The fastest way to connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV
You can mirror your iPhone screen to a Samsung TV using AirPlay, which is built into both devices. Your iPhone sends video and audio wirelessly to the TV without needing cables or extra apps. The TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, and both devices need to be relatively recent models — Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later typically support AirPlay.
The connection takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look. You swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap the screen mirroring icon, and select your Samsung TV from the list. The TV then displays everything on your iPhone — apps, photos, videos, or your home screen.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay is the standard way to connect an iPhone to a Samsung TV wirelessly, and it works on Samsung TVs from 2018 onward.
- Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can pair them.
- You start the connection from your iPhone's Control Center, not from the TV's settings menu.
- If your Samsung TV does not show up in the AirPlay list, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.
Check your Samsung TV model and software version
AirPlay support varies by Samsung TV model year. Samsung added AirPlay to most of its TVs starting in 2018, but some older or budget models may not have it. You can find your TV's model number on a sticker on the back of the set or in the TV's settings menu under System Information or About This TV.
Once you know the model, check Samsung's support website or your TV's manual to confirm AirPlay is included. If your TV is older than 2018 or does not list AirPlay as a feature, you will need to use a third-party device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick instead.
If your TV does support AirPlay, make sure the software is up to date. Go to the TV's settings, find Software Update or System Update, and check for any available updates. Outdated software can cause connection problems.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. Check which network your iPhone is connected to by opening Settings > Wi-Fi and looking at the network name with a checkmark next to it.
On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password if prompted. Wait for the TV to show "Connected" before moving on.
If your iPhone and TV are on different networks — for example, if your TV is on a guest network — they will not be able to find each other. Some routers broadcast a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band under the same network name; if your TV only supports 2.4 GHz, make sure it is connecting to that band specifically.
Start the AirPlay connection from your iPhone
Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (or swiping up from the bottom on older models). Look for the Screen Mirroring icon — it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.
Tap Screen Mirroring. Your iPhone will search for nearby devices for a few seconds. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list with its model name or the custom name you gave it. Tap the TV's name to connect.
Your iPhone will ask you to enter an AirPlay code that appears on the TV screen. Type this four-digit code into your iPhone and tap Connect. Once the code is accepted, your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.
What to do if your TV does not appear in the AirPlay list
If you do not see your Samsung TV listed under Screen Mirroring, the devices are not communicating. Start by restarting both your iPhone and TV — turn off the TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on.
After both devices restart, check again that they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings side by side to confirm the network names match. If your router has separate 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networks, try connecting your iPhone to the same band as your TV.
If the TV still does not appear, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for the router to fully restart, then try the AirPlay connection again. If your TV is still not showing up after these steps, the TV may not support AirPlay, or there may be a hardware issue with the Wi-Fi module.
Disconnect or stop mirroring
To stop mirroring, open Control Center on your iPhone again and tap Screen Mirroring. Tap Stop Mirroring at the bottom of the menu. Your iPhone screen will no longer appear on the TV, though the TV will stay on whatever input it was set to.
If you want to disconnect and use the TV normally, use the TV remote to switch to a different input or back to live TV. The iPhone and TV will remain paired on your Wi-Fi network, so the next time you want to mirror, you will not need to re-enter the AirPlay code — just select the TV from the Screen Mirroring menu again.
Alternatives if AirPlay is not available
If your Samsung TV does not support AirPlay, you have other options. Samsung SmartThings is Samsung's own app that can cast some content from your iPhone to compatible Samsung TVs, though it is less reliable than AirPlay and does not mirror your full screen.
A more reliable workaround is to use a separate device. An Apple TV (any model) plugged into your TV's HDMI port will give you full AirPlay support. Roku and Amazon Fire Stick devices also support AirPlay on newer models and are less expensive than Apple TV. You can also use an HDMI cable with a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter, though this requires a physical connection and limits where you can hold your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my iPhone and Samsung TV every time I want to mirror?
No. Once you have connected once and entered the AirPlay code, your devices remember each other. The next time you open Screen Mirroring, your TV will appear in the list when ready, and you can tap it to connect without entering a code again.
Can I use AirPlay if my iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?
No. Both devices must be on the same network. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, move your iPhone to the same network as your TV. Some routers let you connect both networks under one name; check your router settings if you are unsure.
Will AirPlay work if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?
Probably not. Samsung added AirPlay support to most TVs starting in 2018. If your TV is older, check the model number on the back and look it up on Samsung's website to confirm. If it does not support AirPlay, an Apple TV or Roku device is your best option.
Can I use AirPlay to play music or videos from my iPhone without mirroring the whole screen?
Yes. When you play audio or video through an app like Apple Music, YouTube, or Apple TV, you can tap the AirPlay icon inside that app to send the content directly to your TV without mirroring your home screen. This uses less battery on your iPhone and lets you use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV.
What should I do if the AirPlay connection keeps dropping?
Move your iPhone closer to the TV and router to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal. Check that your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings > Software Update. If the problem continues, restart both devices and your router. If one device is very far from the router or there are thick walls between them, the connection may be unstable.