How to Connect Your iPhone to a TV

The three ways to connect an iPhone to a TV

You can connect an iPhone to a TV in three ways: with a cable plugged into an adapter, by mirroring wirelessly through AirPlay, or by plugging directly into an HDMI adapter. Which one works depends on what TV you have, what iPhone model you own, and whether you want to mirror your whole screen or just play video from one app.

The wireless method (AirPlay) is fastest if your TV supports it — no cables, no adapters, just a few taps. The cable methods are more reliable if your TV is older or if you need a stable connection for something like a presentation. All three actually work; the choice is about what hardware you already have and what you're trying to show.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay wireless mirroring works on any TV with an Apple TV box, or on newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs that have AirPlay built in — check your TV's settings to confirm.
An HDMI adapter plugged directly into your iPhone's charging port is the cheapest cable option and works on any TV with an HDMI input, but requires the right adapter for your iPhone model.
Lightning to HDMI adapters work on iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and older), while USB-C to HDMI adapters work on iPhone 15 and newer.
Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work, and the TV must be awake and unlocked for the connection to start.
If nothing appears on the TV after you connect, restart both devices and check that HDMI is selected as the input on the TV remote.

Using AirPlay to mirror your iPhone wirelessly

AirPlay is the easiest method if your TV supports it. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your TV from the list. Your entire iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and tap Stop Mirroring.

This method only works if your TV has AirPlay built in or if you have an Apple TV box connected to it. Newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs usually have AirPlay, but older models do not. If you don't see your TV in the Screen Mirroring list, your TV either doesn't support AirPlay or is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Check your TV's settings menu or the manual to confirm AirPlay is turned on.

AirPlay works best when your iPhone and TV are close to each other and connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal. If the connection drops or lags, move your iPhone closer to the router or TV, or restart both devices and try again.

Connecting with a Lightning to HDMI adapter (iPhone 14 and older)

If your iPhone has a Lightning port at the bottom (any model through iPhone 14), you can plug a Lightning to HDMI adapter directly into that port, then plug an HDMI cable into the adapter and into your TV. The picture should appear on your TV within a few seconds. No setup, no pairing, no Wi-Fi needed.

You'll need to buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter — Apple makes an official one, and third-party versions from brands like Anker work just as well and cost less. Plug the Lightning end into your iPhone's charging port, plug the HDMI cable into the adapter, plug the other end of the HDMI cable into an HDMI port on your TV, then change your TV's input to that HDMI port using the remote. Your iPhone screen will mirror to the TV.

This method works on any TV with an HDMI input, even very old ones. The downside is that your iPhone is tethered to the TV by a cable, and you can't charge your phone at the same time unless you use a powered adapter (which costs more). If the picture doesn't appear, make sure you've selected the correct HDMI input on your TV — most TVs have multiple HDMI ports, and you need to tell the TV which one to display.

Connecting with a USB-C to HDMI adapter (iPhone 15 and newer)

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use USB-C instead of Lightning. The process is identical to the Lightning method: buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter, plug it into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable, and plug the cable into your TV. Change your TV's input to that HDMI port, and your screen will appear.

USB-C adapters are widely available and inexpensive. Like the Lightning version, this method works on any TV with HDMI and doesn't require Wi-Fi or any setup. You also can't charge your iPhone while it's connected unless you buy a powered adapter that supports both video and power at the same time.

What to do if your TV doesn't have HDMI or AirPlay

Older TVs sometimes have only composite inputs (red, white, and yellow cables) or VGA ports instead of HDMI. You can still connect an iPhone, but you'll need an adapter that converts HDMI to that older format. Search for "HDMI to composite adapter" or "HDMI to VGA adapter" depending on what your TV has, plug your iPhone into a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter first, then plug that into the format converter, then into your TV.

This adds an extra step and another piece of hardware, but it works. The picture quality may be lower than HDMI because older TV formats don't support high resolution, but you'll still see what's on your iPhone. If your TV is so old that it doesn't have any of these ports, the only option is to replace the TV or use a separate streaming device like an Apple TV or Roku that connects to your TV's available inputs.

Troubleshooting when the connection doesn't work

If you've plugged everything in and nothing appears on the TV, start by checking the TV's input. Use the TV remote to cycle through the HDMI inputs until you see your iPhone screen, or look for an "Input" or "Source" button on the remote. Many people plug in the cable correctly but forget to switch the TV to that HDMI port.

If you're using AirPlay and your TV doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring list, restart your iPhone and your TV, then check that both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to your iPhone's Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. On your TV, go to Settings and look for a Wi-Fi or Network section to confirm it's on the same network. If your TV's AirPlay setting is turned off, turn it on in the TV's settings menu.

If you're using a cable adapter and the picture is fuzzy or keeps cutting out, try a different HDMI cable — some cables are damaged or don't support the full resolution. Also check that the adapter itself is fully seated in your iPhone's port and that the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the adapter and the TV. Loose connections cause flickering or no picture.

Choosing between wireless and wired for your situation

Use AirPlay if you want freedom to move around the room, if you're showing photos or videos from your iPhone, or if your TV supports it. Use a cable if you need a rock-solid connection that won't drop, if you're doing a presentation and can't risk disconnecting, or if your TV doesn't have AirPlay. Cable is also the only option if your Wi-Fi is weak or unreliable.

For everyday use like watching video or browsing, AirPlay is simpler. For work presentations or anything where a dropped connection would be a problem, use the cable. Many people keep an adapter in a drawer and use whichever method makes sense that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my iPhone while it's connected to the TV with a cable?

Not with a standard adapter — the Lightning or USB-C port is occupied by the HDMI adapter. You can buy a powered adapter that supports both video and charging at the same time, but these cost more. With AirPlay, your iPhone charges normally since there's no cable.

Does AirPlay work if my iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If you're at someone else's house, connect your iPhone to their Wi-Fi first, then check that their TV is also on that same network before trying to mirror.

What if my TV has AirPlay but it's not showing up in my iPhone's Screen Mirroring list?

Restart both your iPhone and TV, then check that AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings. Some TVs have AirPlay disabled by default. Also confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network by checking your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings.

Is there a difference between mirroring and casting?

AirPlay mirroring shows your entire iPhone screen on the TV. Some apps and streaming services also support casting, which sends just that app's video to the TV without mirroring your whole screen. Casting uses less battery and lets you use your iPhone for other things while the video plays, but not all apps support it.

Do I need an Apple TV box to use AirPlay?

Not anymore. Newer TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio have AirPlay built in. If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, an Apple TV box plugged into any HDMI port will add AirPlay to that TV, but it's an extra purchase.

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.