iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use the sports app’s Cast button with a Google Cast receiver, or use AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad with an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. The phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Before changing settings or buying a receiver, check that the service allows the specific live event to play on a TV: some sports streams are phone-only.
Before you start: check whether the event can be cast
Casting depends on both the app and the content. A compatible TV cannot bypass a service’s restrictions on a particular game, competition, subscription tier, or region. Check the sports service’s help page for the event you want to watch before troubleshooting your equipment.
NFL+ is one example of an event-specific restriction. NFL Support says NFL+ and NFL+ Premium support casting for certain content, but live local and primetime regular-season and postseason games are available only on a phone or tablet and cannot be cast to a TV or other device. NFL+ is available in the United States only. See NFL Support’s casting policy.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose the right way to connect
| Method | What you need | How playback works |
|---|---|---|
| Google Cast | A current Cast-enabled sports app and a supported receiver, such as Chromecast, Google TV Streamer (4K), or a TV with Google Cast; phone and receiver on the same Wi-Fi network. | Start casting from the app’s Cast control. The receiver plays the stream while the phone serves as a playback controller. Google Cast setup details. |
| App-level AirPlay | An iPhone or iPad, a sports app that supports AirPlay for the stream, and an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV on the same Wi-Fi network. | Choose the TV from the app’s AirPlay control to send playback to it. Apple’s AirPlay instructions. |
| Screen Mirroring | An iPhone or iPad and an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. | Use Control Center to mirror the phone screen. Some video apps do not support AirPlay, so mirroring is not a workaround for a stream the service blocks. |
Cast a game with Google Cast
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. This means the phone and the Chromecast, Google TV Streamer (4K), or Google Cast-enabled TV you want to use.
- Open the sports app and the event. Update the app if needed, then start or open the stream.
- Tap the app’s Cast icon. Its location varies between apps. Select your TV or receiver from the device list. When connected, Google says the Cast button turns solid.
- Control or stop playback from the app. Use the phone’s playback controls, then tap the same Cast control to disconnect when you finish.
If the receiver does not appear, make sure the phone and receiver are on the same network, the app is current, and the app supports Google Cast for that content. On iOS 14 or later, enable Local Network permission for the app so it can discover Cast-enabled devices. Google’s Cast instructions cover device discovery.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Use AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad
- Put the iPhone or iPad and TV on the same Wi-Fi network. The destination must be an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible television.
- Open the sports app and start the stream. Tap the app’s AirPlay button and choose the TV. The control may be inside another playback menu, and not every video app supports AirPlay.
- If the app has no AirPlay control, try Screen Mirroring. Open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, select the TV, and enter the passcode shown on the TV if requested.
- Stop mirroring when finished. Open Control Center and stop Screen Mirroring. If the stream will not play, check the service’s device rules or look for its TV app rather than assuming mirroring can bypass a restriction.
Apple’s AirPlay instructions explain app playback and Screen Mirroring. AirPlay availability also depends on the app and the particular video.
Troubleshoot in the order most likely to save time
- The stream starts but will not play on the TV: Check whether that event and subscription permit TV playback. A content restriction is not fixed by changing receivers.
- The TV or receiver is missing from the device list: Confirm the phone and receiver use the same Wi-Fi network and that the destination supports the selected method. For Google Cast discovery from iOS 14 or later, check the app’s Local Network permission.
- The Cast or AirPlay button is missing: Update the sports app and check its support information. Casting controls are app-specific, and support may differ by content.
- Screen Mirroring connects but the video is unavailable: Some video apps do not support AirPlay, and mirroring does not override a service’s playback restrictions. Try the service’s native TV app if available.
Check for a TV app before buying a receiver
If your TV or streaming device already has the sports service’s app, opening the stream there can avoid phone-to-TV casting. Availability depends on the service, device, sport, and region. Google TV’s Sports page is limited to the United States and lists NFL, MLB, and NBA, with provider shortcuts including YouTube TV, Sling, Max, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video. These listings are not a guarantee that a particular game is included. Check Google TV’s sports information.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
If your TV lacks a supported Google Cast receiver, Google identifies the Google TV Streamer (4K) as a Cast destination. Check that your app and event support casting before choosing hardware; a receiver cannot remove a service’s restrictions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
