The simplest way: AirPlay on an Apple TV
If you have an Apple TV box connected to your television, you can send video, audio, or your entire iPhone screen to the TV wirelessly using AirPlay. This is the most reliable method because both devices are made by Apple and work together without extra setup.
Make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then choose Stop Mirroring.
You can also use AirPlay to send just audio — music, podcasts, or video sound — without mirroring your whole screen. Open any app that plays audio, look for the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with sound waves), and tap it to choose your Apple TV or other AirPlay speakers.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay works only with Apple TV boxes; it will not work with most other TV brands or streaming devices.
- Your iPhone and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can use Screen Mirroring.
- You can mirror your entire screen, send just audio, or stream video from apps like Netflix or YouTube without mirroring.
- If your TV does not have Apple TV, you can use AirPlay with AirPlay-compatible speakers or receivers instead.
Connecting to a TV without Apple TV: casting and other options
Most televisions made by Samsung, LG, Sony, and others do not support AirPlay. Instead, they use Chromecast (Google's wireless standard) or their own proprietary systems. If your TV has Chromecast built in, you can cast from your iPhone using apps that support it — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and many others all have cast buttons inside the app.
To cast from an app, look for the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) and tap it. Select your TV from the list. The app will stream directly to your TV, and you can use your iPhone for other things while it plays. This is different from screen mirroring — you are not sending your whole screen, just the video or audio from that one app.
Some Samsung TVs have a feature called SmartThings that lets you mirror your iPhone screen, though this is less common than Chromecast. Check your TV manual or the manufacturer's website to see which wireless standard your model supports.
Using a wireless HDMI adapter or Lightning to HDMI cable
If your TV does not have built-in wireless capability, you can buy a physical adapter. A Lightning to HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects directly to an HDMI cable running to your TV. This is a wired connection, not wireless, but it is reliable and works with any app on your iPhone.
Wireless HDMI adapters exist, but they are less common and often have compatibility issues. The wired Lightning adapter is usually cheaper and more dependable. Apple sells an official version, and third-party versions are available from Amazon and electronics retailers for $15 to $30.
Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, and switch your TV to the HDMI input. Your iPhone screen will appear when ready. This method works for everything — apps, web browsing, photos, anything on your phone.
Why wireless connections sometimes fail
The most common reason wireless mirroring stops working is that your iPhone and TV (or Apple TV) are on different Wi-Fi networks. Some homes have a 5 GHz network and a 2.4 GHz network with different names — make sure both devices are on the same one. Check your Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone and your TV's network settings.
If mirroring worked before but stopped, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your Apple TV or TV box. This clears temporary connection problems that software updates or network changes can cause.
Distance and obstacles matter too. If your iPhone is far from your router or separated by thick walls, the Wi-Fi signal weakens and mirroring becomes unreliable. Moving closer to the router usually fixes this. Interference from other Wi-Fi networks or devices like microwaves can also cause problems — if you live in an apartment building with many networks, your TV's Wi-Fi may struggle to stay connected.
Mirroring just one app versus your whole screen
Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone to the TV — notifications, incoming calls, private messages, all of it. If you want to keep your phone private while watching video, use app-specific casting instead. Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and most streaming apps have a cast button built in. Tap it, choose your TV, and the app streams directly without showing your home screen or notifications.
This is also better for battery life. When you mirror your whole screen, your iPhone works harder and drains faster. Casting from an app uses less power because the TV is pulling the video directly from the internet, not from your phone.
Some apps do not support casting — if you do not see a cast icon, that app does not have the feature. In that case, screen mirroring is your only wireless option, or you can use a Lightning to HDMI cable.
What to do if your TV is very old
Televisions made before 2015 usually do not have any wireless capability built in. For these TVs, your options are limited to wired connections. A Lightning to HDMI adapter is the simplest choice — it costs $20 to $40 and works when ready.
You can also buy a separate streaming device like an Apple TV (starts at $99), a Chromecast device ($30 to $50), or a Roku ($30 to $100). These plug into your TV's HDMI port and add wireless casting to any television. If you already use one of these devices for other streaming, you can use it to connect your iPhone too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV wirelessly?
Yes, if your Samsung TV has Chromecast built in (most models from 2016 onward do). Open an app like Netflix or YouTube, tap the cast icon, and select your TV. If your TV does not have Chromecast, you will need a separate device like a Chromecast dongle or Apple TV, or use a wired Lightning to HDMI adapter.
Do I need to buy anything to use AirPlay?
You need an Apple TV box, which starts at $99. If you already have one, AirPlay is free and built into your iPhone. Some AirPlay-compatible speakers and receivers also work, but a TV by itself will not unless it is an Apple TV.
Why does my iPhone keep disconnecting from the TV?
The most common cause is that your iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name in your settings. If they are on the same network, restart both devices. If the problem continues, move your iPhone closer to the Wi-Fi router.
Can I use my iPhone while something is playing on the TV?
Yes, but it depends on the method. If you are casting from an app (like Netflix), your iPhone is free to use for other things. If you are mirroring your whole screen, your iPhone is tied to the TV — notifications and calls will appear on both screens. For privacy, use app casting instead.
What if I do not have Wi-Fi at home?
Wireless mirroring requires Wi-Fi. If you do not have it, use a wired Lightning to HDMI adapter instead. It plugs directly into your iPhone and connects to your TV with an HDMI cable — no internet needed.