How to Screen Share From Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

The Fastest Way to Mirror Your iPhone to Samsung TV

You can screen share from an iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay if your TV supports it, or by using a third-party app like SmartThings or Miracast-compatible software. Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later typically have built-in AirPlay support, which is the simplest method. If your TV is older or doesn't have AirPlay, you'll need to use an alternative method like casting through an app or connecting via a physical adapter.

The method you choose depends on your TV model year and whether you want to mirror everything on your phone's screen or just stream specific content like photos or videos. AirPlay works wirelessly and requires no extra equipment, while third-party methods may need you to install an app on both devices or use a casting device.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs from 2018 onward support AirPlay directly, so you can mirror your iPhone without installing anything extra.
To use AirPlay, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV from the list.
If your Samsung TV is older than 2018 or doesn't show up in AirPlay, use the SmartThings app or a Miracast adapter as an alternative.
Both your iPhone and Samsung TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for any wireless screen sharing method to work.
If the connection drops or lags, restart both devices and move closer to your Wi-Fi router.

Using AirPlay on Samsung TVs (2018 and Newer)

AirPlay is Apple's built-in screen mirroring tool, and most Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later have native support for it. This is the easiest method because you don't need to install apps or buy extra hardware. To start, make sure both your iPhone and Samsung TV are plugged into the same Wi-Fi network.

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 your phone will search for nearby devices. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list within a few seconds. Tap your TV's name, and the connection will establish in about 5 to 10 seconds. Your iPhone screen will now appear on your TV.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your TV will return to its normal display.

Checking Your Samsung TV Model and AirPlay Compatibility

Not all Samsung TVs support AirPlay. If your TV was made before 2018, it likely doesn't have the feature built in. To find your TV's model year, look at the back of the TV or check your manual. You can also go to your TV's Settings menu, scroll to About TV or System Information, and look for the model number—the year is usually part of the model number.

If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you have two main alternatives: use the SmartThings app (if your TV has SmartThings built in) or use a Miracast adapter. Both methods are explained in the sections below. You can also contact Samsung support with your model number to confirm whether your specific TV supports AirPlay.

Using SmartThings App for Older Samsung TVs

If your Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay, the SmartThings app is often the next best option. SmartThings is Samsung's official app for controlling smart devices, and many Samsung TVs have it built in. read the SmartThings app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone, then open it and sign in with your Samsung account (or create one if you don't have one).

Once you're logged in, the app will search for devices on your network. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list. Tap on your TV to connect to it. After that, look for a casting or screen mirroring option within the app—the exact location varies by TV model, but it's usually in the TV's settings or a dedicated casting menu. Some Samsung TVs also let you cast content directly from certain apps like YouTube or Netflix through SmartThings, even if full screen mirroring isn't available.

SmartThings works best for streaming video or photos rather than mirroring your entire screen. If you need full screen mirroring and SmartThings doesn't offer it, try the Miracast method instead.

Using a Miracast Adapter as a Backup Option

If neither AirPlay nor SmartThings works for your setup, a Miracast adapter is a physical device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and lets you cast from your iPhone. Popular options include the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or third-party Miracast devices. These adapters cost between $20 and $50 and are available from electronics retailers.

To use a Miracast adapter, plug it into an available HDMI port on your TV and power it on. The adapter will create its own Wi-Fi network or connect to your existing network. On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and look for the adapter's name in the list. Tap it to connect. The setup takes a few minutes the first time, but after that, connecting is as fast as using built-in AirPlay.

Miracast adapters are most useful if you have an older Samsung TV or if you want a solution that works with multiple devices. However, they add an extra device to manage and require an extra HDMI port on your TV.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your iPhone doesn't find your Samsung TV when you open Screen Mirroring, the most common cause is that the two devices aren't on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both your phone and TV are connected to the same network by going to Settings on both devices and confirming the network name matches.

If they're on the same network but still won't connect, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same for your TV—use the remote to power it off, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on. After both devices restart, try Screen Mirroring again. If the connection still fails, move your iPhone closer to your Wi-Fi router, as distance and interference can weaken the signal.

If the connection works but the video lags or cuts out, the same solution applies: restart both devices and move closer to the router. You can also try turning off other Wi-Fi devices in your home temporarily to reduce network congestion. If lag persists, your Wi-Fi router may not be strong enough for smooth screen mirroring—in that case, consider upgrading your router or using a Miracast adapter, which sometimes performs better on weaker networks.

What You Can and Cannot Do While Screen Sharing

When you're mirroring your iPhone to your Samsung TV, everything on your phone's screen appears on the TV in real time. This includes apps, videos, photos, web pages, and even your home screen. You can use your phone normally while mirroring—open apps, swipe between screens, and interact with content just as you would without mirroring.

One important limitation: audio from your iPhone will play through your TV's speakers, not your phone's speaker. If you're watching a video or listening to music, the sound will come from the TV. Also, some apps like Netflix or Disney+ may not allow screen mirroring due to copyright protection—if you try to mirror these apps, you might see a black screen or a message saying the content can't be displayed. In those cases, use the app's built-in casting feature instead, which is usually a casting icon within the app itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special cable to screen share from iPhone to Samsung TV?

No, wireless screen sharing doesn't require cables. AirPlay, SmartThings, and Miracast all work over Wi-Fi. The only time you'd need a cable is if you use an HDMI adapter, which is a physical device that plugs into your TV—but that's optional and only needed for very old TVs.

Can I screen share if my iPhone and Samsung TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're using a guest network on your router, make sure both devices are connected to the same guest network, not one on the main network and one on the guest network.

Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually happen because of weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion. Move your iPhone closer to the router, restart both devices, and make sure no one else is downloading large files on your network. If you have a dual-band router, try connecting both devices to the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz for a stronger connection.

Can I use screen sharing to play games on my Samsung TV?

Yes, you can mirror games to your TV, and they'll play in real time. However, there may be a slight delay (usually less than a second) between your touch input and what appears on the TV. This delay is usually fine for casual games but can be noticeable in fast-paced games that require quick reactions.

What if my Samsung TV is too old to support any of these methods?

If your TV is very old and doesn't support AirPlay, SmartThings, or Miracast, your only option is to use an HDMI adapter. You can buy an iPhone-to-HDMI adapter (sometimes called a Lightning to HDMI adapter) for $20 to $40, plug it into your TV, and connect your iPhone with a cable. This gives you a wired connection but works with any TV that has an HDMI port.

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.