How to Mirror Your iPhone Screen to a Samsung TV

The fastest way to mirror iPhone to Samsung TV

You can mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay, but only if your Samsung TV has AirPlay built in—most newer models do. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you'll need a separate device like an Apple TV box or a third-party adapter. The direct method takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up: swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone, tap Control Center, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Samsung TV from the list.

If your Samsung TV doesn't show up in that list, it either doesn't support AirPlay or isn't on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. The workaround is to use an HDMI adapter connected to your TV's HDMI port, or to cast through a third-party app like SmartThings if your TV supports it. Each method has different setup steps and different limitations on what you can do while mirroring.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later usually have AirPlay built in, but older models do not—check your TV's manual or settings to confirm.
To use AirPlay, your iPhone and Samsung TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the TV must be turned on.
If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you can use an HDMI adapter with a Lightning cable, which mirrors everything on your phone but drains the battery faster.
Third-party apps like SmartThings work on some Samsung models but require the TV to support casting and may not mirror your entire screen.
Mirroring over Wi-Fi (AirPlay) works from anywhere in your home, but HDMI adapters require you to stay within cable length of the TV.

Check if your Samsung TV supports AirPlay

Not all Samsung TVs have AirPlay. Samsung began adding AirPlay support around 2018, but the feature is not standard on every model. The fastest way to check is to look at your TV's settings: press the Home button on your remote, go to Settings, then About This TV. If you see AirPlay listed, your TV supports it. You can also check your TV's model number on the back or in the manual and search "[model number] AirPlay" online.

If your TV is older than 2018 or doesn't list AirPlay in settings, you have two options: buy an Apple TV box (which plugs into an HDMI port and costs $99 or more), or use an HDMI adapter with a Lightning cable (which costs $15 to $40 and requires you to stay near the TV). Both work, but they have different trade-offs in convenience and cost.

Mirror using AirPlay on a compatible Samsung TV

Make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Turn on your TV and leave it on the home screen or any input. 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 a list of available devices will appear. Select your Samsung TV by name. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

Once mirroring starts, you can use your iPhone normally and everything will show on the TV. You can browse the web, open apps, watch videos, or show photos. The mirroring will continue until you tap Screen Mirroring again and select Stop Mirroring. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the TV is turned on. If it still doesn't show up, restart both the TV and your iPhone, then try again.

Use an HDMI adapter if your TV doesn't have AirPlay

An HDMI adapter connects your iPhone directly to your TV with a cable. You'll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter (Apple makes one, or third-party versions work too) and an HDMI cable. Plug the Lightning end into your iPhone's charging port, plug the HDMI cable into the adapter, and plug the other end of the HDMI cable into any available HDMI port on your TV. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV automatically within a few seconds.

This method mirrors everything on your phone, including notifications and lock screen, so be careful about what's on your screen before you plug in. The downside is that your iPhone will drain battery faster because it's powering the HDMI adapter, and you have to stay within cable length of the TV—usually 6 to 10 feet depending on the cable. If you need to move around the room, AirPlay or a third-party app is a better choice. Unplug the adapter when you're done to stop mirroring.

Try SmartThings if your Samsung TV supports casting

Some Samsung TVs work with the SmartThings app, which lets you cast content from your iPhone without AirPlay or an HDMI cable. Open the SmartThings app on your iPhone, tap Devices, and look for your TV in the list. If it appears, tap it, then look for a Cast or Screen Mirroring option. Not all Samsung models support this, and the feature may not mirror your entire screen—it usually works for specific apps like YouTube or Netflix rather than everything on your phone.

SmartThings casting is slower to set up than AirPlay and less reliable, but it's worth trying if your TV doesn't have AirPlay and you don't want to buy an adapter. If your TV doesn't appear in SmartThings, it either doesn't support the feature or isn't connected to Wi-Fi. Check your TV's manual to see if SmartThings casting is available on your model.

Troubleshoot when your TV doesn't appear in Screen Mirroring

The most common reason your Samsung TV doesn't show up is that it's not on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Check your TV's Wi-Fi settings by pressing Home on the remote, going to Settings, then Network, and confirming it's connected to the same network name (SSID) as your iPhone. If the TV is on a different network, connect it to the correct one.

If both devices are on the same network and the TV still doesn't appear, restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your iPhone, go to Settings, Wi-Fi, and toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. Then try Screen Mirroring again. If it still doesn't work, check that your TV's AirPlay setting is turned on in the TV's settings menu—some Samsung models require you to enable it manually. If you've tried all of this and it still doesn't work, your TV may not support AirPlay, and you'll need to use an HDMI adapter instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV to mirror my iPhone to a Samsung TV?

No, not if your Samsung TV has AirPlay built in. Most Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later support AirPlay without any extra hardware. If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, you can use an HDMI adapter instead, which is cheaper than an Apple TV.

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

Not with AirPlay—both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. An HDMI adapter works without Wi-Fi because it uses a physical cable connection. If you don't have Wi-Fi, an HDMI adapter is your only option.

Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

AirPlay uses very little battery because it sends the signal over Wi-Fi. An HDMI adapter drains the battery much faster because it powers the adapter through the Lightning port. If you're mirroring for more than an hour, plug your iPhone into a charger.

Can I mirror just one app instead of my whole screen?

AirPlay and HDMI adapters mirror your entire screen. If you want to cast just one app (like YouTube or Netflix), use the Cast button inside that app instead of Screen Mirroring. Not all apps support casting, so check the app's menu first.

Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?

Wi-Fi interference or distance from the router can cause AirPlay to drop. Move closer to your router, or restart both your iPhone and TV. If you're using an HDMI adapter, make sure the cable isn't bent or damaged, and try a different HDMI port on your TV.

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.