The three ways to get your iPhone screen on a TV

You can watch your iPhone on a TV using AirPlay (wireless, works with most Apple TV models), a Lightning to HDMI cable (wired, works with any TV that has HDMI), or screen mirroring through your TV's built-in AirPlay receiver if it has one. AirPlay is the fastest and most common method. A wired cable is the most reliable if your WiFi is weak or you want zero lag. Which one works for you depends on what TV and iPhone you own, and whether you want to plug in a cable or keep things wireless.

All three methods let you see everything on your iPhone—apps, photos, videos, web pages—on your TV screen. The picture quality is the same as what you see on your phone. Sound comes through your TV's speakers unless you change the audio output in your iPhone settings.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the easiest method: swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list.
  • A Lightning to HDMI cable (or USB-C to HDMI on newer iPhones) plugs directly into your TV and works with any TV model, no WiFi needed.
  • Your iPhone and TV must be on the same WiFi network for AirPlay to work, and your TV must support AirPlay or be an Apple TV device.
  • If your TV does not have AirPlay built in, an Apple TV box (starting around $99) adds AirPlay to any TV with an HDMI port.
  • Wired connections are more stable for gaming or video calls; wireless AirPlay is better for casual viewing and presentations.

Using AirPlay to mirror your iPhone wirelessly

AirPlay is Apple's wireless standard for sending video and audio from your iPhone to a TV or speaker. To use it, your iPhone and your TV must be connected to the same WiFi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models). Tap Screen Mirroring. A list of available devices appears—select your Apple TV, or the name of your TV if it has AirPlay built in. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV within a few seconds.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your iPhone screen returns to normal, and the TV shows whatever was on it before. You can still use your iPhone while it is mirrored—the TV will show whatever you do on the phone in real time.

AirPlay works with Apple TV models (4th generation and newer), and with many newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs that have AirPlay 2 built in. Check your TV's manual or settings to see if it supports AirPlay. If it does not, you will need an Apple TV box or a wired cable.

Connecting with a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI cable

A wired cable is the most straightforward method if your TV has an HDMI port. For iPhones with a Lightning connector (iPhone 14 and older), buy a Lightning Digital AV AdapterUSB-C to HDMI adapter. Both cost between $20 and $50.

Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV when ready. The connection is when ready and does not depend on WiFi, so it is ideal for presentations, gaming, or situations where your WiFi is unreliable.

One limitation: some apps (like Netflix and Disney+) may not display over a wired connection due to copyright protection. These apps will show a black screen or a message saying the content cannot be displayed. AirPlay usually works with these apps instead. Wired connections also charge your iPhone while you use it, which is useful for longer sessions.

What to do if your TV does not support AirPlay

If your TV does not have AirPlay built in and you do not want to use a cable, an Apple TV device adds AirPlay to any TV with an HDMI port. Apple TV models range from the Apple TV 4K (around $129) to the Apple TV HD (around $99). Both add AirPlay, Siri voice control, and access to streaming apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, and others.

Set up the Apple TV by plugging it into power and connecting it to your TV via HDMI. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your WiFi and sign in with your Apple ID. Once set up, your iPhone will see the Apple TV in the Screen Mirroring menu, and you can mirror to it the same way you would to any other AirPlay device.

If you already use an Apple TV for streaming, you do not need to buy anything—it already supports AirPlay. If you only want to mirror your iPhone occasionally and do not want to buy a box, a wired cable is usually the cheaper option.

Troubleshooting when mirroring does not work

If Screen Mirroring does not show your TV or Apple TV in the list, check that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Restart your iPhone and your TV or Apple TV by turning them off and back on. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS—go to Settings > General > Software Update to check. If your TV is older, it may not support AirPlay; check the manual or the TV manufacturer's website.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your iPhone closer to your WiFi router or Apple TV. Interference from other devices or thick walls can weaken the signal. If you are using a wired cable and the screen does not appear, try a different HDMI port on your TV, or restart both devices. Some TVs require you to manually select the HDMI input—use your TV remote to switch to the correct port.

If you see a black screen or a message that the content cannot be displayed, you are likely trying to mirror a streaming app that uses copy protection. Try mirroring a different app, like Photos or Safari, to confirm the connection works. Then use AirPlay instead of a wired cable for protected content.

Choosing between wireless and wired for your situation

Use AirPlay wireless mirroring if you want convenience and do not mind a slight delay (usually under one second). It works well for watching videos, browsing the web, showing photos, or giving presentations. You do not need to plug anything in, and you can move your iPhone around the room. AirPlay is the best choice if you already own an Apple TV or have a TV with AirPlay built in.

Use a wired cable if you need the most stable connection, want to avoid WiFi issues, or plan to use your iPhone for gaming or video calls where lag matters. A cable also charges your iPhone while you use it. Wired is the only option if your TV does not support AirPlay and you do not want to buy an Apple TV box. The downside is that you have to stay close to the TV and plug in a cable each time.

If you mirror often and your TV does not have AirPlay, an Apple TV box is worth the cost because it works reliably, adds streaming apps, and works with any iPhone you own now or buy in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my iPhone to a TV that does not have WiFi?

No, AirPlay requires WiFi. However, a wired Lightning or USB-C to HDMI cable works without WiFi and without an internet connection. Plug the cable into your iPhone and TV, and the connection is when ready.

Does mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, wireless mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your iPhone is sending video and audio constantly. A wired connection charges your iPhone while you use it, so battery drain is not a concern. If you are mirroring wirelessly for a long session, plug your iPhone into power if possible.

Can I use AirPlay with an older iPhone?

AirPlay works with iPhone 5s and newer. If you have an older iPhone, a wired Lightning to HDMI cable is your only option. Check your iPhone model in Settings > General > About to see which method works for you.

What if my TV is connected to a different WiFi network than my iPhone?

AirPlay will not work if they are on different networks. Connect both your iPhone and your TV to the same WiFi network. If your TV is connected to a guest network, switch it to your main network, or connect your iPhone to the guest network instead.

Can I mirror video from Netflix or Disney+ over a wired cable?

Most streaming apps block wired mirroring due to copyright protection and will show a black screen. AirPlay usually works with these apps instead. If AirPlay does not work, you can open the app on your TV directly (if it is a smart TV) or use an Apple TV box, which has the apps built in.