Samsung TVs don't support AirPlay directly, but you have working alternatives
Apple AirPlay is designed to work with Apple TV boxes and certain smart TVs that Apple has licensed. Samsung TVs are not on that list, so you cannot mirror or stream from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Samsung TV using AirPlay alone. However, you can achieve the same result—getting your Apple device's screen or audio onto your Samsung TV—through a few different routes that work reliably.
The most straightforward path is to buy an Apple TV box (the $99 or $129 model) and connect it to your Samsung TV via HDMI. Once you do, AirPlay works exactly as intended. If you want to avoid buying hardware, you can use Samsung's own SmartThings app or screen mirroring features, though these use different technology and have different limitations.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs do not have built-in AirPlay support, so you cannot use AirPlay directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Samsung TV.
- An Apple TV box connected via HDMI to your Samsung TV enables full AirPlay functionality for less than $130.
- Samsung's SmartThings app and screen mirroring features can mirror your device's screen to your TV, but they are not AirPlay and work differently.
- Screen mirroring from an iPhone or iPad works best on newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later) and requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Casting audio from Apple Music or other apps to Samsung TVs requires a separate AirPlay-compatible speaker or soundbar, not the TV itself.
Using an Apple TV box with your Samsung TV
The simplest way to use AirPlay with a Samsung TV is to connect an Apple TV box. The current models are the Apple TV 4K (starting at $129) and the Apple TV HD (at $99). Both connect to your Samsung TV using a standard HDMI cable and power adapter. Once set up, any iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch on the same Wi-Fi network can send video, photos, or audio to the TV using AirPlay.
To set up an Apple TV box, plug it into power and HDMI, then follow the on-screen prompts. You will need an Apple ID to sign in. After that, open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV. The connection is when ready and the picture quality is excellent.
AirPlay through an Apple TV box also lets you send audio only—useful if you want to play music or a podcast through your TV's speakers without mirroring your screen. This works from Apple Music, Spotify, podcasts, or any app that supports AirPlay audio.
Screen mirroring from iPhone or iPad without buying hardware
If you do not want to buy an Apple TV box, you can mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to a Samsung TV using Samsung's built-in screen mirroring feature. This is not AirPlay—it uses a different wireless standard called Miracast—but the result looks similar to the user. Your device's screen appears on the TV, and you can control it from your phone or tablet.
To use this feature, make sure your iPhone or iPad and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on newer models, or up from the bottom on older ones), tap Screen Mirroring, and look for your Samsung TV's name in the list. If you do not see it, your TV may not support this feature—Samsung added it to most models from 2016 onward, but older sets do not have it.
Screen mirroring works well for photos, videos, and basic apps, but it is slower than AirPlay and can drop the connection if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. It also drains your device's battery faster than AirPlay does. If you plan to use this regularly, an Apple TV box is more reliable.
Using Samsung's SmartThings app to cast content
Samsung's SmartThings app (available on iPhone and iPad) lets you send certain types of content to your Samsung TV, though this is also not AirPlay. You can cast videos, photos, and music from compatible apps to your TV. The process is different from AirPlay and only works with apps that have SmartThings built in.
read the SmartThings app from the App Store, sign in with a Samsung account (free to create), and make sure your TV is connected to Wi-Fi. Open a compatible app—some streaming services and music apps support this—and look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol). Tap it and select your Samsung TV. The content will play on the TV while you control it from your phone.
This method is less universal than AirPlay because it depends on whether the app you want to use has SmartThings support. Many do, but not all. If you use a lot of different apps, this approach will feel limited compared to full screen mirroring or AirPlay.
Casting audio to a Samsung TV or soundbar
If you want to send audio from your Apple device to your Samsung TV's speakers, you have two options. The first is to use an Apple TV box, which supports AirPlay audio natively. The second is to connect an AirPlay-compatible speaker or soundbar to your Samsung TV.
Many modern soundbars and speakers support AirPlay, even if your TV does not. Brands like Sonos, Bose, and others make AirPlay-compatible models. If you connect one of these to your Samsung TV (via HDMI, optical cable, or Bluetooth), you can then send audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the speaker using AirPlay. The audio will play through the speaker while your TV displays whatever is on screen.
Check the product specifications before buying a speaker or soundbar to confirm it lists AirPlay support. Not all Samsung soundbars have AirPlay built in, so you may need to buy a third-party option.
Why Samsung TVs don't have AirPlay
AirPlay is Apple's proprietary wireless technology, and manufacturers have to license it from Apple to include it in their products. Samsung has chosen not to license AirPlay for its TVs, instead promoting its own SmartThings ecosystem and Miracast screen mirroring. This is a business decision—Samsung wants to push users toward its own apps and services rather than Apple's.
Some other TV brands, like LG and Sony, do support AirPlay on newer models, but Samsung is not among them. If AirPlay support is important to you, an Apple TV box is the most straightforward solution.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | Picture Quality | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV box | $99–$129 | 10–15 minutes | Excellent | Very reliable |
| iPhone/iPad screen mirroring | Free | when ready | Good | Moderate (can drop connection) |
| SmartThings app casting | Free | when ready | Good | Depends on app support |
| AirPlay-compatible soundbar | $100–$500+ | 15–30 minutes | N/A (audio only) | Very reliable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay on my Samsung TV without buying anything?
No. Samsung TVs do not have AirPlay built in. You can use screen mirroring (which is free) or the SmartThings app, but these are not AirPlay and work differently. If you want true AirPlay, you need an Apple TV box.
Will AirPlay work if my Samsung TV is older?
Screen mirroring works on Samsung TVs from 2016 onward. Older models may not support it. An Apple TV box will work with any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age.
Does screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery faster than AirPlay?
Yes. Screen mirroring uses more power than AirPlay because it continuously sends your entire screen to the TV. If you plan to use this for long periods, plug your device in or use an Apple TV box instead.
Can I use AirPlay to send audio only to my Samsung TV's speakers?
Not directly. Your TV does not support AirPlay. However, if you connect an AirPlay-compatible soundbar or speaker to your TV, you can send audio to that device using AirPlay, and the sound will play through your TV.
What is the difference between AirPlay and screen mirroring?
AirPlay is Apple's technology and works only with Apple devices and licensed products. Screen mirroring (Miracast) is an open standard that works across different brands. AirPlay is generally faster and more reliable, but screen mirroring is free and requires no extra hardware.