How to Connect Your iPhone to a Samsung TV

The three ways to mirror or stream from iPhone to Samsung TV

You can connect an iPhone to a Samsung TV in three ways: using AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it, using a USB-C to HDMI cable for a wired connection, or casting through a third-party app like SmartThings or a streaming service. AirPlay works wirelessly on newer Samsung models (2018 and later), but not all Samsung TVs have it built in. A wired cable connection works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI port and gives you the most reliable picture. Third-party apps give you another wireless option if your TV doesn't support AirPlay.

The method you choose depends on your Samsung TV model, whether you want a wireless or wired connection, and what you're trying to display—a photo, a video, or your entire iPhone screen. Each method has different setup steps and works best for different situations.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay works wirelessly on Samsung TVs from 2018 onward that have it enabled, but you must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
A USB-C to HDMI cable plugged into your iPhone and the TV's HDMI port works on any Samsung TV and requires no setup.
Samsung's SmartThings app and some streaming services like Netflix and YouTube let you cast from your iPhone without AirPlay or a cable.
Mirroring your entire iPhone screen works best over a wired connection; wireless methods may lag or drop the connection.
Check your Samsung TV's model year and settings menu to see which connection methods are available on your specific TV.

Using AirPlay on a Samsung TV that supports it

If your Samsung TV was made in 2018 or later, it may have AirPlay built in. To check, look in your TV's settings menu under "AirPlay and HomeKit" or search the settings for "AirPlay." If you see an AirPlay option, it is turned on by default on most newer Samsung models, though some require you to enable it manually.

Once you confirm AirPlay is available on your TV, make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app or photo you want to display on your iPhone, then swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the "Screen Mirroring" button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom), and your Samsung TV should appear in the list. Tap your TV's name, and your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, restart both your iPhone and your TV, then try again. If it still does not work, your Samsung TV model may not support AirPlay—move to one of the other methods below.

Connecting with a USB-C to HDMI cable

A wired connection works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI port, regardless of the model year or software version. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or a USB-C to HDMI cable, depending on your iPhone model). iPhone 15 and newer models have a USB-C port; older iPhones use a Lightning port and require a Lightning to HDMI adapter instead.

Plug the USB-C end into your iPhone and the HDMI end into an available HDMI port on your Samsung TV. Your iPhone screen should appear on the TV automatically within a few seconds. If nothing appears, try a different HDMI port on the TV, or check that the TV is set to the correct input (use the TV remote to select the HDMI input you plugged into).

A wired connection is the most stable option and does not depend on Wi-Fi or your TV's software version. The trade-off is that you have a cable running from your phone to the TV, which limits where you can hold or place your iPhone. This method works well for watching videos, viewing photos, or mirroring your entire screen without lag.

Casting through Samsung SmartThings or streaming apps

If your Samsung TV has SmartThings built in (most models from 2016 onward do), you can cast content from your iPhone without AirPlay or a cable. Open the SmartThings app on your iPhone, tap the TV icon at the top, and select your Samsung TV from the list. Some apps—like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Spotify—have their own cast button built in. Open the app, tap the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol), and select your Samsung TV.

This method works best for streaming video and music apps rather than mirroring your entire iPhone screen. Casting a single app is usually more reliable than full-screen mirroring because it puts less strain on your TV's processor. The downside is that not every app supports casting, and you need your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your iPhone and Samsung TV are not connecting, start by checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone and confirm the network name. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > Network and check the network name there. If they do not match, connect your iPhone to the TV's network.

If you are using AirPlay and your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, then turn it back on. Restart your Samsung TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the TV to fully boot up, then try Screen Mirroring again.

If you are using a cable and nothing appears on the TV, make sure the cable is fully plugged in on both ends. Try a different HDMI port on the TV. Use the TV remote to manually select the HDMI input—do not rely on auto-detect. If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port, confirm you are using a Lightning to HDMI adapter, not a USB-C adapter.

If the picture appears but is very small or zoomed in, check your iPhone's display settings. Some iPhones default to a zoomed view that does not fill the TV screen. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and toggle off any zoom or scaling options.

Choosing the right connection method for your situation

Use AirPlay if your Samsung TV supports it and you want a wireless connection with no cables. It is the fastest to set up and works well for photos, videos, and light screen mirroring. Use a USB-C or Lightning to HDMI cable if you want the most reliable connection, if your TV does not support AirPlay, or if you are mirroring your entire screen for an extended period (like a presentation). Use SmartThings or a streaming app's cast feature if you are primarily watching video or listening to music and want to avoid full-screen mirroring, which can drain your iPhone battery faster.

For most people, a cable is the safest first choice because it works on any TV and requires no setup. If you have a newer Samsung TV and want wireless convenience, AirPlay is worth trying. If neither of those works, casting through an app is your backup option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Samsung TVs support AirPlay?

No. Samsung added AirPlay support starting in 2018, but not every model from that year onward has it. Check your TV's settings menu under "AirPlay and HomeKit" to see if the option exists. If it is not there, your TV does not support it, but you can still use a cable or casting apps instead.

Can I use a regular HDMI cable instead of a USB-C to HDMI adapter?

No. Your iPhone does not have a full-size HDMI port. You need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and newer) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPhones). These adapters are inexpensive and widely available online and in electronics stores.

Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?

Wireless mirroring can drop if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or if your iPhone and TV are far apart. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to a wired cable connection for a more stable link. If you are mirroring for a long time, the cable method is more reliable because it does not depend on Wi-Fi.

Can I mirror my iPhone screen while using other apps on my Samsung TV?

No. When you mirror your iPhone screen, it takes over the entire TV display. If you want to use the TV for something else while your iPhone is connected, use a casting app instead—that way the TV can display the cast content while you use your iPhone for other things.

What if my Samsung TV is older than 2018?

Older Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay built in. Use a USB-C to HDMI cable (or Lightning to HDMI for older iPhones) for a wired connection, which works on any TV with an HDMI port. You can also check if your TV has SmartThings or if it supports casting through Netflix, YouTube, or other apps you use.

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.