You cannot connect an iPhone directly to a TV with HDMI

iPhones do not have an HDMI port. Apple stopped including video output ports on iPhones years ago, so there is no way to plug an HDMI cable directly into your phone. If you want to show your iPhone screen on a TV, you need either a wireless connection or an adapter that converts your iPhone's connector to HDMI.

The easiest route for most people is AirPlay, which sends your screen wirelessly to an Apple TV or a TV with AirPlay built in. If you do not have either, you can buy an HDMI adapter — but it only works with certain iPhone models and certain types of content.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones have no HDMI port, so you cannot plug in an HDMI cable directly.
  • AirPlay is the simplest wireless option if you have an Apple TV or a compatible smart TV.
  • HDMI adapters exist but only work with iPhone 15 and newer, and some apps block them.
  • Older iPhones can use Lightning to HDMI adapters, but Apple discontinued official support for this method.
  • Casting apps like Chromecast work with any iPhone but require a Google Chromecast device or compatible TV.

Using AirPlay to send your iPhone screen to a TV

AirPlay is Apple's wireless standard for sending video and audio from your iPhone to a TV or speaker. If your TV has AirPlay built in, you can mirror your entire screen or stream video apps without any cables or adapters. Most newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs include AirPlay, though you should check your TV's manual or settings to confirm.

To use AirPlay, 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 iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then select Stop Mirroring.

If your TV does not have AirPlay, you can buy an Apple TV (a small box that connects to your TV via HDMI) and use AirPlay through that instead. Apple TV models start around $99 for the base model. This is the most reliable method if you plan to connect regularly.

Using a USB-C to HDMI adapter with iPhone 15

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models have a USB-C port instead of the older Lightning connector. You can buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called a USB-C to HDMI converter) for $20 to $50 and plug it into your iPhone, then connect an HDMI cable to the adapter and your TV.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's USB-C port at the bottom. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your TV. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV automatically. Some adapters also have a USB-C port for charging while you use them, which is useful for longer sessions.

Not all apps work over HDMI on iPhone 15. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ block HDMI output for copyright reasons, so you will see a black screen if you try to watch them this way. Photos, videos you recorded yourself, web browsers, and most other apps work fine.

Using a Lightning to HDMI adapter with older iPhones

iPhones from iPhone 6s through iPhone 14 use a Lightning port. Apple made official Lightning to HDMI adapters for these phones, but the company discontinued them and no longer sells them directly. You can still find them from third-party sellers, though they cost $30 to $80 and are harder to find than they used to be.

These adapters work the same way as USB-C adapters: plug into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable, and your screen appears on the TV. The same copyright restrictions explore — streaming apps will not work. Apple also made a Lightning Digital AV Adapter that requires power, which some people find more reliable than the unpowered versions.

If you cannot find a Lightning to HDMI adapter or do not want to buy one, AirPlay or a casting app is a better choice for older iPhones.

Using Google Chromecast or other casting devices

If you do not have an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible TV, you can use Google Chromecast, which works with any iPhone. Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and costs $30 to $40. Once set up, you can cast video, music, and some apps from your iPhone to the TV.

read the Google Home app on your iPhone and follow the setup steps to connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network. Open any compatible app (YouTube, Spotify, Google Photos, and many others have a cast button), tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. The content will play on your TV instead of your phone.

Chromecast does not mirror your entire screen the way AirPlay does — it only works with apps that have built-in cast support. If you want to show your whole screen, you need AirPlay or an HDMI adapter instead.

What to do if nothing works

If you have tried these methods and nothing is working, check that your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network (for AirPlay and Chromecast). Restart both devices by turning them off and back on. If you are using an adapter, try a different HDMI cable — sometimes the cable is the problem, not the adapter.

If your TV is very old and does not have HDMI ports at all, you cannot use any of these methods. You would need to replace the TV or use a different device like a laptop or streaming box instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any HDMI adapter with my iPhone?

No. iPhone 15 models need USB-C to HDMI adapters. Older iPhones need Lightning to HDMI adapters, which are hard to find now. Adapters from other brands may not work reliably, so check reviews before buying.

Why do streaming apps show a black screen when I use HDMI?

Netflix, Disney+, and similar services block HDMI output on iPhones to prevent unauthorized recording. This is a copyright protection measure built into the apps, not a problem with your adapter. Use AirPlay instead if you want to watch these services on your TV.

Is AirPlay faster than HDMI?

AirPlay is wireless and has a slight delay compared to a wired HDMI connection, but most people do not notice it during normal use. If you are playing fast-action games, an HDMI adapter will feel more responsive.

Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay?

Not if your TV has AirPlay built in. Most newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs include it. Check your TV's settings or manual to see if yours does. If not, an Apple TV box is the most reliable way to add AirPlay to any TV.

Can I charge my iPhone while using an HDMI adapter?

Some USB-C to HDMI adapters have a second USB-C port for charging, but not all. Check the product description before buying if charging while connected is important to you. Lightning adapters rarely have this feature.