The three ways to connect your iPhone to a TV
You can connect an iPhone to a TV using an HDMI adapter, AirPlay wireless casting, or an HDMI cable with a Lightning connector. Which one works depends on your TV model, what iPhone you own, and whether you want a wired or wireless connection. Most people find wireless AirPlay the easiest if their TV supports it, but a wired connection is more reliable if you need the picture to stay stable during a presentation or video call.
The oldest and most universal method is a wired HDMI connection using a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter, which works with any TV that has an HDMI port. AirPlay, Apple's wireless standard, works only if your TV has AirPlay built in or if you own an Apple TV box. A third option—using a USB-C to HDMI adapter—works only on iPhone 15 and newer models.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay wireless casting is the simplest method if your TV supports it, requiring only that your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- A Lightning-to-HDMI adapter works with any TV that has an HDMI port and any iPhone model, but requires a physical cable.
- iPhone 15 and newer can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter instead of a Lightning adapter, with the same wired setup.
- If your TV does not have AirPlay and you do not want to buy an adapter, an Apple TV box (starting at $99) adds AirPlay to any HDMI TV.
Using AirPlay to cast wirelessly from your iPhone
AirPlay is Apple's built-in wireless casting system. To use it, your iPhone and your TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models), then tap Screen Mirroring. A list of available devices appears—select your TV if it shows up. Your iPhone screen will then appear on the TV.
Not all TVs have AirPlay built in. Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs made in 2018 or later usually support it, but older models do not. If your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, check your TV's settings menu to see if AirPlay is turned on, or check the TV's manual to confirm it supports AirPlay at all. If it does not, you will need to use a wired adapter or buy an Apple TV box.
AirPlay works best when your iPhone and TV are close to the router and the Wi-Fi signal is strong. If the picture stutters or drops, move closer to the router or restart both devices. AirPlay does not require any cables, so it is the cleanest setup if your TV supports it.
Connecting with a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (iPhone 14 and older)
A Lightning-to-HDMI adapter is a small device that plugs into your iPhone's Lightning port on one end and connects to an HDMI cable on the other. The HDMI cable then plugs into your TV. This method works with any iPhone model up to iPhone 14, and it works with any TV that has an HDMI port. The adapter costs between $15 and $50 depending on the brand.
To set it up: plug the adapter into your iPhone's Lightning port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, plug the HDMI cable into an available HDMI port on your TV, then switch your TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. If it does not, try unplugging the adapter and plugging it back in, or restart your iPhone.
One important limitation: your iPhone will charge slowly or not at all while using a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter, because the adapter uses the charging port. If you need to use your phone for more than an hour, buy an adapter that has a Lightning charging port built in—these cost more but let you charge while connected. Popular brands include Apple's official adapter, Belkin, and Anker.
Using USB-C to HDMI on iPhone 15 and newer
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use a USB-C port instead of Lightning. You can connect these phones to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which works the same way as the Lightning version: plug the adapter into your phone, connect an HDMI cable, and plug the cable into your TV. The setup is identical, and the adapters cost about the same ($15 to $50).
The main advantage of USB-C is that many USB-C adapters also support charging, so you can power your phone while it is connected to the TV. This is more common with USB-C adapters than with Lightning adapters, so if you have an iPhone 15, you have more options for charging while connected.
When to use a wired connection instead of AirPlay
A wired HDMI connection is more stable than AirPlay and does not depend on Wi-Fi. If you are giving a presentation, leading a video call, or playing a game where the picture dropping for even a second would be a problem, use a wired adapter. Wired connections also have no lag, which matters if you are playing games or using apps that respond to touch in real time.
AirPlay can work perfectly fine for watching videos, looking at photos, or casual use. But if your Wi-Fi is weak, your TV is far from the router, or you need the connection to be bulletproof, plug in a cable instead. The trade-off is that you lose the freedom to move your phone around the room, and you cannot charge your phone easily (unless you buy an adapter with a charging port).
Troubleshooting a connection that is not working
If AirPlay does not show your TV in the Screen Mirroring list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. Then check your TV's settings to make sure AirPlay is turned on—the exact menu location varies by TV brand, but it is usually under Network or Connectivity settings. Restart both devices and try again.
If a wired HDMI connection is not working, try these steps in order: unplug the adapter from your iPhone and plug it back in; restart your iPhone; try a different HDMI cable if you have one; try a different HDMI port on your TV; and restart your TV. If none of that works, the adapter itself may be faulty—try borrowing an adapter from a friend to test, or buy a replacement from a different brand.
If your iPhone screen appears on the TV but the picture is very small or distorted, check your TV's picture settings. Some TVs have an overscan or zoom setting that crops the edges of the image. Look for a setting called Overscan, Zoom, or Picture Size and adjust it until the image fills the screen properly.
Choosing between AirPlay, Lightning adapter, and USB-C adapter
| Method | Works with | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | TVs with AirPlay built in (2018+), or any TV with Apple TV box | Free (or $99 for Apple TV box) | Casual viewing, flexibility, no cables |
| Lightning-to-HDMI adapter | iPhone 14 and older, any TV with HDMI | $15–$50 | Presentations, gaming, stable connection |
| USB-C to HDMI adapter | iPhone 15 and newer, any TV with HDMI | $15–$50 | Presentations, gaming, stable connection |
If your TV has AirPlay built in and your Wi-Fi is reliable, AirPlay is the easiest choice because it requires no adapter and no cable. If your TV does not have AirPlay, a wired HDMI adapter is the cheapest and most reliable option. If you plan to use the connection often and want to charge your phone at the same time, spend a bit more on an adapter with a built-in charging port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my iPhone to a TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if you use a wired HDMI adapter. A Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C to HDMI adapter does not need Wi-Fi—it connects directly to your TV through the HDMI cable. AirPlay does require Wi-Fi, so if your Wi-Fi is down, use a wired adapter instead.
Do I need an Apple TV box to use AirPlay?
Not if your TV has AirPlay built in. Most newer TVs from major brands support AirPlay without needing an extra device. If your TV is older or does not support AirPlay, an Apple TV box ($99 and up) adds AirPlay to any TV with an HDMI port.
Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected to the TV?
With a standard Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter, charging is slow or does not happen at all. Buy an adapter with a built-in Lightning or USB-C charging port if you need to charge while connected. These cost more but solve the problem.
What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?
Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) or component (red, green, blue) ports cannot use HDMI adapters. Your only option is an Apple TV box connected to an available port, or replacing the TV. HDMI has been standard on TVs for over 15 years, so this is rare.
Why does my AirPlay connection keep dropping?
AirPlay drops when the Wi-Fi signal is weak or when your iPhone and TV are too far from the router. Move closer to the router, restart both devices, or switch to a wired HDMI adapter if the problem continues. A wired connection will not drop.