The simplest way: AirPlay on a TV that supports it

If your TV is made in the last five years and has AirPlay built in — or if you own an Apple TV box — you can mirror your iPhone screen wirelessly. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV or Apple TV from the list. Your phone's display appears on the TV within seconds.

This works for everything on your phone: apps, photos, videos, web pages. The connection stays live until you tap Screen Mirroring again and choose Stop Mirroring. You don't need any cables, and your phone keeps working normally while you're mirrored.

Not all TVs have AirPlay. Samsung, LG, Sony, and Roku models made before 2019 typically don't. Check your TV's settings menu under Network or Connectivity to see if AirPlay appears as an option.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the wireless method Apple built in — it works on newer TVs and all Apple TV boxes without any extra hardware.
  • If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, an Apple TV box (starting at $99) adds it, or you can use an HDMI adapter and a cable for a wired connection.
  • Wired connections through USB-C or Lightning adapters are more reliable for video apps and gaming, but require you to stay near the TV.
  • Casting apps like Netflix and YouTube have their own built-in TV buttons that don't require mirroring your whole screen.

Using an HDMI adapter if your TV doesn't have AirPlay

If your TV is older or doesn't support AirPlay, you can plug your iPhone directly into the TV with an adapter. You'll need either a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and newer) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones). Both cost $15 to $30 and are sold at electronics stores and online.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV's HDMI port, and switch the TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV when ready. This method is more stable than wireless for video playback and gaming, but you're tethered to the cable.

The adapter charges your phone at the same time, so you won't drain the battery while you're using it. Some adapters support audio and video separately, but most modern ones handle both.

Casting individual apps instead of mirroring your whole screen

Many streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify — have a Cast button built in. This sends just that app to your TV without mirroring your entire phone. Look for a rectangle with a curved line in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the app.

Tap it, select your TV or Apple TV, and the app opens on the big screen while your phone becomes a remote control. You can switch apps on your phone, check messages, or even lock the screen without interrupting what's playing on the TV. This uses less battery and is faster than full-screen mirroring.

Not every app has a Cast button. Older apps or smaller services may not support it. If you don't see the button, full-screen mirroring is your fallback.

What an Apple TV box does and whether you need one

An Apple TV is a small box (about the size of a deck of cards) that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and your power outlet. It adds AirPlay to any TV, even very old ones. It also lets you read apps directly to the box — Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and hundreds of others — so you're not limited to what you can cast from your phone.

The current model costs $99 for the base version. If you already have a newer TV with built-in AirPlay, you don't need one. But if you have an older TV, use your phone as a remote often, or want to watch Apple TV+ shows without casting from your phone every time, it's a straightforward addition.

Apple TV also supports Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so make sure your network is strong enough for video streaming. A weak connection will cause buffering on the TV even if your phone's signal is fine.

Troubleshooting when your iPhone won't connect

If Screen Mirroring doesn't show your TV, first check that your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. They must be connected to the same router. Restart both devices — turn the TV off and back on, and restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off.

If you're using an HDMI adapter, try a different HDMI cable or a different HDMI port on the TV. Some ports are older and don't support the signal properly. Make sure the adapter itself isn't loose in the charging port.

For Apple TV boxes, check that the box has the latest software. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on the Apple TV itself. If your TV still won't appear in Screen Mirroring after all this, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Audio and video quality differences between methods

AirPlay and HDMI adapters both send full HD video (1080p) from your iPhone to your TV. The difference is in reliability and latency — the delay between what you do on your phone and what appears on screen. Wired HDMI has almost no delay, making it better for gaming. Wireless AirPlay has a slight delay (usually under a second) that you won't notice for video or photos but might notice in fast-paced games.

Audio comes through your TV's speakers in both cases. If your TV's speakers are poor, you can connect external speakers or a soundbar to the TV itself — the iPhone doesn't control that part.

Casting individual apps (Netflix, YouTube) uses the same video quality as mirroring, but the app handles the streaming directly, so it's often smoother because your phone isn't doing the heavy lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only for AirPlay and casting apps. Both your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. HDMI adapters don't need Wi-Fi at all — they're purely wired connections.

Can I use my iPhone as a remote while it's mirrored to the TV?

Yes, but only partially. Your phone screen is showing on the TV, so anything you do on your phone appears there. If you want to use your phone for other things while something plays on the TV, use the Cast button in the app instead of full-screen mirroring.

What's the difference between AirPlay and casting?

AirPlay mirrors your entire iPhone screen to the TV. Casting sends just one app. Casting is more efficient and lets you use your phone for other things, but not all apps support it.

Will connecting my iPhone to the TV drain the battery?

Wireless AirPlay drains the battery faster than normal because your phone is streaming constantly. HDMI adapters usually charge your phone while you use them, so the battery stays stable. Casting apps drain the battery less than full mirroring.

Can I connect an older iPhone to a newer TV?

Yes. Older iPhones support AirPlay on newer TVs. You may need a Lightning to HDMI adapter instead of USB-C, but the process is the same. Check your iPhone model to see which charging port it has.