To screen mirror iPhone to Samsung TV, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from top-right), tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV from the list. This works on Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 and newer that support AirPlay 2. If your TV does not appear, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and AirPlay must be enabled in the TV’s settings (Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > AirPlay On).
Screen mirroring from iPhone to Samsung TV is one of the most searched cross-brand tech questions because Apple and Samsung do not collaborate on user guides, leaving millions of users without clear instructions. Samsung added AirPlay 2 support in 2019, eliminating the need for Apple TV hardware, but the setup is not intuitive and many users do not know their Samsung TV already has this built in.
This guide covers every method to mirror or cast from iPhone to Samsung TV, troubleshooting for the most common problems, and the differences between mirroring and casting that affect quality and battery life.
Method 1: AirPlay 2 Screen Mirroring (Built-in, No Extra Hardware)
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Make sure your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi. Check TV: Settings > General > Network > Network Status. If they are on different networks (common when TVs connect to 5GHz and phones to 2.4GHz, or when a guest network is active), AirPlay will not detect the TV.
Step 2: On your Samsung TV, enable AirPlay. Go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings (on older Tizen TVs) or Menu > Connected Devices > Apple AirPlay (on newer Samsung TVs). Set AirPlay to On. Set “Require Code” to “First Time Only” for convenience, or “Every Time” for security if others share your network.
Step 3: On your iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on Face ID iPhones, or swipe up from the bottom on Home Button iPhones). Tap Screen Mirroring (the icon with two overlapping rectangles). Your Samsung TV should appear in the list. Tap it.
Step 4: A 4-digit code appears on your TV screen. Enter this code on your iPhone to authenticate. The connection establishes in 2-3 seconds and your iPhone screen appears on the TV in real-time. Everything you do on your iPhone now shows on the Samsung TV, including audio.
Samsung TVs with AirPlay 2 Support
| Samsung TV Series | Year | AirPlay 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Frame, Serif, Sero | 2019+ | Yes | All lifestyle TVs support AirPlay |
| Samsung QLED Q60-Q90 | 2019+ | Yes | Full AirPlay + HomeKit |
| Samsung Crystal UHD TU/BU/CU/DU | 2020+ | Yes | Budget Samsung TVs from 2020 onwards |
| Samsung Neo QLED QN | 2021+ | Yes | Premium models, fastest connection |
| Samsung OLED S90/S95 | 2022+ | Yes | Full AirPlay + HomeKit |
| Samsung Smart TV (pre-2018) | 2017 and earlier | No | Use SmartThings or HDMI adapter instead |
Method 2: AirPlay Casting (Video Only, Better Quality)
Instead of mirroring your entire screen, you can cast specific content from apps directly to the TV. This sends the video stream to the TV at full quality while leaving your iPhone free to do other things (check messages, browse) without affecting what plays on TV.
In any video app (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Photos), look for the AirPlay icon (rectangle with triangle at bottom). Tap it and select your Samsung TV. The video plays on the TV at its native resolution (up to 4K HDR in supported apps) while your iPhone acts as a remote control.
Casting is superior to mirroring for video content because: the video stream goes directly to the TV at full resolution instead of being limited by your iPhone’s screen resolution, your iPhone screen can be turned off to save battery, and you can use other apps on your phone without interrupting playback. Use mirroring when you need to show your exact screen (presentations, demos, showing someone how to do something). Use casting when watching videos or playing music.
Method 3: Samsung SmartThings App
The Samsung SmartThings app (free on the App Store) provides an alternative way to connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV. Download SmartThings, add your Samsung TV as a device, and use the app’s “Mirror Screen” or “Share Content” features. SmartThings also functions as a remote control, letting you adjust volume, change inputs, and browse TV settings from your iPhone.
SmartThings is particularly useful for Samsung TVs that predate AirPlay support (2017 and earlier). While these older TVs cannot use AirPlay natively, SmartThings enables basic screen sharing through Samsung’s own protocol. The quality and reliability are not as good as AirPlay 2, but it works when AirPlay is not available.
Method 4: HDMI Adapter (Works with Any TV)
For Samsung TVs without AirPlay or smart features, a Lightning to HDMI adapter (Apple Digital AV Adapter, $49) or USB-C to HDMI adapter (for iPhone 15 and newer, $15-$30 third-party) connects your iPhone directly to the TV’s HDMI port. This provides the most reliable, zero-latency connection with no Wi-Fi dependency.
Connect the adapter to your iPhone, plug an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV, and switch the TV to the correct HDMI input. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV instantly. This method works with every TV that has an HDMI port, including non-smart TVs, hotel TVs, projectors, and monitors. The downside: you are tethered by a cable, and some DRM-protected apps (Netflix, Disney+) display a black screen over HDMI to prevent unauthorized recording.
Screen Mirroring vs AirPlay Casting: Key Differences
| Feature | Screen Mirroring | AirPlay Casting |
|---|---|---|
| What displays on TV | Everything on your iPhone screen | Only the selected video/music |
| iPhone usability | TV shows whatever you do (notifications, typing) | iPhone is free to use separately |
| Video quality | Limited to iPhone resolution (1080p-ish) | Native app resolution (up to 4K HDR) |
| Battery impact | High (screen must stay on) | Low (screen can turn off) |
| Audio | Everything (notifications, alerts) | Only media audio |
| Best for | Presentations, demos, browsing together | Watching videos, playing music |
| Latency | 100-300ms (noticeable for games) | Minimal (stream goes directly to TV) |
Troubleshooting: Screen Mirroring Not Working on Samsung TV
TV Does Not Appear in Screen Mirroring List
Same Wi-Fi network: verify both devices are on the exact same network (not different bands or guest networks). AirPlay enabled: check TV Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > AirPlay is On. Restart both devices: turn the TV off and on (not just standby; unplug for 30 seconds) and restart the iPhone. TV firmware: update the TV’s software (Settings > Support > Software Update). AirPlay support was added via firmware update, and an outdated TV may have bugs that prevent discovery.
Mirroring Connects but Shows Black Screen
DRM-protected apps (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+) sometimes display a black screen when mirrored to prevent screen recording. Use AirPlay casting from within the app instead of full screen mirroring. Open the app, start the video, tap the AirPlay icon, and select the TV. This sends the video stream directly rather than mirroring the screen, bypassing DRM restrictions.
Audio Plays on iPhone Instead of TV
When mirroring, audio should route to the TV automatically. If it does not, check the iPhone’s audio output: open Control Center, long-press the volume slider, and ensure the audio output is set to the Samsung TV (not the iPhone speaker or AirPods). Some apps default audio to the phone even during mirroring; force the output by selecting the TV as the audio destination.
Lag or Choppy Mirroring
Mirroring quality depends on your Wi-Fi network speed and congestion. A weak signal or a crowded network causes lag and frame drops. Move your router closer to the TV or use a 5GHz Wi-Fi band for less interference. Close other bandwidth-heavy applications on your network (downloads, streaming on other devices). If lag persists, the HDMI adapter method eliminates Wi-Fi dependency entirely. Ensuring your iPhone is not throttled by Low Power Mode also helps maintain smooth mirroring performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror iPhone to Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
Not wirelessly. AirPlay and SmartThings both require a Wi-Fi network connecting the iPhone and TV. Without Wi-Fi, use a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter for a direct wired connection. Some Samsung TVs support Wi-Fi Direct, which creates a direct wireless connection between devices without a router. Check Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi Direct on your TV.
Why is Netflix black when I mirror to Samsung TV?
Netflix blocks screen mirroring due to content licensing and DRM protection. Instead of mirroring, open Netflix on your iPhone, start playing content, and tap the AirPlay icon (or cast icon) to send the video directly to the TV. Alternatively, use the Netflix app built into your Samsung TV for the best experience, as it supports 4K HDR on compatible TVs whereas AirPlay casting from iPhone is limited to 1080p for Netflix.
Does screen mirroring use a lot of data?
Screen mirroring over Wi-Fi uses your local network, not cellular data. It does not consume your mobile data plan. However, if the content you are mirroring streams from the internet (YouTube, Netflix), that content uses internet bandwidth through your Wi-Fi router. Mirroring locally stored content (photos, videos from your camera roll, presentations) uses only local network bandwidth with zero internet data consumption.
Can I mirror iPhone to an older Samsung TV (2017 or earlier)?
Samsung TVs from 2017 and earlier do not support AirPlay 2. Your options are: the SmartThings app (limited screen sharing), a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter ($15-$49), an Apple TV streaming box ($129-$179, connects to any HDMI TV), or a third-party mirroring device like a Chromecast ($29) using the Google Home app on iPhone. The cheapest reliable option for older TVs is an HDMI adapter.
Does screen mirroring drain iPhone battery?
Full screen mirroring keeps your iPhone display active and continuously streams video data over Wi-Fi, draining battery 20-30% faster than normal use. AirPlay casting (sending a video stream rather than mirroring the full screen) uses significantly less battery because the iPhone screen can turn off while the video plays on the TV. For extended viewing sessions, plug your iPhone into a charger during mirroring. Our guide on fixing battery drain covers additional optimization tips.
Browse all of our tested technology guides at the BleeBot guides hub.
