The simplest way to get your iPhone screen on a TV

You can connect your iPhone to a TV wirelessly using AirPlay, which is built into every iPhone and works with most modern TVs. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay built in, you can use an inexpensive adapter like an Apple TV device or a third-party AirPlay receiver. The connection happens over your home Wi-Fi network — your iPhone and TV just need to be on the same network.

The actual steps take about 30 seconds once everything is set up. You swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone, tap "Screen Mirroring," select your TV from the list, and enter a four-digit code that appears on your TV screen. After that, everything on your iPhone displays on the TV until you disconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the wireless connection method built into iPhones and works with most TVs made after 2018, or with an Apple TV device.
  • Your iPhone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work.
  • If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you can buy a separate device like an Apple TV (starting around $99) or a third-party AirPlay receiver (often cheaper).
  • Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone to the TV, while AirPlay audio-only lets you play music or podcasts through your TV speakers without mirroring the screen.

Check if your TV supports AirPlay

Most TVs made by Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others from 2018 onward have AirPlay built in. You can check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm, or you can simply try the connection steps below — if your TV supports it, you'll see it in the list when you search for available devices.

If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, you have two options: buy an Apple TV device (which plugs into your TV's HDMI port and costs $99 to $199 depending on the model), or buy a third-party AirPlay receiver. Some third-party receivers cost $30 to $60 and do only AirPlay; others are more full-featured. Both work the same way from your iPhone's perspective.

Set up your Wi-Fi network

Before you can connect, make sure your iPhone and TV are both on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings by opening Settings, tapping Wi-Fi, and confirming which network you're connected to. Then check your TV's network settings — this varies by brand, but usually you go to Settings or Network on the TV remote and look for the connected Wi-Fi name.

If they're on different networks, connect your iPhone to the same network your TV is using. If you don't know your Wi-Fi password, you can usually find it on the back or bottom of your router, or in your router's settings app (most routers have a companion app you can download).

Connect using screen mirroring

On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Look for a button labeled "Screen Mirroring" — it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it, and a list of available devices appears. Select your TV's name from the list.

Your TV will display a four-digit code. Enter this code on your iPhone when prompted. After you do, your iPhone screen appears on the TV. Everything you do on your iPhone — opening apps, scrolling, typing — shows up on the TV in real time. To disconnect, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring."

Use audio-only AirPlay for music and podcasts

If you want to play music or podcasts through your TV's speakers without showing your iPhone screen, you can use audio-only AirPlay instead. Open the app you're using (Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts, or another audio app), look for an AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with sound waves), and tap it. Select your TV from the list of available speakers.

This is useful when you want to listen to music while using your iPhone for other things, or when you're playing a podcast and don't need to see anything on the TV. The audio plays through your TV's speakers, but your iPhone screen stays private.

Troubleshoot common connection problems

If your TV doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your iPhone and TV by turning them off and back on. Make sure your TV's AirPlay setting is turned on — this is usually in the TV's Settings under AirPlay or AirPlay and HomeKit. Some TVs require you to enable it before it shows up on iPhones.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to your router or TV. Wi-Fi interference from other devices or walls can weaken the signal. If you're far from your router, try moving it or connecting your iPhone to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band instead of 2.4GHz if your router offers both — 5GHz is faster but has shorter range, so this only helps if you're relatively close.

If you're using an Apple TV device or third-party receiver and it's not showing up, make sure it's plugged in and turned on, and that it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Restart the device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay if I don't have Wi-Fi at home?

No, AirPlay requires a Wi-Fi network. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use a wired connection instead — plug your iPhone into your TV using an HDMI adapter (Apple sells a Lightning to HDMI adapter for around $50), or use a USB-C to HDMI adapter if you have a newer iPhone model.

Does screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal because your iPhone is constantly sending data over Wi-Fi and keeping the screen active. If you're going to mirror for a long time, plug your iPhone into a charger. Audio-only AirPlay uses less battery than screen mirroring.

Can I mirror my iPhone to multiple TVs at the same time?

No, you can only mirror to one device at a time. If you want to play audio on multiple speakers, some audio apps let you select multiple AirPlay speakers, but screen mirroring only works with one TV.

What if my TV brand isn't listed as supporting AirPlay?

You can still use AirPlay by buying an Apple TV device or a third-party AirPlay receiver and connecting it to your TV's HDMI port. This works with any TV that has an HDMI input, regardless of the brand or age.