How to Connect Your iPad to a Samsung TV

The fastest way: use AirPlay with AirPlay-compatible Samsung TVs

If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely supports AirPlay 2, Apple's wireless casting standard. This is the simplest connection method because it requires no cables, no apps to read, and no manual setup beyond turning on AirPlay on both devices.

To connect, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPad screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then select Stop Mirroring.

If your Samsung TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, it either does not support AirPlay 2 or is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm AirPlay support, and make sure both devices are connected to the same network.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later usually support AirPlay 2, which lets you mirror your iPad wirelessly without cables or apps.
If your TV does not have AirPlay, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter and a cable to connect your iPad directly to the TV's HDMI port.
The SmartThings app lets you control your Samsung TV from your iPad but does not mirror the screen — it is for remote control only.
Both wireless and wired connections require your iPad and TV to be powered on and, for wireless, on the same Wi-Fi network.

Using a USB-C to HDMI cable if your TV does not support AirPlay

Older Samsung TVs and some newer models do not have AirPlay built in. In that case, a wired connection is your backup option. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called a USB-C Digital AV Adapter) and an HDMI cable.

Plug the USB-C adapter into the bottom of your iPad. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the adapter and the other end to any available HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Switch the TV to that HDMI input using the remote or the input button on the TV itself. Your iPad screen will display on the TV when ready.

This method works with all iPad models that have a USB-C port (iPad Pro 2018 and later, iPad Air 2022 and later, iPad 2024 and later). If you have an older iPad with a Lightning connector, you will need a Lightning to HDMI adapter instead, which works the same way.

Checking whether your Samsung TV supports AirPlay

Not all Samsung TVs have AirPlay, so it is worth confirming before you buy an adapter. Look at your TV's model number — usually printed on the back or found in the TV's settings under About This TV or System Information. Samsung's website lists which models support AirPlay 2.

You can also test it directly: open Control Center on your iPad, tap Screen Mirroring, and wait a few seconds. If your TV appears in the list, it supports AirPlay. If nothing appears and you have checked that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, your TV does not have AirPlay.

Using the SmartThings app to control your TV (not for screen mirroring)

Samsung's SmartThings app, available free from the App Store, lets you control your Samsung TV from your iPad — change channels, adjust volume, launch apps on the TV. However, it does not mirror your iPad screen to the TV. It is a remote control, not a casting tool.

If you want to use SmartThings, read the app, sign in with your Samsung account, and add your TV by following the on-screen prompts. Your TV must be on and connected to Wi-Fi. SmartThings is useful if you want to control the TV from your iPad, but if you need to show something on the TV screen, use AirPlay or a wired HDMI connection instead.

Troubleshooting: why your iPad does not appear on the TV

If you have tried Screen Mirroring and your Samsung TV does not show up, check these things in order. First, make sure both your iPad and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network — they cannot see each other if they are on different networks or if one is on Wi-Fi and the other is not. Second, restart both devices: turn off the TV and iPad completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on.

Third, check that AirPlay is actually turned on in your TV's settings. On most Samsung TVs, go to Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure it is set to On. If it is set to Off, turn it on and try again. If you still do not see your TV after these steps, your model may not support AirPlay — use the wired HDMI method instead.

What to expect when mirroring: lag, resolution, and battery drain

When you mirror your iPad to a Samsung TV over AirPlay, there is usually a slight delay of one to two seconds between what you do on the iPad and what appears on the TV. This is normal and does not affect watching videos or looking at photos, but it can make gaming feel sluggish. If you are playing a game, a wired HDMI connection has less lag.

Your iPad's screen will appear at the TV's native resolution, which is usually 4K on newer Samsung TVs. Wireless mirroring uses more battery than normal iPad use, so plug your iPad in if you plan to mirror for more than an hour. Wired connections do not drain the battery as quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my iPad to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

No, AirPlay requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you do not have Wi-Fi, use a USB-C to HDMI cable instead — that is a wired connection that does not need Wi-Fi at all.

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

Not if your TV supports AirPlay — that is built in and wireless. If your TV does not have AirPlay or you prefer a wired connection, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable, which together cost between $15 and $40 depending on the brand.

Can I play audio from my iPad through the TV speakers?

Yes. When you mirror your iPad to the TV, audio plays through the TV speakers by default. If you want to hear sound only on the TV and not on the iPad, go to your iPad's Settings > Bluetooth and disconnect any Bluetooth speakers or headphones that are paired.

Will mirroring work if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?

Probably not — AirPlay 2 support started in 2018 for most Samsung models. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm. If it does not support AirPlay, use a USB-C to HDMI cable instead.

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

No, you can only mirror to one TV at a time. If you want to switch to a different TV, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select the new TV. The connection to the first TV will stop automatically.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.