The simplest way to send Apple TV to your TV screen

You can send Apple TV from your iPhone or iPad to your television using AirPlay, Apple's built-in wireless casting system. AirPlay works when your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. You open the Apple TV app on your phone, start playing a show or movie, tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a rectangle with an arrow pointing up), and select your TV from the list. The video then plays on your TV while you use your phone for other things.

The TV you're sending to must have AirPlay built in, or you need an AirPlay-compatible device connected to it. Most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio televisions support AirPlay. If your TV doesn't have it built in, you can use an Apple TV box, an AirPlay-compatible streaming device, or a Roku device with AirPlay support to receive the signal.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay is the wireless method Apple provides to send video from your phone to your TV, and it works only when both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Your TV must either have AirPlay built in or be connected to an AirPlay-compatible device like an Apple TV box or supported Roku.
  • To start streaming, open the Apple TV app on your phone, begin playing content, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your TV from the menu.
  • If AirPlay is not working, restart both your phone and TV, check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and make sure your TV's AirPlay setting is turned on.

Check that your TV or device supports AirPlay

Not every television can receive AirPlay directly. Apple TV boxes (the small black or silver devices Apple sells) have always supported AirPlay. Many newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and TCL also have AirPlay built in, but you need to verify yours does before you try to use it.

If your TV does not have AirPlay, you can add it by connecting an AirPlay-compatible device. An Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD box will work. Some Roku devices and certain Amazon Fire TV models also support AirPlay, though support varies by model year. Check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm AirPlay is included.

You can also look in your TV's settings menu. On most smart TVs, AirPlay appears under a menu called "AirPlay and HomeKit" or "AirPlay Settings." If you see it there, your TV supports it. If the menu does not exist, your TV does not have AirPlay built in.

Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network

AirPlay requires both your iPhone or iPad and your TV (or the device connected to your TV) to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most common reason AirPlay does not work. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they are both joined to the same network name.

If you have a guest network on your Wi-Fi router, your phone and TV must not be on different networks. Some routers separate devices onto a guest network automatically. Log into your router's settings if you are unsure, or ask whoever manages your home Wi-Fi which network name to use.

Start playing content and tap the AirPlay icon

Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad. Search for or browse to the show or movie you want to watch. Start playing it. While the video is playing, look for the AirPlay icon—it appears as a rectangle with an arrow pointing upward into it. On most phones, this icon is in the bottom right corner of the video player, but its exact location can vary depending on your app version.

Tap the AirPlay icon. A menu will appear showing all the AirPlay-compatible devices on your network. Select your TV or the device connected to your TV. The video will stop playing on your phone and begin playing on your TV. Your phone screen will show a small preview of what is playing on the TV, and you can use your phone for other tasks while the video continues on your television.

Troubleshoot if AirPlay is not appearing or not working

If you do not see the AirPlay icon in the Apple TV app, or if the icon appears but your TV is not listed, start by restarting both your phone and your TV. Power off each device completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. This resolves most connection problems.

Next, confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network by checking your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings. If they are on different networks, disconnect one and reconnect it to the correct network. On your TV, you may also need to turn on AirPlay in the settings menu. Look for "AirPlay and HomeKit" or "AirPlay Settings" and make sure it is enabled.

If your TV is an older model or does not have AirPlay built in, verify that any external device you are using (such as an Apple TV box or Roku) is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have recently updated your phone's operating system or your TV's software, check for any available updates to the other device as well, since mismatched software versions can sometimes prevent AirPlay from working.

Control playback from your phone or TV remote

Once video is streaming to your TV via AirPlay, you can control playback from your phone. The Apple TV app on your phone will show play, pause, rewind, and fast-forward buttons. You can also use your TV remote if it is compatible with the Apple TV app or if you are using an Apple TV box.

To stop streaming and return video to your phone, tap the AirPlay icon again and select your iPhone or iPad from the menu. The video will resume playing on your phone screen. If you want to disconnect without stopping playback, straightforward close the Apple TV app or put your phone to sleep—the video will continue on your TV until you pause it or select a different AirPlay destination.

Alternative methods if AirPlay is not available

If your TV does not support AirPlay and you cannot add an AirPlay-compatible device, you have other options. You can connect your phone directly to your TV using an HDMI cable and a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (for iPhones and iPads). This method mirrors everything on your phone screen to your TV, not just the Apple TV app.

Some streaming services, including Apple TV+, also have their own apps for smart TVs and streaming devices. You can read the Apple TV app directly onto many Samsung, LG, Roku, and Fire TV devices, then sign in with your Apple ID and watch without needing to cast from your phone. This method does not require AirPlay and may be more stable if your Wi-Fi connection is weak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV box to use AirPlay?

No. Many newer smart TVs have AirPlay built in without needing an external device. If your TV does not have it, an Apple TV box is one option, but Roku devices and some Fire TV models also support AirPlay. Check your TV's manual or settings to see if it has AirPlay before buying anything.

Why does my TV not show up in the AirPlay menu?

The most common reason is that your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices, check your Wi-Fi settings, and make sure AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings menu. If your TV is very far from your router, move it closer temporarily to test the connection.

Can I use AirPlay over a mobile hotspot instead of Wi-Fi?

No. AirPlay requires both devices to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. A mobile hotspot from your phone will not work because your TV cannot connect to your phone's hotspot and receive AirPlay at the same time. You need a standard Wi-Fi router.

What happens to my phone while video is streaming to my TV?

Your phone remains unlocked and usable. You can browse the web, send messages, or use other apps while the video plays on your TV. The Apple TV app will show a small preview of what is on your TV, and you can pause, play, or skip using your phone's controls.

Can I stream from multiple phones to the same TV at the same time?

No. Only one device can stream to your TV via AirPlay at a time. If a second phone tries to connect, it will either replace the first stream or show an error. You must stop the first stream before another device can begin.