The three ways to connect an iPhone to Samsung TV

You can connect an iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay (if your TV supports it), SmartThings (Samsung's app), or a physical HDMI adapter. AirPlay is the fastest if your Samsung TV has it built in — you swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV. SmartThings works on most Samsung TVs made in the last several years and lets you mirror your screen or cast specific apps. The HDMI adapter is the most reliable backup if wireless options don't work, though it requires a cable and an adapter you may need to buy.

Which method works depends on your TV model, what you want to do (mirror everything or just cast video), and what you have on hand. Most people start with AirPlay or SmartThings because they're wireless. The HDMI route is older but works on any Samsung TV regardless of age.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay works on Samsung TVs from 2018 onward that have it enabled in settings, and is the fastest way to mirror your iPhone screen.
  • SmartThings is Samsung's own app and works on most recent Samsung TVs; download it on your iPhone, sign in, and select your TV to mirror or cast.
  • Both wireless methods require your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • An HDMI adapter (USB-C or Lightning to HDMI) works on any Samsung TV but requires a physical cable and may cost $20 to $50.
  • If nothing works, restart both devices, check that Wi-Fi is on, and verify your TV model supports the method you're trying.

Using AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it

AirPlay is Apple's built-in wireless standard. Samsung added support for it starting around 2018, but not all models have it. To check: go to your Samsung TV's settings, look for AirPlay or Apple TV settings, and see if it's listed. If you find it, make sure it's turned on.

Once AirPlay is enabled on your TV, open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older iPhones). Tap Screen Mirroring, wait a moment for your TV to appear in the list, and tap it. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then Stop Mirroring.

AirPlay works best when your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, restart your TV, restart your iPhone, and try again. If AirPlay still doesn't show up in your TV's settings, your model likely doesn't support it — move to SmartThings or HDMI instead.

Connecting through the SmartThings app

SmartThings is Samsung's official app for controlling and connecting to Samsung devices. Download it from the App Store on your iPhone, open it, and sign in with a Samsung account (create one if you don't have one). The app will search for Samsung devices on your network.

When your TV appears in the app, tap it to open the TV controls. Look for a button labeled "Mirror" or "Cast" — the exact name varies by TV model. Tap it, and your iPhone screen will mirror to the TV. You can also use SmartThings to cast specific apps like YouTube or Netflix directly to the TV without mirroring your whole screen, which uses less battery.

SmartThings requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't appear in the app, make sure your TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Restart the SmartThings app and try searching again. If it still doesn't find your TV, check that your TV model is from 2016 or later — older models may not be compatible.

Using an HDMI adapter for a wired connection

If wireless doesn't work, you can plug your iPhone directly into the TV using an HDMI adapter. You'll need either a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 14 and earlier) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and later). These cost between $20 and $50 and are available from Apple, Amazon, or electronics retailers.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into any HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote or the TV's input button. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV immediately. This method works on any Samsung TV with HDMI ports, regardless of age or software version.

The downside is the cable — you're tethered to the TV and can't move around. But it's reliable and doesn't depend on Wi-Fi or whether your TV has the latest software. If you plan to connect regularly, the adapter is worth keeping in a drawer.

Troubleshooting when nothing appears on the TV

Start with the basics: make sure both your iPhone and TV are powered on and on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that you're using the correct HDMI input on the TV (use the remote to cycle through inputs if you're not sure which one). Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds.

If you're using AirPlay, go back to your TV's settings and confirm AirPlay is turned on. If you're using SmartThings, close the app completely and reopen it — sometimes the connection drops and needs to be refreshed. Try searching for your TV again in the app.

If you're using an HDMI adapter and still see nothing, try a different HDMI port on the TV. Some ports may not work, or the cable itself could be faulty. Borrow a different HDMI cable if you have one and test it. If the adapter is very old, it may not be compatible with your iPhone model — check the adapter's packaging or the seller's listing to confirm.

Choosing between wireless and wired based on what you're doing

Use wireless (AirPlay or SmartThings) if you want to show photos, browse the web, or present something from your phone without being tethered to the TV. Wireless is also better if you want to keep using your iPhone while it's connected — you can answer calls, check messages, and control what's on the TV from your hand.

Use the HDMI adapter if you're watching video for a long time, playing a game, or if wireless keeps dropping. The wired connection is more stable and doesn't depend on Wi-Fi strength. It's also the only option if your TV is older or doesn't support AirPlay or SmartThings.

Many people keep both options available: SmartThings or AirPlay for everyday use, and an HDMI adapter in a drawer for when wireless isn't working or when they need a rock-solid connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to connect my iPhone to my Samsung TV?

Not necessarily. If your TV supports AirPlay or SmartThings, both are free and wireless. You only need to buy an adapter if you want to use HDMI, which costs $20 to $50 depending on your iPhone model.

Why doesn't my TV show up in AirPlay or SmartThings?

The most common reason is that your iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks, or one of them isn't connected to Wi-Fi at all. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they're both on the same network. If they are, restart both devices and try again.

Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV that's more than 10 years old?

AirPlay and SmartThings may not work on very old TVs. Your best option is an HDMI adapter, which works on any TV with an HDMI port. If your TV doesn't have HDMI, it's too old for modern iPhone connections.

Will connecting my iPhone drain the battery faster?

Wireless mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending video to the TV. If you're mirroring for more than an hour, plug your iPhone in. HDMI adapters don't drain battery any faster than normal — the TV powers the connection.

Can I use AirPlay and SmartThings at the same time?

No. Your iPhone can only mirror to one device at a time. If you're already mirroring through AirPlay, you'll need to stop it before you can use SmartThings, and vice versa.