How to Turn On AirPlay on Your Samsung TV

Samsung TVs Don't Have Built-In AirPlay — Here's What You Can Do Instead

Samsung televisions do not have native AirPlay support because AirPlay is Apple's wireless casting technology and Samsung uses its own system called SmartThings. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and want to mirror your screen or stream video to your Samsung TV, you have three practical routes: use a third-party device like an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible adapter, cast through a web browser using AirPlay-compatible apps, or use Samsung's own mirroring technology if your device supports it.

The most reliable method is connecting an Apple TV (4th generation or newer) or an AirPlay 2-compatible device to your Samsung TV's HDMI port. This gives you full AirPlay functionality without any workarounds. If you don't want to buy additional hardware, some Samsung Smart TVs can receive AirPlay through certain streaming apps that have built-in AirPlay support, though this is limited compared to full mirroring.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay; you need either an external device like Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible adapter connected via HDMI.
An Apple TV (4th generation or later) connected to your Samsung TV's HDMI port is the most straightforward way to use AirPlay with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Some streaming apps on Samsung Smart TVs support AirPlay output, allowing you to cast from Apple devices directly to those apps without extra hardware.
Make sure your Apple device and the AirPlay receiver are on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.

Using an Apple TV as Your AirPlay Bridge

An Apple TV is the simplest solution if you want full AirPlay support on your Samsung TV. Connect the Apple TV to any available HDMI port on your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable, then plug the Apple TV into power. Turn on both devices and complete the initial Apple TV setup by signing in with your Apple ID.

Once your Apple TV is running, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Open the Control Center on your Apple device (swipe down from the top-right on iPhone X and newer, or swipe up from the bottom on older models). Tap the "Screen Mirroring" or "AirPlay" option, select your Apple TV from the list, and your screen will appear on the Samsung TV within a few seconds. You can also use AirPlay to stream audio or video from compatible apps without mirroring your entire screen.

Connecting an AirPlay 2 Adapter to Your Samsung TV

If you don't have an Apple TV, several third-party devices support AirPlay 2 and can connect to your Samsung TV via HDMI. These adapters are smaller and less expensive than Apple TV but offer similar functionality. Popular options include the Meural Canvas, certain models of smart projectors, and dedicated AirPlay adapters sold by various manufacturers.

To set up an AirPlay adapter, plug it into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV and connect it to power. Follow the manufacturer's setup instructions, which typically involve connecting the adapter to your Wi-Fi network through its own app or settings menu. Once configured, the adapter will appear in your Apple device's AirPlay menu. The setup process varies by device, so check the manual that came with your adapter for specific steps.

Using AirPlay With Samsung Smart TV Apps

Some apps available on Samsung Smart TVs have built-in AirPlay support, meaning you can cast directly from your Apple device to that app without needing an external device. This works differently from full screen mirroring — you're sending content to a specific app rather than mirroring your entire screen. Apps like YouTube, Spotify, and certain video streaming services may support this feature depending on your Samsung TV model and the app version.

To use AirPlay with a compatible app, open the app on your Samsung TV first. Then open the same app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, find the AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with a circle inside), and select your Samsung TV from the list. The content will stream directly to that app on your TV. Not all apps support this, and availability depends on whether the app developer has added AirPlay compatibility.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your Apple device doesn't see your AirPlay receiver in the menu, the most common cause is that they're not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both your Apple device and your AirPlay receiver (Apple TV, adapter, or Samsung TV) are connected to the same network. Restart your Wi-Fi router if devices still can't find each other.

If the connection drops or becomes unstable, move your Apple device closer to the AirPlay receiver or router. Interference from other wireless devices can weaken the signal. If you're using an older Apple device or an older AirPlay receiver, update the software on both if possible — compatibility often improves with updates. Restart both devices completely by powering them off and back on, which resolves many temporary connection issues.

Understanding Samsung's SmartThings Mirroring as an Alternative

Samsung TVs have their own mirroring system called SmartThings, which works with Android phones and some other Samsung devices but not with iPhones or iPads. If you use an Android phone, you can mirror your screen to your Samsung TV without buying additional hardware by using the SmartThings app or your phone's built-in screen mirroring feature. This won't give you AirPlay specifically, but it accomplishes the same goal of getting your phone's screen on the TV.

To use SmartThings mirroring on an Android device, open the SmartThings app, select your Samsung TV, and look for a "Mirror" or "Screen Mirroring" option. The exact steps vary by Android version and TV model. This is a useful alternative if you're primarily using Android devices, but it doesn't help if your household is primarily Apple-based.

Comparing Your Options: Cost and Complexity

The choice between these methods depends on your budget and how often you plan to use AirPlay. An Apple TV costs between $100 and $200 depending on the model and storage capacity, but it's a one-time purchase that works reliably and offers additional features like access to Apple TV+ and other streaming services. Third-party AirPlay adapters typically cost $30 to $80 and take up less space, though they may have fewer features and less consistent performance.

Using AirPlay-compatible apps on your Samsung TV is free if those apps are already installed, but it only works with specific apps and doesn't let you mirror your entire screen. This option is worth trying first if you primarily want to stream video or music from one or two apps. If you need full screen mirroring or plan to use AirPlay frequently, investing in an Apple TV or adapter is more practical than relying on individual app support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay on a Samsung TV without buying anything extra?

Only if your Samsung TV has an app with built-in AirPlay support and you're streaming from that specific app. For full screen mirroring or broader AirPlay functionality, you'll need an external device like an Apple TV or AirPlay adapter connected to your TV's HDMI port.

What's the difference between AirPlay and screen mirroring?

AirPlay is Apple's specific wireless casting technology. Screen mirroring is a broader term that includes AirPlay, Samsung's SmartThings, and other systems. All AirPlay is mirroring, but not all mirroring is AirPlay.

Do I need a specific Samsung TV model to use AirPlay?

No. Any Samsung TV with an HDMI port can use AirPlay if you connect an Apple TV or AirPlay adapter to it. The TV model doesn't matter because the AirPlay receiver is the external device, not the TV itself.

Will AirPlay work if my Apple device and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Your Apple device and the AirPlay receiver must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network.

Can I use AirPlay to stream audio only without mirroring my screen?

Yes. When you open the AirPlay menu on your Apple device, you can select your AirPlay receiver to stream audio from music apps, podcasts, or other audio content without mirroring your screen. This is useful if you want to play music through your TV's speakers while using your phone for other tasks.

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.