How to Cast From Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

The fastest way to cast from iPhone to Samsung TV

You can cast from your iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay, but only if your Samsung TV has AirPlay built in—most newer models do. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay natively, you'll need a third-party app like SmartThings or a casting device like an Apple TV or Roku. The method depends on your TV's age and which apps you want to cast.

The simplest route is to check whether your Samsung TV supports AirPlay directly. If it does, you can mirror your entire iPhone screen or cast specific apps in seconds. If it doesn't, you have two backup options: use Samsung's SmartThings app (which works on some models) or connect a separate device that bridges iPhone and Samsung.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later often support AirPlay, but you must enable it in the TV's settings first.
If your Samsung TV doesn't have AirPlay, the SmartThings app works on some models but requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
An Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick connected to your Samsung TV will cast from iPhone reliably, regardless of the TV's age.
Screen mirroring (casting your entire iPhone display) works differently from casting individual apps and uses more battery.

Casting with AirPlay on Samsung TVs that support it

If your Samsung TV is from 2018 or later, it likely has AirPlay built in. To check, go to your TV's settings, look for AirPlay and HomeKit or Apple TV in the menu, and turn it on. Once enabled, your iPhone will see the TV as a casting target.

To cast from your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring (or AirPlay and HomeKit on some iOS versions), then select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Stop Mirroring.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is turned on in the TV's settings. Restart both devices if the TV still doesn't show up.

Using SmartThings to cast when AirPlay isn't available

Samsung's SmartThings app works on some Samsung TVs that don't have AirPlay, though support varies by model and year. read the app from the App Store, sign in with a Samsung account (or create one for free), and add your TV to the app by following the on-screen prompts.

Once your TV is added, open the SmartThings app and look for a Mirror or Cast option in the TV controls. Tap it, and your iPhone screen will mirror to the TV. The process is slower than AirPlay and works less reliably, but it's free and requires no extra hardware.

SmartThings works best when both your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and relatively close to your router. If mirroring drops or lags, move closer to the router or restart both devices.

Casting through a separate device (Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick)

If your Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay and SmartThings doesn't work, the most reliable option is to connect a casting device to your TV's HDMI port. An Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick will all let you cast from your iPhone, and they work with any Samsung TV regardless of age.

Apple TV is the most seamless option if you use other Apple devices. Connect it to your TV's HDMI port and power, then sign in with your Apple ID. From your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select the Apple TV. Your screen will appear on the TV when ready.

Roku and Fire Stick also support AirPlay on newer models. Check the device's specifications before buying. Both are cheaper than Apple TV and work well, though the setup process is slightly longer.

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

If your iPhone won't find your Samsung TV, start with the basics: make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, restart your iPhone, and restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then try again.

If the TV still doesn't appear, check that AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings. On Samsung TVs, this is usually under Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit. If you're using SmartThings, make sure the app has permission to access your local network—go to your iPhone's Settings > Privacy > Local Network and toggle SmartThings on.

If mirroring works but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move your iPhone and TV closer to your Wi-Fi router. Interference from other devices or a weak signal will cause drops. If the problem persists, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, restart your router, and reconnect.

Screen mirroring versus casting individual apps

Screen mirroring sends your entire iPhone display to the TV—everything you see on your phone appears on the screen. This is useful for presentations, photos, or games, but it drains your iPhone battery quickly and ties up your phone while you're mirroring.

Casting individual apps is different and only works with apps that support it (like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify). When you cast an app, the app runs on the TV directly, and your iPhone becomes a remote control. You can use your phone for other things while the app plays on the TV, and battery drain is minimal.

To cast an app instead of mirroring, open the app on your iPhone, look for an AirPlay or Cast icon (usually in the top-right or bottom-right corner), and tap it. Select your Samsung TV from the list. Not all apps support this, so the icon may not appear in every app you use.

When to call Samsung support or a technician

If you've tried all the steps above and casting still doesn't work, your TV may have a hardware issue or a software bug that needs professional help. Contact Samsung support with your TV's model number (usually on the back or in the settings menu) and describe what you've already tried.

If you're not comfortable with Wi-Fi troubleshooting or prefer not to buy a separate casting device, a technician can help you set up a Roku or Fire Stick, though you'll pay for the service call. For most people, buying a Roku Streaming Stick (around $50) is cheaper and faster than a service visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to cast from my iPhone?

Only if you're using the SmartThings app. AirPlay doesn't require any account—it works directly between your devices on the same Wi-Fi network. If you use a casting device like Roku or Fire Stick, you may need an account with that service, but not with Samsung.

Can I cast to my Samsung TV if it's older than 2018?

Not with AirPlay directly. Older Samsung TVs don't have AirPlay built in. Your options are to use SmartThings (if your model supports it), or connect a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV to the TV's HDMI port. Both workarounds are reliable and inexpensive.

Will casting drain my iPhone battery?

Screen mirroring uses significant battery because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV. Casting individual apps (like Netflix) uses much less battery because the app runs on the TV, not your phone. If battery life matters, cast apps instead of mirroring your whole screen.

What if my Wi-Fi network keeps dropping during casting?

Move your iPhone and TV closer to your router, or switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel in your router's settings. If you have a dual-band router, try connecting both devices to the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz. Restart both devices and your router if the problem continues.

Can I cast from iPhone to Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

No. All casting methods require both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to use a wired connection (HDMI cable from an adapter) or set up a mobile hotspot on your iPhone and connect your TV to it, though this is slow and not practical for regular use.

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.