The fastest way: use AirPlay through a compatible Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, you can mirror your iPhone screen or send video and audio directly to it using AirPlay, Apple's wireless connection standard. Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, select your Samsung TV from the list, and enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen. Your iPhone screen now appears on the TV.
Older Samsung TVs (2017 and earlier) do not support AirPlay natively. If you have an older model, you will need either a separate device like an Apple TV or a third-party adapter, or you can use the casting method described in the next section.
AirPlay works for mirroring (showing everything on your phone), for sending video from apps like YouTube or Netflix, and for playing music through your TV's speakers. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same network and within range.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later support AirPlay directly — connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi, open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and enter the code shown on your TV.
- Older Samsung TVs require either an Apple TV, a third-party AirPlay adapter, or a casting app to receive content from an iPhone.
- SmartThings app casting works on most Samsung TVs regardless of age, though it requires downloading the SmartThings app on your iPhone and TV.
- HDMI adapters and USB-C cables provide a wired connection that works on any Samsung TV but require you to stay physically near the TV.
- Some apps like YouTube and Netflix have built-in casting buttons that work independently of screen mirroring.
Using SmartThings app casting on any Samsung TV
Samsung's SmartThings app (available free on the App Store) can send video and audio to most Samsung TVs, even older models that do not support AirPlay. read the app on your iPhone, sign in with a Samsung account (create one free if you do not have one), and make sure your TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Open the app, find your TV in the device list, and look for a cast button or media control option to send content from compatible apps.
SmartThings casting works best with Samsung's own apps and services, and with some third-party apps like YouTube and Spotify. It does not mirror your entire iPhone screen the way AirPlay does — instead, it sends specific content from apps that support it. If you want to show your iPhone screen on the TV, SmartThings is not the right tool.
The SmartThings app also lets you control your TV's volume, input, and power from your iPhone, which is useful even if you are not casting content.
Wired connection using an HDMI adapter
Any iPhone can connect to any Samsung TV using a wired HDMI adapter. For iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier), buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter; for iPhone 15 and later with USB-C, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Both are available from Apple, Amazon, and most electronics retailers for $15 to $40. Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your TV, and switch the TV to that HDMI input using the remote or the input button on the TV itself.
Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method works with any app and any Samsung TV model, and the connection is stable because it is physical. The downside is that you must stay within the length of the HDMI cable — usually 6 to 10 feet — and you cannot charge your iPhone while it is connected unless you use a powered adapter.
Wired HDMI is the most reliable option if wireless connections are unreliable in your home, or if you are connecting to an older TV that does not support any wireless standard.
Using built-in cast buttons in streaming apps
Many apps have their own cast buttons that send content directly to your TV without mirroring your entire screen. Open YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, or another streaming app on your iPhone, tap the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), and select your Samsung TV. The app will send video or audio to your TV while your iPhone screen returns to normal — you can lock your phone, use other apps, or put it in your pocket.
This method requires your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but it does not require AirPlay support or the SmartThings app. It works on nearly all Samsung TVs made in the last ten years because the apps themselves handle the connection, not the TV.
App-specific casting is often faster and more stable than screen mirroring because it sends only the video or audio stream, not your entire screen. If you are mainly watching streaming services, this is usually the simplest approach.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect
If your iPhone does not see your Samsung TV in the AirPlay or SmartThings list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network — they must be connected to the same router. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and volume button together, swiping to power off, waiting a few seconds, and pressing the power button again to turn it back on.
If the TV still does not appear, check that your Samsung TV model actually supports the connection method you are trying. Look up your TV model number (usually on a sticker on the back of the TV or in the Settings menu) and search for its specifications online to confirm AirPlay or SmartThings support. If your TV is older than 2018 and does not support AirPlay, you will need to use SmartThings, a wired adapter, or app-specific casting instead.
If you are using a wired HDMI connection and the TV shows a black screen, try switching to a different HDMI port on the TV, or try a different HDMI cable. Some cables are damaged or do not carry video signals properly.
Comparing your connection options
| Connection Method | Works on All Samsung TVs? | Requires Wi-Fi? | Mirrors Entire Screen? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | 2018 and newer only | Yes | Yes | Wireless mirroring on newer TVs |
| SmartThings app | Most models | Yes | No (app content only) | Older TVs, Samsung services |
| HDMI adapter | Yes | No | Yes | Any TV, reliable connection |
| App cast button | Most models | Yes | No (app content only) | Streaming services, battery saving |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, using a wired HDMI adapter. This is the only wireless-free method and works on any Samsung TV. You can also use Bluetooth to send audio only to some Samsung TVs, though this is less common and requires the TV to support Bluetooth audio input.
Why does my iPhone keep disconnecting from my Samsung TV?
Wireless connections drop when your phone moves too far from the router, when another device is using a lot of bandwidth, or when the TV goes to sleep. Keep your iPhone closer to the router, reduce the number of devices on your Wi-Fi, and check your TV settings to make sure it does not sleep while connected. A wired HDMI connection will not have this problem.
Do I need an Apple TV to connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV?
No. Apple TV is one option for older Samsung TVs that do not support AirPlay, but SmartThings, HDMI adapters, and app casting all work without it. Apple TV is useful if you want to use AirPlay on a very old TV or if you want additional features like HomeKit integration.
Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected to the TV with an HDMI adapter?
Not with a standard Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter. You can buy a powered adapter that includes a charging port, though these cost more and are less common. Wireless connections like AirPlay let you charge your phone normally while casting.
Will connecting my iPhone to my Samsung TV drain the battery faster?
Yes, wireless connections like AirPlay and SmartThings use more battery than normal. Wired HDMI connections also use slightly more power than usual. Using app-specific casting instead of full screen mirroring uses less battery because your phone is doing less work.