Fix Chromecast and AirPlay IssuesUpdated a month ago
Casting and AirPlay behavior can vary by device. This covers the most common issues on both Chromecast (Android) and AirPlay (iOS).
Cast Icon Missing or Won't Connect (Chromecast)
Make sure your Chromecast and mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network. (If you have a dual-band router with separate 2.4G and 5G networks, confirm both devices are on the same one.)
Visit your app store to make sure you're using the latest version of the app.
Force close The Chosen app, then reopen it.
Restart your phone.
Restart your Chromecast or TV.
Start playback and look for the cast icon again.
Still not showing up? Two common causes:
iOS Local Network permission. If you're casting from an iPhone or iPad on iOS 14+, the app needs permission to see other devices on your network. Go to Settings > The Chosen app > Local Network and make sure it's turned on.
VPN connection. If your phone is connected to a VPN, it can block your Chromecast from being visible. Disconnect the VPN and try again.
Still stuck? Try connecting your Chromecast using the small HDMI extension cable it came with — it moves the dongle away from the TV body, which often improves Wi-Fi reception and avoids crowded port spacing. You can also try rebooting your Chromecast from the Google Home app, or as a last resort, connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable instead.
Casting or AirPlay Stops When Your Phone Locks
This was a known issue around MVP launch (background playback wasn't enabled yet), but it's since been fixed in newer app versions. If you're on the latest update and still seeing casting or AirPlay stop when your phone locks, please contact support with your phone model and app version — that would be a new issue, not the old one.
Changing Subtitles or Language While Casting
Set your audio and subtitle language before you start casting.
If it resets once you start, stop casting and try again — it usually holds the second time.
Picture Looks Small or Bordered While Casting
Check your TV's picture mode and set it to fit-to-screen.
Confirm your phone's rotation settings.
If the video restarts when you switch display modes, go back to the episode list and start playback again.
For more on why black borders can appear when casting or mirroring, see [Fix Playback Controls].
Prefer Not to Cast?
If casting or AirPlay isn't cooperating, you don't have to keep troubleshooting to watch on a bigger screen — The Chosen app is also available directly on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, LG, and Samsung smart TVs.
Download the app on your TV and log in with your Chosen account — no casting required. Don't have one of those devices? You can also stream at watch.thechosen.tv from any browser, or watch on another phone or tablet with the mobile app.
Still stuck?
Contact support with your phone model and OS version (and Android version if applicable) so they can dig in faster.