The fastest way: use AirPlay with AirPlay-compatible Samsung TVs
If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely supports AirPlay 2, Apple's wireless casting standard. This is the simplest connection method because it requires no cables, no extra apps, and no manual setup beyond turning on AirPlay on both devices.
Open Control Center on your iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models). Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPad screen appears on the TV within seconds. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then choose Stop Mirroring.
Not all Samsung models support AirPlay 2 — primarily the QLED and The Frame lines do. If your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, move to the HDMI adapter method below.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay 2 works wirelessly on Samsung TVs from 2018 onward, but only on certain models like QLED and The Frame.
- An HDMI adapter plugged into your iPad's USB-C or Lightning port connects to any Samsung TV with an HDMI input, regardless of age.
- Samsung SmartThings app on your iPad lets you control your TV remotely but does not mirror the screen.
- Casting apps like Netflix and YouTube work directly from the app without needing to mirror your whole screen.
- If your TV has no HDMI port, you will need an older iPad model with a 30-pin connector and a composite video adapter.
Using an HDMI adapter for any Samsung TV
An HDMI adapter is the most reliable method because it works with every Samsung TV made in the last 15 years and every iPad model. You need either a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPad Pro, iPad Air 2022 and newer, or iPad 10th generation) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPad models). Both cost between $20 and $50.
Plug the adapter into your iPad's charging port. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to any HDMI input on your Samsung TV. Switch the TV to that HDMI input using the remote or the input button on the TV itself. Your iPad screen appears when ready. The connection is stable and does not drain your iPad battery faster than normal use.
One limitation: the adapter carries video and audio but not charging power on most models. If you plan to use this for more than an hour, plug your iPad into power separately using a second cable.
Casting from individual apps without mirroring
Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify, and most streaming apps have a built-in cast button that sends video or audio directly to your Samsung TV without mirroring your entire iPad screen. This uses less battery and lets you use other apps on your iPad while content plays on the TV.
Open the app, start playing content, and look for a cast icon — usually a rectangle with a curved line in the bottom-left or top-right corner. Tap it and select your Samsung TV. The content plays on the TV while your iPad shows playback controls. This method works on any Samsung TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad, regardless of model year or AirPlay support.
Not every app supports casting. If you do not see a cast button, the app does not have this feature, and you will need to use screen mirroring or an HDMI adapter instead.
Controlling your TV with the Samsung SmartThings app
The Samsung SmartThings app, available free from the Apple App Store, lets you control your Samsung TV's power, volume, and inputs from your iPad. It does not mirror your screen — it only sends remote commands. This is useful if you want to turn the TV on or off, change channels, or adjust settings without picking up the physical remote.
read the app and sign in with your Samsung account. Make sure your iPad and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. The app will find your TV automatically. Tap the TV to open the remote interface. You can also use this app to launch apps on the TV directly, like Netflix or YouTube, without needing to mirror or cast.
Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear
If your Samsung TV does not show up in Screen Mirroring or casting lists, check these three things first. Make sure both your iPad and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network — they cannot see each other if they are on different networks or if one is using a guest network. Restart both devices by turning them off completely, waiting 10 seconds, and turning them back on.
If your TV is older than 2018 and does not support AirPlay 2, it will never appear in the Screen Mirroring list. Use an HDMI adapter instead. If you have a newer TV but still cannot find it, check your TV's settings menu under General or Network to confirm AirPlay is turned on — some models ship with it disabled.
For casting apps like Netflix, make sure the app is fully updated from the Apple App Store. An outdated app may not recognize your TV on the network.
Comparing your connection options
| Method | Works with all Samsung TVs? | Requires cables? | Battery drain | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | 2018+ QLED, The Frame only | No | Moderate | Wireless, no setup |
| HDMI adapter | Yes, all models | Yes | Low | Older TVs, reliability |
| App casting | Yes, all models | No | Low | Netflix, YouTube, music |
| SmartThings app | Yes, all Samsung TVs | No | Minimal | Remote control only |
What to do if you have an older iPad with a 30-pin connector
iPad models from 2012 and earlier use a 30-pin connector instead of Lightning or USB-C. These cannot use modern HDMI adapters. You will need a 30-pin composite video adapter, which outputs video through red, white, and yellow RCA cables instead of HDMI. These adapters are harder to find but still available online for $15 to $30.
Connect the adapter to your iPad's 30-pin port, then plug the three RCA cables into the matching colored inputs on your Samsung TV. Switch the TV to the Video input. The image quality is lower than HDMI, but it works. If your TV has no RCA inputs, you will need an RCA-to-HDMI converter as a middle step, which adds another $20 to the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my iPad to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, using an HDMI adapter. The adapter connects directly via cable and does not need Wi-Fi. AirPlay 2 and app casting both require Wi-Fi because they send data wirelessly. If your Wi-Fi is down, an HDMI adapter is your only wireless-free option.
Does connecting my iPad to the TV charge the iPad?
Most HDMI adapters do not pass charging power through. You will need to plug your iPad into a separate power source if you want to charge while connected. Some newer USB-C adapters support charging, but you must check the product description before buying.
Why does my iPad screen look stretched or cut off on the TV?
This usually happens with HDMI adapters on older TVs. Go to your iPad Settings, then Display & Brightness, and look for an option to adjust the overscan or screen fit. If that does not work, check your TV's picture settings for an option called "Just Scan" or "Pixel-to-Pixel" and turn it on.
Can I use AirPlay to send audio only to my Samsung TV?
Yes. Open Control Center, press and hold the volume icon, and tap AirPlay Audio. Select your Samsung TV. This sends sound without mirroring your screen, which is useful for music or podcasts. Not all Samsung models support audio-only AirPlay, so try it first.
What if my Samsung TV is not on the same network as my iPad?
Wireless methods like AirPlay and casting will not work. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. If you cannot do that, use an HDMI adapter with a cable instead — it does not need Wi-Fi at all.