The fastest way to connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV

You can connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay, which works on most Samsung models made in 2018 or later. Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, select your Samsung TV from the list, and enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen.

If your Samsung TV is older or AirPlay does not appear as an option, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or Lightning to HDMI adapter (depending on your iPhone model) to plug directly into the TV's HDMI port. This method works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI input and requires no Wi-Fi connection.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay works on Samsung TVs from 2018 onward and requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • You will see a four-digit code on your TV screen during the AirPlay connection process, which you enter on your iPhone to confirm.
  • A wired HDMI adapter is the backup option if AirPlay is not available and works on any Samsung TV model.
  • Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone screen to the TV, while AirPlay can also stream video and audio from specific apps.

Connecting via AirPlay on Samsung TVs made after 2017

AirPlay is Apple's wireless casting system and is built into most newer Samsung TVs. Start by making sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network—check your TV's network settings in the main menu if you are unsure which network it is using.

On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center. Look for the Screen Mirroring button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom). Tap it and wait a few seconds for your Samsung TV to appear in the list. When you see your TV's name, tap it. Your TV will display a four-digit code. Enter that code on your iPhone when prompted. Once you do, your iPhone screen will appear on the TV.

If the code does not appear or your TV does not show up in the list, restart both devices and try again. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 12.3 or later—check Settings > General > About to see your current version.

Using a wired HDMI adapter if AirPlay does not work

If your Samsung TV is older than 2018 or AirPlay is not working, a wired connection is reliable and works when ready. You will need a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 14 and earlier) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and later). These cost between $20 and $50 and are available at most electronics retailers.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port. Connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, then plug the other end into any HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Use your TV remote to switch to that HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method does not require Wi-Fi and works with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port.

The wired method also charges your iPhone while you use it, which is useful for longer viewing sessions. If you plan to use this connection often, consider buying a longer HDMI cable so you can position your iPhone comfortably while it is connected.

Checking your Samsung TV model and AirPlay compatibility

Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later typically support AirPlay, but not all models do. To check your TV's model year, look at the back of the TV or check your TV's settings menu. Go to Settings > Support > About This TV to see the model number and year.

If your TV is from 2018 or later and AirPlay still does not appear, your TV may need a software update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and check for updates. read and install any available updates, then restart your TV and try AirPlay again.

For TVs older than 2018, the wired HDMI adapter is your most straightforward option. Some older Samsung models support Miracast (a different wireless standard), but AirPlay is not available on those devices.

Troubleshooting when your iPhone and TV will not connect

If your devices are not connecting, start with the basics: restart both your iPhone and your Samsung TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure you are connected to the same network your TV is using.

If you are still having trouble, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnect. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and select Forget. Then select the network again and enter the password. After reconnecting, try AirPlay again.

If the four-digit code appears on your TV but you cannot enter it on your iPhone, make sure your iPhone screen is unlocked and you are looking at the correct prompt. Sometimes the code times out after 30 seconds—if that happens, start the Screen Mirroring process over.

Streaming video apps versus screen mirroring

AirPlay works in two ways: screen mirroring (which sends everything on your iPhone to the TV) and app streaming (which lets certain apps like Netflix or YouTube send video directly to your TV). App streaming is more efficient because it does not drain your iPhone battery as quickly and lets you use your phone for other things while the video plays on the TV.

To use app streaming, open a compatible app like Netflix, YouTube, or Apple TV+. Look for the AirPlay icon (usually a rectangle with a triangle) within the app itself, tap it, and select your Samsung TV. The video will play on your TV while your iPhone returns to normal use.

Screen mirroring is useful when you want to show photos, browse the web, or use an app that does not have built-in AirPlay support. Everything on your iPhone screen appears on the TV in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special Samsung TV to use AirPlay with my iPhone?

No, but your TV must be from 2018 or later. Older Samsung models do not have AirPlay built in. If you have an older TV, use a wired HDMI adapter instead. You can check your TV's model year in the Settings menu under Support or About This TV.

Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, with a wired HDMI adapter. Plug a Lightning to HDMI adapter (or USB-C to HDMI for iPhone 15) into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable, and plug it into your TV. This method works without any internet connection and is when ready.

Why does the four-digit code keep timing out?

The code expires after about 30 seconds. If you miss the window, start the Screen Mirroring process over from Control Center. Make sure your iPhone screen is unlocked and you are ready to enter the code before you tap Screen Mirroring.

Can I use AirPlay if my iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. Check your TV's network settings to see which network it is connected to, then connect your iPhone to that same network.

What is the difference between a Lightning adapter and a USB-C adapter?

iPhone models up to iPhone 14 use Lightning connectors, while iPhone 15 and later use USB-C. Check your iPhone's charging port to see which type you need. Adapters are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores.