How To Airplay To TV From IPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 28, 2025

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AirPlay is a fantastic feature that allows you to wirelessly stream videos, photos, music, and more from your iPhone to your TV. Whether you want to watch a movie on a bigger screen, share vacation photos with family, or listen to your favorite playlist through your TV’s speakers, AirPlay makes it simple. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully AirPlay from your iPhone to your TV, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

With a few simple steps, you can transform your living room into a home theater or a collaborative workspace. This guide covers everything from checking compatibility to troubleshooting common issues, so you can start enjoying the benefits of AirPlay right away. Get ready to mirror your iPhone’s screen and share your content with ease!

What Do I Need To AirPlay From My iPhone To My TV?

1. Ensure Compatibility

Check your TV: Make sure your TV is AirPlay 2-compatible. Look for the AirPlay logo on the TV or in its specifications. Many smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio support AirPlay 2. If your TV doesn’t support AirPlay 2 natively, you can use an Apple TV.
Check your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 11.4 or later. To check your iOS version, go to Settings > General > About > Software Version.
Network Requirements: Both your iPhone and TV (or Apple TV) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Connect your iPhone: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter the password if prompted.
Connect your TV: Navigate to your TV’s settings menu and find the network settings. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Connect your Apple TV (if applicable): If using an Apple TV, ensure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. This is usually done during the initial setup of the Apple TV.

3. Initiate AirPlay from Your iPhone

Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center.
Tap Screen Mirroring: Look for the “Screen Mirroring” icon (two overlapping rectangles) and tap it.
Select Your TV: A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select your TV (or Apple TV) from the list.

4. Enter the AirPlay Passcode (If Required)

Check Your TV: If prompted, a passcode will appear on your TV screen.
Enter the Passcode: Enter the passcode on your iPhone when prompted. This is a security measure to ensure only authorized devices can connect.

5. Start AirPlaying

Mirror Your Screen: Once connected, your iPhone’s screen will be mirrored on your TV.
Adjust Volume: Control the volume using your iPhone’s volume buttons or your TV’s remote.

Tips for a Better AirPlay Experience

Keep Devices Close: Ensure your iPhone and TV are within a reasonable distance of each other and the Wi-Fi router for a stable connection.
Minimize Interference: Keep your Wi-Fi router away from other electronic devices that could cause interference, such as microwaves and Bluetooth devices.
Update Software: Regularly update your iPhone and TV software to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Use a Strong Wi-Fi Signal: A strong and stable Wi-Fi signal is crucial for a smooth AirPlay experience. Consider upgrading your router if you experience frequent disconnections or buffering.

TV vs. Apple TV: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of using AirPlay with a native AirPlay 2 compatible TV versus using an Apple TV:

Feature	AirPlay 2 Compatible TV	Apple TV
Setup	Built-in; no additional hardware required.	Requires purchasing and setting up an Apple TV device.
Functionality	Primarily for AirPlay and mirroring.	Offers a full smart TV experience with apps, games, and more.
Cost	Included in the price of the TV.	Additional cost for the Apple TV device.
Software Updates	Dependent on the TV manufacturer.	Managed by Apple, ensuring timely updates and consistent performance.
Performance	Can vary depending on the TV’s processing power.	Generally smoother and more reliable due to dedicated hardware.

Troubleshooting Common AirPlay Issues

No Devices Found: Make sure both your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices.
Connection Issues: Check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Try moving closer to the router or restarting it.
Audio Problems: Ensure the volume is turned up on both your iPhone and TV. Check the audio output settings on your iPhone.
Video Buffering: Close unnecessary apps on your iPhone to free up resources. Reduce the video quality in the AirPlay settings.

Enjoying Your Content on the Big Screen

AirPlaying from your iPhone to your TV opens up a world of possibilities for entertainment and productivity. By following these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you can easily share your favorite content with friends and family on the big screen.

FAQ

Why is my iPhone not showing up on the AirPlay list? Make sure both your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled on your TV. Restarting both devices can also help.

How do I stop AirPlay mirroring? Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap the “Screen Mirroring” icon, and then select “Stop Mirroring.”

Can I AirPlay to a non-smart TV? Yes, you can use an Apple TV connected to your non-smart TV to enable AirPlay functionality.

Is AirPlay the same as Bluetooth? No, AirPlay uses Wi-Fi to stream content, offering higher bandwidth and better quality compared to Bluetooth.

Does AirPlay consume a lot of data? AirPlay uses your Wi-Fi network, so it doesn’t directly consume cellular data. However, streaming high-quality video can use a significant amount of bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network.