2 Simple Ways to Connect Your iPhone to Your TV

PDF download Download Article
Easily project your iPhone to your TV using AirPlay or an adapter with this simple guide
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to stream video and audio from your iPhone to your TV? If you have a Smart TV or streaming device that supports AirPlay 2 (such as an Apple TV), you can easily connect your iPhone to the TV over Wi-Fi. If you don't have a Smart TV, you can use a standard HDMI cable with an HDMI to Lightning adapter that plugs into your iPhone's charging port. This wikiHow will show you how to mirror your iPhone's screen on your TV using AirPlay or an adapter.

Things You Should Know

  • You can connect wirelessly to any AirPlay-supported Smart TV or streaming device.
  • To use AirPlay, connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Open AirPlay from the Control Center, then select your TV.
  • When using an adapter, purchase a Lightning to HDMI or VGA cable. Connect your iPhone to your TV, then select the correct source on your TV.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Connecting Wirelessly Using AirPlay

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As long as you're using a Smart TV that supports AirPlay 2 (or you have an Apple TV or other streaming device with AirPlay support), you can easily connect your iPhone to your TV. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    AirPlay requires Wi-Fi to work, so both your TV (or streaming device) and your iPhone must be on the same wireless network.
    • If your Smart TV isn't connected to Wi-Fi, you'll need to connect it .
    • If you have an Apple TV running OS 7 or later, you can connect your iPhone using Peer-to-Peer AirPlay . This method requires Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi connection.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The steps to do this are slightly different depending on your iPhone model:
    • Be sure to update your iPhone .
    • If your iPhone doesn't have a separate round Home button at the bottom, swipe down from the top-right corner of the home screen. [2]
    • If your iPhone does have a separate round Home button at the bottom, swipe up from the bottom edge of the home screen.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the tile that has two overlapping squares inside. Your iPhone will begin scanning for compatible AirPlay devices.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your iPhone's screen should now appear on your TV's screen. You'll also hear your iPhone's audio through your TV's speakers.
    • You have successfully mirrored your iPhone .
    • Depending on your TV model, you may see a number on the screen that you'll need to enter on your iPhone. Enter the number when prompted to complete the connection.
    • When you're ready to stop mirroring your screen, re-open the Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring .
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using an Adapter

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your iPhone doesn't have the right port(s) to be able to plug a cable directly from the TV into the phone itself—you'll need a special adapter that plugs into your iPhone's charging port. This adapter will have a Lightning connector (the port on your iPhone) on one end, and either an HDMI or VGA connector on the other.
    • Most TVs have HDMI inputs, so you'll usually need an HDMI to Lightning adapter. Apple makes one called Lightning Digital AV Adapter, but any HDMI to Lightning adapter will do.
    • If you're connecting to an older TV or a computer monitor, you may also see a VGA port—it's larger and shaped like a trapezoid, and may also be labeled "PC-input" or "D-sub." The quality will not be as good as using HDMI, and the sound won't come through the TV, but you can still use it if you want to buy a VGA to Lightning adapter.
    • If you have an iPhone 4, you'll need a 30-pin to HDMI adapter (or 30-pin to VGA adapter for non-HDMI TVs). [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Any HDMI cable will do—one end will plug into your TV, and the other end will plug into the HDMI end of your iPhone adapter.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    One end of the adapter has a Lightning connector, which will easily fit into your charging port.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Connect your TV to the HDMI cable. The other end will connect to the adapter. HDMI and VGA ports are typically on the back and/or side of your TV. If there are multiple ports (common), each port will have its own number (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).
    • The number on the port will correspond with the HDMI source you'll need to switch to using your TV's remote control.
    • If your iPhone and TV are not turned on, power them both on now.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A list of sources or inputs will appear on the screen.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Your-iPhone-to-Your-TV-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there is more than one HDMI port, make sure you choose the source with the number of the port you used. Once selected, you'll see your iPhone's screen on the TV.
    • If you're using the VGA port, the input may be called VGA, Computer, Laptop, or similar.
    • Any app you open on your iPhone will display on your TV.
    7. Advertisement

Tips

  • As long as you're using HDMI, the sound from your iPhone will come through your TV's audio source. If you use a VGA cable, you won't be able to transmit the audio through the TV.
    Thanks
    Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • While streaming video to your TV from your iPhone, use the iPhone to pause, fast forward, rewind, and other video app-related tasks. Your TV remote will not work for this purpose.
    Thanks
    Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Video

You Might Also Like

How to
Create a Group Chat on WeChat
How to
Hard Reset an iPhone
Apple ID Sign Out Unavailable? Here's How to Fix It
How to
Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
Turn Off Location Sharing on an iPhone Without Anyone Knowing
How to
Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
2 Ways to Get a Still Image from Video on iPhone or iPad
How to
Turn On MMS Text Messages on an iPhone
How to
Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
4 Ways to Find Your Lost iPhone When It’s Offline or Dead
6 Easy Steps to Reload Your Cash App Card at the Store
Where to Find the Clipboard on an iPhone: 4 Simple Steps
How to
Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another Phone
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204289
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202769
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202044

About This Article

Article Summary X

* HDMI: Plug an AV Adapter into your phone. Connect the adapter to an HDMI cable. Plug the cable into your TV. Turn on your TV and switch to the correct input. More ↓

Did this summary help you?
In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,188,611 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement