How to Connect Your iPhone to a TV

The four ways to connect an iPhone to a TV

You can connect an iPhone to a TV using AirPlay (wireless, Apple devices only), an HDMI adapter (wired, works with any TV), a USB-C to HDMI cable (wired, newer iPhones), or screen mirroring through a streaming device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick. AirPlay is the fastest if you have an Apple TV. HDMI adapters work with any TV but require a cable. The method you choose depends on what TV and iPhone model you own, whether you want to mirror your entire screen or just stream video, and whether you mind a cable running to your TV.

Each method has different setup steps, speed, and picture quality. Some work only if your TV has specific hardware. Others work with almost any TV made in the last decade. The right choice depends on what you're trying to do — watch a movie, show photos, play a game, or mirror everything on your phone.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is the fastest wireless option if you have an Apple TV, but it only works with Apple devices and requires both your iPhone and Apple TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
An HDMI adapter plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with any iPhone and any TV, but you need to buy the right adapter for your iPhone model and keep a cable connected.
Newer iPhones (15 and later) can use a USB-C to HDMI cable directly, which is simpler than buying a separate adapter.
Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast can mirror your iPhone wirelessly without an Apple TV, though setup varies by device.
Picture quality is the same across all methods, but wireless options may lag slightly during fast motion or gaming.

Using AirPlay with an Apple TV

AirPlay is Apple's wireless standard and the fastest way to connect if you own an Apple TV. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right on newer models, or up from the bottom on older ones), tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your entire iPhone screen appears on the TV within seconds.

If you only want to stream video or audio — not mirror your whole screen — many apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+ have their own AirPlay buttons built in. Look for a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom of the app and tap it to send just that content to your TV without mirroring everything else on your phone.

AirPlay works only between Apple devices. If your TV is not an Apple TV, this method will not work. You will need a separate Apple TV box (starting around $99 for the base model) or one of the other methods below.

HDMI adapters for any iPhone and TV

An HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and has an HDMI cable attached or a port for one. You plug the HDMI end into your TV, and your iPhone screen appears on the TV. This works with any iPhone model and any TV with an HDMI port, which includes nearly every TV made since 2010.

The adapter you need depends on your iPhone model. iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier) need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. iPhones 15 and later have a USB-C port and need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Both types cost between $20 and $50. Apple sells official versions, and third-party brands like Anker and Belkin offer cheaper alternatives that work the same way.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect the HDMI cable to your TV, and switch your TV to the HDMI input. Your screen appears immediately — no pairing or Wi-Fi needed. The downside is the cable: you cannot move far from the TV without unplugging it, and the adapter can feel bulky if you move your phone around while watching.

USB-C to HDMI cables for iPhone 15 and later

If you own an iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max, you can skip the adapter and use a USB-C to HDMI cable directly. These cables plug straight into your iPhone's USB-C port on one end and into your TV's HDMI port on the other. They cost $15 to $30 and are simpler than buying a separate adapter.

The setup is identical to the adapter method: plug in, switch your TV to the HDMI input, and your screen appears. The cable is thinner and less bulky than an adapter, though you still cannot move far from the TV without unplugging.

This option does not work with older iPhones. If you have an iPhone 14 or earlier, you need the Lightning to HDMI adapter instead.

Streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick

If your TV does not have an Apple TV but has an HDMI port, you can use a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast to mirror your iPhone wirelessly. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and cost $25 to $50. Your iPhone and the streaming device must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

On Roku, swipe down from the top of your iPhone screen to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Roku device. On Fire Stick, use the Alexa app on your iPhone, tap the TV icon, and select your Fire Stick. On Chromecast, open an app that supports casting (like YouTube or Netflix), tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast device.

Roku and Fire Stick support full screen mirroring, meaning your entire iPhone screen appears on the TV. Chromecast is more limited — it works best for casting video from apps rather than mirroring your whole screen. If you plan to use your iPhone for gaming or showing photos, Roku or Fire Stick is the better choice.

Comparing speed and picture quality

Picture quality is identical across all four methods. Your iPhone sends the same video signal whether you use AirPlay, an HDMI cable, or a streaming device. The only difference is speed and lag.

Wired methods (HDMI adapters and USB-C cables) have zero lag — what you see on your phone appears on the TV instantly. Wireless methods (AirPlay and streaming devices) may have a delay of a fraction of a second, which is usually not noticeable for watching video or looking at photos. During fast motion or gaming, you might see the lag more clearly. If you plan to play games or do anything that requires precise timing, a wired connection is more reliable.

AirPlay is the fastest wireless option because it is designed specifically for Apple devices. Roku and Fire Stick are slightly slower but still acceptable for most uses. Chromecast works best for streaming apps rather than full screen mirroring.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your iPhone does not appear in the AirPlay menu, make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If your Apple TV is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), they may not see each other.

If an HDMI adapter is not working, try a different HDMI cable first — the cable may be faulty. Make sure your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. If you see a "Not Supported" message on your TV, the adapter may be damaged or not compatible with your iPhone model. Check that you have the right adapter for your iPhone's charging port (Lightning or USB-C).

If a streaming device like Roku is not showing up, restart the device and your iPhone, then make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older routers do not allow devices on the same network to communicate — if this is the case, you may need to change a router setting or use a wired connection instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected to a TV with an HDMI adapter?

No. HDMI adapters use your iPhone's charging port, so you cannot charge and connect at the same time. If you need to charge during a long movie or presentation, use AirPlay or a streaming device instead, which connect wirelessly and leave your charging port free.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use AirPlay or a streaming device?

Yes. Both AirPlay and streaming devices like Roku require your iPhone and the TV device to be on the same Wi-Fi network. HDMI adapters and USB-C cables do not need Wi-Fi — they work with any TV as long as you have the right cable.

What if my TV does not have HDMI ports?

Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) ports cannot use HDMI adapters or cables. You would need an HDMI-to-composite converter, which is less common and more expensive. AirPlay or a streaming device is not an option either. The simplest solution is to use a newer TV or a streaming device that connects to your existing TV through a different port.

Is there a difference between Apple's official adapters and third-party ones?

No meaningful difference for most uses. Third-party adapters from brands like Anker and Belkin work the same as Apple's official adapters and cost less. The only reason to buy Apple's version is if you want the Apple logo or prefer official support. Both types carry the same picture quality and reliability.

Can I connect an iPhone to a TV without buying anything?

Only if you already own an Apple TV or a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick. If your TV has neither, you need to buy an HDMI adapter, a USB-C cable, or a streaming device. There is no way to connect wirelessly without one of these devices.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.