How to Connect Your iPhone to Your TV

The simplest way to connect your iPhone to your TV

The easiest method is AirPlay, which works wirelessly if your TV supports it or if you have an Apple TV device. AirPlay lets you mirror your iPhone screen or send video and audio to your TV without any cables. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay and you don't have an Apple TV, you can use an HDMI adapter cable that plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects directly to your TV's HDMI input.

Which method works for you depends on what TV you own and what you want to do — mirror everything on your phone, or just play video from specific apps. Most people find AirPlay faster to set up if their TV supports it, but the HDMI cable method works with any TV and requires no setup at all.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is wireless and works on most newer TVs and all Apple TV devices, letting you mirror your screen or play content without cables.
An HDMI adapter cable plugs into your iPhone's charging port and works with any TV that has an HDMI input, with no setup required.
To use AirPlay, your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you swipe down from the top-right corner to find the Control Center.
HDMI adapters cost between $15 and $40 and are the most reliable option if your TV is older or doesn't have built-in AirPlay support.

Using AirPlay on a compatible TV

If your TV was made in the last five years and is a major brand — Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, or similar — it likely has AirPlay built in. To check, look in your TV's settings menu for "AirPlay" or "Apple TV" options. If you find it, your TV supports AirPlay natively.

To connect, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom if you have an older iPhone). Tap "Screen Mirroring" and look for your TV's name in the list. Tap it, and your iPhone screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds. If your TV asks for a code, it will show a four-digit number on the screen — enter that on your iPhone and you're connected.

Once connected, everything on your iPhone displays on your TV. You can open apps, browse photos, or play videos. The connection stays active until you tap "Screen Mirroring" again and select "Stop Mirroring."

Using AirPlay with an Apple TV device

If your TV doesn't have built-in AirPlay, an Apple TV device adds that capability. Apple TV is a small box that connects to your TV's HDMI port and your Wi-Fi network. Current models are the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD, both of which support AirPlay from your iPhone.

Set up the Apple TV by plugging it in, connecting it to your TV's HDMI port, and following the on-screen setup steps. Once it's on your Wi-Fi network, the process is identical to using AirPlay on a compatible TV: open Control Center on your iPhone, tap "Screen Mirroring," find your Apple TV's name, and tap it. Your screen will mirror to the TV within seconds.

Apple TV also lets you use AirPlay to send audio to speakers connected to the device, and it can play content from apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, and others directly without mirroring your phone. If you plan to use your TV frequently with your iPhone, an Apple TV device is worth the investment.

Connecting with an HDMI adapter cable

An HDMI adapter is a cable that plugs into your iPhone's charging port (the Lightning port on most iPhones) on one end and has an HDMI connector on the other. When you plug it in, your iPhone's screen appears on any TV with an HDMI input. No Wi-Fi, no setup, no pairing — it works when ready.

To use it, plug the Lightning end into your iPhone and the HDMI end into an available HDMI port on your TV. Your iPhone screen will display on the TV right away. If it doesn't, check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input using the TV remote. Most TVs have an "Input" or "Source" button that cycles through HDMI ports.

The main limitation is that you're tethered to the TV by a cable, so you can't move far from it. But HDMI adapters are inexpensive (usually $15 to $40), work with any TV made in the last 15 years, and don't require any Wi-Fi or setup. They're the most reliable option if you have an older TV or if you want a connection that never drops.

What to do if your TV doesn't appear in AirPlay

If you're trying to use AirPlay but your TV doesn't show up in the Screen Mirroring list, 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 — look at your TV's network settings and your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm they match.

If they're on the same network and your TV still doesn't appear, restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your iPhone by holding the side button and either volume button, swiping to power off, waiting a few seconds, and turning it back on. Once both are restarted and reconnected to Wi-Fi, try Screen Mirroring again.

If your TV is older or doesn't support AirPlay even after restarting, use an HDMI adapter cable instead. It will work with any TV and doesn't depend on Wi-Fi or compatibility.

Choosing between AirPlay and HDMI for your situation

Use AirPlay if your TV supports it and you want the freedom to move around without a cable. AirPlay works wirelessly from anywhere in your home as long as you're on the same Wi-Fi network, and you can easily switch between mirroring and sending content from specific apps. The downside is that AirPlay depends on your Wi-Fi being stable — if your connection drops, the video will stutter or disconnect.

Use an HDMI adapter if you have an older TV, if your Wi-Fi is unreliable, or if you want the simplest possible setup. HDMI cables never drop the connection, work with any TV, and cost less than an Apple TV device. The trade-off is that you're physically connected to the TV, so you can't move far away.

If you watch content on your TV regularly and your TV supports AirPlay, AirPlay is usually the better choice because it's wireless and faster to set up each time. If you only connect occasionally or have an older TV, an HDMI adapter is the practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific iPhone model to use AirPlay?

No. AirPlay works on any iPhone that runs iOS 12 or later, which includes all iPhones from the iPhone 5s onward. Check your iPhone's iOS version in Settings > General > About. If it's iOS 12 or higher, your iPhone supports AirPlay.

Can I use AirPlay if I don't have Wi-Fi?

No, AirPlay requires both your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you don't have Wi-Fi or your connection is down, use an HDMI adapter cable instead, which doesn't require any network.

Will AirPlay work if my TV is an older model?

Only if it was made in the last five to seven years and is a major brand. If you're unsure, check your TV's settings menu for AirPlay or Apple TV options. If you don't find it, use an HDMI adapter cable, which works with any TV regardless of age.

What's the difference between mirroring and AirPlay?

Mirroring sends everything on your iPhone screen to your TV — apps, photos, web pages, everything. AirPlay is the technology that makes mirroring possible, but some apps also use AirPlay to send just video or audio without mirroring your whole screen. For example, you can play a Netflix video on your TV using AirPlay without mirroring your phone.

Can I charge my iPhone while using an HDMI adapter?

No, because the HDMI adapter plugs into your charging port. If you need to charge while connected, use AirPlay instead, or buy a Lightning splitter that lets you plug in both the HDMI adapter and a charging cable at the same time (these cost $20 to $30).

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.