The three ways to send iPad video to your TV
You can watch iPad content on your TV using AirPlay (wireless, Apple devices only), an HDMI adapter (wired, works with any TV), or screen mirroring through your TV's built-in casting feature if it supports AirPlay 2. AirPlay is the fastest to set up if you have an Apple TV box. A wired HDMI connection works on any television and needs no setup beyond plugging in the adapter. Screen mirroring without an Apple TV box works only if your TV has AirPlay 2 built in—check your TV's manual or settings to confirm.
The method you choose depends on what equipment you already own and whether you want to mirror your entire iPad screen or just send video from specific apps. AirPlay and screen mirroring both let you control what plays from your iPad while the TV shows it. HDMI adapters show everything on your iPad screen, including notifications and open apps, so they work best when you want a direct connection without wireless lag.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay requires an Apple TV box on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad and works with most video apps including Apple TV, Netflix, and YouTube.
- An HDMI adapter plugs directly into your iPad and TV, requires no Wi-Fi or setup, and works with any television made in the last ten years.
- Screen mirroring to a TV without an Apple TV box only works if your TV has AirPlay 2 built in—most older TVs do not have this feature.
- AirPlay and screen mirroring let you keep using your iPad while video plays on the TV; HDMI adapters mirror everything on your screen including notifications.
Using AirPlay with an Apple TV box
If you have an Apple TV (any model from 2015 onward), connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable and to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. On your iPad, open the video app you want to use—Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or any other app that supports AirPlay. Look for the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with a circle underneath it. Tap it and select your Apple TV from the list.
The video will start playing on your TV while your iPad screen returns to normal. You can close the app, lock your iPad, or use other apps while the video continues on the TV. To stop playback, tap the AirPlay icon again and select "iPad" to send the video back to your device, or just press the stop button in the video app itself. The entire process takes about five seconds once you have both devices on the same Wi-Fi.
If you do not see your Apple TV in the AirPlay menu, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for ten seconds, then try again. If the app does not have an AirPlay icon, that app does not support AirPlay—you will need to use screen mirroring instead (see below).
Using an HDMI adapter for a direct wired connection
An HDMI adapter connects your iPad directly to your TV with a cable, which means no Wi-Fi is needed and there is no lag. You will need either a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and newer iPad models) or a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for older iPad models). Both cost between $20 and $50 and are sold at most electronics retailers.
Plug the adapter into your iPad's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV's HDMI port, and switch your TV to that HDMI input. Your iPad screen will appear on the TV when ready. Everything on your iPad—apps, notifications, the home screen—will show on the TV. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, which includes nearly all televisions made since 2010.
The main drawback is that your iPad screen is mirrored exactly, so if you get a notification or open another app, it will appear on the TV. If you want to browse while video plays, use AirPlay or screen mirroring instead. HDMI adapters are most useful for presentations, photos, or when you want a completely stable connection without any wireless interference.
Screen mirroring to a TV with AirPlay 2
If your TV has AirPlay 2 built in, you can mirror your iPad screen without an Apple TV box. Most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs made after 2018 support AirPlay 2, but not all models do. Check your TV's settings or manual to confirm. Look in the TV's settings menu for "AirPlay" or "Apple AirPlay"—if you find it, your TV supports it.
To use screen mirroring, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring and select your TV from the list. Your entire iPad screen will appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then select "Stop Mirroring."
Screen mirroring is slower than AirPlay through an Apple TV box and may have a slight delay of one to two seconds. It also drains your iPad battery faster because it is sending video wirelessly. If your TV does not have AirPlay 2, you will not see it in the Screen Mirroring menu—in that case, use an HDMI adapter or purchase an Apple TV box.
Troubleshooting when video will not send to your TV
If the AirPlay icon does not appear in your video app, that app does not support AirPlay. Try using screen mirroring instead, or use an HDMI adapter. If you see the AirPlay icon but your Apple TV does not appear in the list, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same network name in Settings.
If the video starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Move your iPad closer to your Wi-Fi router or Apple TV, or restart both devices. If you are using an HDMI adapter and the TV shows "No Signal," try a different HDMI cable or HDMI port on your TV. Some older HDMI cables do not work with newer adapters.
If screen mirroring is very slow or choppy, move closer to your Wi-Fi router and close other apps on your iPad. Too many apps running in the background can slow down the wireless connection. Restart your iPad and TV if the problem continues.
Comparing the three methods side by side
| Method | Equipment Needed | Setup Time | Works With Any TV | Lag or Delay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay with Apple TV | Apple TV box | 5 seconds | Yes | Minimal |
| HDMI adapter | USB-C or Lightning to HDMI adapter | when ready | Yes | None |
| Screen mirroring to AirPlay 2 TV | TV with AirPlay 2 | 3 seconds | No (newer TVs only) | 1–2 seconds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPlay if my Apple TV is on a different Wi-Fi network?
No. Your iPad and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network to use AirPlay. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network. Restart both devices and check your router settings if they still will not connect.
Does screen mirroring work with older iPad models?
Screen mirroring works on any iPad running iOS 11 or later. If your TV does not have AirPlay 2, you can still use an HDMI adapter with any iPad model. Check your iPad's iOS version in Settings > General > About to confirm.
What is the difference between AirPlay and screen mirroring?
AirPlay sends video from a specific app to your TV while your iPad screen stays free for other tasks. Screen mirroring copies your entire iPad screen to the TV, including notifications and open apps. Most video apps support AirPlay, but screen mirroring works with any app.
Will using HDMI drain my iPad battery faster?
HDMI adapters use very little power and will not noticeably drain your battery. Screen mirroring and AirPlay use Wi-Fi, which drains the battery faster than a wired connection. If battery life matters, use an HDMI adapter.
Can I use AirPlay to send audio only, without video?
Yes. Some apps let you send audio to AirPlay speakers or Apple TV without sending video. Look for the AirPlay icon in the app and select your device. This works with music apps, podcasts, and some streaming services.