How to Connect Your iPhone to Your Samsung TV

The three ways to mirror or stream from iPhone to Samsung TV

You can connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV in three main ways: AirPlay (if your Samsung TV supports it), screen mirroring through Samsung's SmartThings app, or HDMI adapter (wired connection). The method you choose depends on your TV model, whether you want to mirror your entire screen or just stream video, and whether you prefer a wireless or wired setup.

Most newer Samsung TVs support at least one of these methods. The wireless options are faster to set up once, but the HDMI adapter is the most reliable if you're having connection trouble. All three methods work with any iPhone model from the last several years.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs made after 2018 often support AirPlay directly, which is the easiest wireless method if your TV has it built in.
SmartThings app mirroring works on most Samsung TVs and lets you control what appears on screen from your iPhone.
An HDMI adapter (Lightning to HDMI) is a wired option that works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI port and costs $20 to $40.
Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless methods to work.
Screen mirroring drains your iPhone battery faster than streaming a single app, so plug in if you plan to use it for more than an hour.

Using AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it

AirPlay is Apple's wireless standard, and Samsung added support to many of its TVs starting in 2018. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm it has AirPlay — not all Samsung models do, even newer ones.

To use AirPlay: Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones, or swipe up from the bottom on older models). Tap Screen Mirroring. Wait a few seconds for your Samsung TV to appear in the list, then tap it. Enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen into your iPhone. Your iPhone screen will now appear on the TV.

If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and try again. If it still does not work, your TV may not have AirPlay — move to the SmartThings method instead.

Mirroring through the SmartThings app

SmartThings is Samsung's app for controlling smart home devices, including TVs. This method works on most Samsung TVs made in the last five years and does not require your TV to have AirPlay.

First, read the SmartThings app from the App Store on your iPhone. Open the app and sign in with a Samsung account (create one if you do not have one — it is free). Tap the plus icon to add a device, then select your TV from the list. Follow the on-screen steps to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Once your TV is added to SmartThings, open the app and tap your TV. Look for a Mirror or Screen Mirroring button (the exact name varies by TV model). Tap it, and your iPhone screen will appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, tap the button again or swipe up Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring to disconnect.

SmartThings mirroring sometimes takes 10 to 15 seconds to connect the first time. If it fails, restart both your iPhone and TV, then try again. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Connecting with an HDMI adapter (wired method)

If wireless methods are not working or you want a rock-solid connection, buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Apple makes an official one, and third-party versions from Anker or Belkin work just as well. Expect to spend $20 to $40.

Plug the Lightning end into your iPhone's charging port. Plug an HDMI cable into the adapter's HDMI port, then plug the other end of the cable into any HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote or the TV's input button. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready.

This method has no setup, no Wi-Fi needed, and no lag. The downside is that your iPhone is tethered to the TV by cable, and you cannot charge your phone while using it (unless you buy a more expensive adapter with a pass-through charging port). For watching a movie or presentation, this is the most reliable option.

Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect

If you have tried one method and it is not working, start with these steps: Restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. Restart your Samsung TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network — check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm.

If you are using AirPlay and your TV does not appear, your TV may not support AirPlay. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's website by searching for your exact model number (it is on the back of the TV or in the settings menu). If your TV does not have AirPlay, use SmartThings instead.

If SmartThings is not working, try removing the TV from the app and adding it again. Open SmartThings, tap the TV, tap the three-dot menu, and select Remove Device. Then add it again from scratch. This fixes most connection problems.

If the HDMI adapter is not working, try a different HDMI cable first — the cable may be faulty. If that does not help, try a different HDMI port on your TV. Some ports are reserved for specific functions and may not accept screen mirroring.

Choosing between wireless and wired for your situation

Use AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it and you want the simplest setup. It works when ready once configured and does not tie you to a cable.

Use SmartThings if your TV does not have AirPlay or if AirPlay is not working. It works on almost all Samsung TVs and gives you more control over what appears on screen.

Use the HDMI adapter if you are having trouble with wireless methods, if you need zero lag (important for gaming or presentations), or if you want the most reliable connection. It also works if your Wi-Fi is weak or unreliable.

For everyday use like watching videos or browsing, wireless is more convenient. For work presentations or gaming, the HDMI adapter is worth the small investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay to stream just one app instead of mirroring my whole screen?

Yes. Some apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Apple TV have a built-in AirPlay button inside the app itself — look for the rectangle with an upward triangle. Tap it and select your TV. This streams only that app and uses less battery than full screen mirroring. Not all apps support this, so check the app's menu if you do not see the button.

Why does my iPhone get hot when I mirror to the TV?

Screen mirroring uses a lot of processing power and drains your battery quickly, which generates heat. This is normal. If your iPhone feels uncomfortably hot, stop mirroring and let it cool down. Plug it in while mirroring to reduce battery drain and heat.

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for the HDMI adapter to work?

No. The HDMI adapter is a wired connection and does not use Wi-Fi at all. It works even if your TV is not connected to the internet. This makes it the most reliable method if your Wi-Fi is down.

Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV that is more than 10 years old?

The HDMI adapter will work with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age. AirPlay and SmartThings only work on newer TVs. If your TV is very old and does not have HDMI, you would need an older adapter standard like composite or VGA, which are harder to find and not recommended.

Will connecting my iPhone to my Samsung TV work if I do not have a Samsung account?

AirPlay and the HDMI adapter do not require a Samsung account. SmartThings does require you to create a free Samsung account to add your TV to the app. You can create one in the SmartThings app itself — it takes less than a minute.

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.