Samsung TVs don't have built-in AirPlay, but you can still stream from your iPhone or Mac
Samsung televisions do not natively support Apple's AirPlay protocol. If you own a Samsung TV and want to stream video, audio, or mirror your screen from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you'll need either a separate device that does support AirPlay, or you'll need to use Samsung's own mirroring technology called SmartThings or Screen Mirroring (which works differently than AirPlay).
The most straightforward path depends on what you're trying to do: stream a specific app, mirror your entire screen, or play audio. Each has a different setup and different hardware requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs do not support AirPlay directly; you need either an external device like an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible receiver, or you can use Samsung's built-in Screen Mirroring feature instead.
- An Apple TV (4th generation or newer) connected to your Samsung TV via HDMI will let you use AirPlay from any Apple device in your home.
- Samsung's Screen Mirroring feature works with iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.3 or later and mirrors your screen wirelessly without needing a separate box.
- For audio only, AirPlay-compatible receivers and soundbars from brands like Sonos and Denon can connect to your Samsung TV and receive audio from Apple devices.
- Both AirPlay and Screen Mirroring require your devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network to work.
Using an Apple TV as an AirPlay receiver with your Samsung TV
If you want true AirPlay support, an Apple TV is the most reliable option. Connect the Apple TV to your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable, then set up the Apple TV with your Wi-Fi network and Apple ID. Once it's running, any iPhone, iPad, or Mac on the same network can stream to it using AirPlay.
You'll need an Apple TV model from the 4th generation (released 2015) or newer. Older models do not support the current AirPlay protocol. When you want to stream, open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Screen Mirroring or AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV from the list. On a Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and choose your Apple TV.
The Apple TV itself costs between $99 and $199 depending on storage capacity. This is a one-time purchase that works with any Samsung TV you connect it to, and it also gives you access to the Apple TV app and other streaming services.
Samsung Screen Mirroring as an alternative to AirPlay
If you don't want to buy additional hardware, Samsung's built-in Screen Mirroring feature lets you mirror an iPhone or iPad screen to your Samsung TV wirelessly. This is not AirPlay—it uses a different wireless standard—but it accomplishes the same goal of getting your Apple device's screen onto your TV.
To use Screen Mirroring, make sure your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 12.3 or later and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Samsung TV. On your Samsung TV, press the Source button on the remote and select Screen Mirroring, or go to Settings > Connection > Screen Mirroring and turn it on. On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.
Screen Mirroring works for most apps, but some streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video) may block mirroring for copyright reasons. In those cases, you would need to use the app's built-in casting feature if available, or use an Apple TV instead.
AirPlay audio to Samsung TV with a compatible receiver or soundbar
If you want to stream audio from your Apple device to speakers connected to your Samsung TV, you can use an AirPlay-compatible receiver or soundbar. Brands like Sonos, Denon, Yamaha, and others make devices that support AirPlay 2 and can be connected to your TV via HDMI or optical audio cable.
Set up the receiver or soundbar according to its instructions, connect it to your TV, and add it to your home Wi-Fi network. Then, on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Control Center or the AirPlay menu and select the receiver from the list. Audio will play through the device instead of your TV's built-in speakers.
This approach is useful if you want better sound quality than your TV provides, or if you're building a multi-room audio system. Prices for AirPlay-compatible soundbars range from around $150 to $500 depending on features.
Checking your Samsung TV's model and software version
Before you set up Screen Mirroring or buy additional hardware, verify that your Samsung TV supports the feature. Most Samsung TVs from 2016 onward have Screen Mirroring built in, but older models may not.
To check, press the Menu button on your remote, go to Settings, then Connection, and look for Screen Mirroring or SmartThings. If you see either option, your TV supports wireless mirroring. If not, you'll need an Apple TV or another external device to stream from your Apple devices.
You can also check your TV's model number (usually found on a sticker on the back or in Settings > About This TV) and search the Samsung support website to confirm what features your specific model includes.
Troubleshooting when your devices won't connect
If your iPhone, iPad, or Mac isn't showing up in the Screen Mirroring list, the most common cause is that the devices are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both your Apple device and your Samsung TV are connected to the same network—look at the Wi-Fi name in your phone's Settings and compare it to the network name shown on your TV's network settings.
If they're on the same network and still won't connect, restart both devices: turn off your Apple device and your TV, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then try Screen Mirroring again. If your TV's Screen Mirroring feature is turned off, you'll need to turn it back on using the TV remote before your phone will see it.
For Apple TV connections, make sure the Apple TV is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If it doesn't appear in your AirPlay list, restart the Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | Works With | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Screen Mirroring | Free (built in) | 2 minutes | iPhone, iPad (iOS 12.3+) | Quick screen mirroring without extra hardware |
| Apple TV + HDMI | $99–$199 | 10 minutes | iPhone, iPad, Mac | True AirPlay, works with all Apple devices |
| AirPlay soundbar or receiver | $150–$500 | 15 minutes | iPhone, iPad, Mac (audio only) | Better sound quality and multi-room audio |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay directly on my Samsung TV without buying anything?
No. Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay support. You can use Samsung's Screen Mirroring feature instead, which is free and built into most Samsung TVs from 2016 onward. Screen Mirroring accomplishes the same goal—getting your iPhone or iPad screen onto your TV—but it uses a different wireless technology than AirPlay.
Will AirPlay work if my Apple device and Samsung TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?
No. Both Screen Mirroring and AirPlay require your devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), they won't see each other. Connect both to the same primary network and try again.
What if my Samsung TV is older than 2016 and doesn't have Screen Mirroring?
You'll need an external device. An Apple TV connected via HDMI is the most reliable option and will work with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port. Alternatively, some older Samsung TVs support Miracast (a different wireless standard), which some Android devices use, but this won't help with Apple devices.
Can I stream Netflix or Disney+ using AirPlay or Screen Mirroring?
Most streaming apps block screen mirroring for copyright protection. However, if you use an Apple TV, you can read the Netflix or Disney+ app directly onto the Apple TV and stream natively without mirroring. With Screen Mirroring, you're limited to apps that allow it, which typically excludes major streaming services.
Is there a delay when using Screen Mirroring or AirPlay?
Screen Mirroring and AirPlay both have a slight delay of one to two seconds, which is normal. This is noticeable if you're typing or playing games, but fine for watching videos or presentations. If you need zero latency, you would need to use the app's native casting feature or connect devices with a physical cable.