How to Stream From Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

AirPlay does not work directly with Samsung TVs

AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming standard, and Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay support. If you want to mirror your iPhone screen or stream video to a Samsung TV, you will need to use a different method — either a physical adapter, a third-party app, or Samsung's own wireless casting system called SmartThings.

The good news is that Samsung TVs made in the last several years have multiple ways to receive content from an iPhone. Which method works best depends on what you want to do (mirror your whole screen versus stream a specific app) and what equipment you already have at home.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay does not work natively on Samsung TVs, so you will need an alternative method like an HDMI adapter, a casting app, or Samsung SmartThings.
An HDMI-to-Lightning cable plugged directly into your TV is the most reliable way to mirror your iPhone screen, though it requires a physical connection.
Third-party apps like Airbeam TV or Mirroring information can send your iPhone screen wirelessly to a Samsung TV without needing Apple's AirPlay.
Samsung SmartThings lets you cast compatible apps (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify) from your iPhone to your TV if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Older Samsung TVs may not support wireless casting and will require an HDMI adapter or external device like an Apple TV or Roku.

Using an HDMI adapter for a wired connection

The most straightforward way to get your iPhone onto a Samsung TV is to plug it in directly using an HDMI adapter. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (if your iPhone has USB-C) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones). Both are sold by Apple and by third-party manufacturers like Belkin and Anker for $20 to $50.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your Samsung TV, and switch the TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method works on every Samsung TV with an HDMI port and does not require Wi-Fi or any setup beyond plugging in the cable.

The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, which limits how far you can move your phone. If you want to walk around while presenting or controlling what is on screen, a wireless method is more practical.

Wireless casting with third-party mirroring apps

Apps like Airbeam TV, Mirroring information, and LetsView let you send your iPhone screen wirelessly to a Samsung TV without using AirPlay. These apps work by creating a connection over your home Wi-Fi network. Most are available on the App Store and cost between $5 and $15, though some offer free trials.

To use one, read the app on your iPhone and install the companion software on your Samsung TV (usually through the TV's app store or by visiting the app maker's website). Open the app on both devices, make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and select your TV from the list of available devices. Your iPhone screen will stream to the TV within a few seconds.

These apps work well for presentations, showing photos, or mirroring apps that do not have native Samsung support. Keep in mind that wireless mirroring uses more battery power than a wired connection, and the video may lag slightly if your Wi-Fi signal is weak.

Casting specific apps with Samsung SmartThings

If you only want to stream a specific app (like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+) rather than mirror your entire screen, Samsung SmartThings is often the easiest option. SmartThings is Samsung's built-in casting system, and many popular apps have native support for it.

Open a compatible app on your iPhone, look for a cast icon (usually three curved lines with a dot), tap it, and select your Samsung TV from the list. The app will stream directly to your TV without mirroring your whole screen. This uses less bandwidth and battery than full-screen mirroring and usually offers better video quality.

SmartThings works only with apps that have built-in casting support, so not every app you use will have this option. Check the app's settings or help menu to see if casting is available. If it is not, you will need to use one of the other methods.

Using an external device as a bridge

If your Samsung TV is older or does not support wireless casting, you can use an external device to bridge the gap. An Apple TV (4th generation or newer) connected to your TV will let you use AirPlay to stream from your iPhone. A Roku device or Amazon Fire Stick also works, though you will need to use their respective casting systems instead of AirPlay.

Connect the external device to your TV via HDMI, set it up on your Wi-Fi network, and then use AirPlay (for Apple TV) or the device's native casting app to send content from your iPhone. This approach costs $30 to $100 depending on which device you choose, but it gives you the most flexibility and works with older TVs.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If your iPhone and Samsung TV are not finding each other, the most common cause is that they are on different Wi-Fi networks. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network — check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your phone and TV closer together or move them away from obstacles like walls or metal objects that can interfere with Wi-Fi. Restart both devices and try again. If you are using a third-party mirroring app, check that you have the latest version installed on both your iPhone and your TV.

For wired HDMI connections, make sure the adapter and cable are fully seated in their ports. If your TV does not recognize the HDMI input, try a different HDMI port on the TV or test the adapter with a different cable to rule out a faulty connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay directly on a Samsung TV without an adapter?

No. Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay support. You will need to use an HDMI adapter, a third-party mirroring app, Samsung SmartThings for compatible apps, or an external device like an Apple TV.

What is the cheapest way to stream from my iPhone to a Samsung TV?

A wired HDMI-to-Lightning or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter is the cheapest option at $20 to $50 and requires no subscription or additional software. If you want wireless casting, Samsung SmartThings is free for compatible apps, or you can try a free trial of a third-party mirroring app before paying for it.

Do I need Wi-Fi to cast from my iPhone to my Samsung TV?

Only if you are using a wireless method like SmartThings or a third-party mirroring app. A wired HDMI adapter does not require Wi-Fi at all. If your Wi-Fi is down, plug in the HDMI cable instead.

Will mirroring my iPhone drain the battery faster?

Yes, wireless mirroring uses more power than a wired connection because your phone is constantly transmitting video over Wi-Fi. If you plan to mirror for more than an hour, consider using a wired HDMI adapter or plugging your phone in while it is mirroring.

What if my Samsung TV is too old to support wireless casting?

Use a wired HDMI adapter, or connect an external device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick to your TV via HDMI. Both methods work with older TVs and give you multiple ways to stream from your iPhone.

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.