The three ways to connect your iPhone to a TV
You can connect your iPhone to a TV in three ways: with a cable plugged into the TV's HDMI port, by casting wirelessly through AirPlay, or by using an adapter that converts your iPhone's connector to HDMI. The wireless method (AirPlay) is the simplest if your TV supports it. The cable method works with any TV but requires you to stay near the device. The adapter method is a middle ground — it needs a physical connection but gives you more flexibility than a cable.
Which method works best depends on your TV's age, how far away you sit, and whether you want to move your phone around while watching. Newer TVs (made after 2015) usually support AirPlay. Older TVs need either a cable or an adapter. All three methods show your iPhone's screen on the TV in real time, so whatever you do on your phone appears on the larger display.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay is the easiest method if your TV supports it — you just tap a button on your iPhone and select your TV from a list.
- An HDMI cable or adapter works with any TV but requires your iPhone to stay plugged in or tethered nearby.
- Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work.
- Older TVs without built-in AirPlay can use a separate device like an Apple TV box or a third-party streaming adapter.
- The picture quality is the same across all three methods — the connection type does not affect what you see.
Connecting with AirPlay (wireless, no cable)
AirPlay is Apple's wireless system for sending video from your iPhone to a TV. It works only if your TV has AirPlay built in (most Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs made after 2018 have it) or if you own an Apple TV box. To use it, your iPhone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or swiping up from the bottom on older models). Tap Screen Mirroring. A list of nearby TVs and AirPlay devices appears. Tap your TV's name. Your iPhone's screen now appears on the TV. To stop, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and tap Stop Mirroring.
If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and iPhone if the list stays empty. If your TV is older and does not support AirPlay, you will need to use a cable or adapter instead.
Connecting with a cable or adapter (wired connection)
A wired connection works with any TV that has an HDMI port (nearly all TVs made in the last 15 years have at least one). You need either an HDMI cable with a Lightning adapter or a USB-C to HDMI adapter, depending on which iPhone model you own. iPhones 15 and newer use USB-C; older models use Lightning.
Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port. Plug an HDMI cable into the adapter, then plug the other end into an HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3 — use your remote to cycle through inputs until you see your iPhone's screen). Your iPhone's display now appears on the TV.
The advantage of a cable is that it works with every TV and does not depend on Wi-Fi. The disadvantage is that your iPhone stays tethered to the TV, so you cannot move around freely. The cable also charges your iPhone while it is connected, which is useful for longer viewing sessions.
Using an Apple TV box or streaming adapter
If your TV does not have AirPlay built in and you do not want to use a cable, you can buy a separate device that adds AirPlay to your TV. An Apple TV box (the small black rectangle) plugs into your TV's HDMI port and Wi-Fi. Once set up, it lets you use AirPlay just as if your TV had it built in. Other options include Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Google Chromecast devices, though these use different wireless systems (not AirPlay).
An Apple TV box costs more upfront than a cable or adapter, but it gives you wireless casting plus access to streaming apps like Netflix, Apple TV+, and others. If you already own one of these devices for other reasons, using it to connect your iPhone is free — you just need to make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
For most people, a cable or adapter is the cheapest option if your TV is older. A streaming device makes sense if you plan to use your TV for other things beyond just mirroring your iPhone.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect
If AirPlay is not working, the most common cause is that your iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name. Restart both devices — turn off your TV completely for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on.
If you are using a cable or adapter and nothing appears on the TV, make sure you have selected the correct HDMI input on your TV. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs. If the screen appears but looks blurry or stretched, check your iPhone's display settings — some older adapters do not support all resolutions.
If your TV is very old and does not have HDMI at all, you cannot use any of these methods. In that case, your only option is to buy a streaming device like an Apple TV or Roku that has HDMI output.
What to expect once you are connected
Once your iPhone is connected, everything on your phone's screen appears on the TV in real time. You can open apps, play videos, show photos, or browse the web. The TV shows exactly what your iPhone shows — there is no lag or delay. Sound comes through your TV's speakers by default, though you can change this in your iPhone's settings if you want audio to play through your phone instead.
Your iPhone stays usable while connected — you can receive calls, texts, and notifications, and they will appear on both screens. If you want to use your phone privately while the TV is still on, swipe up from the bottom (or down from the top-right) to open Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring. The TV will go blank, and your phone's screen will no longer be shared.
Choosing the right method for your situation
Use AirPlay if your TV supports it and you want the simplest setup with no cables. Use a cable or adapter if your TV is older, you want a may provide connection, or you do not want to rely on Wi-Fi. Use a streaming device if your TV is very old or if you plan to use your TV for other purposes like streaming apps.
The picture quality is identical across all three methods — the connection type does not affect what you see on the screen. Your choice should be based on convenience, cost, and what hardware you already own. If you are unsure whether your TV supports AirPlay, check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching for your model number and "AirPlay".
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to connect my iPhone to my TV?
Only for AirPlay. A wired cable or adapter works without Wi-Fi. If you use AirPlay, both your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, but you do not need internet access — they just need to be connected to the same router.
Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected to the TV?
Yes, if you use a cable or adapter. The HDMI cable carries both video and power, so your iPhone charges while connected. With AirPlay, your iPhone is not plugged in, so it drains battery — bring a charger if you plan a long session.
What if my TV has HDMI but no AirPlay?
Use a cable with an adapter, or buy a separate streaming device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. The streaming device adds wireless casting and other features to your older TV.
Does connecting my iPhone to the TV affect my phone's performance?
No. Your iPhone works normally while connected. Apps run at the same speed, and you can use your phone for other tasks while the TV displays your screen. The connection does not slow down your device.
Can I connect my iPhone to a TV that does not have HDMI?
Not directly. Very old TVs without HDMI cannot accept a connection from an iPhone. Your only option is to buy a streaming device with HDMI output, like an Apple TV or Roku, and connect that to your TV instead.