The fastest way: AirPlay wireless mirroring
If your TV has AirPlay 2 built in or you own an Apple TV device, you can mirror your iPhone screen wirelessly. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV or Apple TV from the list. Your entire iPhone display appears on the TV within seconds — apps, photos, videos, everything.
This works with any iPhone model from iPhone XS and newer, and with most smart TVs made after 2018 (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and others). If your TV doesn't show up in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled in your TV's settings.
AirPlay is the simplest option because it requires no cables, no apps to read, and no setup beyond connecting to the same network. The connection stays stable as long as you're in range, and you can stop mirroring by tapping Screen Mirroring again and selecting Stop Mirroring.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay wireless mirroring works on any iPhone XS or newer paired with an Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
- A USB-C or Lightning to HDMI adapter lets you plug your iPhone directly into any TV with an HDMI port, with no Wi-Fi or setup required.
- Some streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube let you cast from your iPhone without mirroring your whole screen, which uses less battery.
- If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, an Apple TV device adds AirPlay capability to any TV with an HDMI input.
Wired connection with a USB adapter
If wireless doesn't work or you want a direct connection, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (iPhone 15 and newer) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (iPhone 14 and older). Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV's HDMI port, and switch your TV to that HDMI input. Your iPhone screen appears when ready.
This method works on every iPhone model and every TV with an HDMI port. It requires no Wi-Fi, no pairing, and no setup — just plug and go. The connection is stable and won't drop. Your iPhone will charge while connected if you use a powered adapter.
The downside is that you need the right adapter for your iPhone model, and you're tethered by a cable. Adapters cost between $20 and $40. This is the best choice if your TV doesn't have AirPlay, your Wi-Fi is unreliable, or you want zero latency for gaming or video editing.
Casting from individual apps
Many streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify — have their own cast button built in. Open the app, tap the cast icon (usually in the top right corner), and select your TV or Apple TV. The video plays on your TV while your iPhone screen goes dark or shows the app's remote control.
App casting uses less battery than full-screen mirroring because only the video stream goes to the TV, not your entire display. You can use your iPhone for other tasks while the video plays — check email, browse the web, or lock the phone entirely. This is the most practical option for watching shows or listening to music.
The catch is that each app's cast button works differently, and not every app supports casting. Check the app's menu or settings if you don't see a cast icon right away. If the app doesn't have casting built in, fall back to AirPlay mirroring instead.
Using an Apple TV device
An Apple TV 4K (the current model) plugs into any TV's HDMI port and connects to your Wi-Fi. Once set up, every iPhone on your network can mirror to it or cast apps to it when ready. You don't need to own an Apple TV to use AirPlay — many modern smart TVs have it built in — but an Apple TV adds AirPlay to older TVs and gives you a dedicated streaming device.
Apple TV also lets you use your iPhone as a remote control through the Control Center or the Apple TV Remote app. You can swipe, type, and navigate without picking up a physical remote. If you already subscribe to Apple TV+, an Apple TV device gives you a better viewing experience than mirroring from your phone.
The Apple TV 4K costs around $129 for the 64 GB model. It's worth the investment if you regularly watch content on your TV and want a reliable, fast device that works with all your Apple gear.
Troubleshooting when mirroring won't start
If your iPhone doesn't show your TV in the Screen Mirroring list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network — not a guest network or a different band. Restart your iPhone and your TV, then try again. If your TV is older and doesn't have AirPlay, you'll need either an Apple TV device or a wired HDMI adapter.
If mirroring starts but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or reduce interference from other devices. A wired connection with an HDMI adapter eliminates Wi-Fi problems entirely. If you're using an Apple TV and it's not responding, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to restart.
Some TVs require you to enable AirPlay in their settings menu before it appears on your iPhone. Check your TV's manual or settings under "AirPlay" or "Apple" to turn it on. If you've done all this and it still doesn't work, your TV may not support AirPlay — in that case, a USB adapter is your most reliable option.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Method | Setup | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay mirroring | Same Wi-Fi network | Free (if TV has AirPlay) | Any app, full control, wireless |
| USB-C/Lightning to HDMI | Plug in cable | $20–$40 | Any TV, no Wi-Fi needed, gaming |
| App casting | Tap cast button in app | Free | Streaming apps, battery life |
| Apple TV device | Connect to TV and Wi-Fi | $129 | Dedicated streaming, multiple users |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror my iPhone to a TV that doesn't have AirPlay?
Yes. Use a USB-C or Lightning to HDMI adapter and plug directly into your TV's HDMI port. This works on any TV with an HDMI input, regardless of age or brand. Alternatively, add an Apple TV device to your setup, which adds AirPlay to any HDMI-equipped TV.
Does mirroring drain my iPhone battery?
Yes, wireless mirroring uses more battery than normal because your iPhone is constantly streaming video to the TV over Wi-Fi. A wired HDMI connection uses slightly less battery. If battery is a concern, use app casting instead — it streams only the video, not your entire screen, and uses less power.
Can multiple people mirror from different iPhones to the same TV?
Only one iPhone can mirror at a time. However, if you have an Apple TV, you can switch between users quickly by stopping one mirror session and starting another. Some apps support multiple users logging in separately, so each person can cast their own content without mirroring.
What if my iPhone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?
AirPlay won't work if they're not on the same network. Connect both to the same Wi-Fi network, or use a wired HDMI adapter instead. If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi, an HDMI adapter is your only wireless-free option.
Do I need an Apple TV subscription to use AirPlay?
No. AirPlay is a free feature built into iOS and many smart TVs. You don't need an Apple TV subscription or an Apple TV device to use it. If you want to watch Apple TV+ content, you need a subscription, but mirroring itself is free.