You want to show photos, play a video, or share your screen from your iPhone to your Samsung TV. The good news: Samsung TVs from 2018 onward support AirPlay 2, making this dead simple. Older TVs have workarounds too.

Here's every method, from easiest to most creative.

iPhone and Samsung TV in living room

Method 1: AirPlay 2 (Easiest — 2018+ Samsung TVs)

A rear view mirror sitting on the side of a building

If your Samsung TV supports AirPlay 2, this is the way to go.

Setup

  1. Make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are on the same WiFi network
  2. On your iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from top-right)
  3. Tap Screen Mirroring
  4. Select your Samsung TV from the list
  5. Enter the code shown on your TV (first time only)
  6. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV

For Streaming Specific Content

Instead of mirroring your whole screen, you can AirPlay directly from apps:

  • Photos: Open a photo → tap Share → AirPlay → select TV
  • YouTube: Tap the Cast icon → select your Samsung TV
  • Safari: Play a video → tap the AirPlay icon in the player

Samsung TVs with AirPlay 2 Support

  • All Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 (NU, RU, TU, AU, QN series and newer)
  • Check: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings on your TV
AirPlay from within an app (like YouTube or Photos) is better than full screen mirroring. It uses less battery and lets you use your phone while content plays.

📺 Watch: How to AirPlay iPhone to Samsung TV

Method 2: SmartThings App

Samsung's own app offers screen mirroring and remote control.

  1. Download SmartThings from the App Store
  2. Add your Samsung TV to the app
  3. Tap your TV → More OptionsMirror Screen
  4. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV

SmartThings also lets you use your iPhone as a remote control for the TV.

Method 3: HDMI Adapter (Works with Any TV)

The most reliable method, especially for older TVs.

What You Need

  • Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter (C$67) or USB-C Digital AV Adapter (C$94 for iPhone 15+)
  • HDMI cable

Setup

A television screen on a wall
  1. Connect the adapter to your iPhone
  2. Connect the HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV
  3. Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input
  4. Your iPhone screen appears instantly

Pros

  • Zero lag — perfect for gaming or presentations
  • Works with any TV (not just smart TVs)
  • No WiFi needed

Cons

  • Wired connection (limited mobility)
  • Adapter is expensive for what it is

Method 4: Chromecast (If You Have One)

If you have a Chromecast plugged into your Samsung TV:

  1. Install the Google Home app on your iPhone
  2. Open a supported app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
  3. Tap the Cast icon
  4. Select your Chromecast

Note: Chromecast doesn't support full screen mirroring from iPhone—only casting from supported apps.

Method 5: Third-Party Apps (Older Samsung TVs)

For Samsung TVs that don't support AirPlay:

  • AirScreen — Install on your Samsung TV from the app store, enables AirPlay on older models
  • Samsung Smart View (discontinued but still works on some models)
  • LetsView — Free mirroring app for both iPhone and TV

Troubleshooting

iPhone Can't Find Samsung TV

  • Verify both devices are on the same WiFi network (not guest network)
  • Restart both the iPhone and TV
  • On the TV: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings → make sure AirPlay is On
  • Check that your TV's firmware is up to date

Mirroring Lag or Stuttering

Smartphone held in front of a smart TV screen
  • Move closer to your WiFi router
  • Close other bandwidth-heavy apps
  • Use 5GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4GHz
  • For zero lag, use the HDMI adapter method

Audio But No Video (or Vice Versa)

  • Check the TV's input source
  • Toggle AirPlay off and on again
  • Restart the TV and try again

Netflix/Disney+ Shows Black Screen When Mirroring

This is DRM protection—streaming apps block screen mirroring to prevent recording. Instead of mirroring, use the Cast or AirPlay button within the app itself. This streams directly to the TV without mirroring your screen.

Screen Mirroring vs AirPlay Streaming

FeatureScreen MirroringAirPlay Streaming
What it showsEverything on your screenOnly the selected content
Phone usable?No (shows everything)Yes (plays in background)
QualityLimited by WiFiOptimized streaming
Battery drainHigherLower
DRM contentOften blockedWorks with supported apps
Best forPresentations, demosMovies, photos, music

Got Questions About iPhone to Samsung TV Mirroring? Let's Clear Things Up.

Can I mirror iPhone to Samsung TV without WiFi?

With the HDMI adapter, yes—no WiFi needed. For wireless methods, both devices must be on the same WiFi network. Some newer Samsung TVs support WiFi Direct, but it's less reliable.

Does mirroring use a lot of data?

If both devices are on the same local WiFi, mirroring uses zero internet data—it's a local connection. Only the initial content (like a YouTube video) uses internet data.

Can I mirror and charge my iPhone at the same time?

With the Lightning/USB-C Digital AV Adapter, yes—it has a charging port built in. For wireless mirroring, just place your phone on a wireless charger.

Will screen mirroring show my notifications?

Yes—full screen mirroring shows everything, including notifications, messages, and alerts. Turn on Do Not Disturb before presenting to avoid embarrassing pop-ups.


AirPlay 2 makes iPhone-to-Samsung-TV mirroring effortless on newer TVs. For older models, the HDMI adapter is the most reliable fallback. For more on getting the most from your devices, check out our how to connect iphone to macbook guide or our best streaming device picks.