The fastest way: AirPlay from Control Center

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. Your iPhone will show a list of nearby Apple TV devices. Tap the one you want to connect to. If prompted, enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen.

Your iPhone screen now mirrors on the TV. Everything you do on your phone — apps, photos, videos, web pages — appears on the larger display. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

This method works as long as your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and within reasonable range of each other. No pairing or setup beyond that is needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Mirroring through Control Center is the standard way to connect; it requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • AirPlay lets you send just audio or video to your TV without mirroring your entire screen — useful for music or photos.
  • If your Apple TV does not appear in the list, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.
  • Older iPhones and Apple TV models may need manual setup in Settings rather than Control Center.

Using AirPlay to send specific content instead of your whole screen

AirPlay is different from Screen Mirroring. Instead of showing everything on your iPhone, AirPlay lets you send just one app or one piece of content to your TV. Open the app you want to use — Apple Music, Apple TV+, Photos, or any app that supports AirPlay. Look for the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with a circle underneath it.

Tap that icon and select your Apple TV from the list. The content plays on your TV while your iPhone screen goes dark or returns to your home screen. You can use your phone for other things while the content plays.

AirPlay works with Apple Music, Podcasts, Apple TV+, Photos, and many third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube. Not every app supports it, but most video and audio apps do.

What to do if your Apple TV does not show up

The most common reason your Apple TV does not appear in the list is that it is on a different Wi-Fi network than your iPhone. Check that both devices are connected to the same network. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network you are on. Then check your Apple TV: go to Settings, select Network, and confirm it is on the same network.

If both are on the same network and your Apple TV still does not appear, restart both devices. Unplug your Apple TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. Then try Control Center again.

If you are still not seeing it after a restart, check that your Apple TV software is current. Go to Settings on the TV, select System, then Software Updates, and install any available update. Outdated software sometimes prevents connection.

Connecting on a guest or public Wi-Fi network

If you are trying to connect at a hotel, office, or other location with a guest network, your iPhone and Apple TV may not be able to find each other even if they are both connected to the internet. Guest networks often isolate devices from one another for security.

Ask the network administrator whether they can enable device-to-device communication, or ask if there is a separate network for personal devices. Some hotels and offices have a "smart home" or "IoT" network specifically for this purpose. If neither is available, you can use an HDMI cable as a backup — connect your iPhone to Apple TV with a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or Lightning to HDMI on older models).

Using HDMI as a wired alternative

If wireless connection is not working or not available, you can connect your iPhone directly to your Apple TV with a cable. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and newer) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones). Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into an available HDMI port on your Apple TV.

Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method does not require Wi-Fi and works anywhere you have an HDMI port available. The downside is that your iPhone stays tethered to the TV by cable, and the battery drains faster because the phone is powering the video output.

Apple sells official adapters, but third-party versions from reputable manufacturers work as well and often cost less.

Older iPhones and Apple TV models

If you have an iPhone 6 or older, or an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation), the steps are slightly different. These devices do not have Control Center Screen Mirroring. Instead, go to Settings on your iPhone, tap AirPlay, and select your Apple TV from the list. You may need to enter a PIN code shown on your TV screen.

For very old Apple TV models, you may also need to turn on AirPlay in the TV's settings first. Go to Settings, select AirPlay, and make sure it is turned on. After that, your iPhone should see the TV when you look for it in Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my iPhone to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?

Not wirelessly — both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for Screen Mirroring or AirPlay to work. You can use an HDMI adapter and cable to connect without Wi-Fi, but that requires a physical connection.

Why does my Apple TV keep disconnecting from my iPhone?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your iPhone and Apple TV closer to your router, or restart both devices. If disconnections keep happening, your Wi-Fi network may be unstable — try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Can I control my Apple TV with my iPhone while mirroring?

Yes. When your screen is mirrored, your iPhone acts as a remote. Taps and swipes on your phone control what appears on the TV. You can also use the Apple TV Remote app from the App Store if you prefer a dedicated remote interface.

Does mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster?

Yes. Screen Mirroring and AirPlay both use Wi-Fi and your phone's processor, which drains the battery faster than normal use. If you are mirroring for a long time, plug your iPhone into power.

What if I want to use my iPhone for something else while content plays on the TV?

Use AirPlay instead of Screen Mirroring. AirPlay sends just the video or audio to your TV, so your iPhone screen is free for other apps. Screen Mirroring shows everything, so your phone is locked to the mirrored display.