How to Cast Your iPhone to Apple TV in Four Steps

The fastest way to mirror your iPhone to Apple TV

To cast your iPhone to Apple TV, open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, select your Apple TV from the list, and enter the four-digit code shown on your TV screen if prompted. The entire process takes about 10 seconds once your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Your iPhone and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work. If you have never mirrored before, make sure your Apple TV is powered on and set to an input that shows the home screen or a blank display.

Key Takeaways

Screen Mirroring in Control Center is the standard method and works on any iPhone running iOS 11 or later paired with any Apple TV model.
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your Apple TV must be powered on and visible in the Control Center list.
If your Apple TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, restart both devices and check that Wi-Fi is enabled on your iPhone.
You can mirror your entire screen, play video from the Photos app, or stream from apps like YouTube and Netflix without using Screen Mirroring.

Step-by-step mirroring from your iPhone

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. On iPhone models with a home button, swipe up from the bottom instead. Look for the Screen Mirroring icon — it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.

Tap Screen Mirroring and wait for the list of available devices to load. Your Apple TV should appear by its name (for example, "Living Room" or "Apple TV"). Tap the name of your Apple TV. If a four-digit code appears on your TV screen, enter it on your iPhone within 30 seconds. Once the code is accepted, your iPhone screen will appear on your TV.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Your iPhone screen will return to normal, and your TV will show whatever input it was set to before you started.

What to do if your Apple TV does not appear in the list

The most common reason your Apple TV does not show up is that it is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm it is connected to the same network name as your Apple TV. You can find the network name in your Apple TV settings under Network.

If both devices are on the same network, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, also restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. Once both devices have restarted, open Control Center again and look for your Apple TV in the Screen Mirroring list.

If your Apple TV still does not appear, check that AirPlay is enabled in your Apple TV settings. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and make sure AirPlay is turned on. Some older Apple TV models may have this setting under Settings > AirPlay instead.

Casting video and photos without mirroring your entire screen

You do not need to mirror your whole screen to watch video on your TV. Many apps — including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ — have their own cast button built in. Look for an icon that looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner, usually in the top-right or bottom-right of the video player. Tap it and select your Apple TV.

To send photos to your TV, open the Photos app, select the photo you want to view, tap the share button (a square with an arrow), and look for AirPlay in the share menu. Tap AirPlay, select your Apple TV, and the photo will display on your TV. You can swipe through photos on your iPhone and they will update on the TV in real time.

Mirroring audio only to Apple TV speakers

If you want to play audio through your Apple TV speakers without mirroring your screen, open Control Center and press and hold the audio card in the top-right corner. Tap Audio and select your Apple TV from the list of available speakers. Your iPhone will now play music, podcasts, and other audio through your TV's speakers while your screen remains private.

This is useful when you want to play music during a gathering without displaying what is on your phone. To switch back to your iPhone speaker, open Control Center, press and hold the audio card, tap Audio, and select your iPhone.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If mirroring starts but the picture is choppy, stutters, or cuts out, move your iPhone closer to your Apple TV and router. Wi-Fi interference from other devices or distance can degrade the connection. You can also try switching to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel in your router settings, though this requires access to your router's admin panel.

If the connection drops frequently, restart both devices again and check that your iPhone has the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone to see if an update is available. Apple TV updates happen automatically when the device is plugged in and idle, usually overnight.

If you see a "Could not connect" message, your Apple TV may have rejected the connection. This can happen if too much time passed between opening Screen Mirroring and selecting your Apple TV. Try again, and select your Apple TV within 30 seconds of opening the Screen Mirroring menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection to mirror my iPhone to Apple TV?

You need a Wi-Fi network, but not necessarily internet. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router. If your router is offline, mirroring will not work. However, you do not need an active internet connection — the devices communicate directly over your local network.

Can I use my iPhone while it is mirroring to Apple TV?

Yes. Everything you do on your iPhone will appear on your TV, including opening apps, typing, and swiping. If you want privacy, use audio-only mirroring instead, or use the built-in cast button in individual apps like YouTube rather than full screen mirroring.

What Apple TV models support screen mirroring?

All Apple TV models support mirroring, including the original Apple TV, Apple TV 2, Apple TV 3, Apple TV 4K, and Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). Older models may require you to enter a PIN code, while newer models may ask for a four-digit code on your iPhone.

Why is my mirrored screen so small on my TV?

Your TV may be zoomed in or set to a display mode that crops the edges. Check your TV's picture settings and look for options like "Zoom", "Fit to Screen", or "Overscan". Set it to fill the entire screen. You can also adjust the resolution in your Apple TV settings under Video and Audio.

Can I mirror from multiple iPhones to the same Apple TV at the same time?

No. Only one device can mirror to an Apple TV at a time. If a second iPhone tries to mirror while another is already connected, the first connection will stop. However, multiple devices can use AirPlay to send individual videos or photos without full screen mirroring.

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.