How to Cast From Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

The fastest way to cast from iPhone to Samsung TV

Samsung TVs made in 2016 or later support AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting system. If your TV is that recent, you can cast directly from your iPhone without installing anything extra. Open the app or video you want to cast, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon, and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

If your Samsung TV is older than 2016, or if AirPlay doesn't appear as an option, you'll need a separate device. A Google Chromecast plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with iPhones and costs between $30 and $50. Some apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have their own cast buttons built in—look for a rectangle with curved lines in the corner of the app.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs from 2016 onward have AirPlay built in; older models do not.
To cast, both your iPhone and TV must connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
Screen Mirroring in Control Center mirrors your entire iPhone screen; individual apps may have their own cast buttons for video or music only.
If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, a Google Chromecast plugged into an HDMI port works with iPhones and costs $30 to $50.
Some streaming apps cast directly without needing Screen Mirroring, which uses less battery and bandwidth.

Check whether your Samsung TV supports AirPlay

Samsung added AirPlay support starting with 2016 models. To learn about your TV has it, look at the model number on the back of the set or in the TV's settings menu. Go to Settings > General > About This TV and look for the model year or number.

If you're not sure, try casting anyway. Open Control Center on your iPhone, hold down the Screen Mirroring icon (or look for AirPlay and HomeKit), and see if your TV appears in the list. If it doesn't show up after 10 seconds, your TV either doesn't support AirPlay or isn't on the same network.

Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network

AirPlay only works when both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings by going to Settings > Wi-Fi and note which network you're on. Then check your TV by going to Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi Settings and confirm it's connected to the same network.

If your TV is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz), it may not appear in your casting options. Most home routers broadcast both bands under the same name, but some split them. If you see separate network names like "YourNetwork-5G" and "YourNetwork-2.4G", connect both devices to the same one.

Cast your iPhone screen or an individual app

There are two ways to send content to your TV: Screen Mirroring duplicates everything on your iPhone, while app-specific casting sends just that app's content. Screen Mirroring uses more battery and Wi-Fi bandwidth, but it works with any app. App-specific casting is more efficient and is built into most streaming services.

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

To cast from an individual app, open the app and look for a cast icon—usually a rectangle with curved lines in one corner, or a speaker icon with a Wi-Fi symbol. Tap it and select your TV. This method works with YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV, Disney+, and many others. The app will tell you when casting is active.

Use Google Chromecast if your TV doesn't support AirPlay

If your Samsung TV is older than 2016 or AirPlay isn't working, plug a Google Chromecast into an available HDMI port on the back of your TV. Plug the Chromecast into power, then follow the setup instructions in the Google Home app on your iPhone. Once it's set up and on your Wi-Fi network, you can cast to it the same way you would to an AirPlay TV.

Chromecast works with most streaming apps, including YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, and others. Some apps have a built-in cast button; others require you to use Screen Mirroring. Chromecast devices typically cost $30 to $50 and don't require a subscription.

Troubleshoot when your TV doesn't appear in the casting menu

If your Samsung TV isn't showing up when you try to cast, restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Open Control Center again and check if your TV appears.

If it still doesn't show up, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, select Forget, then reconnect by entering your password. Do the same on your TV if possible. If your router has a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, try connecting both devices to the 2.4 GHz band, which has better range and is more reliable for casting.

If you've tried all of this and casting still doesn't work, your TV may not support AirPlay. Check the model year again, or consider using a Chromecast instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast to my Samsung TV if I'm not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No. AirPlay and Chromecast both require your iPhone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're away from home, you can't cast unless you connect to the same network—for example, a guest network at a hotel or someone else's house.

Does casting drain my iPhone battery faster?

Yes, Screen Mirroring uses more battery than app-specific casting because it's constantly sending your entire screen to the TV. If you're casting video or music, use the app's built-in cast button instead of Screen Mirroring. If you're casting for a long time, plug your iPhone into power.

Can I use my iPhone while I'm casting?

With app-specific casting, yes—you can use other apps while the video or music plays on your TV. With Screen Mirroring, whatever you do on your iPhone appears on the TV, so you can't browse privately or use other apps without the TV seeing them.

What if my Samsung TV is too old for AirPlay?

Buy a Google Chromecast (around $30 to $50) and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. Set it up using the Google Home app on your iPhone, and you'll be able to cast from your iPhone the same way. Chromecast works with most streaming apps and older TVs.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting when I cast?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your router closer to your TV, or switch both devices to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band if your router broadcasts separate bands. If your TV is far from the router, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network can help. Restart both devices if the problem persists.

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.