To cast iPhone to TV, the primary wireless method is using Apple's built-in AirPlay technology, which lets you mirror your entire iPhone screen or stream video from compatible apps to your television. Both your iPhone and the TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to establish this connection.
How to cast iPhone to TV with AirPlay
AirPlay is built into iOS and requires no additional apps. Before starting, confirm your TV or connected device (like an Apple TV) supports AirPlay and that both devices share the same Wi-Fi network.
Mirror your entire iPhone screen
- Open Control Center: on iPhone X or later, swipe down from the top-right corner; on iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge.
- Tap the Screen Mirroring button, shown as two overlapping rectangles.
- Select your AirPlay-compatible TV or Apple TV from the list.
- If a passcode appears on your TV screen, enter it on your iPhone to complete the connection.
Stream specific video or audio content
For streaming a video or photo from a compatible app, find the content and tap the AirPlay button (a rectangle with an upward‑facing triangle). Choose your TV or Mac from the list. This method streams only that content rather than mirroring your entire screen. To share photos and videos from your iPhone's library, open the Photos app, select the media, tap the share icon, and choose your TV or streaming device. YouTube has built-in AirPlay functionality that allows you to cast videos directly from your iPhone to the TV.
How to stop casting
Open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring.
AirPlay 2-compatible TVs and devices
AirPlay 2 is supported on many smart TV brands and models. You can typically check if your smart TV is compatible with AirPlay in the settings menu. Check your TV’s settings or look for the “Works with Apple AirPlay” symbol. Compatible models include:
- Samsung: 2018 models and later
- LG: 2019 models and later
- Sony: 2018 models and later
- Vizio: 2016 models and later
- Hisense: 2020 models and later
- TCL: 2021 Google TV models and later
- Roku TVs: 2019 models and later
- Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (4th generation or later) running tvOS 9 or later
Cast your iPhone to TV with an HDMI cable
If you prefer a wired connection or your TV lacks AirPlay, use an Apple adapter. For iPhones with a Lightning port, use the Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter. Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter has an extra port for charging your phone while it’s connected to your TV. For newer iPhones with a USB‑C port, use the Apple USB‑C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. No Wi‑Fi is required for this method. For a wired connection, plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an HDMI port on your TV, and then select the corresponding HDMI input on your TV using its remote.
Use a streaming device like Chromecast
For TVs without AirPlay, a Chromecast device offers an alternative wireless method. Plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port and connect your iPhone and Chromecast to the same Wi‑Fi network. Install the Google Home app on your iPhone and follow the setup instructions. Open an app that supports casting (such as YouTube or Netflix), tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast device. This approach is also useful for casting apps to a TV that does not have built‑in AirPlay. In some cases, if your smart TV doesn't have built-in AirPlay support, you can still cast your iPhone to the TV using a separate app like AirServer or Reflector installed on the TV.
Troubleshooting iPhone to TV casting issues
AirPlay passcode prompts
When connecting, a passcode may appear on your TV. Enter this code on your iPhone to authorize the connection.
Connection drops or no device found
Ensure both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network. Restart your iPhone and TV, and check for software updates on both devices.
App shows a black screen on TV
Some video apps restrict screen mirroring or do not support AirPlay. Try streaming the content using the app’s built‑in AirPlay button instead of full screen mirroring.
VPN interference
VPN configurations on your iPhone can block local network traffic needed for AirPlay. Disable the VPN or adjust its settings to allow local networking.
Using Peer-to-Peer AirPlay without a Wi-Fi network
If you need to cast a phone to TV without WiFi, Peer‑to‑Peer AirPlay creates a direct connection. Both devices must have Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on. This requires an Apple TV HD with tvOS 9 or later (or Apple TV 4K with tvOS 11 or later) and an iPhone from late 2012 or later running the latest iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast any app from my iPhone to the TV?
You can cast apps that support AirPlay or casting features. Some apps restrict screen mirroring, resulting in a black screen on the TV.
Do I need an internet connection to cast my iPhone to the TV?
Most wireless methods require both devices to be on the same Wi‑Fi network, but that network does not need internet access for local streaming. A wired HDMI connection does not require any Wi‑Fi.
Can I cast an iPhone to a non-smart TV?
Yes. Use an Apple HDMI adapter for a wired connection, or add a streaming device like Chromecast to an HDMI port on the non‑smart TV.
How do I stop casting from my iPhone to TV?
For AirPlay, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring. For a wired connection, simply unplug the adapter or change the TV input.
Can I mirror my iPhone screen and use it simultaneously?
Yes. Most casting methods allow you to mirror your iPhone screen on the TV while still using your iPhone for other tasks, such as browsing or messaging.
