Casting from iOS device to ChromeCast in Guest mode

[HobbyActor]

I’m trying to cast from an iOS device to a new Chromecast unit on our tv.

I used Google Home to set up the Chromecast device and make sure Guest Mode is turned on.

When my iOS device is no longer connected to the WiFi being used by the Chromecast, choosing  the cast icon on Netflix no longer finds the chromecast device.

On other threads here is see the following instructions:

1. “On your mobile device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Google > Device connections > Cast options > Guest mode.
3. Tap OK to allow Google to scan your network information and find nearby devices to cast to.”

ref step 2:

on my iOS device, the Settings app does not have a “Google” to tap and set device connection options

what is this poor iOS user missing?

I want guests to be able to cast their content from their own devices without connecting to my local WiFi 

[Dan_A]

Hi HobbyActor,

Thanks for posting.

Some iOS apps might not support Guest mode. Bluetooth must be turned on in order to cast content using Guest mode. For additional troubleshooting and details click this link.

Keep me posted.

Best,

Dan

[HobbyActor]

Thanks for the reply, Dan!

Bluetooth is on. Tried several streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO) which all cast fine when connected to the local WiFi, but cannot find the ChromeCast device, which is recently purchased new.

The link you included covers Android devices but not iOS. The Settings function on iOS doesn’t have a “Google” in the list to change settings.

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

Sorry for the late reply!

Are we able to reproduce everything by using an android phone instead? Chromecast rely heavily on these supported and unsupported apps. Bluetooth must be turned on in order to cast content using Guest mode. Don't forget to use a different HDMI to narrow things down.

Also, upon checking, some iOS apps might not support Guest mode. If Google is not found, that might be the reason why but let's look further. 

Tell me how it goes.

Thanks,

Dan

[HobbyActor]

I will find an Android phone to try with Chromecast.

I assumed that the step 2 instructions regarding Settings > Google was the general settings for the device. Is this supposed to be an app-specific setting?

[Dan_A]

Hello again,

Check this out: Control your privacy on your shared devices with Guest Mode and Set up and manage guest mode.

About the step 2, it indicates that you need to go to your phone's settings. From there you can check if it applies to other apps or not. Also, one thing to consider is your Chromecast and your phone must be on the same WiFi network and frequency for them to be able to meet with each other. Factors like local network, guest network, band frequencies like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz will surely affect the integration between devices. Open the links above to gain more information about the casting feature and the requirements needed.

Keep us posted.

Best,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hello,

I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Have you had the chance to try the suggestion above? If yes, how is it?

Regards,

Dan

[HobbyActor]

Dan -

Thanks for checking back. 

The first link you provided is totally Google/Android focused, does not apply to iOS devices.

As to the second link, I have set up the Chromecast device on our smart TV to turn on Guest Mode as in the step 1 instructions. I did the setup of the Chromecast device using Google Home on my iPhone.

The step 2 instructions are for Android devices and do not apply to iOS.

“Step 2. Guest connects to Guest mode

​As the guest, you can cast content without being connected to the host's Wi-Fi network.

Note: You must be connected to the internet. You can use a different Wi-Fi network or your mobile data connection.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Google > Device connections > Cast options > Guest mode.
3. Tap OK to allow Google to scan your network information and find nearby devices to cast to.”

There is no “Google” function on the settings of the iOS devices that I use (iPhone 12 and iPad Pro, both latest iOS versions)

You advise “… one thing to consider is your Chromecast and your phone must be on the same WiFi network and frequency for them to be able to meet with each other.” This is not the stated use of the Chromecast Guest mode, which is to allow guests in your home to cast to the Chromecast-enabled device without being logged in to the local WiFi.

I borrowed an Android phone and followed the Step 2 instructions, and I was able to cast videos to our Chromecast-enabled TV using the Android phone’s data plan for the streaming without being logged in to the WiFi.

That is what I want to be able to do from an iOS phone so that the streaming traffic of a guest phone is not racking up traffic on the local WiFi data bandwidth.

Have you tried using an iOS device to do this on a Chromecast-enabled TV?

[HobbyActor]

“Hosting a social gathering? Guest mode makes it easier for your friends to cast their favorite media to your Chromecast from a mobile device without connecting to your Wi-Fi network. They only need a Guest mode PIN from Chromecast.”

[Dan_A]

Hi HobbyActor,

I know what you wanted to happen. You can set up guest mode using your iOS device however, not all iOS apps/devices are currently supported with Guest mode. It's up to the iOS developer to implement Guest mode support into their app. If you are using an iOS 11 or any other iOS device and Guest mode is not working with a particular iOS app, it's likely the app developer hasn't implemented the functionality yet.

We appreciate people who are keen on sharing their thoughts with us. We're always looking for ways to improve and we'll take this as feedback. You can use this link to submit feedback.

Best,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hello there,

I wanted to follow up and see if you still need help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

Regards,

Dan

[Dan_A]

Hello again,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you've seen our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this thread in 24 hours.

Thanks,

Dan

[HobbyActor]

Dan -

Seems like I’m stuck. Do you have anyone who has actually used an iOS device to cast to a Chromecast device without being logged into the same WiFi?

I have tried accessing a Guest Mode Chromecast device from my iPhone and iPad. Tried using screen mirroring from the iOS, tried Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, many other streaming apps. None of them can detect the Chromecast device unless the iOS device is logged into the same WiFi, which is contrary to the premise of the Guest Mode.

I have seen instructions indicating that iOS users should access “Google” under the settings menu, but that is not available on iOS, just Android.

I have tried posting this reply several times but it’s not showing up on the thread. Do replies have to be approved?

[HobbyActor]

Dan - I have tried several times to reply to your most recent messages on this thread and they are not showing up.

I’m stuck trying to use the Chromecast Guest Mode to allow iPhone casting without WiFi connection. If you have ANY iPhone-savvy resources in the Google community please find out if they can get it to work. None of the popular streaming apps are able to find the Chromecast device. The iPhone native screen sharing function cannot find the Chromecast device.

[Dan_A]

Hi HobbyActor,

We hear you and we understand how important this is for you. Since this will be up to the iOS developer to implement Guest mode support into their app, it will be best to reach out to Apple Care for further help.

Let us know if you have other questions and concerns otherwise, I'll be locking this thread after 24 hours.

Best regards,

Dan