The fastest way: use AirPlay with AirPlay-compatible Samsung TVs

If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely supports AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting system. This is the simplest method because it requires no extra cables or apps — just your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.

Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right on newer models, or up from the bottom on older ones). Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and tap Stop Mirroring.

Not all Samsung models support AirPlay, even recent ones. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's support site for your specific model number to confirm before trying this method.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay works on most Samsung TVs from 2018 onward if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, and requires no cables or additional apps.
  • Samsung SmartThings app lets older Samsung TVs receive content from your iPhone, though setup takes a few extra steps.
  • An HDMI adapter cable (Lightning to HDMI) connects your iPhone directly to any Samsung TV, guarantees compatibility, and costs $20 to $50.
  • Streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+ can cast directly to Samsung TVs without mirroring your entire screen.

Using Samsung SmartThings for older or non-AirPlay TVs

If your Samsung TV does not support AirPlay, the Samsung SmartThings app offers an alternative. read it from the App Store on your iPhone, then sign in with a Samsung account (create one for free if you do not have one).

Open SmartThings, tap the plus icon to add a device, and select your TV from the list. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi. Once paired, you can use SmartThings to control the TV's volume and input, and some content can be sent to the TV through the app. This method is slower than AirPlay and works best for controlling the TV rather than mirroring your screen.

SmartThings works on Samsung TVs going back several years, making it useful if your TV is older or does not have built-in AirPlay. However, full screen mirroring through SmartThings is not reliable on all models.

Wired connection with a Lightning to HDMI adapter

A Lightning to HDMI adapter is a physical cable that plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects to any HDMI input on your Samsung TV. This method works on every iPhone and every Samsung TV, regardless of age or model.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your TV, then switch the TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen will display when ready. You can watch videos, browse photos, or mirror your entire screen. The TV will also charge your iPhone while connected.

The downside is that you are tethered to a cable. Apple's official Lightning to HDMI adapter costs around $50, though third-party versions are available for $20 to $35. This method is reliable for presentations, watching stored videos, or any situation where you do not mind staying in one spot.

Casting from individual apps without mirroring

Many streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu — have built-in casting buttons that send video directly to your TV without mirroring your entire screen. This uses less battery and lets you use your iPhone for other things while the show plays.

Open the app, start playing a video, and look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved line in the corner). Tap it and select your Samsung TV. The video will play on the TV while your iPhone returns to normal use. You can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from your phone.

This method works on most Samsung TVs without any setup beyond connecting to Wi-Fi. It is the most practical option if you mainly watch streaming content rather than mirroring your entire screen.

Checking your Samsung TV model for AirPlay support

Samsung TVs made from 2018 onward typically support AirPlay, but not all do. To confirm your model, look at the back or side of your TV for a model number starting with letters like QN, UN, or N (for example, QN65Q80C). Write this down.

Visit Samsung's support website, search for your model number, and look at the specifications or features list. If it mentions AirPlay, HomeKit, or Apple compatibility, you can use the wireless method. If not, you will need either SmartThings, a wired adapter, or app-based casting.

You can also try the AirPlay method anyway — if your TV does not support it, it straightforward will not appear in your iPhone's Screen Mirroring list, and you can move to another method.

Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect

If your iPhone does not see your Samsung TV in the AirPlay or SmartThings list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they are connected to the same network name.

Restart both devices: turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your iPhone by powering it off and on. Try the connection again. If your TV still does not appear, check whether your TV model actually supports the method you are trying — refer back to your manual or Samsung's support site.

For wired connections, try a different HDMI cable or HDMI port on the TV. Some ports may be damaged or reserved for specific functions. If the adapter itself is not working, test it on another iPhone if possible to rule out a problem with your phone's charging port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for anything to connect my iPhone to my Samsung TV?

No. AirPlay, SmartThings, and app-based casting are all free. The only cost is if you buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter ($20 to $50), which is optional. Streaming apps themselves may require a subscription, but the connection itself is free.

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. If you are at a hotel or office with a guest network, make sure both your iPhone and TV connect to the same network name.

Will connecting my iPhone to the TV drain the battery?

Wireless methods (AirPlay and SmartThings) will drain your battery faster than normal because your iPhone is actively streaming. A wired HDMI connection actually charges your iPhone while you use it. App-based casting uses less battery than full screen mirroring.

What if my Samsung TV is very old — can I still connect my iPhone?

Yes. A Lightning to HDMI adapter works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI port, regardless of age. Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot be connected to an iPhone without additional equipment like an HDMI-to-composite converter, which is rarely worth the cost.

Can I control my iPhone while it is mirroring to the TV?

Yes, but anything you do on your iPhone will also appear on the TV screen. If you want to use your phone privately while content plays on the TV, use app-based casting instead of full screen mirroring — most streaming apps support this.