Unable to use iPhone to Chromecast.

In case this is the issue in early 2024, check the YouTube app settings. I think iOS recently added permission to access local network so if you want to cast, local network needs to be enabled. So check YouTube app settings in Settings. See if Local Network enabled.

Just in case anyone else has this problem. My issue was "network congestion". Meaning I hade connected more devices than my router could handle properly.

It was around 20-25 devices. They could all connect to the wifi and be accessed, but all Google cast units didn't function as they should. My router was Asus RT-AC86U and I didn't think that was the problem.

But I disconnected a couple of devices from the wifi and chromecast started working again. So I upgraded to a better router (Asus RT-AX86U) and now it works with all my devices connected.

So if you recently added some more devices to your home network, try disconnecting some of them. If chromecast then starts working again, you maybe need a better router.

I totally see Jonas_th's point about the router having trouble with too many devices connected.

I ran into this thing where my Chromecast wasn't set to update automatically... ended up with an old version, and bam, it just quit on me. I dove into the settings, hit update, and just like that, it was back in business.

How about Netflix? Ever try streaming straight from your phone?

Oh, and you might wanna check out some other apps like DoCast or TV Mirror for hooking up. I use them to play games and sling photos over to my Chromecast.

You saved the day, I was trying to connect from my iphone to my chrome cast 1gen using start plus app and it did not recognize the device until I allowed the local network permissions!

Set up Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra

1. Plug in your Chromecast.
2. Download the Google Home appon your Chromecast-supported device.
3. Open the Google Home app .
4. Follow the steps. If you don't find the steps to set up your Chromecast: ... 
5. Setup is successful. You're all done!

First Check you connection on Google Home - Apps on Google Play

Then...

Cast movies & shows to a TV

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad and your Chromecast to the same wireless network.
2. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google TV app .
3. Tap Library. Movies or TV shows.
4. Choose a movie or show.
5. Tap Cast .
6. From the list, select your Chromecast.
7. On your phone, tap Play.

Cast movies & shows to a TV - iPhone & iPad - Google Support

how to connect to google chrome cast with iPhone 13 without wifi

Hey! Did you find a solution to this problem? The same has started happening to me and my partner suddenly. No changes made in wifi and from two different iphones using two different ios versions.