The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to a Samsung TV
You can screen share an iPhone to a Samsung TV using AirPlay if your TV has AirPlay built in, or by connecting through a third-party app like SmartThings or a streaming device. Samsung TVs made after 2018 often include AirPlay support, but not all models do — you'll need to check your TV's settings first. If your TV doesn't have native AirPlay, the most reliable method is to use a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick connected to your Samsung TV's HDMI port.
The process takes about two minutes once you've confirmed your TV supports the method. Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you'll use your iPhone's Control Center to start the connection.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later may have AirPlay built in, but you must enable it in the TV's settings under AirPlay and HomeKit.
- If your Samsung TV doesn't support AirPlay, connect a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick to the TV's HDMI port and use AirPlay through that device instead.
- Your iPhone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you attempt to screen share.
- You start the connection from your iPhone's Control Center by tapping Screen Mirroring and selecting your TV or streaming device from the list.
Check whether your Samsung TV has AirPlay
Not all Samsung TVs support AirPlay, even newer models. To learn about yours does, pick up your remote and navigate to Settings on your TV. Look for a menu item called AirPlay and HomeKit or Apple TV. If that option exists, your TV has AirPlay built in. If you don't see it, your TV does not support AirPlay natively.
If your TV does have AirPlay in the settings menu, select it and toggle the setting to On. Some TVs also ask you to choose whether to allow AirPlay from anyone or only from people on your home network — choose the option that matches your preference. Once AirPlay is enabled, move to the next section.
Use AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it
Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and older). Look for the Screen Mirroring button — it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom. Tap it.
A list of available devices will appear. Find your Samsung TV's name in the list and tap it. Your iPhone will ask you to enter a four-digit code that appears on your TV screen — type that code into your iPhone. Once you enter the code, your iPhone screen will mirror to the TV. To stop screen sharing, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.
Use a streaming device if your TV doesn't have AirPlay
If your Samsung TV doesn't have AirPlay, the easiest solution is to connect a Roku Streaming Stick, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick to your TV's HDMI port. All three devices support AirPlay from an iPhone. Plug the device into an available HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and follow the on-screen setup steps to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Once the streaming device is set up and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your iPhone, use the same Control Center method described above — tap Screen Mirroring, select the streaming device's name from the list, and enter the code shown on your TV. The streaming device will then mirror your iPhone's screen to your Samsung TV.
Troubleshoot when your iPhone won't connect
If your iPhone doesn't see your TV or streaming device in the Screen Mirroring list, the most common cause is that they're not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm it's connected to the same network name as your TV. Restart your TV and your iPhone's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and back on in Settings.
If the TV appears in the list but the connection fails after you enter the code, restart both devices completely — turn off your TV for 30 seconds, then turn it back on, and do the same with your iPhone. If you're using a streaming device, unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Try connecting again. If the problem persists, check that AirPlay is still enabled in your TV's settings, as some updates reset this option.
What to do if you need to connect frequently
If you screen share regularly, consider leaving AirPlay enabled on your TV at all times rather than turning it on each time. You can also add your TV as a favorite in Control Center — after you've successfully connected once, the TV will appear at the top of your Screen Mirroring list on future attempts, making the process faster.
If you use multiple devices (iPad, Mac, Apple Watch), they all use the same AirPlay method and will see the same TV in their Screen Mirroring lists. This means any device on your home network can mirror to your TV without additional setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I screen share audio only without showing my iPhone screen?
No, AirPlay screen mirroring sends both video and audio together. If you want to send only audio to your TV (like music or a podcast), use AirPlay audio instead — swipe Control Center, tap the audio icon, and select your TV from the AirPlay audio list. This plays sound through your TV speakers without mirroring your screen.
Does screen sharing drain my iPhone battery faster?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more power than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending video to the TV. If you're mirroring for extended periods, plug your iPhone into power. The battery drain is noticeable but not severe — most iPhones can mirror for several hours on a single charge.
What if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?
Older Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay built in. Your only option is to use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick connected to your TV's HDMI port. These devices add AirPlay support to any TV, regardless of age or brand.
Can I use screen sharing while on a different Wi-Fi network?
No, your iPhone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're away from home, you cannot screen share to your home TV. Some newer Apple TV models support remote access through iCloud, but standard Samsung TVs do not.