It is always better to watch your favorite content on a bigger screen. It could be a movie time, a game, or a presentation, but knowing how to mirror iPhone to TV can make it more enjoyable and impressive. Luckily, Apple provides easy methods of linking your iPhone to a TV both wirelessly via AirPlay and using a wired HDMI connection.
There are so many options that you can share your screen even without having an Apple TV. In this guide, you are going to know all the possible ways of reflecting your iPhone to any TV, all the steps, troubleshooting tips, and ideas on the most suitable accessories and applications.
Table of Contents
Understanding Screen Mirroring on iPhone
It helps to know what screen mirroring is before you start. Screen mirroring enables your iPhone screen to be displayed on your TV as it is. All of your phone activities such as scrolling social media or watching content appear on the bigger screen in real-time.
It can be done in two parts: wirelessly using AirPlay, or using a physical cable connection via HDMI adapter. It will depend on the kind of TV you possess and the network configuration you have.
AirPlay: The Easiest Way to Mirror iPhone Wirelessly
What Is AirPlay?
AirPlay is a wireless streaming feature, which is built into Apple products including iPhone and other devices like Apple TV, or even AirPlay-enabled smart televisions. It streams your Wi-Fi network to deliver videos, photos and your whole screen.
The majority of modern smart TVs on Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio have AirPlay 2 support. When your TV supports this, you do not need any extra equipment to mirror your iPhone.
Steps to Mirror iPhone to TV Using AirPlay
Begin by ensuring your TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then swipe down on the upper-right part of the iPhone screen to open the Control Center. On the next tap, Tap on Screen Mirroring will appear, and a list of available devices will appear. Choose your smart TV or Apple TV on the list.
In case you see a passcode on your television, type it on your iPhone to connect. Your iPhone is on your TV within a few seconds. Now you can stream videos, present photos or display apps on the big screen.
When to Use AirPlay
AirPlay can be used to stream contents, video calls, or display photos. It offers a quality and easy going experience without all the mess of wires. Nonetheless, it is largely dependent on Wi-Fi connectivity thus ensure that you have a steady network connection to deliver optimal performance.
Using a Lightning to HDMI Adapter for Wired Mirroring
Why Choose a Wired Connection
In case your Wi-Fi has a poor signal or your television lacks AirPlay, you can still display your iPhone screen with a Lightning Digital AV Adapter. This wired connection makes it the most stable and lag-free experience that is ideal to use with gaming, professional presentations, and high-quality video playback.
How to Mirror iPhone to TV with HDMI Cable
First, insert the HDMI cable on one end into the HDMI port of your TV. Connect the other end with the Lightning Digital AV Adapter and then connect the Lightning port of your iPhone with the adapter. On your TV, change the input source to the appropriate HDMI channel. The iPhones screen should now be visible on TV automatically.
The adapter will also have a second Lightning port, which will enable you to charge your iPhone, but still mirror the content, which is a handy option to have during longer sessions.
Best Situations for a Wired Connection
HDMI feature can be particularly beneficial in an environment that lacks Wi-Fi connection like in a classroom, office, or outdoor setup. It also eradicates delays and interruption due to the interference in wireless.
How to Mirror iPhone to Non-AirPlay TVs
AirPlay is not available on all televisions. However, even with a Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast, you can mirror your iPhone screen through third-party apps.
Mirroring iPhone to Roku TV
Link your Roku and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi connection. Activate Screen Mirroring on your Roku settings. Download the official Roku App in your iPhone and open it. Tap Devices, choose your Roku, and then Media. You can now display your photos and videos on your television without Apple TV.
Mirroring iPhone to Fire TV
To use AirScreen or ApowerMirror with your Fire Stick, you must install an app that works with Fire TV, which may be AirScreen or ApowerMirror. Launch the application, scan the iPhone QR-code and select Screen Mirroring. Within seconds, you will see the iPhone screen on your Fire TV.
Mirroring iPhone to Chromecast
Among Chromecast users, we have an app like Replica or streamer to Chromecast which allows you to share your screen. Connect one of your devices to the same Wi-Fi network and open the mirroring application in your iPhone and start casting. YouTube or Netflix apps too have in-built cast options, but full screen mirroring may have limited capabilities.
Brand-Specific Mirroring Tips
Samsung Smart TVs
AirPlay 2 is available on Samsung 2018 and later televisions. All that is needed is to visit Settings, General, Apple AirPlay Settings, and enable it. You can then select your Samsung TV on your iPhone directly through the Screen Mirroring menu.
LG and Sony Smart TVs
Native AirPlay 2 support is provided in most new LG and Sony models. In order to activate, open the Home Dashboard, locate AirPlay and switch it on. Now, your iPhone will automatically add your TV to the list of devices.
TCL and Vizio Smart TVs
One feature that will likely be available on TCL and Vizio models, and which can be enabled in your input settings or network preferences, is AirPlay or chromecast, so that you can easily pair.
Troubleshooting Common Mirroring Issues
Although it is configured correctly, you might have some issues when casting to your TV using your iPhone. Such is the way of dealing with the most prevalent issues.
TV Not Showing Up in Screen Mirroring
In case your TV does not appear on the list of devices, make sure that both your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Reboot the two devices and ensure that Airplay is confirmed to be on your TV. In some cases, it is also possible to fix connection problems by updating the firmware.
Black Screen or Audio Without Video
Some streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+ do not allow full-screen mirroring due to copyright concerns. Rather, cast through the inbuilt casting functionality of the app.
Lag, Delay, or Poor Video Quality
To avoid any lag during mirroring, be as near to your Wi-Fi router as you can and keep the number of other devices sharing the same network to a minimum. In case you can still observe delays, you should switch to the wired HDMI option to experience a smoother experience.
Security and Privacy Tips
The AirPlay or Screen Mirroring feature should always be turned off after usage particularly when on a public Wi-Fi. This will avoid unauthorized access to your screen.
Best Accessories and Apps for Screen Mirroring
To improve your mirroring experience, you should invest in solid accessories and software. Its Lightning Digital AV Adapter provides the most reliable wired connection. Combine it with a high speed HDMI cable in order to provide the highest resolution in video and sound.
In the case you do want to go wireless, you can use things like AirBeamTV, ApowerMirror, and LetsView to connect with non-AirPlay TVs. A lot of such applications have a free version with fewer features where you can test it first and upgrade later.
Wired vs Wireless: Which Is Better?
Wireless mirroring and wired mirroring have their pros. AirPlay is convenient and cables-free, so it is ideal to stream fast, and socialize. The HDMI adapter, though, is more reliable, has no lag, and performs constantly even without Wi-Fi.
In the case of the majority of users, wireless mirroring is effective in terms of entertainment, whereas the wired approach is suited in terms of professional and gaming use.
Conclusion
Having known precisely how to mirror iPhone to TV, the moment has come to select the approach that best fits you. In case you have a smart TV that supports AirPlay, then go wireless and stream easily. Otherwise, you can be connected immediately with the help of an HDMI adapter or a third-party application. No matter which approach you choose, screen mirroring your iPhone provides you with an enhanced, more interactive experience to enjoy your content, regardless of whether you are watching movies, sharing photos, or making presentations.
FAQs About How to Mirror iPhone to TV?
Is it better to mirror iPhone to TV with AirPlay or HDMI?
Both approaches are effective, and both have their merits. AirPlay is simple, wireless and simple to install, and HDMI provides a more stable and lag-free option in particular when it comes to playing games or giving offline presentations. The HDMI adapter is the best option should you need speed and quality.
Do I need the internet to mirror my iPhone to TV?
AirPlay and the majority of third-party applications require Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, a hard-wired HDMI does not need an internet connection. To reflect your iPhone offline, you only need the Lightning Digital AV Adapter and an HDMI cable.
Can I mirror iPhone to a non-smart TV?
Yes, It is possible to mirror your iPhone to a non-smart TV with the help of a Lightning to HDMI adapter. All you need is to plug the adapter into your iPhone, then grab an HDMI cable and plug it into your TV, then change the input to HDMI. That is all you will see on your iPhone screen without Wi-Fi or smart capabilities.
Is screen mirroring safe for my iPhone?
Yes, screen mirroring is not dangerous when you use the trusted networks and devices. You should never allow AirPlay or Screen Mirroring to work with random Wi-Fi networks and never leave mirroring enabled once you are through so as to safeguard your privacy.
