The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV

You can mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay if your TV supports it, or by using a third-party app like SmartThings or a streaming device like Apple TV or Chromecast. Samsung TVs made after 2018 often have AirPlay built in, but older models do not. The method you choose depends on your TV model year and what you want to display — some routes work better for video, others for photos or screen mirroring.

The simplest route is usually a cable connection or a streaming device, because both work on any Samsung TV regardless of age. Wireless methods are faster to set up but require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network and sometimes need a compatible TV model.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TVs from 2018 onward often support AirPlay, which lets you mirror wirelessly from your iPhone without extra hardware.
  • If your TV does not have AirPlay, you can use an Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku device connected to your Samsung TV to mirror instead.
  • A USB-C to HDMI cable plugged directly into your TV works on any Samsung model but requires your iPhone to stay tethered.
  • Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring methods to work.
  • Some Samsung TVs support SmartThings, which can mirror content, but this method is slower than AirPlay or a streaming device.

Check if your Samsung TV has AirPlay built in

Open the Settings app on your Samsung TV and look for AirPlay and HomeKit or Apple AirPlay in the menu. If you see it listed and it is turned on, your TV supports wireless mirroring from your iPhone. Most Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later have this feature, but not all — it depends on the specific model and whether Samsung included it at the time of manufacture.

If you cannot find AirPlay in your TV settings, your model does not support it. In that case, skip to the section on streaming devices or cable connections below.

Mirror using AirPlay on a compatible Samsung TV

Make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone 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 iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your TV will return to its normal input. AirPlay works for apps, photos, videos, and your entire home screen, so you can use it for anything you want to display on the larger screen.

Use a streaming device if your TV does not have AirPlay

An Apple TV (4K or HD model) plugged into your Samsung TV's HDMI port is the most reliable way to mirror if your TV does not have AirPlay. Connect the Apple TV to power and to your TV, then sign in with your Apple ID. Your iPhone will detect the Apple TV automatically when you open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.

If you do not have an Apple TV, a Google Chromecast or Roku device also works, though the process is slightly different. With Chromecast, open the app you want to cast from on your iPhone, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast device. With Roku, use the Roku app on your iPhone to send content to the TV. Both require your phone and device to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Streaming devices cost between $30 and $150 depending on the model and features. They are a one-time purchase and work with any TV that has an HDMI port, so they are useful if you plan to use mirroring regularly or on multiple TVs.

Connect with a USB-C to HDMI cable

If you want a wired connection that does not require a streaming device or compatible TV, use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable. Plug the USB-C end into your iPhone and the HDMI end into an available HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready — no setup or Wi-Fi needed.

This method works on any Samsung TV and any iPhone with a USB-C port (iPhone 15 and later). Older iPhones use a Lightning port instead, so you would need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. The downside is that your phone stays tethered to the TV, which limits where you can move and drains the battery faster. This route is best for presentations, watching videos, or other situations where your phone will stay in one place.

Use SmartThings if your TV supports it

Some Samsung TVs work with the SmartThings app on your iPhone, which can mirror content but is slower than AirPlay or a streaming device. read SmartThings from the App Store, sign in, and add your Samsung TV to the app by following the on-screen steps. Once your TV is added, open the app, select your TV, and look for a screen mirroring or casting option.

SmartThings mirroring can lag and sometimes drops the connection, so it is not ideal for video or fast-moving content. It works better for photos, documents, or static screens. If you have a choice between SmartThings and AirPlay or a streaming device, use those instead.

Troubleshoot when mirroring does not work

If your iPhone does not see your Samsung TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your iPhone and your TV, then try again. If your TV is on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and your iPhone is on 2.4 GHz (or vice versa), they may not connect — check your router settings to see if you can switch both to the same band.

If you are using a cable connection and nothing appears on the TV, try a different HDMI port on the TV and make sure the TV is set to that input. Some older iPhones and adapters have compatibility issues, so test with a different cable if you have one available. If mirroring works but the picture is choppy or lags, move your phone closer to the TV or router, or switch to a wired connection instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Samsung TVs support AirPlay?

No. Most Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later have AirPlay, but not all models do. Check your TV's settings menu for AirPlay and HomeKit. If it is not there, your TV does not support it, but you can still mirror using a streaming device or cable.

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

Yes, if you use a USB-C to HDMI cable or a streaming device that is already plugged into the TV. A cable connection works without any network. Some streaming devices like Apple TV can also work on a separate network or without internet, though setup is easier with Wi-Fi.

What is the difference between mirroring and casting?

Mirroring shows your entire iPhone screen on the TV. Casting sends a specific app or video to the TV while your phone screen stays private. AirPlay and cables do mirroring. Chromecast and Roku typically do casting, though some apps support both.

Why does my mirroring keep disconnecting?

Weak Wi-Fi is the most common cause. Move your phone closer to the router or TV, or restart both devices. If your TV is far from the router, consider a wired connection with a cable or a streaming device placed closer to the router.

Can I mirror video from apps like Netflix or YouTube?

Yes, but some apps have restrictions. Netflix, YouTube, and most streaming apps let you cast or mirror. Check the app for a Cast or AirPlay icon. If the app does not have one, you can still mirror your entire screen, though the video may be lower quality.