The fastest way: use AirPlay with AirPlay 2 support

If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, you can cast directly from your iPad using AirPlay, Apple's built-in wireless casting system. Your iPad and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPad (swipe down from the top-right corner), tap Screen Mirroring, select your Samsung TV from the list, and your iPad screen appears on the TV within seconds.

Not all Samsung models support AirPlay 2, so check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to confirm yours does. If your TV is older than 2018 or doesn't have AirPlay built in, you'll need one of the other methods below. The AirPlay method works for mirroring your entire screen, streaming video apps, or showing photos and documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later often have AirPlay 2 built in, which lets you cast directly from your iPad's Control Center without extra hardware.
  • If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, a third-party device like Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick can receive the cast and send it to your Samsung TV.
  • Both your iPad and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for any casting method to work.
  • Some streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube have their own cast buttons inside the app, which may work even if your TV doesn't support AirPlay.

Using an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible device

If your Samsung TV doesn't have AirPlay built in, an Apple TV (4th generation or newer) connected to your TV via HDMI acts as a bridge. Plug the Apple TV into your Samsung TV, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and sign in with your Apple ID. Then use the same Control Center method on your iPad—tap Screen Mirroring and select the Apple TV from the list.

Other devices also work: a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast can receive AirPlay if they're AirPlay 2 compatible. Check the device's specifications before buying. The device sits between your iPad and TV, translating the AirPlay signal so your Samsung TV can display it. This adds one extra piece of hardware but works with any Samsung TV model.

Casting through streaming apps

Many apps have their own cast button built in. Open Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or another streaming service on your iPad, tap the cast icon (usually three stacked lines with a Wi-Fi symbol), and select your Samsung TV. This method works even if your TV doesn't support AirPlay, because the app itself handles the connection.

The cast button location varies by app—it's often in the top-right corner or inside the playback controls. Not every app supports casting to Samsung TVs, so if you don't see a cast button, that app may not offer the feature. This method is useful for watching video content but won't let you mirror your entire iPad screen or show photos from your photo library.

Using Samsung SmartThings or Samsung TV Plus

Samsung's own SmartThings app (available free on the App Store) can sometimes detect and control Samsung TVs on the same network. Open the app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and select your TV. Once connected, some Samsung models let you cast content through the app, though this method is less reliable than AirPlay or app-based casting.

This approach works best if you already use SmartThings to control other Samsung devices in your home. It's not a primary casting method but can be a backup if other options aren't working. The app is mainly designed for controlling TV settings rather than casting video.

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

The most common reason casting fails is that your iPad and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band—some older devices work better on 2.4 GHz.

Restart both devices if casting still doesn't appear. Turn off your iPad and Samsung TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. If your TV is very old or you're unsure whether it supports AirPlay, check your TV's model number in Samsung's support section online or in your TV's settings menu under System Information or About TV.

If you're using an Apple TV or other bridge device, make sure it's plugged in, on the same Wi-Fi network, and signed in with an Apple ID. The device should appear in your iPad's Control Center within a few seconds of being powered on.

When to call Samsung support or buy additional hardware

If your Samsung TV is older than 2018 and doesn't have AirPlay, you have two choices: buy a compatible casting device (Apple TV, Roku, Fire Stick) or use app-based casting if the app you want supports it. Neither option requires calling Samsung—they're straightforward hardware additions or built-in app features.

Call Samsung support only if your TV is newer than 2018, claims to support AirPlay, but doesn't appear in your iPad's Screen Mirroring list after you've confirmed both devices are on the same network and restarted both. Samsung can confirm whether your specific model has AirPlay 2 and walk you through any TV-side settings that might need adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to cast from my iPad to my Samsung TV?

Not if your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later—it likely has AirPlay 2 built in. If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, you'll need a device like Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick to act as a bridge. Streaming apps like Netflix often have their own cast buttons and don't require extra hardware.

Why doesn't my iPad show my Samsung TV in the Screen Mirroring list?

Your iPad and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name. If they are, restart both devices. If your TV is older than 2018, it may not support AirPlay at all—check your TV's manual or Samsung's website for your specific model.

Can I cast audio only, without the video?

AirPlay mirroring sends both video and audio together. If you want to play audio through your TV speakers without showing the iPad screen, use AirPlay audio (available in Control Center under the volume slider) if your TV supports it, or use a Bluetooth speaker instead.

Will casting drain my iPad battery faster?

Yes, casting uses Wi-Fi and your iPad's processor continuously, so battery drains faster than normal use. If you're casting for long periods, plug your iPad into power. The effect is similar to watching video on the iPad itself.

Can I cast from my iPad while using other apps on the TV?

Once you start casting, your iPad's screen takes over the TV display. You can't run other apps on the TV at the same time. Stop the cast (tap Screen Mirroring again and select Stop Mirroring) to return to the TV's normal menu.