The basic steps to mirror your iPhone screen
Screen mirroring from your iPhone to Apple TV works through AirPlay, Apple's wireless casting system. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner on newer models, or swipe up from the bottom on older ones), tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Apple TV from the list. Your iPhone screen appears on your TV within a few seconds.
The connection stays active until you stop it. You can still use your iPhone normally while mirroring — the screen shows everything you do. To end mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.
If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone as well.
Key Takeaways
- Screen mirroring requires your iPhone and Apple TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network — they will not connect across different networks.
- Open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring to see a list of available Apple TVs, then select the one you want.
- Your iPhone screen displays on the TV in real time, and you can continue using your phone while mirroring is active.
- If your Apple TV doesn't appear, restart both devices and confirm they are on the same network.
What to do if your Apple TV doesn't show up
The most common reason an Apple TV doesn't appear in the Screen Mirroring list is that it is on a different Wi-Fi network than your iPhone. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name matches the one your Apple TV is connected to. You can see which network your Apple TV is using by going to Settings > Network on the TV itself.
If both devices are on the same network, your Apple TV may need a software update. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and check for updates. Install any available updates and wait for the Apple TV to restart. Then try Screen Mirroring again.
If Screen Mirroring still doesn't work, turn off Wi-Fi on your iPhone, wait five seconds, then turn it back on. Do the same on your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the devices from finding each other.
Mirroring specific apps instead of your whole screen
You do not have to mirror your entire iPhone screen. Some apps support AirPlay audio only, which sends sound to your Apple TV without showing the app on screen. This is useful for music and podcasts — your TV stays dark while audio plays through your TV's speakers.
To use AirPlay audio, open the app (Apple Music, Podcasts, or a compatible third-party app), look for the AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with sound waves), and tap it. Select your Apple TV. The app continues playing on your iPhone, but the sound comes from your TV.
Full screen mirroring is still the most common approach for photos, videos, presentations, or anything else you want to see on the big screen. AirPlay audio is a faster option when you only care about sound.
Using AirPlay to send video from apps
Many video apps — including Apple TV+, Netflix, YouTube, and others — have their own AirPlay button built into the player. This is different from screen mirroring. When you tap the AirPlay button inside the app, the video plays directly on your Apple TV without mirroring your entire screen. Your iPhone screen can go dark or show other apps while the video plays on the TV.
To use this feature, open a video app, start playing a video, and look for the AirPlay icon in the player controls. Tap it and select your Apple TV. The video switches to your TV when ready. You can control playback from your iPhone or use the Apple TV remote.
This method uses less battery than full screen mirroring because your iPhone is not constantly sending the entire display. It also lets you use your phone for other tasks while video plays on the TV.
Controlling what appears on your TV while mirroring
When you screen mirror, everything on your iPhone appears on the TV — notifications, incoming calls, private messages, all of it. If you want to hide sensitive information, open Control Center before mirroring and enable Do Not Disturb. This stops notifications from appearing on your screen (and your TV) while you are mirroring.
You can also manually hide apps or content by closing them before you start mirroring. If you are showing photos, open the Photos app and navigate to the album you want to display before you start. If you are presenting a document, open it first. This way, only the content you intend to show appears on the TV.
Some apps have their own privacy settings. Check the app's settings menu to see if you can hide sensitive information like passwords or account details while the app is open.
Troubleshooting audio and video lag
Screen mirroring usually works smoothly, but slow Wi-Fi or interference can cause the video and audio to lag behind what you see on your iPhone. If you notice a delay, move your iPhone and Apple TV closer to your Wi-Fi router. Walls, microwaves, and other wireless devices can weaken the signal.
If lag persists, disconnect other devices from your Wi-Fi network temporarily. Streaming video, large downloads, or security cameras on the same network can consume bandwidth and slow mirroring. You can also try switching to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band if your router supports it — it is faster than 2.4 GHz but has shorter range.
Restart both your iPhone and Apple TV if lag continues. Close any apps running in the background on your iPhone to free up processing power. If you are mirroring a video app, use the app's built-in AirPlay feature instead of full screen mirroring — it performs better and uses less bandwidth.
When to use mirroring versus AirPlay video
Screen mirroring is best for presentations, photos, web browsing, or anything you want to show exactly as it appears on your iPhone. It gives you full control and shows everything in real time. The trade-off is that it uses more battery and bandwidth than other methods.
AirPlay video (using the app's built-in button) is better for watching movies, TV shows, or music videos. It performs more smoothly, uses less battery, and lets your iPhone screen go dark. Most streaming apps support this feature.
AirPlay audio is the right choice for music, podcasts, or audiobooks when you do not need to see anything on the TV. It is the most battery-efficient option and works with nearly all audio apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror my iPhone to an older Apple TV model?
Yes, but the oldest supported model is Apple TV (3rd generation) and later. If you have an Apple TV 2 or earlier, you cannot use AirPlay mirroring. Check your Apple TV model in Settings > About. If you have a newer model, mirroring works the same way regardless of age.
Does screen mirroring work over cellular or a hotspot?
No. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you are away from home, you cannot mirror to your Apple TV at home. You can only mirror when both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery quickly?
Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending data to your Apple TV. If you are mirroring for a long time, plug your iPhone into power. Using AirPlay video or audio instead of full screen mirroring uses less battery.
Can multiple people mirror to the same Apple TV at the same time?
No. Only one iPhone can mirror to an Apple TV at a time. If someone else tries to mirror while you are already mirroring, their request will interrupt your connection. You must stop mirroring before another person can start.
What if my Apple TV is password-protected?
If you have set a password for AirPlay on your Apple TV (in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit), your iPhone will prompt you to enter it the first time you try to mirror. Enter the password, and your iPhone will remember it for future connections on the same network.