The fastest way: AirPlay over WiFi

If your LG TV was made after 2018 and has built-in WiFi, AirPlay is the simplest connection method. Your iPhone and TV must be on the same WiFi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner), tap Screen Mirroring, and select your LG TV from the list. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV within seconds.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are connected to the same network and that AirPlay is enabled on your TV. On most LG TVs, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and toggle it on. Restart your TV if it still doesn't show up.

AirPlay works for mirroring your entire screen or streaming video and audio from apps like YouTube, Apple TV+, or Photos. The connection stays active as long as both devices remain on the same network.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay over WiFi is the easiest method if your LG TV was made after 2018 and has built-in WiFi.
  • HDMI with an Apple TV 4K box gives you the most reliable connection and access to all Apple services.
  • USB-C to HDMI adapters work on newer iPhones but require a separate HDMI cable and may not support all apps.
  • Both your iPhone and TV must be on the same WiFi network for AirPlay to work.
  • If AirPlay fails, restart both devices and check that AirPlay is enabled in your TV's settings.

Using an Apple TV 4K box with HDMI

An Apple TV 4K box connected to your LG TV via HDMI gives you the most stable connection and access to the full range of Apple services. Connect the Apple TV to your TV's HDMI port, then sign in with your Apple ID. Your iPhone automatically recognizes the Apple TV on your network.

Once set up, you can mirror your iPhone screen by opening Control Center and selecting Screen Mirroring, then choosing your Apple TV. You can also use AirPlay to stream video and audio from compatible apps without mirroring your entire screen. This method works reliably even if your TV is older or doesn't have built-in AirPlay support.

The trade-off is cost: Apple TV 4K starts at $129. But if you already own one or plan to use it for other streaming services, it's a solid long-term option.

Connecting with a USB-C to HDMI adapter

Newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later) have a USB-C port that can output video directly to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Plug the adapter into your iPhone's USB-C port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into your LG TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input, and your iPhone screen appears immediately.

This method works without WiFi and requires no setup beyond plugging in cables. However, not all apps support video output through USB-C, and some streaming services (like Netflix) may not display content due to copy protection. You'll also need to keep your iPhone plugged in while using it, which limits mobility.

USB-C adapters cost $15 to $30 and are widely available. This approach is useful for presentations or one-time connections but less convenient for everyday viewing.

Why older iPhones can't connect directly

iPhones with Lightning connectors (iPhone 14 and earlier) cannot output video directly to a TV. Apple never released a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter for consumer use, so direct wired connection isn't an option for these models.

If you own an older iPhone, your choices are AirPlay (if your TV supports it) or an Apple TV box. Some third-party adapters claim to work with Lightning iPhones, but they are unreliable and often violate Apple's licensing terms. Stick with the official methods to avoid compatibility problems.

Troubleshooting when AirPlay won't connect

If your iPhone doesn't see your LG TV in the AirPlay menu, start by restarting both devices. Power off your TV completely for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Restart your iPhone by holding the side button and volume button, then sliding to power off.

Next, confirm both devices are on the same WiFi network. Open Settings on your iPhone and check which network you're connected to. On your LG TV, go to Settings > Network and verify it's on the same WiFi. If you're on a 5GHz network and your TV only supports 2.4GHz, switch your iPhone to the 2.4GHz band or create a separate network name for older devices.

If AirPlay is still not working, check that AirPlay is enabled on your TV. The exact path varies by model, but it's usually Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit or Settings > Connection > AirPlay. If you see an option to require a code for AirPlay, disable it temporarily to test. You can re-enable it once the connection works.

What to do if your LG TV is too old for AirPlay

LG TVs made before 2018 typically don't have built-in AirPlay support. If you own an older model, your best option is an Apple TV box, which works with any TV that has an HDMI port. The Apple TV handles all the wireless communication with your iPhone, so your TV's age doesn't matter.

Alternatively, if your iPhone is iPhone 15 or later, a USB-C to HDMI adapter works with any TV regardless of age or features. This is a lower-cost option if you only need occasional connections and don't want to buy an Apple TV.

Some older LG TVs have third-party apps like AirBeamTV or Reflector that add AirPlay support, but these require separate subscriptions and are less reliable than native support or an Apple TV box.

Connecting audio only without mirroring your screen

If you want to play music or podcasts through your TV's speakers without showing your iPhone screen, use AirPlay audio instead of screen mirroring. Open Control Center, press and hold the audio card in the top-right corner, then tap AirPlay Audio. Select your LG TV from the list.

This method works on any LG TV with AirPlay support and uses less bandwidth than screen mirroring. Your iPhone screen stays private while audio plays through the TV. You can continue using your phone normally while audio streams in the background.

If your TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay Audio menu, make sure it's on the same WiFi network and that AirPlay is enabled in the TV's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to connect my iPhone to my LG TV?

AirPlay and Apple TV both require WiFi. A USB-C to HDMI adapter does not — it works over a direct wired connection. If your WiFi is unreliable, a wired adapter is your most stable option.

Can I connect my iPhone to an LG TV without buying extra equipment?

Yes, if your LG TV was made after 2018 and has built-in AirPlay. If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, you'll need either an Apple TV box or a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Why does my iPhone keep disconnecting from the TV?

Weak WiFi is the most common cause. Move your router closer to the TV or switch to a 2.4GHz network if your TV doesn't support 5GHz. If disconnections persist, restart both devices and check that your TV's firmware is up to date.

Can I use AirPlay to play video from Netflix or other streaming apps?

Yes. Open the app on your iPhone, tap the AirPlay icon (usually in the top-right or bottom-right corner), and select your TV. Not all apps have this button — if you don't see it, use screen mirroring instead.

What's the difference between screen mirroring and AirPlay?

Screen mirroring shows everything on your iPhone, including notifications and private messages. AirPlay audio or video streaming from an app shows only that content. AirPlay is more private and uses less bandwidth, but not all apps support it.