The three ways to connect your iPhone to your TV

You can connect your iPhone to your TV using AirPlay (wireless, Apple devices only), an HDMI adapter (wired, works with any TV), or screen mirroring through Bluetooth and HDMI together. AirPlay is the fastest if you have an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. If you don't have either, an HDMI adapter costs $15 to $30 and works immediately. Screen mirroring through a standard HDMI cable requires an adapter but gives you a direct connection with no lag.

The method you choose depends on what equipment you already own and whether you want a wireless or wired connection. All three work reliably once set up, and you can switch between them depending on what you're doing — AirPlay for streaming video, HDMI for gaming or presentations where lag matters.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is wireless and instant but only works if your TV has AirPlay built in or you own an Apple TV box.
  • An HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and into your TV's HDMI port, and works with any TV model.
  • You need a Lightning to HDMI adapter for iPhone 14 and earlier, or a USB-C to HDMI adapter for iPhone 15 and later.
  • AirPlay and HDMI adapters both let you control what appears on the TV from your iPhone, but HDMI shows everything on your screen.

Using AirPlay if you have an Apple TV or compatible smart TV

AirPlay is Apple's wireless standard and the simplest method if your setup supports it. Your TV must either have AirPlay built in (most newer Samsung, LG, and Sony models do) or you must own an Apple TV box connected to your TV. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm AirPlay is available — search for "AirPlay" in your TV's settings menu.

To connect: 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" or look for an AirPlay icon. Select your TV or Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To disconnect, open Control Center again and tap "Stop Mirroring."

AirPlay works across the room — you don't need a cable — and you can keep using your iPhone normally while content plays on the TV. The connection is stable as long as your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, restart both devices and make sure they're connected to the same network.

Connecting with an HDMI adapter (works with any TV)

An HDMI adapter is a small cable that plugs into your iPhone's charging port on one end and into your TV's HDMI port on the other. This method works with every TV model made in the last 15 years and requires no setup beyond plugging it in. You'll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter if you have an iPhone 14 or earlier, or a USB-C to HDMI adapter if you have an iPhone 15 or later.

To connect: Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port. Plug an HDMI cable into the adapter's HDMI port, then plug the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input using your remote. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV immediately. Everything your iPhone displays — apps, photos, videos, web pages — shows on the TV in real time.

The adapter costs between $15 and $30 from Apple or third-party makers like Belkin or Amazon Basics. Third-party adapters work just as well as Apple's official version. One drawback: your iPhone is tethered to the TV by the cable, so you can't move around the room. Another: your iPhone's battery drains faster because the adapter draws power. Some adapters include a power input so you can plug them into a wall outlet instead.

What to do if your TV doesn't have HDMI ports

Older TVs sometimes have only composite (red, white, yellow) cables or VGA ports instead of HDMI. You can still connect your iPhone, but you'll need an extra adapter. Buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter (or USB-C to HDMI for iPhone 15+), then buy a separate HDMI to composite converter or HDMI to VGA converter depending on what your TV has.

This two-adapter setup costs $30 to $50 total and adds a small delay to the picture, but it works. Plug the iPhone adapter into your charging port, connect the HDMI cable to it, then plug the HDMI cable into the second adapter, and connect that adapter to your TV's ports. Switch your TV to the correct input and your iPhone screen will appear.

If your TV is very old and you use it regularly, consider whether an inexpensive streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick might be a better long-term solution. These plug into HDMI and let you stream from your iPhone without needing adapters.

Troubleshooting when your iPhone won't connect

For AirPlay: Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your iPhone and TV. If your TV still doesn't appear in Control Center, check your TV's settings to confirm AirPlay is turned on. Some TVs require you to enable AirPlay in the network or apps section of the settings menu. If you're using an Apple TV box, make sure it's powered on and connected to the same network.

For HDMI adapters: Try a different HDMI cable — the cable itself sometimes fails. Make sure you're plugging into an HDMI port that actually works by testing it with another device. Check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. If the picture appears but is very small or zoomed in, go to your iPhone's Settings, then Display & Brightness, and look for a zoom or resolution setting. Some adapters require you to unlock your iPhone for the connection to work.

If nothing appears on the TV after 30 seconds, unplug the adapter, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If you're using a third-party adapter and it still doesn't work, try borrowing an Apple adapter to rule out a faulty third-party cable. Adapters occasionally fail, especially cheaper ones, so testing with a known-good cable is the fastest way to confirm the problem.

Choosing between AirPlay, HDMI, and screen mirroring

Use AirPlay if you have an Apple TV or a newer smart TV with AirPlay built in. It's wireless, fast, and you can walk around while content plays. The downside is that not all TVs support it, and you need a strong Wi-Fi connection.

Use an HDMI adapter if your TV is older, if you want the most reliable connection, or if you're doing something where lag matters (like gaming or presentations). The picture is may provide to work on any TV, and there's no wireless interference. The downside is the cable tether and the cost of the adapter.

Screen mirroring through HDMI shows everything on your iPhone screen on the TV, which is useful for presentations or showing photos to a group. AirPlay lets you choose what to share — you can play a video while keeping your notifications and messages private on your iPhone. If privacy matters, AirPlay is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to use AirPlay?

Yes, your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If your Wi-Fi is down, use an HDMI adapter instead. Some Apple TV boxes can create their own network if needed, but a standard TV with AirPlay built in requires Wi-Fi.

Can I charge my iPhone while using an HDMI adapter?

Not directly — the adapter plugs into your charging port. Some HDMI adapters have a power input so you can plug them into a wall outlet while they're connected to your TV, which powers the adapter without draining your iPhone's battery. Check the adapter's description before buying.

Will my iPhone screen show everything on the TV, or can I choose what appears?

With an HDMI adapter, everything on your iPhone screen appears on the TV. With AirPlay, you can choose — some apps let you send video to the TV while keeping your iPhone screen separate, though this depends on the app. For full control, AirPlay is more flexible.

What if I want to connect my iPhone to a TV that's not on the same Wi-Fi network?

AirPlay won't work without the same network. Use an HDMI adapter instead — it doesn't need Wi-Fi at all. If you're traveling and the TV doesn't have HDMI, an HDMI adapter is still your only option.

Is there a delay when I use an HDMI adapter?

No, HDMI is direct and instant. AirPlay over Wi-Fi can have a small delay (usually under one second) depending on your network. For gaming or live presentations, HDMI is more responsive.