The simplest way to connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV

You can connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV in three ways: AirPlay (wireless, works with most Samsung TVs made after 2018), HDMI adapter (wired, works with any Samsung TV), or Samsung SmartThings app (wireless, specific to Samsung's ecosystem). AirPlay is the fastest if your TV supports it — you mirror your entire screen or stream video and audio in seconds. If your TV is older or you need a permanent connection, an HDMI adapter is reliable and costs $15 to $30. The SmartThings method works well if you already use Samsung's system but requires setup beforehand.

Before you start, know what you want to do: mirror your whole iPhone screen (useful for presentations or showing photos), stream a single app like Netflix or YouTube, or play audio through the TV's speakers. The method you choose depends on this and on your TV's age and features.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the fastest wireless option and works on most Samsung TVs from 2018 onward — both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • An HDMI adapter plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with any Samsung TV and requires no setup, but limits you to a wired connection.
  • Samsung SmartThings app mirroring works only if your TV is a Samsung Smart TV and you have the app installed on your iPhone.
  • Screen mirroring sends your entire iPhone display to the TV; app streaming sends only one app, which uses less bandwidth and battery.
  • If AirPlay fails, restart both devices, check that Wi-Fi is on, and confirm your TV model supports AirPlay in its settings menu.

Connecting with AirPlay (wireless, no adapter needed)

AirPlay works on Samsung TVs manufactured in 2018 or later that have the feature enabled. To check if your TV supports it, look in the TV's settings menu under General or Network, then search for "AirPlay" or "Apple AirPlay". If you find it, turn it on. If you don't find it, your TV either doesn't support AirPlay or it's an older model — move to the HDMI adapter method instead.

Once AirPlay is on in your TV settings, make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models). Tap Screen Mirroring. A list of nearby devices appears. Tap your Samsung TV's name. Your iPhone screen now appears on the TV. To stop, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring.

If you want to stream only one app instead of your whole screen, open that app (Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+, etc.) and look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Tap it and select your TV. This uses less battery and bandwidth than full-screen mirroring.

Connecting with an HDMI adapter (wired, works with any TV)

An HDMI adapter is the most reliable method because it works with every Samsung TV, regardless of age or features. You need a Lightning to HDMI adapter (if your iPhone has a Lightning port) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (if you have an iPhone 15 or later). These cost $15 to $40 and are sold at electronics stores or online.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port. Plug an HDMI cable into the adapter's HDMI port, then plug the other end into any HDMI port on the back or side of your Samsung TV. Turn on the TV and switch to the correct HDMI input using the remote — press the Input or Source button and select the HDMI port you used. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV when ready. No pairing, no Wi-Fi, no setup required.

The downside is that your iPhone stays tethered to the TV by cable, so you can't move around the room. Also, your iPhone's battery drains faster because it's powering the video output. If you plan to use this connection often, consider plugging your iPhone into power while connected.

Connecting with Samsung SmartThings app (wireless, Samsung TVs only)

If you own a Samsung Smart TV and want a wireless connection without using AirPlay, the SmartThings app offers another option. read the SmartThings app from the App Store on your iPhone. Open it and sign in with your Samsung account (create one if you don't have it). The app scans for nearby Samsung devices and displays your TV.

Tap your TV in the app. Look for a Mirror or Screen Mirroring option in the app's menu. Tap it and confirm on your TV's screen when prompted. Your iPhone screen mirrors to the TV. To disconnect, open the SmartThings app again and tap the disconnect or stop mirroring button.

This method works well if you already use SmartThings to control other Samsung devices, but it requires an extra app and a Samsung account. Most people find AirPlay simpler if their TV supports it.

What to do if the connection fails

If AirPlay doesn't find your TV, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and confirm you're connected. Then check your TV's Wi-Fi connection in its settings menu. If both are on different networks, connect your iPhone to the TV's network.

Next, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your TV — use the remote to power it off, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on. Then try AirPlay again. Restarting clears temporary connection problems that prevent pairing.

If your TV still doesn't appear in the AirPlay list, go back to your TV's settings and confirm AirPlay is turned on. Some Samsung TVs hide this setting under General > Apple AirPlay Settings. If you've checked everything and AirPlay still doesn't work, your TV may not support it — use the HDMI adapter method instead.

Choosing between screen mirroring and app streaming

Screen mirroring sends your entire iPhone display to the TV, including the home screen, notifications, and everything you do. This is useful for presentations, showing photos, or demonstrating how to do something on your phone. The downside is that your iPhone's battery drains faster and your Wi-Fi bandwidth is used more heavily.

App streaming sends only one app to the TV — for example, Netflix or YouTube — while your iPhone remains free to do other things. You can check email, text, or browse while the app plays on the TV. App streaming uses less power and bandwidth. Most streaming apps have an AirPlay button built in, so look for the triangle-and-circle icon inside the app itself.

For everyday use like watching shows or movies, app streaming is better. For one-time tasks like showing a presentation or sharing vacation photos, screen mirroring is simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV?

Only for AirPlay and SmartThings. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. An HDMI adapter requires no Wi-Fi at all — it's a direct wired connection.

Can I connect an older Samsung TV to my iPhone?

Yes, but only with an HDMI adapter. Older Samsung TVs (before 2018) don't support AirPlay. An HDMI adapter works with any TV that has an HDMI port, which includes nearly all TVs made in the last 15 years.

Will connecting my iPhone to the TV drain the battery?

Yes, especially with AirPlay or SmartThings, because your iPhone is sending video and audio wirelessly. An HDMI adapter also drains the battery faster than normal use. If you plan a long session, plug your iPhone into power.

Can I use AirPlay while someone else is using the TV?

No. When you start AirPlay, your screen takes over the TV completely. The previous user's content stops. If multiple people need to use the TV, take turns or use the HDMI adapter so the TV can switch between HDMI inputs without disconnecting.

What if my Samsung TV is very new but still doesn't show AirPlay?

Check your TV's software version. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and install any pending updates. Samsung added AirPlay support in stages, so older 2018 models may not have it even though newer ones do. If updating doesn't help, use the HDMI adapter instead.