The Two Ways to Connect Apple Devices to Samsung TVs

You can connect an iPhone or iPad to a Samsung TV using either screen mirroring (which shows your entire device screen) or AirPlay (which streams video, music, or photos from compatible apps). Screen mirroring works on most Samsung TVs made in the last five years. AirPlay requires a Samsung TV from 2018 or newer that has AirPlay built in, or you can use an external device like an Apple TV box connected to any Samsung TV.

The fastest route for most people is screen mirroring, since it requires no extra equipment and works when ready once both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay gives you more control—you can keep your phone locked while content plays on the TV—but it only works with certain apps and TV models.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen mirroring shows your entire iPhone or iPad screen on the Samsung TV and works on most Samsung models from 2019 onward without extra equipment.
  • AirPlay streams from compatible apps like Apple Music, Apple TV, and Photos, but only works on Samsung TVs from 2018 and newer that support AirPlay.
  • Both methods require your iPhone, iPad, and Samsung TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you start.
  • If your Samsung TV does not support either method, connecting an Apple TV box to your Samsung TV's HDMI port will give you both options.

Screen Mirroring from iPhone or iPad to Samsung TV

Screen mirroring is the most straightforward method and works on Samsung TVs from approximately 2019 onward. Start by making sure your iPhone or iPad and your Samsung TV are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then open Control Center on your device: on iPhone X and newer, swipe down from the top-right corner; on older iPhones or iPad, swipe up from the bottom.

In Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring (it may also be labeled "AirPlay and HomeKit" or similar, depending on your iOS version). A list of available devices will appear. Select your Samsung TV from the list. If your TV does not appear, make sure it is powered on and on the same Wi-Fi network, then wait a few seconds and try again. Your iPhone or iPad screen should now appear on the Samsung TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Common issues: If your Samsung TV does not appear in the list, restart both devices and check that they are truly on the same network (not a guest network). Some older Samsung models require you to enable "SmartThings" or "AllShare Cast" in the TV's settings first—check your TV's manual or settings menu under "Network" or "Connectivity" if mirroring does not work when ready.

Using AirPlay with Samsung TVs That Support It

AirPlay works differently from screen mirroring: instead of showing your entire screen, it streams content from specific apps directly to the TV. This means you can lock your phone, use other apps, or let the battery drain without interrupting playback. AirPlay works with Apple TV app, Apple Music, Photos, Podcasts, and many third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube.

To use AirPlay, open a compatible app on your iPhone or iPad and look for the AirPlay icon—it looks like a triangle with a circle at the bottom. Tap it and select your Samsung TV from the list. The content will now play on the TV while your phone returns to normal use. This only works on Samsung TVs from 2018 and newer that have AirPlay built in. If your TV is older or does not support AirPlay, you will need to use screen mirroring or add an Apple TV device.

Not all apps support AirPlay, even on newer Samsung TVs. Netflix, for example, does not allow AirPlay on most Samsung models—you would need to use screen mirroring instead. Check the app's settings or help section if you do not see the AirPlay icon.

Connecting an Apple TV Box to Your Samsung TV

If your Samsung TV does not support screen mirroring or AirPlay, or if you want a more reliable connection, you can use an Apple TV box (a small device made by Apple). Connect the Apple TV to your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable, plug it into power, and set it up on your Wi-Fi network following the on-screen instructions. Once set up, you can use both screen mirroring and AirPlay from any iPhone or iPad on the same network.

Apple TV boxes come in different models and price points. The Apple TV 4K is the current standard model. Once connected, your iPhone or iPad will automatically recognize the Apple TV as a mirroring and AirPlay destination. This method works with any Samsung TV that has an available HDMI port, regardless of age or built-in features.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your iPhone or iPad does not find your Samsung TV, start by checking the basics: both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network (not different networks, and not a guest network if your phone is on the main network). Restart both your phone and TV by powering them off completely, waiting 10 seconds, and powering them back on. This solves most connection issues.

If the TV still does not appear, check your Samsung TV's settings. Look for options labeled "SmartThings," "AllShare Cast," "Miracast," or "Screen Mirroring" in the TV's menu—these features must be turned on for your phone to find the TV. The exact menu location varies by Samsung model year, but it is usually under "Network," "Connectivity," or "General" settings.

If you see the TV in the list but the connection fails or drops repeatedly, move your phone and TV closer to your Wi-Fi router. Walls, distance, and interference from other devices can weaken the connection. You can also try "forgetting" the Wi-Fi network on your phone (go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and select "Forget"), then reconnect by entering the password again.

Wired Connection as an Alternative

If wireless mirroring is unreliable or you prefer a direct connection, you can use a wired adapter. Apple sells a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for iPhones and iPads with a Lightning port) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer iPads). Plug the adapter into your device, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your Samsung TV, and switch the TV to the correct HDMI input. Your screen will appear when ready without needing Wi-Fi.

This method is more reliable than wireless mirroring in areas with poor Wi-Fi, but it requires you to keep your device physically connected to the TV. The adapters are inexpensive and widely available, and they work with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV box to connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV?

No. Most Samsung TVs from 2019 onward support screen mirroring directly from iPhone and iPad without any extra equipment. An Apple TV box is only needed if your TV is older, does not support mirroring, or if you want a more stable connection for frequent use.

Can I use AirPlay on an older Samsung TV?

AirPlay only works on Samsung TVs from 2018 and newer that have it built in. If your TV is older, use screen mirroring instead, or connect an Apple TV box to your TV's HDMI port to gain AirPlay support.

Why does my iPhone not find my Samsung TV?

The most common reason is that your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID). Also make sure screen mirroring or SmartThings is turned on in your TV's settings. Restart both devices if they still do not find each other.

Can I mirror my iPhone while using other apps?

With screen mirroring, whatever you do on your phone appears on the TV, so opening another app will change what the TV shows. With AirPlay (available on compatible apps and newer Samsung TVs), you can lock your phone and use other apps while content continues playing on the TV.

What if my Samsung TV does not have Wi-Fi?

Use a wired connection with a Lightning to HDMI adapter or USB-C to HDMI adapter, depending on your device. Plug the adapter into your iPhone or iPad, connect an HDMI cable to your TV, and switch to that HDMI input. This works on any Samsung TV with an HDMI port.