Samsung TVs don't support AirPlay natively, but you can still stream from Apple devices using a workaround
Samsung televisions do not have built-in AirPlay support — that feature is exclusive to Apple TV boxes and some third-party smart TVs. However, you have two practical routes: use an AirPlay receiver app on your Samsung TV, or connect through a separate AirPlay device like an Apple TV box or AirPlay-compatible speaker system. The first method is faster if your TV supports it; the second is more reliable if you already own the hardware.
The reason Samsung doesn't include AirPlay is that Samsung uses its own ecosystem (SmartThings) and Tizen operating system. Apple controls AirPlay and licenses it selectively. This means you're working around a hardware limitation, not a software one — but the workarounds are straightforward and cost nothing if you already have the right device.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs cannot receive AirPlay directly, but some models can install third-party AirPlay receiver apps from the Samsung App Store.
- The most reliable method is to connect an Apple TV box (4K or HD model) to your Samsung TV via HDMI, then AirPlay to that device.
- AirPlay-compatible speakers and soundbars can also receive your stream if you want audio-only mirroring without a full TV connection.
- Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Samsung TV or AirPlay device for the connection to work.
- If your Samsung TV is very old (pre-2016), it may not support third-party apps at all, making an external AirPlay device your only option.
Using an AirPlay receiver app on your Samsung TV
Some newer Samsung Smart TVs (typically 2016 and later) can install third-party apps that act as AirPlay receivers. The most common is AirBeamTV, which you read from the Samsung App Store directly on your TV. This method requires no extra hardware — just your TV and your Apple device on the same Wi-Fi network.
To set this up, navigate to the Samsung App Store on your TV using your remote, search for "AirBeamTV" or another AirPlay receiver app, and install it. Launch the app and note the code or name it displays. On your iPhone or Mac, open Control Center (iPhone) or use the AirPlay menu (Mac), select your TV by name, and enter the code if prompted. The app will then mirror your screen or play audio and video from your device.
The limitation is that not all Samsung models support these apps — very old TVs or budget models may not have access to the Samsung App Store. You can check by looking in your TV's app menu; if you see an App Store or Apps section, your TV likely supports third-party apps. If you see nothing, move to the Apple TV method below.
Connecting an Apple TV box to your Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV doesn't support third-party apps, or if you want the most reliable connection, buy or borrow an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD box and connect it to your TV via HDMI. This is the official AirPlay method and works with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port (essentially all modern TVs). Once the Apple TV is set up and on your Wi-Fi network, AirPlay will work when ready from any iPhone, iPad, or Mac in your home.
Plug the Apple TV into power and into one of your Samsung TV's HDMI ports. Switch your TV to that HDMI input. Follow the on-screen setup to connect the Apple TV to your Wi-Fi network and sign in with your Apple ID. After setup, open Control Center on your iPhone or the AirPlay menu on your Mac, select the Apple TV by name, and your screen will mirror or your content will play on the TV.
This method costs money upfront (Apple TV 4K is around $129, Apple TV HD is around $99), but it is the most stable option and gives you access to Apple's full ecosystem of apps and services on your TV as well. If you already own an Apple TV for another room, you can move it temporarily to test whether this solves your problem.
Using AirPlay with Samsung soundbars and speakers
Some Samsung soundbars and wireless speakers support AirPlay, even though Samsung TVs typically do not. If you own a compatible Samsung soundbar (check your manual or Samsung's website for your model number), you can AirPlay audio to it directly. This won't mirror your screen, but it will let you play music, podcasts, or video audio through your soundbar.
To use this, make sure your soundbar is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone or Mac, open the AirPlay menu and look for your soundbar's name. Select it, and audio will route to the soundbar instead of your TV's speakers. This is useful if you want better sound quality without buying a separate Apple TV box, but it does not solve screen mirroring.
Troubleshooting when AirPlay won't connect
The most common reason AirPlay fails is that your Apple device and your Samsung TV (or AirPlay receiver) are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID) — if you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with different names, make sure both devices are on the same one. Restart your Wi-Fi router if the connection is unstable.
If you're using an AirPlay receiver app and it's not appearing in your AirPlay menu, restart both the app and your Apple device. Force-close the app on your TV (use your remote to highlight it and press the back button), wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Shut Down, wait a few seconds, and power back on.
If you're using an Apple TV box and it's not showing up, make sure it's plugged in and fully booted (you'll see the Apple logo on your TV). Check that it's on the same Wi-Fi network by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on the Apple TV and confirming the network name. If it still doesn't appear, restart the Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Setup time | Reliability | Works on old TVs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay receiver app | Free | 5 minutes | Good | No (2016+) |
| Apple TV box | $99–$129 | 15 minutes | Excellent | Yes |
| AirPlay soundbar | Varies | 5 minutes | Good | Audio only |
Choose the AirPlay receiver app if your Samsung TV is newer and you want a free solution. Choose an Apple TV box if you want the most reliable method or if your TV is older. Choose a soundbar if you only need audio and already own a compatible model.
When to call Samsung support
If you've confirmed that your TV is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple device and AirPlay still won't connect, contact Samsung support with your TV's model number (found on the back of the TV or in Settings > About TV). They can confirm whether your specific model supports third-party apps and whether there are any known issues with AirPlay receiver apps on your firmware version.
If you're using an Apple TV box and having trouble, Apple support can help you troubleshoot the box itself. Samsung support handles the TV side; Apple support handles the Apple TV side. Knowing which device is the problem will save you time on the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I AirPlay to my Samsung TV without buying anything?
Yes, if your TV is from 2016 or later and has an app store. read an AirPlay receiver app like AirBeamTV for free from the Samsung App Store. If your TV is older or doesn't have an app store, you'll need an Apple TV box or another AirPlay device.
What's the difference between screen mirroring and AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple's proprietary streaming protocol. Screen mirroring is what happens when you use AirPlay to duplicate your entire screen on the TV. You can also use AirPlay to send just video or audio without mirroring — for example, playing a movie while your phone screen stays dark.
Do I need a smart TV for this to work?
If you're using an AirPlay receiver app, yes — your TV needs to be smart (have an app store). If you're using an Apple TV box, no — it works with any TV that has an HDMI port, including older non-smart models.
Will AirPlay work if my iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi bands?
Not reliably. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names, connect both your iPhone and TV to the same band. Many routers let you combine them into one network name in settings, which solves this problem.
Can I AirPlay from my Mac to my Samsung TV the same way?
Yes. On a Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (top right) or go to System Settings > Displays and look for AirPlay options. Select your TV or AirPlay device by name, just as you would on an iPhone.