The fastest way: use AirPlay from your iPhone's Control Center
Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models). Look for the Screen Mirroring button — it shows two overlapping rectangles. Tap it, then select your Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will appear on your TV within a few seconds.
Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are connected to the same network and that your Apple TV is powered on and not in sleep mode.
Once connected, everything on your iPhone displays on the TV — apps, photos, videos, web pages, all of it. To disconnect, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.
Key Takeaways
- Screen Mirroring in Control Center is the quickest way to show your iPhone on Apple TV and works with any app or content on your phone.
- Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your Apple TV must be powered on and awake.
- AirPlay lets you send just audio or video to Apple TV without mirroring your whole screen — useful for music, podcasts, or specific apps.
- If your Apple TV doesn't appear, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.
Using AirPlay to send specific content instead of your whole screen
Screen Mirroring shows everything on your iPhone. If you want to send only music, a video, or a photo to your TV, use AirPlay instead. Open the app you're using — Apple Music, Apple TV+, Photos, or any app that supports AirPlay — and look for the AirPlay icon, usually three stacked triangles or a rectangle with an arrow.
Tap the AirPlay icon and select your Apple TV. The content plays on your TV while your iPhone screen goes dark or shows the app normally. This uses less battery and lets you use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV.
Not every app supports AirPlay. Built-in Apple apps like Music, TV, Podcasts, and Photos all do. Third-party apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify support it too, but the option may be hidden in playback settings rather than visible as a button.
What to do if your Apple TV doesn't show up
If you open Control Center and your Apple TV is not in the Screen Mirroring list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network you're connected to. Then check your Apple TV: go to Settings, Network, and confirm it's on the same network.
If the networks match, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart your iPhone by powering it off and on. Wait 30 seconds after each restart before trying to connect again.
If your Apple TV is still not visible, check that it's not in sleep mode. Press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote or use the Apple TV app on your iPhone to wake it. Some older Apple TV models may also require you to enable AirPlay in Settings — go to AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and make sure it's turned on.
Connecting through the Apple TV app on your iPhone
The Apple TV app on your iPhone can also send content to your Apple TV. Open the app, find a show or movie you want to watch, and tap the AirPlay icon during playback. Select your Apple TV and the content switches to your TV screen.
You can also use the Apple TV app to control what's playing on your Apple TV without mirroring your whole screen. This is useful if you want to browse on your phone while someone else watches on the TV, or if you want to queue up shows without your phone screen appearing on the television.
Connecting to Apple TV over Bluetooth for audio only
If you want to play audio from your iPhone through your Apple TV's speakers without using Wi-Fi, you can pair your iPhone to your Apple TV using Bluetooth. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth. Your iPhone will appear in the list of available devices — select it to pair.
Once paired, open Control Center on your iPhone, tap the audio player at the bottom, and select your Apple TV under the AirPlay section. Audio from music apps, podcasts, and videos will play through your Apple TV's speakers. This method works even if your iPhone and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks, though both still need to be on the same Bluetooth range.
Troubleshooting connection drops and lag
If your connection keeps dropping or the screen lags, move your iPhone and Apple TV closer to your Wi-Fi router. Walls, distance, and interference from other devices can weaken the signal. If you're far from the router, consider moving it or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Check that no one else on your network is using a lot of bandwidth — streaming video, downloading large files, or online gaming on other devices can slow down your iPhone-to-Apple TV connection. If lag persists, restart both devices and your router by powering them off for 10 seconds.
If you're using an older iPhone model, it may not support the latest AirPlay features. Check your iPhone model in Settings under General, About — if it's older than an iPhone 6s, some newer AirPlay features may not work smoothly.
Using HomeKit to control Apple TV from your iPhone
If your Apple TV is set up as a HomeKit hub, you can control it from the Home app on your iPhone even when you're away from home. Open the Home app, select your Apple TV, and you can turn it on or off, adjust volume, and see what's currently playing.
To set up your Apple TV as a HomeKit hub, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select AirPlay and HomeKit, and make sure HomeKit is enabled. Your Apple TV will then appear in the Home app on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my iPhone to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No, Screen Mirroring and AirPlay both require Wi-Fi. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same network. Bluetooth can carry audio only, not video or full screen mirroring. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to set up a personal hotspot on your iPhone and connect your Apple TV to it, though this drains your phone's battery quickly.
Why does my iPhone keep disconnecting from Apple TV?
The most common cause is Wi-Fi interference or distance from the router. Move closer to your router or remove obstacles between your devices. Also check that your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same network — if one switches networks, the connection drops. Restarting both devices usually fixes temporary disconnections.
Can I use AirPlay while someone else is watching Apple TV?
No. When you start Screen Mirroring or AirPlay, it takes over the Apple TV screen. If someone is already watching, your content will interrupt theirs. You'll need to wait until they're done or use a different Apple TV if you have more than one.
Does Screen Mirroring drain my iPhone battery?
Yes, Screen Mirroring uses more battery than normal because your iPhone is constantly sending video to your Apple TV over Wi-Fi. Using AirPlay for specific apps instead of full screen mirroring uses less battery. Plugging in your iPhone while mirroring is the best solution if you plan to use it for more than an hour.
What's the difference between Screen Mirroring and AirPlay?
Screen Mirroring shows your entire iPhone screen on the TV. AirPlay sends specific content — a song, video, or photo — to your Apple TV while your iPhone screen stays private. AirPlay uses less battery and lets you keep using your phone while content plays on the TV.