How to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

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 has AirPlay built in—most newer Samsung models do. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you'll need to use a third-party app like SmartThings or a physical adapter like an Apple TV or HDMI cable. The simplest route depends on which Samsung TV model you own and whether you want to mirror wirelessly or plug in a cable.

The most common method is AirPlay, which works wirelessly and takes about 30 seconds to set up once both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your Samsung TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, the SmartThings app is the next easiest option, though it requires downloading an app on both your phone and controlling the TV through that app rather than mirroring the full screen.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay works on Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later that have AirPlay 2 support, and it mirrors wirelessly without needing any extra hardware.
To use AirPlay, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, select your Samsung TV, and enter the four-digit code shown on the TV screen.
If your Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay, you can use the SmartThings app to cast content, though this works differently than full screen mirroring.
A physical HDMI adapter or Apple TV will work with any Samsung TV model, but requires a cable or an extra device and doesn't mirror wirelessly.
Both your iPhone and Samsung TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring to work.

Check Whether Your Samsung TV Supports AirPlay

Not all Samsung TVs have AirPlay built in. Samsung added AirPlay 2 support starting in 2018, so if your TV is from that year or newer, it likely has the feature. To check, look at your TV's model number and year—you can find this in the TV's settings menu under About TV or on a sticker on the back of the set.

The easiest way to confirm is to try the mirroring process itself. If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, you straightforward won't see it appear in your iPhone's Screen Mirroring menu. If you're unsure of your TV's age or model, check the Samsung support website by entering your model number, or look at your purchase receipt or warranty paperwork.

Mirror Your iPhone Using AirPlay (If Your TV Supports It)

Start by making sure both your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most important step—if they're on different networks, mirroring won't work. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they're both on the same network name.

On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen 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 from the list. Your TV will display a four-digit code on the screen. Enter this code on your iPhone when prompted, and the mirroring will begin within a few seconds.

Once mirroring is active, everything on your iPhone screen will appear on your TV—apps, videos, photos, web pages, and anything else you open. The connection stays active until you stop it. To disconnect, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Use SmartThings If Your TV Doesn't Have AirPlay

If your Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay, the SmartThings app is the next option. read the SmartThings app on your iPhone from the App Store, then open it and sign in with a Samsung account (create one if you don't have one). Make sure your TV is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi.

In the SmartThings app, tap the plus icon to add a device, then select your TV from the list of available devices. Once your TV is added to the app, you can use it to control the TV and cast certain content. However, SmartThings doesn't mirror your entire iPhone screen the way AirPlay does—instead, you use the app to send specific videos, photos, or music to the TV. This is less flexible than full screen mirroring but works on older Samsung TV models.

Use a Physical Adapter or Apple TV for Any Samsung Model

If your Samsung TV is older or doesn't support either AirPlay or SmartThings, a physical connection is your most reliable option. An HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects to an HDMI cable, which then plugs into your TV. Apple sells an official Lightning Digital AV Adapter for around $50, or you can find third-party versions for less. This method works with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age or model.

Alternatively, an Apple TV (a small box that connects to your TV via HDMI) supports AirPlay and works with any TV. Apple TV models start around $100 for the basic version. Once connected, you can mirror your iPhone wirelessly to the Apple TV, which then displays it on your Samsung TV. This is more expensive than an adapter but gives you additional features like streaming apps and voice control.

Troubleshooting Common Mirroring Problems

If your iPhone doesn't see your Samsung TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, the most common cause is that the two devices are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name. Restart both devices—turn off your iPhone and TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then try again.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to the TV or router. Thick walls and distance can weaken the Wi-Fi signal. If you're using AirPlay and the code doesn't appear on your TV, restart your TV and try again. If mirroring is very slow or laggy, close other apps on your iPhone to free up processing power, and make sure no one else is heavily using your Wi-Fi network.

If you're using SmartThings and the TV won't appear in the app, make sure you're signed into a Samsung account and that your TV is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. Delete the app and reinstall it if the TV still doesn't show up. For physical adapters, make sure the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the adapter and the TV, and try a different HDMI port on the TV if the first one doesn't work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to mirror my iPhone?

You only need a Samsung account if you're using the SmartThings app. AirPlay mirroring doesn't require any account—just make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're using a physical HDMI adapter or Apple TV, no account is needed either.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a Samsung TV that's not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring to work. If you're away from home or on a different network, a physical HDMI adapter or Apple TV connected directly to the TV is your only option.

Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery quickly?

Screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use, but not drastically. If you're mirroring for more than an hour or two, plug your iPhone into a charger. Reducing screen brightness on your iPhone can also help extend battery life while mirroring.

Can I use my iPhone while it's mirroring to the TV?

Yes, everything you do on your iPhone will appear on the TV in real time. You can open apps, browse the web, or watch videos, and all of it will show on the Samsung TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring.

What if my Samsung TV is very old—from before 2018?

Older Samsung TVs don't have AirPlay built in. Your options are to use a physical HDMI adapter (the cheapest option), add an Apple TV to your setup, or use the SmartThings app if your TV model supports it. Check the Samsung support website with your TV's model number to see which options work for your specific model.

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.