Mirroring your iPhone to a TV lets you watch videos, share photos, play games or present slides on a big screen. Most modern TVs support it through one method or another. The method depends on what TV you have and what streaming device you use.
Here is the practical walkthrough across every common TV and streaming setup, plus what to do when mirroring will not connect.
AirPlay for Apple TV and AirPlay 2 TVs
AirPlay is the easiest method if your TV supports AirPlay 2. Most LG, Sony, Samsung, Vizio and Hisense models from 2019 onward have it built in. Look for the AirPlay logo in your TV’s spec sheet or settings menu.
Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring. Pick your TV or Apple TV from the list of available devices. Enter the AirPlay code shown on your TV screen if asked. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and tap Stop Mirroring.
Chromecast for Most Smart TVs
iPhone does not have native Chromecast support but many apps do. The catch is that Chromecast typically casts specific apps rather than mirroring your entire iPhone screen. Make sure your Chromecast or Chromecast-enabled TV is set up and on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
Open a supported app like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify or Disney+. Tap the Cast icon inside the app which looks like a screen with wifi waves. Pick your Chromecast or TV from the list. The app starts streaming on the TV while your phone becomes a remote control. For true full screen mirroring on Chromecast, use third-party apps like Replica or DoCast which add the mirroring feature.
Roku Mirroring
Newer Rokus (2020 and later models) have AirPlay built in. Older Roku models do not. Check your model before assuming it works. Enable AirPlay on Roku at Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay > On.
From iPhone, swipe down for Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring. Pick your Roku device. Enter the code shown on the TV. The connection takes about 10 seconds. Once connected, your iPhone screen shows on the Roku TV in real time.
Fire TV Mirroring
Amazon Fire TV does not natively support AirPlay. You need a workaround app to make iPhone mirroring work. The two main options each have specific tradeoffs.
Install AirReceiver from the Fire TV app store (one-time $3 purchase). Then use AirPlay from iPhone exactly like you would with an Apple TV. AirReceiver is the most reliable option. Install AirScreen as the free alternative with ads. Same result without the upfront cost but with more annoying ads. AirReceiver is worth the $3 if you mirror to Fire TV often.
HDMI Cable (Wired)
For lag-free mirroring (useful for gaming or presentations where lag is unacceptable), go wired with an HDMI cable. The setup requires a specific adapter for your iPhone model. Buy an Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter for older iPhones, or USB-C to HDMI adapter for iPhone 15 and newer. The Apple adapter is around $50. Third-party adapters cost less but quality varies.
Plug the HDMI cable into your TV. Plug the adapter into iPhone. Plug the HDMI cable into the adapter. Switch TV input to the right HDMI port. Wired beats wireless for streaming HD content and avoids the lag issue that wireless mirroring sometimes has. The drawback is the cable tethers you to the TV.
When Mirroring Will Not Connect
If your iPhone cannot find the TV or fails to connect, the common causes have specific fixes. Most issues come down to network problems or outdated software.
- Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most common cause of mirroring failure.
- Restart your router and restart your TV. Power cycling often clears network glitches.
- Update iOS to the latest version on your iPhone.
- Update the TV firmware. Settings > System > Software Update on most smart TVs.
- Toggle AirPlay off and back on in TV settings. Same with Wi-Fi on iPhone.
- Forget the network and rejoin both devices to Wi-Fi. Clears stuck connection state.
- Check if a firewall on your network is blocking AirPlay or Bonjour protocols.
Final Thoughts
To mirror iPhone to TV, AirPlay is the easiest if your TV supports it. Otherwise use the right method for your streaming device including Chromecast for Cast-enabled apps, Roku with AirPlay built in for newer models, or Fire TV with AirReceiver. HDMI is the most reliable but you need an adapter. Once set up, the experience is smooth and worth the initial configuration time.
If your TV is not on this list and you got mirroring working, let us know what method you used in the comments.