How to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to a TV

Want to get your iPhone screen up on your TV? Whether you're trying to show off holiday photos, watch a video on the big screen, play a game, or just want a larger display, connecting your iPhone to a TV is surprisingly easy.

In most cases, you don't even need a cable.

If you have a modern smart TV that supports Apple AirPlay, you can wirelessly mirror your iPhone to your TV in a few taps.

Here's how to screen mirror your iPhone to a TV, plus what to do if your TV doesn't appear or isn't compatible.

How to screen mirror an iPhone to a TV

The easiest way to mirror an iPhone to a TV is using Apple AirPlay.

Before you start, make sure:
* Your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
* Your TV supports Apple AirPlay
* Your iPhone is running a reasonably up-to-date version of iOS

Step 1: Connect your iPhone and TV to Wi-Fi

First, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your iPhone, go to:
Settings > Wi-Fi
You don't need to connect your iPhone directly to the TV. AirPlay uses your local Wi-Fi network to communicate between the two devices.

Step 2: Open Control Centre
On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
If you're using an older iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Tap Screen Mirroring
Look for the Screen Mirroring button.
Tap it and your iPhone will search for compatible devices.

Step 4: Select your TV
Your TV should appear in the list.
Tap your TV's name.
If your TV displays an AirPlay passcode, enter that code on your iPhone.
That's it. Your iPhone screen should now be displayed on your TV.
Which TVs can you use with an iPhone?
You don't necessarily need an Apple TV to mirror your iPhone.
A lot of modern smart TVs have AirPlay built in, including many models from:
* Samsung
* LG
* Sony
* Philips
* Roku

The exact features depend on the model and software version, so if you're unsure whether your TV supports AirPlay, check the TV manufacturer's specifications.

How to mirror an iPhone to a Samsung TV
If you have a compatible Samsung Smart TV, you can usually connect your iPhone using AirPlay.
Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, then:
iPhone > Control Centre > Screen Mirroring > Samsung TV
If your Samsung TV supports AirPlay but doesn't appear, check the TV's settings to make sure AirPlay is enabled.

How to mirror an iPhone to an LG TV
The process is very similar with a compatible LG Smart TV.
Connect your iPhone and LG TV to the same Wi-Fi network, open Control Centre on your iPhone and select Screen Mirroring.
Choose your LG TV from the list and enter the AirPlay code if you're asked for one.

My TV isn't showing up on my iPhone
This is probably the most common problem people run into.

If you open Screen Mirroring and your TV isn't there, don't panic. Try the following.
1. Check your Wi-Fi
This is the first thing we'd check.
Your iPhone and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work.
For example, if your iPhone is connected to your normal home Wi-Fi but your TV is connected to a guest network, they may not be able to see each other.
2. Restart your TV
It sounds ridiculously simple, but turning the TV off and back on can fix AirPlay connection problems.
If your TV has been sitting in standby for weeks, give it a proper restart and try again.
3. Restart your iPhone
The same applies to your iPhone.
Restart it and try:
Control Centre > Screen Mirroring
again.
4. Make sure AirPlay is enabled
Some TVs have an option to turn AirPlay on or off.
Check your TV's settings for Apple AirPlay, AirPlay & HomeKit, or a similar option.
5. Update your TV

If your TV hasn't been updated for a while, check for a software or firmware update.
Compatibility problems can sometimes be caused by outdated software.

Can I screen mirror an iPhone without Wi-Fi?
Yes, but you'll need a physical connection.

If your TV doesn't support AirPlay or you'd rather not use Wi-Fi, you can connect your iPhone directly to the TV using an HDMI adapter and HDMI cable.
The adapter you need depends on your iPhone.
Older iPhones generally use Apple's Lightning connector, while newer iPhones use USB-C.
Connect the appropriate adapter to your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable between the adapter and your TV, then select the correct HDMI input on the television.
This can also be a useful option if your Wi-Fi connection isn't reliable.

Do I need an Apple TV?
No.
If your smart TV already supports AirPlay, you don't need an Apple TV.

An Apple TV is useful if you want the wider Apple TV experience or your television doesn't have AirPlay built in, but it isn't required simply to mirror an iPhone.

What's the difference between AirPlay and Screen Mirroring?
You'll sometimes see the terms AirPlay and Screen Mirroring used interchangeably, but they're slightly different.
Screen Mirroring duplicates your iPhone display on the TV.
If you open Safari, scroll through your photos or navigate around your iPhone, the TV shows what you're doing.
AirPlay can also send individual pieces of content to your TV.
For example, a compatible video app may have an AirPlay button that lets you send the video directly to your TV without mirroring your entire iPhone screen.
For watching films and TV shows, using the app's own AirPlay button can sometimes provide a better experience than mirroring the entire display.

Why won't Netflix or another streaming app mirror?
This can be confusing.
You might successfully connect your iPhone to your TV, only to find that a particular streaming service doesn't display the video when you mirror your screen.

This isn't necessarily a problem with your iPhone or TV.
Some apps and streaming services control how their content can be displayed on external screens.
If available, look for the AirPlay button inside the app and use that instead of full-screen mirroring.

How to stop screen mirroring
Finished?
Open Control Centre on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, then select:
Stop Mirroring
Your TV will immediately return to its normal display.
Still can't connect your iPhone to your TV?

If you've tried all of the above and your iPhone still refuses to connect, there could be a problem with the TV's software, network configuration or the iPhone itself.
At Hex Edinburgh, we've been helping people with phones, tablets, computers and other tech for years.
If your iPhone, TV or other device isn't behaving itself, bring it into Hex and we'll take a look.
Whether it's an iPhone that won't connect, a smart TV that isn't working properly or another annoying tech problem, our Edinburgh team can help diagnose what's going on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my iPhone to any TV?
Not directly. Your TV needs to support AirPlay, or you'll need an Apple TV or a suitable HDMI adapter.

Why can't my iPhone find my TV?
The most common reason is that the iPhone and TV aren't connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restarting both devices and checking that AirPlay is enabled can also help.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a TV without Apple TV?
Yes. Many modern smart TVs have AirPlay built in, so you don't need an Apple TV.

Can I connect my iPhone to a TV with HDMI?
Yes. You'll need an appropriate Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter depending on your iPhone model, along with an HDMI cable.

Does screen mirroring use Wi-Fi?
Wireless AirPlay screen mirroring normally uses your Wi-Fi network. If you don't want to use Wi-Fi, a wired HDMI connection is an alternative.

Need help with your tech?
From iPhone repairs and battery replacements to laptop repairs, PC problems and general tech support, Hex Edinburgh is here to help.
Pop into our Edinburgh city centre store or get in touch with the team and we'll get your tech back in working order.