Updated September 2026: in 2021 I found that OneDrive on iPhone could not cast to a Chromecast, although the Android app could, so I had to use Google Photos to show family photos on the TV. I have rewritten it into a guide to getting photos from an iPhone onto a TV, whichever service you use.
I stored family photos and videos in OneDrive, but the iPhone app had no Chromecast button. To show them on our TV I had to switch to Google Photos. For an iPhone user with a Chromecast, that was a real gap.
Why is casting from an iPhone limited?
Chromecast casting has to be built into each app, and not every iPhone app adds it. Apple's own system, AirPlay, works from any app that plays photos or video on iPhone, but needs an AirPlay-compatible receiver. Check the current version of the OneDrive app, since features change, but do not depend on it.
What are the options for photos on the TV?
- AirPlay: works with Apple TV and with many smart TVs from major brands that support AirPlay 2. Use Screen Mirroring or the AirPlay button in the Photos app.
- Google Photos app: supports casting to Chromecast and Google TV devices from iPhone.
- Smart TV apps: some TVs have their own OneDrive or photo apps.
- A USB drive: copy a selection of photos for a slideshow on the TV itself.
Does your TV support AirPlay?
Look in the TV's settings or input list for AirPlay, or check the manufacturer's site for AirPlay 2 support. If it does, you can show photos from the iPhone's Photos app directly, including those saved from OneDrive.
What if you only have a Chromecast?
Use an app that supports casting from iPhone, such as Google Photos, for the albums you want to show. Save a few favourite albums there even if OneDrive remains your main backup. Newer Google TV devices also support casting from more iPhone apps.
What is the simplest setup?
Match your TV device to your phones. In an iPhone household, an AirPlay-capable TV or Apple TV makes showing photos effortless from any app. In an Android household, Chromecast or Google TV fits better.
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