The three ways to connect your iPhone to a TV

You can connect an iPhone to a TV in three ways: with a cable plugged into the TV's HDMI port, by using AirPlay if you have an Apple TV, or by casting to a compatible smart TV. The cable method works with any TV that has an HDMI input. AirPlay works only if you own an Apple TV device. Casting works with most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Google TVs, but not all models support it.

Which method you use depends on what equipment you already have and what you're trying to do. If you want to mirror your entire iPhone screen — including apps, photos, or your home screen — cable or AirPlay are your best options. If you just want to play video from Netflix, YouTube, or Apple TV+, casting often works and doesn't require buying extra hardware.

Key Takeaways

  • A wired HDMI connection works with any TV and requires only a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter, which costs $15 to $30.
  • AirPlay requires an Apple TV device and works only on the same WiFi network as your iPhone.
  • Casting to a smart TV is free if your TV supports it, but not all brands and models do.
  • The cable method shows everything on your iPhone screen; casting and AirPlay show only what the app allows.

Connecting with a cable and HDMI adapter

The most reliable way to connect any iPhone to any TV is with a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. This adapter plugs into the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone and has an HDMI cable attached or a port where you plug in an HDMI cable. You then plug the HDMI end into your TV's HDMI port — most TVs have at least one, usually on the back or side.

Buy a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter from Apple, Amazon, or any electronics store. Apple's official adapter costs around $50, but third-party adapters from brands like Anker work just as well and cost $15 to $25. Make sure you buy one that says "Lightning to HDMI" — there are similar-looking adapters for older iPhones that won't work with newer models.

Once you have the adapter, plug it into your iPhone, connect the HDMI cable to your TV, and turn on the TV. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. Everything you do on your iPhone — open apps, swipe, type — shows up on the TV in real time. This method works with every iPhone model made in the last ten years and every TV with an HDMI port.

Using AirPlay with an Apple TV

If you own an Apple TV device, you can use AirPlay to send your iPhone's screen to the TV wirelessly. Both your iPhone and Apple TV must be connected to the same WiFi network. Make sure your Apple TV is turned on and set to the input where it's connected to your TV.

On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring" and look for your Apple TV's name in the list. Tap it, and your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and tap "Stop Mirroring."

AirPlay is faster and cleaner than a cable because there's nothing to plug in, but it only works if you already own an Apple TV. Apple TV devices start at $99 for the basic model. If you don't have one and don't want to buy one, use the cable method instead.

Casting to a smart TV without Apple TV

Many newer TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Google, and TCL have built-in casting technology that works with iPhones. This is free and doesn't require any extra hardware, but not every model supports it — older TVs and budget models often don't.

To learn about your TV supports casting, check your TV's manual or search the model number online with the words "AirPlay support" or "screen mirroring." If your TV supports AirPlay, the process is the same as with Apple TV: open Control Center on your iPhone, tap "Screen Mirroring," find your TV's name, and tap it.

If your TV doesn't support AirPlay but you want to cast anyway, some apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ have a built-in cast button inside the app itself. Look for a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner — that's the cast button. Tap it, select your TV, and the video will play on your TV while you control it from your iPhone. This method only works for video apps, not for mirroring your entire screen.

Troubleshooting when the connection won't work

If your iPhone and TV aren't connecting, start by checking that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap WiFi, and note which network you're connected to. Then check your TV's WiFi settings — the exact steps vary by brand, but usually you go to Settings on the TV remote and look for Network or WiFi.

If you're using a cable, make sure the HDMI cable is fully plugged into both the adapter and the TV. Try unplugging it and plugging it back in. If the TV still doesn't show your iPhone, try a different HDMI port on the TV — some ports don't work on older TVs.

If you're using AirPlay or casting and nothing appears, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your Apple TV or smart TV. Then try connecting again. If it still doesn't work, forget the WiFi network on your iPhone and reconnect: go to Settings, tap WiFi, tap the network name, tap "Forget," then reconnect by entering your password.

What to do if your TV doesn't have HDMI

Older TVs sometimes have only composite cables (red, white, and yellow plugs) or component cables (red, green, and blue plugs) instead of HDMI. If this is your situation, you have two options: buy an HDMI-to-composite or HDMI-to-component converter, or use a different device.

An HDMI converter costs $20 to $40 and plugs between your Lightning-to-HDMI adapter and your TV's composite or component ports. This works but adds another piece of equipment. A simpler option is to use a different device — a laptop, tablet, or streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick — if you have one available. Many people find it easier to replace an old TV than to buy multiple adapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to connect my iPhone to a TV with a cable?

No. A wired HDMI connection works without WiFi. AirPlay and casting both require WiFi, but the cable method does not.

Can I charge my iPhone while it's connected with a cable?

Not with a standard Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. Some adapters have a second Lightning port for charging, but they cost more. If you need to charge while connected, look for a "Lightning to HDMI with charging port" adapter.

Why does my screen go black when I connect the cable?

Your TV might be set to the wrong input. Use your TV remote to find the input or source button, then select the HDMI port you plugged into. If you're not sure which port, try each one until your iPhone screen appears.

Can I use AirPlay if my Apple TV is on a different WiFi network?

No. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same network. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest one.

What if my smart TV doesn't show up in Screen Mirroring?

Your TV might not support AirPlay, or AirPlay might be turned off in the TV's settings. Check your TV's manual or search online for your model number and "enable AirPlay." If your TV doesn't support it, try using the cast button inside individual apps instead.