The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV
You can mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay, but only if your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later and has AirPlay built in. Older Samsung models do not support AirPlay natively. If your TV does not have AirPlay, you will need a third-party device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick connected to your Samsung TV instead.
The process takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up. Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. You swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, select your TV from the list, and enter a four-digit code that appears on your TV screen.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later support AirPlay mirroring directly, but older models do not.
- Your iPhone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work.
- If your Samsung TV does not support AirPlay, you can use an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick as a bridge device.
- The mirroring process requires a four-digit PIN that your TV displays on screen for security.
- Mirroring drains your iPhone battery faster than normal use, so plug in your phone if you plan to mirror for more than an hour.
Check whether your Samsung TV supports AirPlay
Not all Samsung TVs have AirPlay built in. Samsung added AirPlay support starting with 2018 models, but you should verify your specific TV before trying to set it up. Look at your TV's model number—it is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the TV, or in the Settings menu under System Information or About TV.
Once you have the model number, visit Samsung's support website and search for your model. Look for "AirPlay" or "Apple AirPlay" in the specifications or features list. If it is listed, your TV supports it. If you cannot find the information online, you can also try the mirroring process—if your TV does not support AirPlay, it straightforward will not appear in your iPhone's Screen Mirroring list.
Set up your iPhone and Samsung TV on the same Wi-Fi network
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi setting by opening Settings, tapping Wi-Fi, and confirming which network you are connected to. Then check your Samsung TV by opening its Settings menu (usually accessed with the remote's Menu button), navigating to Network or Connection, and confirming it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi yet, select your network from the TV's Wi-Fi list, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds. Once both devices show they are on the same network, you are ready to mirror.
Mirror your iPhone screen to your Samsung TV
On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. (On older iPhones with a home button, swipe up from the bottom instead.) Look for the Screen Mirroring option—it shows an icon that looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.
Tap Screen Mirroring. Your iPhone will search for nearby devices that support mirroring. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list with its model name or the name you gave it in settings. Tap your TV's name. Your TV will display a four-digit PIN on screen. Enter this PIN on your iPhone within 30 seconds. Once you enter the code, your iPhone screen will appear on your TV.
Your iPhone's display will now mirror everything you do—opening apps, scrolling, typing, and playing video. The mirroring continues until you stop it by opening Control Center again, tapping Screen Mirroring, and selecting Disconnect.
What to do if your Samsung TV does not support AirPlay
If your TV is older than 2018 or does not have AirPlay in its specifications, you have two options: use a third-party streaming device or use a wired connection.
The easiest option is to connect an Apple TV (4th generation or later), Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick to your Samsung TV's HDMI port. These devices have AirPlay built in and work the same way—your iPhone will see them in the Screen Mirroring list. Apple TV is the most seamless option because it is made by Apple, but Roku and Fire Stick work just as well and cost less.
If you want a wired connection instead, you can use a Lightning to HDMI adapter (made by Apple or a third-party manufacturer) to connect your iPhone directly to your TV's HDMI port. This does not require Wi-Fi and has no lag, but you are tethered to a cable. Wired mirroring is useful if your Wi-Fi is unreliable or if you need the lowest possible delay—for example, when playing games or watching live video.
Troubleshoot mirroring problems
If your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, restart both your iPhone and your TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your iPhone, go to Settings, swipe to find an app you are not using, and swipe up to close it, then reopen Control Center. This clears temporary connection issues.
If the PIN does not work, make sure you are entering it within 30 seconds of tapping your TV's name. The code expires after that time. If it expires, tap your TV's name again and a new code will appear. If your iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks (for example, if one is on the 2.4 GHz band and one is on 5 GHz), they may not see each other—check your router settings to confirm both devices are on the same band.
If mirroring starts but the picture is choppy or freezes, move your iPhone closer to your TV or router. Thick walls, microwaves, and cordless phones can interfere with Wi-Fi. You can also try lowering the brightness on your iPhone or closing background apps to reduce the processing load.
Manage battery drain while mirroring
Screen mirroring uses a lot of power because your iPhone is constantly sending video and audio to your TV over Wi-Fi. If you are mirroring for more than 30 minutes, plug your iPhone into a charger. Even while charging, your battery may drain slightly if you are doing something processor-intensive like streaming video or playing a game.
To reduce battery drain, lower your iPhone's screen brightness before you start mirroring, close apps running in the background, and turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it. If you are mirroring a video or photo slideshow that does not require interaction, you can also lock your iPhone screen—the mirroring will continue even though your phone is locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror my iPhone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
No, AirPlay mirroring requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you do not have Wi-Fi available, you can use a wired Lightning to HDMI adapter to connect your iPhone directly to your TV's HDMI port instead. This works without any network connection.
Why does my Samsung TV not show up in Screen Mirroring?
Your TV may not support AirPlay (check if it was made before 2018), or it may not be on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Restart both devices and confirm they are connected to the same network. If your TV is on a guest network or a different frequency band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), move it to the same network as your iPhone.
Does screen mirroring work with all iPhone apps?
Most apps work fine, but some streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube may block mirroring for copyright reasons. You will see a black screen or a message saying the content cannot be mirrored. In those cases, you can still watch the app on your TV by using the app's built-in casting feature instead, if it has one.
Can I use my iPhone while it is mirroring to my TV?
Yes. Everything you do on your iPhone appears on your TV in real time. You can open apps, type, scroll, and take photos. The mirroring stops only when you disconnect it in Control Center or when your iPhone goes to sleep.
What is the range for Wi-Fi mirroring?
Your iPhone can mirror to your TV as long as both are on the same Wi-Fi network, even if they are far apart. However, the farther apart they are, the weaker the signal and the more likely you will see lag or disconnections. For the best performance, keep your iPhone within 30 feet of your TV and router.