How to Stream From Your iPhone to Apple TV Using AirPlay

The Basic Steps to Start AirPlay

To send video or audio from your iPhone to an Apple TV, open the app or video you want to watch, then swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. Tap the Screen Mirroring button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom), select your Apple TV from the list, and your iPhone screen will appear on your television. If you see a code on your TV, enter it on your iPhone to confirm the connection.

Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. If your Apple TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, restart both devices and check that they are connected to the same network. The connection is wireless — you do not need a cable.

Once mirroring is active, everything on your iPhone screen shows on your TV, including apps, photos, and web pages. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Key Takeaways

Screen Mirroring in Control Center is the fastest way to send your iPhone screen to Apple TV, and it works with any app on your phone.
Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the TV will show a code you must enter on your phone to confirm the first connection.
AirPlay video from specific apps like Apple TV, YouTube, or Netflix often works without mirroring your entire screen, saving battery and letting you use your phone for other things.
If your Apple TV does not appear in the list, restart both devices, forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, or check that your Apple TV software is current.

Using AirPlay Within Apps Instead of Mirroring

Many streaming apps — including Apple TV, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify — have their own AirPlay button built in. This is different from Screen Mirroring because it sends only the video or audio to your TV, not your entire iPhone screen. Look for an AirPlay icon (usually a triangle inside a rectangle) in the video player or music controls, tap it, and select your Apple TV.

Using the app's AirPlay button is better than Screen Mirroring for streaming because your iPhone screen can turn off or lock without stopping playback. You can also use your phone for texts, email, or other apps while the video plays on your TV. Battery drains more slowly this way.

Not every app has an AirPlay button. If you do not see one, Screen Mirroring is your backup option.

Troubleshooting When Your Apple TV Does Not Appear

If your Apple TV is not showing up in the Screen Mirroring list, the most common cause is that your iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name as your Apple TV. You can find your Apple TV's network in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on the TV itself.

Restart both devices if they are on the same network but still not connecting. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same for your Apple TV — unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. After both restart, try Screen Mirroring again.

If restarting does not work, forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and rejoin it. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, select Forget This Network, then rejoin by entering your password again. This clears out old connection data that sometimes blocks AirPlay.

Updating Your Apple TV Software

Older Apple TV software can prevent AirPlay from working correctly. Check for updates on your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Software Updates. If an update is available, select Update Software and let it finish — this may take several minutes.

Your iPhone should also be on a current version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and install any available update. Both devices work better together when they are current.

Using AirPlay With Multiple Rooms and Speakers

If you have more than one Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible speaker in your home, you can send audio to multiple devices at once. Open Control Center, tap and hold the audio card (the one showing your music or podcast), then tap AirPlay Devices. Select multiple speakers or TVs to play the same audio in different rooms.

This works for music, podcasts, and audio from videos. You cannot send video to multiple TVs at the same time — Screen Mirroring and app-based AirPlay both send to one TV only.

What to Do If AirPlay Keeps Disconnecting

If your connection drops during playback, move your iPhone closer to your Apple TV or Wi-Fi router. AirPlay works over Wi-Fi, and distance or obstacles like walls can weaken the signal. If you are far from the router, the connection may drop.

Check that no one else on your network is using a lot of bandwidth — streaming video, downloading large files, or online gaming on other devices can interrupt AirPlay. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

If disconnections keep happening even when you are close to the router, your router may need a software update. Check your router's app or web interface for firmware updates. Some older routers do not work reliably with AirPlay, and upgrading may be necessary.

AirPlay Audio Only, Without Video

You can send audio to your Apple TV or other AirPlay speakers without sending video. Open Control Center, tap and hold the audio card showing what is playing, then tap AirPlay Devices and select your Apple TV. The audio will play through your TV's speakers while your iPhone screen stays private.

This is useful for music, podcasts, or phone calls. Your iPhone stays unlocked and usable for other tasks while audio plays on your TV or speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV 4K, or does AirPlay work on older models?

AirPlay works on Apple TV 3rd generation and newer. Older models do not support it. If you have an Apple TV 2nd generation or earlier, you will need to upgrade to use AirPlay from your iPhone.

Can I AirPlay from an iPhone to a non-Apple TV?

No. AirPlay is an Apple technology and only works with Apple TV, HomePod, and some third-party speakers that have AirPlay built in. Samsung, LG, Roku, and other non-Apple TVs do not support AirPlay. You would need an Apple TV connected to those TVs to use AirPlay.

Does AirPlay use a lot of data or drain my iPhone battery quickly?

AirPlay uses Wi-Fi, not cellular data, so it does not count against a mobile data plan. Battery drain depends on what you are doing — Screen Mirroring drains faster because your iPhone screen stays on, while using an app's built-in AirPlay button drains more slowly. Keeping your iPhone plugged in during long viewing sessions is a good idea.

What if I see a code on my Apple TV when I try to connect?

That code is a security check. Enter the four-digit code shown on your TV into the prompt on your iPhone. This happens the first time you connect a new iPhone to an Apple TV, or if you have not connected in a while. After you enter the code once, your iPhone will usually connect automatically in the future.

Can I use AirPlay if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi band, like 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz?

Yes. Your iPhone will connect to whichever band your Apple TV is on, as long as both devices are on the same network name. Most modern routers broadcast both bands under one network name, so you do not have to choose. If your router has separate network names for each band, connect your iPhone to the same one your Apple TV uses.

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.