What’s the best way to mirror my iPhone screen to my TV?

Best Software (Mac, Windows, iOS)
5 min readJun 10, 2024

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What's the best way to mirror my iPhone screen to my TV?

I’m trying to watch videos from my iPhone on my TV but I’m not sure how to do it. Can someone guide me on how to cast my iPhone to my TV? Any help would be appreciated!

Let’s talk about how you can mirror your iPhone screen to your TV.

AirPlay

If you’ve got an Apple TV or a Smart TV that supports AirPlay, using AirPlay is a breeze. Here’s how:

  • Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the Control Center on your iPhone. For iPhone X or newer, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen. For older models, swipe up from the bottom.
  • Tap the Screen Mirroring button.
  • Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible Smart TV from the list.
  • If prompted, enter the code displayed on your TV screen on your iPhone.

That’s it! Your iPhone should now be mirrored to your TV.

HDMI Cable and Adapter

Going old school with an HDMI cable is another solid option. You’ll need a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter. Here’s the step-by-step:

  • Plug the Lightning end of the adapter into your iPhone.
  • Connect an HDMI cable to the adapter.
  • Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
  • Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input.

Boom, whatever’s on your iPhone screen is now on your TV.

Chromecast

Got a Chromecast? You can cast your iPhone screen using it. Here’s how:

  • Ensure your Chromecast and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Download and open the Google Home app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the device you want to cast to.
  • Select ‘Cast my screen’ or ‘Mirror device.’
  • Follow the prompts to start casting.

Pretty straightforward, right?

Third-Party Apps

If AirPlay, HDMI, or Chromecast isn’t your thing, third-party apps can help. One app I’d recommend is the Docast app. It’s pretty user-friendly and works with many TVs. Here’s how to use it:

  • Download and install Docast from the App Store.
  • Open the app and select your TV from the list of available devices.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to start mirroring.

Easy-peasy.

Roku

If you have a Roku device, screen mirroring is built in. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Make sure Roku and your iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • On your Roku home screen, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring and enable it.
  • On your iPhone, open the Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
  • Select your Roku device from the list.

There you go, now your iPhone should be mirrored on your Roku-connected TV.

Smart TV Apps

Many smart TVs have their apps for screen mirroring. Check if your TV has a dedicated app, like Samsung’s Smart View or LG’s Screen Share:

  • Download the corresponding app from the App Store.
  • Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the app and follow the prompts to connect your iPhone to your TV.

These methods should cover most scenarios. Happy mirroring!

FAQ

What is the basic method to cast an iPhone to a TV?

To cast your iPhone to a TV, the simplest method involves using AirPlay if you have an AirPlay-compatible TV. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap on the Screen Mirroring icon, and select your TV from the list. For TVs that do not support AirPlay, you might need an Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled device connected to your TV.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a TV without using Apple TV?

Yes, you can mirror your iPhone to a TV without Apple TV using third-party streaming devices such as Chromecast or Roku, or by connecting an HDMI adapter to your iPhone and linking it with an HDMI cable to your TV. There are also apps available that can assist with screen mirroring to various smart TVs.

What are the steps to connect my iPhone to my Samsung smart TV?

To connect your iPhone to a Samsung smart TV, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Use the Samsung SmartView app, or for newer models, swipe down to access Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV. Some models may support AirPlay directly, whereas others may require the app.

How can I cast my iPhone to a Roku device?

To cast your iPhone to a Roku device, first, make sure your Roku is set up and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Then, on your iPhone, select the media or app you want to cast, look for the AirPlay icon or Roku in the list of available devices, and select your Roku device to begin casting content.

What do I need to successfully screen mirror my iPhone to a TV?

To screen mirror your iPhone to a TV, you typically need an AirPlay-compatible TV or a streaming device like Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku connected to your TV. Ensure your iPhone and the chosen device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and choose the target device.

Is it possible to cast from an iPhone to a TV wirelessly?

Yes, it’s possible to cast wirelessly from an iPhone to a TV. If you have an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, you can use Apple’s AirPlay feature to cast content without any additional hardware. Simply connect your iPhone and your TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and utilize the Screen Mirroring feature in Control Center to connect wirelessly.

What is the best way to ensure high-quality while casting from iPhone to TV?

To ensure high-quality while casting from your iPhone to your TV, use a reliable Wi-Fi connection and select the highest possible resolution in the app you’re casting from. Additionally, minimize interference by keeping your iPhone and TV in close proximity and free of obstacles that might block the signal. For a guaranteed high-quality connection, consider using an HDMI cable.

Can I cast specific apps from my iPhone to my LG smart TV?

Yes, you can cast specific apps from your iPhone to your LG smart TV that support AirPlay 2 if your TV is compatible. Look for the AirPlay icon within the app and select your LG TV from the device list. For non-AirPlay compatible TVs, use the LG TV Plus app or a third-party streaming device.

What troubleshooting steps should I take if I can’t cast from my iPhone to my TV?

If you can’t cast from your iPhone to your TV, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled on your TV. Restart both devices and try reconnecting. Update to the latest iOS and TV firmware versions. If you’re using a third-party streaming device, ensure it’s properly configured and updated.

Are there any alternative methods to display iPhone content on a TV?

Aside from using AirPlay and streaming devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku, you can display iPhone content on a TV using an HDMI adapter and cable. Connect an Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter or a similar third-party product to your iPhone, and connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable. For further information on AirPlay, visit Apple’s AirPlay page. For setting up streaming devices, explore the homepages of popular providers like Chromecast or Roku.

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