How to Connect Your iPhone to Your TV

The three 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), or screen mirroring through your TV's built-in casting feature if it supports AirPlay 2. AirPlay is the fastest if your TV has it. An HDMI adapter works on any TV but requires a cable. The method you choose depends on your TV model and whether you want a wireless or wired connection.

All three methods let you display your iPhone screen on the TV, play videos, show photos, or use apps on the bigger display. The connection quality and speed differ slightly between methods, but all three are reliable once set up.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay is the simplest method if your TV supports it — just swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone and tap AirPlay to connect wirelessly.
An HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and into any TV's HDMI port, and works with all TV models regardless of age or brand.
Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work, and both devices should be within reasonable range of each other.
Screen mirroring through your TV's native casting app (like Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQ) works only if your TV explicitly supports AirPlay 2.

Using AirPlay on a compatible TV

AirPlay works on most newer Apple TVs and many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands that have built-in AirPlay 2 support. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to confirm it has AirPlay — if it does, the feature usually appears in the TV's input or settings menu.

To connect, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. 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 AirPlay and HomeKit, select your TV from the list, and enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen if prompted. Your iPhone screen will now mirror to the TV.

If your TV does not appear in the list, restart both devices and check that they are truly on the same network. Some TVs require you to enable AirPlay in their settings first — look for it under Display, AirPlay, or Connectivity options.

Connecting with an HDMI adapter

An HDMI adapter is a small cable that plugs into your iPhone's Lightning port (on iPhone 14 and earlier) or USB-C port (on iPhone 15 and later) on one end and into a standard HDMI cable on the other. The most common adapters are the Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter for older iPhones and the Apple USB-C to HDMI Multiport Adapter for newer models. Third-party adapters also work but may have reliability issues.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to any available HDMI port on your TV, and switch the TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV immediately — no pairing or Wi-Fi needed. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand.

The downside is that you are tethered to a cable, which limits where you can hold or place your iPhone. The upside is that it works reliably on any TV and does not depend on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

Using your TV's built-in casting app

Some smart TVs have their own casting apps — Samsung has SmartThings, LG has ThinQ, and others have similar tools — that can receive AirPlay 2 signals directly from your iPhone without needing a separate Apple TV. These apps must be installed and enabled on your TV first.

Open the app on your TV, look for an option to enable AirPlay or screen mirroring, and make sure your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network. Then use Control Center on your iPhone to select Screen Mirroring and choose your TV by name. The process is the same as using AirPlay on an Apple TV, but the TV itself is doing the receiving instead of a separate device.

Not all smart TVs support this — check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm. If your TV does not have native AirPlay support, you will need to use an HDMI adapter or buy a separate Apple TV.

What to do if your TV does not support AirPlay

If your TV is older or does not have AirPlay 2, your options are an HDMI adapter or a separate Apple TV device. An Apple TV 4K connects to your TV via HDMI and adds AirPlay support to any TV with an HDMI port. It costs more than an adapter but gives you access to streaming apps and other features beyond just mirroring your iPhone.

An HDMI adapter is the cheapest and most straightforward solution if you only need to mirror your iPhone occasionally. It requires a cable but works immediately with no setup. If you want wireless mirroring and your TV does not support it natively, an Apple TV is the only option.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your iPhone does not appear in the AirPlay list, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV has AirPlay enabled in its settings. Restart both your iPhone and TV, then try again. If your TV is far from your Wi-Fi router, move it closer or check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough.

If the HDMI adapter is not working, try a different HDMI cable first — the cable may be faulty. Make sure you are using the correct adapter for your iPhone model (Lightning for older phones, USB-C for iPhone 15 and later). If the TV still does not recognize the connection, restart your iPhone and try a different HDMI port on the TV.

If the connection drops frequently, move your iPhone and TV closer together and away from other wireless devices. Interference from microwaves, routers, or cordless phones can weaken the AirPlay signal. Wired HDMI connections are more stable if you are having persistent wireless issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect an iPhone to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, with an HDMI adapter. The adapter creates a direct wired connection and does not need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. AirPlay requires Wi-Fi, so if your Wi-Fi is down, use an HDMI adapter instead.

Does AirPlay work on all smart TVs?

No. AirPlay 2 is built into newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands, but not all models have it. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm. If your TV does not have AirPlay, use an HDMI adapter or buy an Apple TV.

What is the difference between screen mirroring and AirPlay?

AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology. Screen mirroring is the general term for sending your iPhone display to another device. On Apple devices, screen mirroring uses AirPlay. On other devices, it may use different technology like Miracast or Google Cast.

Can I use my iPhone as a remote after connecting to the TV?

Yes. When connected via AirPlay or an HDMI adapter, your iPhone can control playback of videos and music on the TV. Some apps also let you use your iPhone as a remote for games or other content.

Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPlay?

No. If your TV has built-in AirPlay 2 support, you can connect directly without an Apple TV. If your TV does not have AirPlay, then an Apple TV is one option, but an HDMI adapter works on any TV.

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.