You cannot connect an iPhone directly to a TV with HDMI
iPhones do not have an HDMI port, so you cannot plug an HDMI cable directly into one. Apple stopped including video-out ports on iPhones years ago. If you want to display your iPhone screen on a TV, you have three real options: use an adapter that converts the iPhone's charging port to HDMI, use AirPlay wireless mirroring if you have an Apple TV, or use a third-party streaming device that works with iPhones.
The adapter route is the most straightforward if you want a wired connection. The wireless route is simpler if you already own the right equipment. Both work, but they solve different problems depending on what you own and what you are trying to do.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones use a Lightning or USB-C port, not HDMI, so you need an adapter to convert the signal before it reaches your TV.
- A Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones) or USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer models) plugs into your phone and connects to your TV with a standard HDMI cable.
- AirPlay wireless mirroring works if you have an Apple TV connected to your television, and requires no cables or adapters.
- Third-party devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Chromecast can mirror iPhone screens over Wi-Fi without needing Apple TV.
Using a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter
The simplest wired method is to buy an adapter that plugs into your iPhone's charging port and outputs HDMI. Older iPhones (iPhone 14 and earlier) use a Lightning port, so you need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later) use USB-C, so you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Both types are sold by Apple and by third-party manufacturers like Belkin and Anker.
To use one, plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV's HDMI input, and switch your TV to that input. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. The adapter also charges your phone while in use, so you can leave it plugged in during long sessions.
One limitation: some apps, including Netflix and Disney+, block video output through adapters for copyright reasons. You can still see your home screen, photos, and web pages, but streaming video apps will show a black screen or an error message. This is a restriction built into the apps themselves, not a problem with the adapter.
Wireless mirroring with AirPlay and Apple TV
If you own an Apple TV (a small box that connects to your television), you can mirror your iPhone wirelessly using AirPlay. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.
AirPlay works with all iPhone models and does not have the app-blocking issue that adapters do — Netflix and other streaming apps will display normally. You can also use AirPlay to send audio to Apple TV or to AirPlay-compatible speakers without mirroring your entire screen.
The downside is that Apple TV is expensive compared to other options, costing between $99 and $199 depending on the model. If you do not already own one, buying an adapter is usually cheaper.
Using Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast instead
You do not need Apple TV to mirror wirelessly. Roku devices, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast all support iPhone mirroring over Wi-Fi, though the process varies slightly by device. On Roku, open the Roku app on your iPhone, tap the cast icon, and select your Roku device. On Fire Stick, use the Alexa app and tap the cast button. On Chromecast, use Google Home or the Chromecast app.
These devices are generally cheaper than Apple TV — Roku and Fire Stick start around $30 to $50, and Chromecast is similar. They also work with Android phones and tablets, so they are more flexible if you have mixed devices in your household. Like AirPlay, they do not have the streaming app restriction that HDMI adapters do.
The trade-off is that setup is slightly more involved than plugging in an adapter, and you need a Wi-Fi network. If your internet is slow or unstable, wireless mirroring can lag or drop. An adapter is more reliable in that situation because it does not depend on Wi-Fi.
Comparing wired adapters to wireless options
Each method has different strengths depending on what equipment you already own and how you plan to use it. The table below shows the main differences in cost, setup time, and what each method can do.
| Method | Cost | Setup | Streaming Apps | Requires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter | $20–$40 | Plug in cable | Blocked | HDMI cable, TV with HDMI port |
| Apple TV + AirPlay | $99–$199 | Connect to Wi-Fi | Works | Apple TV, Wi-Fi network |
| Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast | $30–$100 | Connect to Wi-Fi | Works | Device, Wi-Fi network, TV with HDMI port |
If you already own an Apple TV or streaming device, use that method — it is the cheapest option since you have no additional purchase to make. If you own none of these devices and want the fastest setup, an HDMI adapter is your best choice, though you will not be able to use streaming apps through it. If you plan to use Netflix, Disney+, or similar services regularly, a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast is worth the investment.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your iPhone screen does not appear on the TV after plugging in an adapter, first check that you selected the correct HDMI input on your TV. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports, and you need to switch to the one where you plugged the adapter. Use your TV remote to find the input or source button, usually labeled "Input" or "Source".
If wireless mirroring is not working, make sure your iPhone and the streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If mirroring is laggy or keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to the Wi-Fi router or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel if your router allows it.
If you are using an adapter and Netflix or another app shows a black screen, that is the app blocking the output intentionally. Try a different app or use a wireless method instead. Some adapters from third-party makers work better than others with certain apps, so if one brand does not work, trying another may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special HDMI cable for an iPhone adapter?
No. Any standard HDMI cable works with a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter. You probably already have one if you own other devices like a streaming box or gaming console. The adapter itself is what matters — the cable is just a regular HDMI cable.
Can I charge my iPhone while using an HDMI adapter?
Yes. Most Lightning and USB-C to HDMI adapters have a charging port built in, so you can plug a power cable into the adapter while it is connected to your TV. This is useful for long viewing sessions because the adapter draws power from your phone otherwise.
Why does Netflix show a black screen when I use an HDMI adapter?
Netflix and other streaming services block video output through adapters to prevent unauthorized recording or copying. This is a restriction in the app, not a problem with your adapter or iPhone. Wireless mirroring with AirPlay, Roku, or Chromecast does not have this restriction, so streaming apps work normally on those methods.
What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?
Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) or component (red, green, blue) ports cannot accept HDMI directly. You would need an HDMI to composite or component converter, which adds another step and is usually not worth the cost. Wireless mirroring to a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast is a better option because those devices can connect to older TVs through composite or component ports.
Is there a difference between Apple's adapter and third-party adapters?
Apple's official adapters are more expensive but generally more reliable. Third-party adapters from brands like Belkin and Anker are cheaper and work well for most people, though some users report occasional compatibility issues with certain apps. If you plan to use streaming services, buying the official adapter reduces the chance of problems.