The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
No—not natively. Chromecast does not turn a TV into a FaceTime calling device, and Skype’s consumer service was retired on May 5, 2025. You can sometimes show a computer-based call on a TV by casting a Chrome tab or screen, but the computer still runs the call and supplies the camera and microphone. For a supported FaceTime-on-TV setup, Apple’s option is Apple TV 4K.
What Chromecast does—and what it does not do
Google Cast sends supported content from an app to a Chromecast or compatible Google TV device. The phone can then act as a remote while the TV plays the media. Casting requires a Cast-enabled app and, for the usual setup, the phone or computer and receiver on the same Wi-Fi network. Google’s casting guidance explains how to cast from supported apps.
That is different from mirroring a screen, and both differ from conducting a two-way video call on the TV. A calling setup needs an app or browser that can join the call, plus a camera and microphone. Chromecast is a receiver; it does not give the TV access to your phone’s camera and microphone or provide a native FaceTime calling interface.
Can you cast FaceTime from an iPhone or iPad?
Not directly through Google Cast. FaceTime on iPhone and iPad does not provide the Cast control used by Cast-enabled apps. Google’s iOS instructions describe casting from compatible apps; they do not document FaceTime as one of them. Being on the same Wi-Fi network is not enough to make FaceTime castable.
#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
The Google Home app can set up and manage Chromecast, but it does not add FaceTime casting. The Google TV app can control Google TV and cast supported video; it is not a FaceTime bridge. Google’s Google TV app guidance describes its supported uses.
Some third-party apps advertise iPhone-to-Chromecast mirroring. Treat them as optional experiments, not official FaceTime support. They may add delay, fail to route audio as expected, require payment, or change behavior after an iOS update. Because mirroring may expose the whole screen, consider notifications and private content before using one.
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
Workarounds for showing a call on the TV
Cast a computer tab or screen
Chrome can cast a browser tab or the entire computer screen to a Chromecast or Google TV receiver. If a video call runs in a compatible browser on that computer, its picture may appear on the TV. This is screen display, not a Chromecast call: the computer must stay on and handles the call, camera, microphone, and controls. Whether a particular calling service works in a browser depends on its current browser and account support.
- On the computer, open Chrome.
- Select More, then Cast, save, and share, then Cast.
- Choose the Chromecast or Google TV receiver. Cast the browser tab, or choose Sources > Cast screen to mirror the full desktop.
- Stop casting from Chrome’s Cast control when finished.
Google’s instructions for casting a Chrome tab or computer screen cover the available choices. Casting a full screen can expose notifications, messages, or other open windows. Google also notes that computer-screen audio may remain on the computer; tab casting is preferable when the tab’s audio is supported.
Rank #3
- 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
Connect a computer to the TV with HDMI
If you already have a laptop, HDMI is often the simpler, more reliable workaround: run the call on the computer and use the TV as its display. The computer still supplies the camera and microphone. You may need an adapter for your computer’s port; check the exact device model before buying one. This does not create a TV-native calling interface, but avoids wireless casting and its potential delay.
Use AirPlay-compatible equipment for Apple-device mirroring
If your goal is to mirror an iPhone or iPad, Apple documents screen mirroring to Apple TV, an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or a Mac on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple’s AirPlay mirroring guide explains the process. Ordinary screen mirroring is not the same as Apple TV’s native FaceTime experience: the calling device remains responsible for the call, and the result depends on the equipment and software involved.
Rank #4
- 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.
How to use FaceTime on a TV properly
Apple TV 4K is Apple’s documented native option. Apple says FaceTime on Apple TV 4K uses a compatible iPhone or iPad as a Continuity Camera and microphone. Apple’s cited requirements include Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later), tvOS 17.2 or later, and a compatible iPhone or iPad running the required software. Check Apple’s current requirements for your devices and region before setting up.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Open FaceTime on Apple TV 4K.
- Connect an iPhone or iPad as the Continuity Camera and confirm it when prompted.
- Position the device near the television, in landscape orientation, so its camera frames the people in the room.
- Select a recent contact or start a new FaceTime call.
See Apple’s guides for FaceTime on Apple TV, using an iPhone or iPad as the camera, and starting or joining a call.
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.
What happened to Skype?
Microsoft retired Skype’s consumer service on May 5, 2025, and directed users to Microsoft Teams Free as the alternative for core features and migrated Skype data. Skype for Business was not included in that consumer-service retirement announcement. Microsoft’s migration guidance has the current details.
So an old guide recommending Skype on a TV or casting the Skype app is no longer a current consumer setup. Teams Free is not a Chromecast-native calling mode. A Teams call running in a supported desktop browser or app may be displayed by casting the computer tab or screen, subject to current device, browser, and account compatibility; the computer still handles the call and its camera and microphone.
Which setup fits your goal?
| Goal | Chromecast / Google TV | Apple TV 4K | Computer + HDMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play ordinary supported streaming content | Yes, from Cast-enabled apps | Yes, with supported apps | Yes, from the computer |
| Native FaceTime app on the TV | No | Yes, on supported Apple TV 4K models and software | No; the computer runs the call |
| Use an iPhone or iPad as the call camera | No native feature | Yes, through Continuity Camera | Usually the computer’s camera instead |
| Occasionally show a computer-based call | Possible by Chrome tab or screen casting | Possible with a connected computer, but not needed for native FaceTime | Yes; direct display connection |
| Best fit | General casting, or an existing receiver for occasional display | FaceTime in an Apple household | A practical workaround when you already have a computer |
Choose Chromecast for supported media and occasional computer display—not because you expect one-tap FaceTime from an iPhone. If FaceTime on the television is the main requirement, Apple TV 4K is the most complete supported route. If you already own a computer and want to avoid buying another streaming device, connect it by HDMI. Former Skype users should look to Teams Free, but should not assume it offers Chromecast-native calling.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Quick troubleshooting for casting a computer
- The receiver does not appear: Check that the computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, that the receiver is powered and connected, and that Chrome and the relevant app are up to date. Also confirm the website or app supports the casting method you are trying.
- An iPhone app cannot find Chromecast: For a Cast-enabled app, check that iOS Local Network access is enabled for that app. This can help device discovery, but it does not make FaceTime Cast-enabled. Google lists Local Network permission in its iOS casting guidance.
- Google TV does not receive casts: Google documents checking that its system Google Cast app is enabled: from the home screen, open All settings > Apps > See all apps, locate Google Cast, and enable it if disabled; then restart the device. See Google’s Google TV casting troubleshooting page.
- Call audio stays on the computer: This can happen when casting the full desktop. Try casting the Chrome tab if the call site supports it, or use HDMI and select the appropriate audio output on the computer.
- The TV shows private content: Full-screen casting can display everything visible on the computer. Close private windows and silence notifications, or cast only the call tab.
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.
