The simplest way to watch TV on your iPhone

You can watch TV on your iPhone through the TV app that comes built into iOS, through streaming services you read separately, or by mirroring content from another device. The TV app is the fastest route if you already subscribe to cable or streaming channels — it pulls shows from services you pay for into one place. If you don't have subscriptions yet, you read individual apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ directly from the App Store and watch through those.

The TV app works on iPhone 6s and newer running iOS 12.3 or later. If you have an older phone, you'll use only the individual streaming apps. Either way, you need an internet connection — WiFi is faster and uses less data, but cellular works too.

Key Takeaways

  • The built-in TV app on iPhone pulls shows from multiple streaming services into one place, but only if you already subscribe to those services.
  • You can read individual streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others directly from the App Store and watch through them without the TV app.
  • AirPlay lets you watch on your iPhone and send the picture to an Apple TV, Mac, or compatible smart TV in your home.
  • Cellular data works for streaming, but WiFi is faster and won't count against your monthly data limit.
  • Downloaded shows and movies can be watched offline on some apps, which is useful when you don't have internet access.

Using the built-in TV app to organize your subscriptions

Open the TV app (the icon looks like a television screen). The first time you open it, you'll see a "Watch Now" tab at the bottom. Tap the account icon in the top right corner and select "Sign In" to connect the services you already pay for — cable, Apple TV+, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.

Once you sign in to each service, the TV app shows your shows and movies in one place. You can browse by genre, see what's new, and continue watching where you left off. The app remembers your progress across devices, so if you start an episode on your iPhone, you can pick it up on your Apple TV or Mac.

Not every streaming service works with the TV app. Smaller services and some international platforms only have their own apps. Check the App Store listing for each service to see if it integrates with the TV app.

Downloading and using individual streaming apps

Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for the service you want — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Peacock, or others. Tap "Get," then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The app downloads and installs automatically.

Open the app and sign in with the account you use on that service's website. If you don't have an account, you can create one inside the app, though some services charge a different price if you subscribe through the app rather than their website. Once you're signed in, browse and tap any show or movie to start watching.

Most apps let you adjust video quality in settings — useful if you're on cellular and want to save data. Look for "Playback Settings" or "Video Quality" in the app's settings menu.

Sending video from your iPhone to a TV with AirPlay

If you want to watch on a bigger screen, use AirPlay to send the picture from your iPhone to an Apple TV, Mac, or compatible smart TV. Both devices must be on the same WiFi network.

Open the streaming app and start playing a show or movie. Look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a rectangle underneath — usually in the video player controls. Tap it and select the device you want to send to. The video plays on that device while you control it from your iPhone.

If you don't see the AirPlay icon, the app doesn't support it. Some services limit AirPlay for copyright reasons. In that case, you can use screen mirroring instead: swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your Apple TV or compatible TV. This sends your entire iPhone screen to the TV, not just the video.

Watching shows offline without internet

Some apps let you read shows and movies to your iPhone so you can watch them later without internet. Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ all support this. Open the app, find the show or movie, and look for a read icon — usually a downward arrow or a cloud with a down arrow.

Downloaded content takes up storage space on your phone. Check how much space you have left by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Downloaded shows usually stay on your phone for 30 days, though some services have different rules. Check the app's help section for details.

Not all content is available to read — some movies and shows are streaming-only. The app will tell you if a title can't be downloaded.

Troubleshooting common problems

If a streaming app won't open or keeps crashing, force-close it first. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone (or swipe down from the top right if you have Face ID) to open the app switcher, find the app, and swipe it up. Wait a few seconds, then open the app again.

If video keeps buffering or stops playing, check your internet connection. Open Settings > WiFi and make sure you're connected to a strong signal. If you're on cellular, move closer to a window or try WiFi instead. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.

If you can't sign in to a streaming service, make sure you're using the correct email and password. Some services require you to sign in on their website first before using the app. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link in the app or on the service's website.

Choosing between the TV app and individual apps

Use the TV app if you subscribe to multiple services and want everything in one place. It's faster than switching between apps and shows you what's new across all your subscriptions. The downside is that not every service integrates with it, and you still need to sign in to each one.

Use individual apps if you only subscribe to one or two services, or if a service doesn't work with the TV app. Individual apps often have better search and recommendation features than the TV app, and some let you customize your watchlist more.

You don't have to choose — you can use both. Many people use the TV app to browse and the individual apps when they want more detailed options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV device to watch TV on my iPhone?

No. You can watch directly on your iPhone using the TV app or individual streaming apps. You only need an Apple TV device if you want to send the picture to your television using AirPlay.

Can I watch live TV on my iPhone?

Yes, if your streaming service offers live TV. Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and others let you watch live channels. Open the app and look for a "Live" or "Channels" tab. Some services charge extra for live TV access.

What happens if I lose internet while watching?

If you're streaming, the video stops and you'll see a buffering message. If you downloaded the show or movie beforehand, it keeps playing. Reconnect to WiFi or cellular to resume streaming.

Can I watch the same show on multiple iPhones at the same time?

Most services allow simultaneous streaming on a limited number of devices — usually two to four, depending on your subscription tier. Check your service's terms to see how many devices you can use at once. Some services charge more for additional simultaneous streams.

How much data does streaming use?

It depends on video quality. Standard definition uses roughly 1 GB per hour, high definition uses 3 GB per hour, and 4K uses 7 GB or more per hour. Most apps let you lower the quality in settings to use less data on cellular.