The three ways to get video from your iPhone to a TV screen
You can watch video from your iPhone on a 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 it. AirPlay is the fastest if you have an Apple TV box or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV. An HDMI adapter works with any television but requires a cable. Screen mirroring through Roku, Google Cast, or Samsung SmartThings works if your TV has that built in, though the connection can be less stable than AirPlay.
The method you choose depends on what hardware you already own and whether you want a permanent cable or a wireless connection. Most people with an Apple TV box use AirPlay because it is the simplest. If you do not have an Apple TV, an HDMI adapter is the most reliable fallback.
Key Takeaways
- AirPlay works wirelessly from iPhone to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, and is the fastest method if you have the hardware.
- An HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port and connects to any TV with an HDMI input, requiring no setup beyond plugging in the cable.
- Screen mirroring through Roku, Google Cast, or Samsung SmartThings works if your TV has that feature built in, but connection quality varies by TV model.
- AirPlay and HDMI adapters preserve full video quality, while screen mirroring can sometimes lag or drop frames depending on your Wi-Fi signal.
Using AirPlay to stream from iPhone to Apple TV
If you have an Apple TV box connected to your television, AirPlay is the easiest method. Make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app or video you want to watch on your iPhone, then swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the Screen Mirroring button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom), then select your Apple TV from the list.
Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. You can control playback from your iPhone or use the Apple TV remote. If you want to watch only the video without mirroring your entire screen, some apps like Apple TV, Netflix, and YouTube have their own AirPlay buttons built into the video player — look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle) and tap it to send just that video to your TV without mirroring your whole screen.
If your Apple TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu, restart both devices and check that they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a newer Apple TV 4K, make sure it is running the latest tvOS version.
Connecting with an HDMI adapter
An HDMI adapter is a small cable that plugs into your iPhone's charging port on one end and into an HDMI cable on the other. Apple sells the official Lightning to HDMI Adapter (around $50), but third-party versions are available for less. Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end of the HDMI cable into any available HDMI port on your TV.
Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote or the input button on the TV itself. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV when ready — no Wi-Fi, pairing, or setup required. You can watch video, browse photos, or use any app. The video quality is excellent because the connection is direct and wired.
The downside is that your iPhone is tethered to the TV by a cable, and the adapter itself is an extra piece of hardware to carry or store. If you frequently move between rooms or want a wireless experience, AirPlay or screen mirroring is more convenient. However, an HDMI adapter is the most reliable method and works with any television made in the last 15 years.
Screen mirroring to Roku, Google Cast, or Samsung TVs
If your TV has Roku, Google Cast, or Samsung SmartThings built in, you can mirror your iPhone screen wirelessly without an Apple TV box. The process varies slightly by TV brand, but the general steps are the same: make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then open Control Center on your iPhone and tap Screen Mirroring. Your TV should appear in the list if it supports casting.
For Roku TVs, select your Roku device from the Screen Mirroring menu. For Google Cast TVs (Sony, LG, and others), look for your TV's name in the list. For Samsung SmartThings, you may need to use the SmartThings app on your iPhone instead of Control Center, depending on your TV model and iOS version.
Screen mirroring to non-Apple devices works, but the connection can be less stable than AirPlay. You may experience occasional lag, brief disconnections, or video stuttering, especially if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your TV is far from your router. If you plan to watch long videos or play games, AirPlay or an HDMI adapter is more reliable.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone won't connect to your TV
If your iPhone does not appear in the Screen Mirroring menu or the connection drops, start by restarting both your iPhone and your TV. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your TV from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent pairing.
Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap Wi-Fi, and confirm the network name. On your TV, go to the network settings and verify it is connected to the same network. If your iPhone is on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), the TV may not see it.
If you are using an HDMI adapter and the TV shows no picture, try a different HDMI port on the TV. Some ports are reserved for specific functions and may not accept video input. Also check that the HDMI cable itself is fully inserted on both ends — a loose connection is a common cause of a blank screen.
When to call for help
If you have tried restarting both devices, confirmed they are on the same network, and the connection still does not work, the problem may be with your Wi-Fi router, your TV's software, or a hardware issue with your iPhone. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If that does not help, check your TV manufacturer's website for a software update — outdated TV firmware can prevent casting from working.
If you are using an HDMI adapter and still see no picture after trying different ports and cables, the adapter itself may be faulty. Try borrowing an adapter from a friend to test, or contact Apple Support if you are using an official Lightning to HDMI Adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch video on my TV while using my iPhone for something else?
Yes, if you use an app's built-in AirPlay button (like Netflix or YouTube) instead of Screen Mirroring. This sends only the video to your TV, so you can use your iPhone to text, browse, or control playback. With full Screen Mirroring, your entire iPhone screen is on the TV, so you cannot use the phone for other tasks without interrupting the video.
Does AirPlay work over cellular, or do I need Wi-Fi?
AirPlay requires Wi-Fi. Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you are away from home, you can use an HDMI adapter instead, which does not require Wi-Fi at all.
Will my video quality be reduced when I connect to my TV?
No. AirPlay and HDMI adapters both send video at full quality. Screen mirroring to non-Apple TVs may occasionally stutter or lag if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, but the video resolution itself is not reduced.
Do I need an Apple TV box to watch iPhone video on my TV?
No. You can use an HDMI adapter with any TV, or screen mirroring if your TV has Roku, Google Cast, or Samsung SmartThings built in. An Apple TV box is optional and makes the experience more seamless, but it is not required.
What is the difference between Screen Mirroring and AirPlay?
Screen Mirroring is the general term for sending your iPhone screen to another device. AirPlay is Apple's specific technology for this. When you use the Screen Mirroring button in Control Center, you are using AirPlay if the device is an Apple TV, or a different casting standard if the device is a Roku, Google, or Samsung TV.