How to Stream Video and Audio From Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

AirPlay doesn't work directly on Samsung TVs, but you have working alternatives

AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming standard, and Samsung TVs don't have built-in AirPlay support. However, you can still stream content from your iPhone to a Samsung TV using Samsung SmartThings, Miracast (via an adapter), or by casting through apps that support Samsung's ecosystem. The easiest route depends on what you're trying to stream and which Samsung TV model you own.

Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years have SmartThings built in, which lets you mirror your iPhone screen or cast compatible apps directly. If your TV is older or doesn't have SmartThings, a Miracast adapter (a small device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port) works as a fallback. Some streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify also have native Samsung TV apps, so you don't need to mirror at all—you just cast from your phone to the app running on the TV.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs use SmartThings or Miracast for wireless streaming, not AirPlay, so you'll need to use one of these methods instead.
SmartThings is built into most Samsung TVs from 2018 onward and works by mirroring your iPhone screen or casting from compatible apps.
If your Samsung TV doesn't have SmartThings, a Miracast adapter plugged into an HDMI port provides a workaround for screen mirroring.
Many streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+) have native Samsung TV versions, so you can cast directly without mirroring your whole screen.

Using SmartThings to mirror your iPhone screen

SmartThings is Samsung's ecosystem app, and it's the most direct way to stream from iPhone to a Samsung TV. Open the SmartThings app on your iPhone (read it free from the App Store if you don't have it), then tap the plus icon to add a device. Select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices on your home network. Your TV will display a PIN code—enter it in the app to pair them.

Once paired, open the SmartThings app again and tap your TV. Look for a "Mirror" or "Screen Mirroring" option (the exact wording varies by TV model and app version). Tap it, and your iPhone screen will begin mirroring to the TV. Everything you see on your phone—photos, videos, web pages, or apps—will appear on the TV screen. To stop mirroring, swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring."

SmartThings mirroring works best for photos, videos, and web browsing. If you're streaming video from an app like YouTube or Netflix, the native Samsung TV app (if available) will give you better picture quality and faster performance than mirroring your whole screen.

Casting from apps that support Samsung TVs

Many popular streaming apps have built-in support for Samsung TVs without requiring screen mirroring. YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video all let you cast directly from your iPhone to your TV. Open the app on your iPhone, find the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner), tap it, and select your Samsung TV from the list.

Casting through the app is faster and uses less battery than screen mirroring because only the video stream goes to the TV, not your entire screen. You can also continue using your iPhone for other tasks while the video plays on the TV. The cast icon location varies by app—in Netflix it's in the top right corner, in YouTube it's at the top of the player, and in Spotify it's at the bottom of the now-playing screen.

If you don't see your TV in the cast menu, make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are on the same WiFi network. Restart the app and try again. If the TV still doesn't appear, restart your TV and your iPhone's WiFi connection.

Using a Miracast adapter if your TV is older

If your Samsung TV doesn't have SmartThings or is more than five or six years old, a Miracast adapter is a reliable workaround. Miracast is a wireless standard that works across brands—you plug the adapter into your TV's HDMI port, and it creates a receiver that your iPhone can mirror to. Popular Miracast adapters include the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter and various third-party options available online.

Plug the Miracast adapter into an HDMI port on your TV and power it on. On your iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top right on newer models, or swipe up from the bottom on older ones). Tap "Screen Mirroring," wait a moment for the adapter to appear in the list, then select it. Your iPhone screen will mirror to the TV.

Miracast adapters typically cost between $20 and $50. They work well for one-time or occasional use, but if you plan to stream regularly, SmartThings (if your TV has it) is more convenient because it doesn't require a separate device.

Checking if your Samsung TV has SmartThings

Not all Samsung TVs have SmartThings built in. If your TV was made before 2018, it likely doesn't. To check, look for the SmartThings app on your TV's home screen or app menu. If it's there, you're ready to use the SmartThings method described above.

You can also check your TV's model number and look it up on Samsung's website, but the fastest way is to try opening SmartThings on your iPhone and see if your TV appears in the device list. If it does, your TV supports it. If not, you'll need to use a Miracast adapter or cast through individual apps.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If your iPhone and Samsung TV won't connect, the most common cause is that they're on different WiFi networks. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network—check your iPhone's WiFi settings and your TV's network settings. If you're using a 5GHz WiFi network, try switching to 2.4GHz, as some older Samsung TVs don't support 5GHz.

If mirroring starts but the picture is choppy or keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to the TV or router. Wireless interference from other devices can weaken the signal. Restarting both your iPhone and TV often fixes connection issues. If you're using SmartThings and the TV doesn't appear in the device list, unpair the TV from the app (go to the TV's settings in SmartThings and select "Remove"), then pair it again from scratch.

If you're casting from an app and the TV doesn't appear in the cast menu, check that the app is up to date. Open the App Store, go to your profile, tap "Apps," and look for the streaming app in the list of available updates. Outdated apps sometimes lose casting functionality.

When to call Samsung support

If you've tried all the steps above and your iPhone still won't connect to your Samsung TV, contact Samsung support. Have your TV's model number ready (it's usually on a sticker on the back of the TV or in the TV's settings menu under "About"). Samsung support can walk you through network settings or determine whether your TV has a hardware issue preventing wireless connections.

If you're using a Miracast adapter and it won't connect, try a different USB power source or a different HDMI port on your TV. If the adapter still doesn't work, it may be defective—most retailers accept returns within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay on any Samsung TV?

No. Samsung TVs don't support AirPlay natively. You'll need to use SmartThings, Miracast, or cast through individual apps instead. Some third-party devices claim to add AirPlay to Samsung TVs, but they're unreliable and not officially supported by Samsung or Apple.

Do I need to pay for SmartThings to mirror my iPhone?

No. The SmartThings app is free to read and use. Mirroring from your iPhone to a Samsung TV costs nothing beyond your internet connection.

Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending video to the TV. If you're streaming for more than an hour, plug your iPhone into a charger. Casting through apps (like Netflix or YouTube) uses less battery than mirroring your whole screen.

What if my Samsung TV is connected to WiFi but won't show up in SmartThings?

Restart your TV and your iPhone's WiFi connection, then try again. If the TV still doesn't appear, check that both devices are on the same WiFi network (not a guest network). If you're still having trouble, unpair the TV from SmartThings and pair it again from scratch.

Can I stream audio only, without the video?

Yes, if you're using an app like Spotify or Apple Music. Open the app, tap the cast icon, select your Samsung TV, and the audio will play through your TV's speakers while your iPhone screen stays dark. This uses very little battery.

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.