How to Cast Video and Photos from Your iPad to a Samsung TV

The fastest way to cast from iPad to Samsung TV

You can cast from an iPad to a Samsung TV using Samsung SmartThings or AirPlay through an AirPlay-compatible Samsung TV model. The method depends on your TV's age and features. Most Samsung TVs made after 2018 support AirPlay, which is the simplest route if your TV has it. Older Samsung TVs require the SmartThings app and a compatible streaming device.

The fastest setup takes about two minutes: connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, open the Control Center on your iPad, tap the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon, and select your TV. No cables, no pairing codes, no extra apps needed on the iPad itself.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later usually support AirPlay directly from your iPad without any additional setup beyond connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.
Older Samsung TVs need the SmartThings app installed on your TV or a compatible streaming device like a Samsung Soundbar or external box to receive AirPlay.
Both your iPad and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
AirPlay casting works for screen mirroring, video playback, and photo viewing, but some apps may have restrictions on what content they allow to cast.

Check if your Samsung TV supports AirPlay

Not all Samsung TVs have AirPlay built in. Samsung added AirPlay support to most of its TVs starting in 2018, but the feature rolled out gradually across different model lines. The easiest way to know is to look at your TV's model number and check Samsung's support page, or straightforward try to cast and see if your TV appears in the AirPlay menu.

If your TV is older than 2018 or does not show up when you try to cast, you have two options: use the SmartThings app if your TV has it installed, or connect an external device like a Samsung Soundbar, Samsung Blu-ray player, or another AirPlay-compatible device connected to your TV via HDMI. Some Samsung TVs also support casting through the SmartThings app on the TV itself, which you can check by going to Settings on your TV and looking for SmartThings or AirPlay options.

Cast using AirPlay on a compatible Samsung TV

If your Samsung TV supports AirPlay, the process is straightforward. First, make sure your iPad and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Control Center on your iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner (on iPad Pro, Air, or 5th generation and later) or swiping up from the bottom (on older iPad models). Look for the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon—it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.

Tap the icon and wait a moment for your TV to appear in the list. Select your Samsung TV by name. Your iPad screen will now mirror on the TV. If you see a four-digit code on your TV, enter it on your iPad to confirm the connection. Once connected, you can mirror your entire screen, play videos, show photos, or use apps—whatever appears on your iPad will show on the TV.

To stop casting, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring or AirPlay, and select Stop Mirroring. The connection will end when ready.

Use SmartThings if your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay

If your Samsung TV does not support AirPlay directly, check whether it has the SmartThings app built in. Older Samsung Smart TVs often have SmartThings pre-installed. To check, press the Home button on your TV remote and look for a SmartThings icon or app in the menu. If you find it, open SmartThings on your TV and make sure it is set up and connected to your Wi-Fi network.

On your iPad, read the SmartThings app from the App Store. Open it, sign in with your Samsung account (or create one if you do not have one), and add your TV as a device. Once your TV appears in the SmartThings app on your iPad, you can use it to cast compatible content. However, SmartThings casting is more limited than AirPlay—it works best for photos and some video apps, but not for full screen mirroring.

Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network

Casting will not work if your iPad and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network by the same name. On your iPad, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network is selected. On your TV, go to Settings, select Network or Wi-Fi, and confirm it shows the same network name.

If your home has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, both devices should work on either band, but some older devices work better on 2.4 GHz. If casting is not working, try switching your iPad to the 2.4 GHz band and see if that helps. You can usually do this in your router settings or by asking your internet provider which band to use.

Troubleshoot if your TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay menu

If you open the AirPlay menu and your Samsung TV is not listed, start by restarting both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your iPad by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on. Once both devices are on, try opening Control Center and looking for the AirPlay icon again.

If the TV still does not appear, check that both devices are truly on the same Wi-Fi network—sometimes a device will connect to a guest network or a different band without you noticing. If your TV is very old (before 2018) or a budget model, it may not support AirPlay at all. In that case, you will need to use SmartThings, a compatible external device, or an HDMI cable as an alternative.

If you see your TV in the AirPlay menu but the connection fails after you select it, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your iPad and reconnecting. Go to Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the network name, select Forget, then reconnect by entering your password again.

What to do if casting is slow or keeps disconnecting

Casting lag or frequent disconnections usually happen because of Wi-Fi interference or distance. Move your iPad and TV closer together, or move your router to a more central location in your home. If you have many devices on your Wi-Fi network, try disconnecting a few to reduce congestion. Switching to the 2.4 GHz band (if your router supports it) can sometimes improve stability, even though 5 GHz is faster.

If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully restart before trying to cast again. You can also check for software updates on both your iPad and TV—outdated software can cause compatibility issues. On your iPad, go to Settings, General, Software Update. On your TV, go to Settings, Support, or Software Update depending on your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast audio only without mirroring my whole screen?

Yes, if you are using an app like Apple Music or Spotify, you can cast audio to your TV without mirroring your screen. Open the app, tap the AirPlay icon (usually in the playback controls), and select your TV. Your iPad screen will stay dark while audio plays through your TV speakers. This works on any Samsung TV that supports AirPlay.

Why does my TV ask for a code when I try to cast?

Some Samsung TVs display a four-digit code the first time you cast from a new iPad as a security check. This prevents someone else from casting to your TV without permission. straightforward enter the code on your iPad when prompted. You will not need to enter it again the next time you cast from the same iPad.

Can I cast from my iPad while using other apps?

Yes, once you start casting, you can use other apps on your iPad and the content will continue to play on your TV. If you are mirroring your screen, anything you do on your iPad will show on the TV. If you are casting from a specific app like Netflix or YouTube, you can switch to another app and the video will keep playing on the TV.

What if I don't have a Samsung account for SmartThings?

You can create a free Samsung account directly in the SmartThings app. Tap Create Account, enter an email address and password, and follow the prompts. You do not need to buy anything or provide payment information. Once your account is set up, you can add your TV and start casting.

Can I cast to my Samsung TV from an older iPad?

Yes, as long as your iPad is running iOS 12.3 or later, it supports AirPlay casting. Check your iPad's iOS version by going to Settings, General, About, and looking at the Software Version. If your iPad is older and cannot update to iOS 12.3 or later, you can still use SmartThings casting if your TV supports it.

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.