The simplest way: use AirPlay if your TV supports it

The easiest path is AirPlay, which lets you send what's on your iPhone screen to a compatible TV wirelessly. Your TV needs to be AirPlay-compatible — most newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio support it, as do Apple TV boxes. If you have an older TV without built-in AirPlay, you can add an Apple TV device (a small box that plugs into your TV's HDMI port) to make it work.

To use AirPlay, make sure your iPhone and TV are on 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" and select your TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, go back to Control Center and tap "Screen Mirroring" again, then select "Stop Mirroring".

AirPlay works for everything on your phone — apps, photos, videos, web pages — but it does drain your battery faster than normal. If you're planning a long session, plug your iPhone in.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the wireless option for iPhones and works with most newer smart TVs or with an Apple TV box plugged into any TV.
  • An HDMI cable with a Lightning adapter is the wired option and works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand.
  • Both methods require your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network (for AirPlay) or physically connected (for HDMI).
  • Some streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube let you cast directly from the app without mirroring your whole screen.

Using an HDMI cable if your TV doesn't support AirPlay

If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay built in, a wired connection is more reliable. You'll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter — Apple sells an official one, and third-party versions are cheaper and work just as well. Plug the Lightning end into your iPhone's charging port and the HDMI end into any available HDMI port on your TV.

Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using your remote (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method works with any TV made in the last 15 years, and it doesn't drain your battery the way wireless mirroring does. The downside is you're tethered to a cable, so you can't move around the room.

If you want to charge your iPhone while it's connected, you can buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter that has a separate charging port built in, though these cost more.

Casting from apps instead of mirroring your whole screen

Many streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify — have a built-in cast button that sends video or music directly to your TV without mirroring your entire phone screen. This uses less battery and lets you use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV.

Look for a rectangle with a curved line in the corner (the cast icon) inside the app. Tap it and select your TV from the list. The app will connect directly to your TV over Wi-Fi, and playback starts on the big screen. You can close the app or even lock your phone and the content keeps playing. This only works if your TV has a built-in cast receiver (most newer smart TVs do) or if you have a Chromecast device, Roku, or Fire Stick plugged in.

Casting is faster and more stable than screen mirroring for video, so if you're mainly watching shows or movies, this is the better choice.

What to do if your TV isn't showing up in the list

If you're trying to use AirPlay or cast and your TV doesn't appear, the most common reason 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 Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone and compare the network name to what your TV shows in its settings.

If they're on the same network and your TV still doesn't show up, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on. Wait a minute after both devices restart, then try again.

If you have a very old TV or one that doesn't support wireless casting, the HDMI cable method will always work as long as your TV has an HDMI port. There's no network required — it's purely physical.

Connecting to a hotel or public Wi-Fi TV

Hotels and some public spaces have TVs that support AirPlay or casting, but they're often on a different network than guest devices. Ask the front desk or venue staff which Wi-Fi network the TV uses — it may be a separate "guest" network or require a password different from the one you use on your phone.

Once you connect your iPhone to that network, the TV should appear in your AirPlay or cast list. If the TV is password-protected, you may need to enter a PIN that appears on the TV screen before your phone can connect. This is a security feature to prevent random people from casting to the TV.

If the venue's TV doesn't support wireless casting at all, bring a Lightning to HDMI adapter — it's small enough to fit in a bag and works with any TV that has an HDMI port.

Understanding the difference between mirroring and casting

Mirroring (AirPlay screen mirroring) sends everything on your iPhone screen to the TV — apps, notifications, your home screen, everything. It's useful when you want to show someone something on your phone, or when you're using an app that doesn't have its own cast button.

Casting is when an app sends content directly to the TV without mirroring your screen. Only the video or music plays on the TV; your phone screen stays independent. Casting is more efficient because it doesn't send your entire screen over Wi-Fi, just the content the app is playing.

For watching movies or shows, casting is the better choice. For presentations, photos, or anything else where you need your phone screen on the TV, use mirroring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV box to use AirPlay?

No. If your TV was made in the last five years, it almost certainly has AirPlay built in. You only need an Apple TV box if your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay support. Check your TV's settings or manual to see if AirPlay is listed as a feature.

Can I use AirPlay on a TV that's not on Wi-Fi?

No. AirPlay requires both your iPhone and TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi, use an HDMI cable instead.

Will using AirPlay drain my iPhone battery quickly?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal because your phone is constantly sending video over Wi-Fi. If you're mirroring for more than an hour, plug your iPhone into power. Casting from apps uses less battery because only the app content is being sent, not your entire screen.

What if my iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi but still won't connect?

Restart both devices — unplug your TV for 30 seconds and power off your iPhone completely, then turn both back on. Wait a minute before trying again. If that doesn't work, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect to it. Go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, find your network, tap the info icon, and select "Forget This Network," then reconnect.

Is the official Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter better than third-party ones?

The official Apple adapter is reliable but costs more. Third-party adapters work just as well for basic HDMI connection. The main difference is that some third-party adapters include a charging port, which the official one doesn't. Buy whichever fits your budget and needs.