Mirroring your iPhone to a TV puts whatever's on the phone screen onto the big screen. Photos, videos, presentations, even games. The method depends on what TV or streaming device you have.
Here's the rundown for every common setup.
Use AirPlay with Apple TV
The cleanest option if you have an Apple TV. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Swipe down from the top right of the iPhone screen to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring (icon shows two overlapping rectangles). Pick your Apple TV from the list.
Enter the AirPlay code that appears on the TV. The iPhone screen now mirrors to the TV in seconds. Stop mirroring by tapping Stop in Control Center.
AirPlay to a Smart TV
Most TVs from 2019 and newer support AirPlay 2 natively. Brands include Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and TCL. Look for "AirPlay 2 compatible" in your TV's specs or settings.
Same Control Center process – tap Screen Mirroring, pick the TV name from the list. Some TVs require you to enable AirPlay first in TV settings. Look for AirPlay and HomeKit in the system menu.
Mirror to Chromecast
iPhone doesn't natively support Chromecast like Android does. You need an app like Replica or DoCast from the App Store.
Install Replica. Open it. Pick your Chromecast or Chromecast-built-in TV from the device list. The app mirrors your iPhone to the TV.
Free tier shows ads. Pro is $5/month for ad-free, higher quality streams. Better than free if you mirror often.
Use a Fire TV Stick
Fire TVs support AirPlay through an app. Search the Fire TV App Store for AirScreen or AirReceiver. Install one. Open it. The app gives the Fire TV an AirPlay receiver name.
On iPhone, open Control Center, Screen Mirroring, pick the Fire TV from the list. Mirroring begins.
AirReceiver costs about $2 once. AirScreen has a free tier with ads.
Mirror to Roku
Roku supports AirPlay natively on 2018 and newer models. Open Settings on Roku > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Toggle AirPlay on.
From iPhone, swipe down for Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, pick your Roku. AirPlay code appears on TV. Enter it on iPhone. Mirroring begins.
If your Roku is older than 2018, you'll need a third-party app like Mirror for Roku from the App Store.
Use a Lightning to HDMI adapter
Wired option for when Wi-Fi mirroring isn't available. Apple sells a Lightning Digital AV Adapter for $50. Cheaper third-party options exist on Amazon for $20-30.
Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV. Change the TV input to that HDMI port. The iPhone screen mirrors automatically.
Most reliable option for important meetings or presentations where Wi-Fi might be flaky.
Comparison of methods
| Method | Setup ease | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | Easiest | $129+ for the box |
| AirPlay Smart TV | Easy | Free if your TV supports it |
| Chromecast + Replica | Medium | $35+ device, $5/mo app |
| Fire TV + AirReceiver | Medium | $30 stick, $2 app |
| Roku (2018+) | Easy | $30+ device |
| HDMI adapter | Plug-and-play | $20-50 adapter + cable |
Apps that block AirPlay
Streaming services often block mirroring to protect DRM content. If you try to AirPlay Netflix or Disney+, you might see a black screen with audio only.
The workaround – open the same streaming service's app directly on your TV instead. They're available on every smart TV and streaming device. Netflix on Apple TV plays directly from Netflix, not via mirroring.
Why mirroring stutters
Common causes of choppy mirroring:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal where the iPhone is
- Network is congested with other streams
- iPhone is on 5GHz Wi-Fi and TV is on 2.4 GHz (or vice versa)
- iPhone battery saver throttling Wi-Fi performance
- VPN running on the iPhone routing the mirror through a remote server
Move closer to the router. Turn off VPN temporarily. Make sure both devices are on the same band of Wi-Fi.
What TV and what iPhone do you have? Tell me and I'll point to the best mirroring path for that combo.