Samsung TVs Don't Support Apple AirPlay Natively
Samsung televisions do not have built-in AirPlay support. Apple's AirPlay protocol works with Apple TV boxes, AirPlay 2-certified TVs from other brands, and some smart speakers, but Samsung has not added this feature to its lineup. If you own a Samsung TV and want to stream video, photos, or audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you will need to use a different method.
The good news is that Samsung offers several working alternatives that accomplish the same goal. You can mirror your screen using Samsung's own SmartThings app, use a third-party AirPlay receiver device connected to your TV, or cast content through apps that support Samsung's SmartThings platform directly.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs do not have native AirPlay support, but you can mirror your iPhone or Mac screen using the SmartThings app if your TV model is compatible.
- Many streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ have built-in casting buttons that work directly with Samsung TVs without needing AirPlay.
- You can add AirPlay capability to your Samsung TV by connecting an AirPlay receiver device (such as an Apple TV or third-party adapter) to an HDMI port.
- Screen mirroring from Mac to Samsung TV requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and a compatible Samsung TV model from 2016 or newer.
Mirror Your iPhone to a Samsung TV Using SmartThings
Samsung's SmartThings app is the official way to mirror an iPhone screen to a compatible Samsung TV. Start by downloading the SmartThings app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone. Open the app and sign in with your Samsung account (create one if you don't have one). Make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Tap the plus icon (+) in the SmartThings app to add a device, then select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices. Once your TV appears in the app, open the app again and look for a "Mirror" or "Screen Mirroring" option. Tap it, and your iPhone screen should appear on your TV within a few seconds. The connection works best when both devices are within 30 feet of your router.
Not all Samsung TV models support this feature. Older models (before 2016) and some budget models may not have the necessary hardware. If you don't see your TV listed in SmartThings, check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website to confirm whether screen mirroring is available for your specific model.
Cast Apps Directly to Your Samsung TV
Many popular apps have built-in casting buttons that work with Samsung TVs without needing AirPlay or screen mirroring. Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, and Apple TV+ all support casting to Samsung SmartThings devices. Open any of these apps on your iPhone, look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), and tap it to see your Samsung TV in the list of available devices.
Casting is faster and uses less battery than screen mirroring because the app streams directly to your TV rather than sending your entire screen. The quality is also typically better because the app is optimized for your TV's display. This is the easiest method if you are watching content from a major streaming service.
If you don't see a cast button in an app you use regularly, the app may not support Samsung casting. In that case, screen mirroring your entire iPhone screen is your next option.
Add an AirPlay Receiver Device to Your Samsung TV
If you want true AirPlay support, you can connect an external device to your Samsung TV's HDMI port. An Apple TV (4K or HD model) is the most straightforward option—plug it into an available HDMI input, sign in with your Apple ID, and you can then AirPlay from any iPhone, iPad, or Mac in your home. The Apple TV will appear in your Control Center on iOS and in the AirPlay menu on Mac.
Third-party AirPlay receiver devices also exist, though they are less common and vary in reliability. These are small adapters that add AirPlay capability to any TV with an HDMI port. Before purchasing one, read recent reviews to confirm it works with your specific TV model and iOS version, because compatibility can change with software updates.
This method costs more than using SmartThings, but it gives you the full AirPlay experience and works with any app on your iPhone or Mac, not just those with built-in casting support.
Mirror Your Mac to a Samsung TV
To mirror your Mac screen to a Samsung TV, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs) and go to Displays. Look for an "AirPlay Display" dropdown menu. If your Samsung TV appears in that list, select it. Your Mac screen will mirror to your TV within a few seconds.
If your Samsung TV does not appear in the AirPlay Display menu, it is not AirPlay-compatible. Instead, use the SmartThings app method described above. read SmartThings on your Mac from the App Store, sign in, and look for a screen mirroring option. The process is similar to mirroring from an iPhone.
Mac-to-Samsung mirroring works best with TV models from 2016 and newer. Older models may not have the required Wi-Fi hardware. If mirroring is slow or drops frequently, move your Mac and TV closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart both devices.
Troubleshooting Connection Problems
If your iPhone or Mac does not see your Samsung TV, start by confirming both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your router's name and password in your phone's Wi-Fi settings, then go to your TV's network settings and connect to the same network. Restart both devices if they are already connected to the same network but still not finding each other.
If SmartThings is not showing your TV, sign out of the app completely and sign back in. Force-close the app (swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen and swipe up on SmartThings) and reopen it. If your TV still does not appear, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
For casting issues with apps like Netflix or YouTube, check that you are signed into the same account on both your iPhone and your TV. Some apps require this to show your TV as a casting target. If casting still does not work, uninstall and reinstall the app on your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay with a Samsung TV without buying an Apple TV?
No, Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay support. You can use Samsung's SmartThings app to mirror your screen instead, or cast apps that have built-in Samsung support. If you want true AirPlay, you will need to connect an Apple TV or third-party AirPlay adapter to your TV's HDMI port.
Does screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than casting because your iPhone is constantly sending video and audio data to your TV. If you are watching a streaming app, use the app's built-in cast button instead of mirroring your entire screen. Casting uses less power and gives better video quality.
Why does my Samsung TV not appear in SmartThings?
Older Samsung TV models (before 2016) and some budget models do not support SmartThings mirroring. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website to confirm your model is compatible. If it is compatible, make sure both your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network and restart both devices.
Can I mirror from my Mac to a Samsung TV without SmartThings?
If your Samsung TV supports AirPlay (which most do not), it will appear in your Mac's AirPlay Display menu. For non-AirPlay Samsung TVs, read SmartThings on your Mac and use the screen mirroring feature. Alternatively, connect an Apple TV to your Samsung TV's HDMI port and use AirPlay to that device instead.
What is the difference between mirroring and casting?
Mirroring sends your entire phone or computer screen to your TV, including notifications and everything you do. Casting sends only the video and audio from a specific app. Casting is faster, uses less battery, and gives better quality, but only works with apps that support it.