your iPhone or iPad, and while it is installing go to Settings, turn on Wi-Fi, and connect to the Chromecast option.

Chromecast_iPhone_-1.png
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Connecting
Open the Chromecast app, which at this point should have automatically located and connected to the device. You will now be given the option to name the device and select which Wi-Fi network you would like it to run on.

Make sure your iPhone or iPad are on the same network as the Chromecast, and just like that you should be ready to start streaming.

Chromecast_iPhone_-2.png
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Compatible apps
There is one drawback to using Chromecast with an iPhone or iPad. The list of compatible apps is even smaller on iOS than it is on Android. The device only supports Netflix and YouTube, while Android users also have access to Google Play Music and Movies & TV.

You can "cast" content from Netflix or YouTube by clicking on the Chromecast icon at the top right-hand corner of both apps and selecting the Chromecast option.

Chromecast_iPhone-_3.png
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Factory reset
For some reason the Chromecast app for iOS doesn't include the option to perform a factory reset of the device, a feature that is included in the Android, Mac, and Windows clients.

A factory reset can be manually performed by simply holding the button on the Chromecast for 25 seconds.