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 Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV apps (wireless, any TV with those platforms). AirPlay is the fastest if your TV supports it. An HDMI adapter works with older TVs that don't have smart features. The choice depends on what TV you own, whether you want to plug in a cable, and what you're trying to display.
All four methods let you show photos, videos, apps, or your entire iPhone screen on the TV. Some are faster to set up than others, and some require buying an adapter. None require a subscription or special account.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay is the simplest method if your TV is an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay built in, and it works wirelessly without adapters.
- An HDMI adapter plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with any TV model, including older ones without smart features, but requires a cable.
- Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV devices can mirror an iPhone screen wirelessly if you download their free apps on your iPhone first.
- USB-C to HDMI cables work on iPhone 15 and newer models and plug directly into the TV without needing a separate adapter.
Using AirPlay on Apple TV or compatible smart TVs
If you own an Apple TV (any model) or a smart TV with AirPlay built in, AirPlay is the fastest way to connect. Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top right corner, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV within seconds.
To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen on older iPhones to access Control Center. AirPlay works with iPhone 5s and newer.
Not all smart TVs have AirPlay built in. Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs made in the last few years often include it, but budget models may not. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to confirm. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, use one of the other three methods instead.
Connecting with an HDMI adapter
An HDMI adapter is a small device that plugs into your iPhone's charging port and has an HDMI cable attached or a port for one. Plug the HDMI end into your TV's HDMI port, then plug the adapter into your iPhone. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV immediately. No Wi-Fi is required.
For iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 6 through iPhone 14), buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Apple makes an official one called the Lightning Digital AV Adapter, and third-party versions from Anker or Belkin cost less. For iPhone 15 and newer with USB-C, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter instead, though a direct USB-C to HDMI cable is simpler.
HDMI adapters work with any TV that has an HDMI port, including very old models. They are reliable and inexpensive, usually between $15 and $40. The downside is that your iPhone stays plugged in while you use it, and the cable can feel awkward if your TV is mounted high on a wall.
Using USB-C to HDMI cables on iPhone 15 and newer
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max have a USB-C port instead of Lightning. You can plug a USB-C to HDMI cable directly into your iPhone and the TV without needing a separate adapter. The cable itself does the conversion. Plug the HDMI end into your TV, plug the USB-C end into your iPhone, and your screen appears on the TV.
USB-C to HDMI cables cost between $10 and $25 and are sold by Apple, Anker, Belkin, and others. They are simpler than adapters because there is nothing extra to carry or connect. Like HDMI adapters, they work with any TV and require no Wi-Fi.
Mirroring through Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV
If your TV has a Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV platform built in, you can mirror your iPhone wirelessly without Apple TV or AirPlay. Download the free Roku app, Amazon Fire TV app, or Google Home app on your iPhone from the App Store. Open the app, find your TV in the list of devices, and look for a screen mirroring or cast option. Tap it and your iPhone screen appears on the TV.
The exact steps vary by platform. On Roku, open the app, select your TV, tap the menu icon, and choose Screen Mirroring. On Fire TV, open the app, select your device, and tap the mirror icon. On Google TV, open Google Home, select your TV, and tap the cast icon. All three require your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
This method works on any iPhone and any TV with those platforms. It is slower than AirPlay or HDMI — there may be a 2 to 3 second delay between what you do on your iPhone and what appears on the TV. It is useful if you want to avoid buying an adapter and your TV already has one of these platforms.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If your iPhone won't appear in the AirPlay list, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If you are using an HDMI adapter or cable and see no picture, try a different HDMI port on your TV or restart your iPhone. Some TVs require you to manually select the HDMI input using the remote.
If the picture is dim or colors look wrong, the adapter or cable may be damaged. Try a different one if you have it. If you are mirroring through Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV and the connection keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to the TV or router. Wireless mirroring is more sensitive to distance and interference than wired connections.
If you are using an older iPhone with a Lightning port and the adapter gets hot, unplug it and let it cool. This is normal but means you should not leave it plugged in for hours at a time. If the problem persists, the adapter may be faulty and should be replaced.
Comparing the four methods
| Method | Wireless or Wired | Works With | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | Wireless | Apple TV, some smart TVs | Free | Instant |
| HDMI Adapter | Wired | Any TV with HDMI | $15–$40 | Instant |
| USB-C to HDMI Cable | Wired | iPhone 15+, any TV with HDMI | $10–$25 | Instant |
| Roku/Fire TV/Google TV App | Wireless | TVs with those platforms | Free | 2–3 second delay |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy anything to connect my iPhone to my TV?
Not if you have an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay or Roku/Fire TV/Google TV built in — those use wireless mirroring and cost nothing. If your TV does not have those features, you will need to buy an HDMI adapter (Lightning or USB-C) or a USB-C to HDMI cable, which cost between $10 and $40.
Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected to the TV with an HDMI adapter?
Some HDMI adapters have a charging port built in, but most do not. If you need to charge while connected, buy an adapter that includes a Lightning or USB-C charging port, or use a wireless charger while the adapter is plugged in. Check the product description before buying.
Will the picture quality be different depending on which method I use?
No. AirPlay, HDMI adapters, USB-C cables, and app-based mirroring all send the same video signal to your TV. The quality depends on your TV's resolution and your iPhone's screen, not the connection method. Wireless methods may have a slight delay, but the picture quality is identical.
What if my TV is very old and does not have HDMI or smart features?
Older TVs with composite (red, white, yellow) or component (red, green, blue) ports cannot connect directly to an iPhone. You would need to buy a separate device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV stick and connect that to your TV instead. These devices plug into HDMI or older ports and let you mirror from your iPhone.
Can I connect my iPhone to a TV at a hotel or someone else's house?
Yes, but it depends on the method. Wired methods (HDMI adapter or USB-C cable) work anywhere if you have the adapter with you. Wireless methods require you to connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. At a hotel, you can usually do this if you have the Wi-Fi password. Some hotels have guest networks that work with mirroring, and some do not.