The fastest way: use AirPlay with a compatible Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely has AirPlay 2 built in. This is the simplest route. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV within seconds.
Not all Samsung models support AirPlay, even recent ones. Check your TV's manual or settings menu — go to Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit. If you see an option there, your TV is compatible. If the menu does not exist, your TV does not have AirPlay, and you will need one of the other methods below.
AirPlay works over WiFi only. Both your iPhone and TV must be on the same network. If they are not, connect them to the same WiFi network first, then try Screen Mirroring again.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later may have AirPlay 2 built in; check Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit to confirm.
- If your TV does not have AirPlay, use a Chromecast with Google TV or Amazon Fire Stick plugged into an HDMI port.
- Casting apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify work from your iPhone to any Samsung TV with a compatible device attached.
- Screen mirroring over HDMI requires a Lightning to HDMI adapter and works on any Samsung TV model, but limits you to wired connection.
- Both your iPhone and TV must be on the same WiFi network for wireless mirroring to work.
Using a Chromecast or Fire Stick if your TV lacks AirPlay
Most Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay built in. The most reliable workaround is to plug a Chromecast with Google TV or Amazon Fire Stick into an HDMI port on your TV. Both devices cost between $30 and $50 and turn any TV into a smart TV with casting support.
Once plugged in and set up, open an app on your iPhone — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any app with a cast icon — and tap the cast button. Select your Chromecast or Fire Stick from the list. The content plays on your TV, and your iPhone acts as a remote.
This method does not mirror your entire iPhone screen the way AirPlay does. Instead, it sends only the app you are using. If you need to show your whole screen — for example, to display photos from your camera roll or navigate a website — you will need the HDMI adapter method instead.
Wired connection using a Lightning to HDMI adapter
A Lightning to HDMI adapter connects your iPhone directly to your TV with a cable. Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, then switch the TV to the HDMI input. Your iPhone screen appears when ready and stays connected as long as the cable is plugged in.
This method works on every Samsung TV model, regardless of age or features. It also avoids WiFi problems — if your network is slow or unstable, a wired connection is more reliable. The downside is that you are tethered to a cable, which limits where you can stand or sit.
Apple's official Lightning to HDMI adapter costs around $50. Third-party versions are cheaper but vary in quality. If you buy a third-party adapter, read reviews first — some do not work reliably with all iPhone models.
Casting individual apps without mirroring your whole screen
Many apps on your iPhone have a built-in cast button that sends video or audio to your TV without mirroring. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and most streaming services work this way. Look for a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner — that is the cast button.
Tap the cast button, select your TV or casting device from the list, and the content plays on your TV. Your iPhone screen goes dark or returns to your home screen. You can use your phone for other things while the show or music plays on the TV.
This method requires your TV to have a casting device attached (Chromecast, Fire Stick, or built-in casting support). It does not work with apps that do not have a cast button built in. If you need to show a website, photo gallery, or any other screen content, use AirPlay, the HDMI adapter, or a casting device instead.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone will not connect
If Screen Mirroring does not show your TV in the list, first check that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Open Settings on your iPhone and confirm the WiFi network name. Then go to your TV's WiFi settings and confirm it is connected to the same network. If they are on different networks, connect your iPhone to the TV's network.
If they are on the same network but your TV still does not appear, restart both devices. Turn off your iPhone and TV completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn them back on. Open Control Center on your iPhone again and look for Screen Mirroring.
If your TV is very old or does not support AirPlay, Screen Mirroring will never work — you will need a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or HDMI adapter instead. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to confirm whether your model has AirPlay 2.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Works on all Samsung TVs? | Mirrors entire screen? | Requires extra hardware? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | 2018+ models only | Yes | No | Free |
| Chromecast or Fire Stick | Yes | No (apps only) | Yes | $30–$50 |
| Lightning to HDMI adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | $30–$50 |
| App cast buttons | Yes (with casting device) | No (apps only) | Usually yes | Free to $50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy anything if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?
Yes. Older Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay built in. You will need either a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Lightning to HDMI adapter. The adapter is the cheapest option if you only need to mirror occasionally, but a Chromecast or Fire Stick is more convenient for regular use because you can cast from apps without a cable.
Can I mirror my iPhone to a Samsung TV without WiFi?
Yes, but only with a Lightning to HDMI adapter. This method uses a physical cable and does not require WiFi at all. All other methods — AirPlay, Chromecast, Fire Stick — require both devices to be on the same WiFi network.
Why does my iPhone screen keep disconnecting from the TV?
WiFi interference or distance is usually the cause. Move your iPhone closer to the TV or router, or switch to a less crowded WiFi channel in your router settings. If you are using a Chromecast or Fire Stick, restart both devices. If disconnections keep happening, a wired connection with a Lightning to HDMI adapter will be more stable.
Can I use AirPlay if my Samsung TV does not have it built in?
No. AirPlay only works on Samsung TVs that have it built in, which is mostly 2018 models and newer. If your TV does not have AirPlay, you cannot add it. Use a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or HDMI adapter instead.
Does screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster?
Yes, slightly. Mirroring uses WiFi and your screen continuously, which draws more power than normal use. If you are mirroring for long periods, plug your iPhone into a charger. Casting from apps (like Netflix) uses less battery because your screen can turn off while the content plays on the TV.