The fastest way: use AirPlay with a compatible Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely has AirPlay 2 built in, which means you can mirror your iPhone screen or stream video directly without buying anything extra. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Micast, select your Samsung TV from the list, and your iPhone display appears on the TV within seconds.
Not all Samsung models support AirPlay — older sets and budget lines often do not. Check your TV's settings by going to Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit. If you see an option to turn AirPlay on, you have it. If the menu does not exist, your TV does not support it, and you will need one of the other methods below.
AirPlay works best for photos, videos, and mirroring apps like Netflix or YouTube. It is wireless, requires no cables, and works across your home network. The connection is stable as long as your iPhone and TV are on the same WiFi network.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later usually have AirPlay 2 built in, letting you mirror your iPhone wirelessly without extra hardware.
- If your TV does not have AirPlay, a Chromecast with Google TV or Fire TV Stick plugged into an HDMI port will work with most iPhone apps.
- An HDMI adapter cable (Lightning to HDMI) connects your iPhone directly to the TV but requires the TV to be nearby and drains your battery faster.
- Check your TV model year and settings before buying anything — many Samsung sets already have the feature you need.
Using Chromecast or Fire TV Stick if your Samsung TV lacks AirPlay
A Chromecast with Google TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick plugged into your TV's HDMI port gives you wireless casting from your iPhone. These devices cost between $30 and $50 and work with any Samsung TV, regardless of age.
To use Chromecast: plug it into an HDMI port, connect it to your WiFi, then open any app on your iPhone that supports casting (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos). Look for the cast icon — usually three curved lines in a corner — tap it, and select your Chromecast. The video or audio streams to your TV while your iPhone stays in your pocket.
Fire TV Stick works the same way but uses Amazon's ecosystem. Both devices let you use your iPhone as a remote through their companion apps. Neither requires your iPhone and TV to be physically close, and both work reliably over WiFi. The main difference is which apps and services you use most — Chromecast integrates better with Google services, while Fire TV Stick integrates with Amazon Prime Video and Alexa.
Direct connection with an HDMI adapter cable
A Lightning to HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects directly to your TV with an HDMI cable. This method works on any Samsung TV and requires no WiFi or setup. You see your iPhone screen on the TV when ready.
The trade-off is convenience. Your iPhone must stay within the length of the cable — usually 6 feet — and the connection drains your battery noticeably faster than wireless methods. You cannot charge your iPhone while it is connected unless you buy a more expensive adapter that supports charging and HDMI at the same time. A basic Lightning to HDMI adapter costs $15 to $25.
This method is useful if your WiFi is unreliable, you are in a location without WiFi, or you need a may provide connection. It is also the only option if your TV has no HDMI ports (very rare on modern sets) — in that case, you would need an HDMI to composite or HDMI to VGA adapter as well, which adds cost and complexity.
Connecting through your TV's built-in apps
Many Samsung TVs have Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other apps installed directly on the TV. Instead of mirroring your iPhone, you can open the app on the TV itself and sign in with your account. This uses less bandwidth than casting and does not tie up your phone.
Open the app on your Samsung TV, sign in with your email and password, and start watching. Your iPhone can stay in another room or in your pocket. This method works best for apps you use frequently and is the most battery-efficient option for your phone.
The downside is that not every app is available on Samsung TVs, and some apps on the TV have fewer features than the iPhone version. Check your TV's app store (usually called Samsung Apps or Smart Hub) to see what is available before relying on this method.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect
If AirPlay is not finding your TV, restart both devices. Turn off your Samsung TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi and make sure you are connected to the same network as your TV. AirPlay only works when both devices are on the same WiFi — if your phone is on a guest network and your TV is on the main network, they will not see each other.
If you are using an HDMI adapter and the TV shows a black screen, try unlocking your iPhone first — some TVs do not display anything until the phone is unlocked. If the picture appears but is cut off at the edges, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > View Full Screen and toggle it on.
For Chromecast or Fire TV Stick, make sure the device is plugged in and powered on. Check that it is connected to WiFi by looking at the companion app on your phone. If the app cannot find the device, unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
Comparing your connection options
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | Works on All Samsung TVs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay (built-in) | $0 | 30 seconds | 2018 and newer | Wireless, no extra hardware |
| Chromecast with Google TV | $40–$50 | 5 minutes | Yes | Google services, any TV age |
| Fire TV Stick | $30–$50 | 5 minutes | Yes | Amazon Prime, any TV age |
| Lightning to HDMI adapter | $15–$25 | 1 minute | Yes | Direct connection, no WiFi needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Samsung TV have AirPlay?
No. Samsung added AirPlay 2 starting around 2018, but not all models from that year onward have it. Budget and entry-level TVs often skip the feature. Check your TV's settings under General > AirPlay and HomeKit to confirm. If that menu does not appear, your TV does not have AirPlay.
Can I use AirPlay and Chromecast on the same TV?
Yes. If your Samsung TV has AirPlay built in, you can still plug a Chromecast into an HDMI port and use both. You choose which one to cast to each time. This is useful if some people in your home prefer AirPlay and others prefer Chromecast.
Will connecting my iPhone drain the battery faster?
Wireless methods like AirPlay and Chromecast use less battery than a direct HDMI cable connection. If you are mirroring your screen (showing everything your iPhone displays), battery drain is noticeable. If you are just casting a video or music app, the drain is minimal. Plug your phone in if you plan to use it for more than an hour.
What if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?
Older Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay. Your options are a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Lightning to HDMI adapter. All three work reliably on any TV model with an HDMI port, which includes nearly all Samsung TVs made in the last 15 years.
Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV without WiFi?
Yes, but only with a Lightning to HDMI adapter cable. Wireless methods (AirPlay, Chromecast, Fire TV Stick) all require WiFi. If you have no WiFi available, the adapter is your only option.