Transferring photos from iPhone on the big screen Samsung Smart TV through Wi-Fi — a task that seems simple only at first glance. In practice, users encounter protocol compatibility issues, connection errors, or non-obvious settings. In this article, we'll discuss all current methods wireless image transmission, from standard AirPlay to alternative solutions like DLNA or Samsung SmartThings, taking into account the features of different TV models and versions iOS.
The main difficulty is that Apple And Samsung use different ecosystems: the first one is focused on AirPlay And HomeKit, and the second one is on its own protocols like Smart ViewHowever, there are universal methods that work even on older TV models (2018–2022) and don't require purchasing additional adapters. We tested each method on iPhone 15 Pro And Samsung QLED QN90C, and also took into account the nuances for earlier devices.
It is important to understand that the transfer speed and image quality depend not only on the chosen method, but also on Wi-Fi network stabilityIf your router operates at a frequency 2.4 GHz, there may be delays when transmitting high-resolution photos (for example, HEIF or ProRAW from iPhone). For best results, we recommend using the network 5 GHz or, as a last resort, convert the photo to format JPEG before transmission.
Method 1: AirPlay on Samsung TV (official support)
Since 2018 Samsung started adding support AirPlay 2 into their TVs, starting with models QLED 4K (series Q60R and above), The Frame, as well as flagship 8K And MicroLEDThis means that owners of such TVs can broadcast photos from iPhone Directly, without third-party apps. However, there are some nuances:
- 📱 iPhone Requirements: iOS 12.3 or newer (on iPhone 6s and older).
- 📺 TV requirements: Firmware Tizen not lower
2019(check inSettings → Support → Software Update). - 🌐 Net: Both devices must be connected to one Wi-Fi network (guest networks are not supported!).
To transfer photos via AirPlay:
- Open the app "Photo" on iPhone and select an image.
- Click the button "Share"** (square with an arrow pointing up).
- In the list of options, find "AirPlay"** (rectangle icon with a triangle at the bottom).
- Choose yours Samsung TV from the list of available devices.
If your TV does not appear in the list, check:
- 🔄 On TV:
Settings → General → Apple AirPlay → On - 🔒 On iPhone:
Settings → Wi-Fi(make sure the connection is active). - 🛠 On the router: Disable isolation of clients (Client Isolation) in network settings.
☑️ Check before using AirPlay
A critical detail: if your Samsung TV was released before 2018, there is no official AirPlay support. In this case, use methods 2-5 in this article.
⚠️ Note: On some models Samsung (for example, series JU or KU) even after updating the firmwareAirPlayIt may be unstable. In this case, try resetting the network settings on your TV:Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
2. Method: Samsung SmartThings (for all TV models)
Application Samsung SmartThings — a universal tool for managing ecosystem devices Samsung, including TVs. It allows you to transfer photos from iPhone on TV even without support AirPlay, but with one condition: the TV must be connected to the same account Samsung, as well as the application on the smartphone.
Setup instructions:
- Install SmartThings from App Store and log in (or create an account).
- Add your TV to the app: Click Add device → select "TV" → follow the instructions on the screen.
- Open the photo in Gallery iPhone, click Share → "SmartThings"** → select your TV.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Powered by all Samsung Smart TV models (including 2016–2017 editions).
- ✅ Supports transmission several photos at once (as a slide show).
- ✅ You can control playback from your phone (pause, move to the next photo).
Flaws:
- ❌ Requires account registration Samsung.
- ❌ Sometimes there are delays when transferring large files (for example,
ProRAWWith iPhone 14 Pro).
What should I do if SmartThings doesn't detect my TV?
Make sure that the "Remote Control" mode is enabled on your TV (Settings → General → External devices → Remote control). If the problem persists, restart the TV and router.
⚠️ Attention: In the latest versions SmartThings (2026–2026) The interface may differ. If you don't find the photo transfer option, update the app or check the section "Media"** in the device menu.
3. Method: DLNA/UPnP (for advanced users)
Protocol DLNA (or UPnP) is a standard for exchanging multimedia between devices on a local network. Many Samsung TV support it out of the box, but iPhone This will require a third-party app. We recommend:
- 📌 «Photo Share» (free, with advertising).
- 📌 "MediaConnect"** (paid version without limitations).
- 📌 "LocalCast"** (supports streaming).
How to set up transfer via DLNA:
- Make sure your TV is turned on.
DLNA:Settings → General → External devices → DLNA device → On - Install one of the applications above and open it.
- Select a photo from the gallery iPhone → click "Submit"** → select yours Samsung TV.
Comparison of applications for DLNA:
| Application | Free version | 4K support | Transfer speed | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo Share | Yes | No | Average | Eat |
| MediaConnect | No (7-day trial) | Yes | High | No |
| LocalCast | Yes (with limitations) | Yes | High | Eat |
| AllConnect | Yes | No | Low | Many |
An important nuance: some applications (eg LocalCast) allow you to broadcast photos in original resolution, but to do this you need to manually select the option "No compression"** in the transfer settings. Otherwise, the image may be automatically reduced to Full HD.
4. Method: Live broadcast via browser (Web Share)
A little-known but effective method is to use the built-in browser. Samsung TV To receive photos, you will need:
- On iPhone: any cloud service (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox).
- On TV: browser "Internet"** (pre-installed on all models).
Step-by-step instructions:
- Upload the photo to the cloud (for example, Google Photos) and get share link.
- Open a browser on your TV. "Internet"** and follow the link.
- Download the photo to your TV (if needed) or view it directly in your browser.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Powered by any Samsung TV models (even without Smart functions).
- ✅ Does not require installation of additional applications on iPhone.
- ✅ Transferable several photos at once (via archive
ZIP).
Cons:
- ❌ You need to manually enter the TV link (inconvenient for frequent broadcasts).
- ❌ Quality may decrease when viewing through a browser (depending on the service).
⚠️ Attention: If you use iCloud For continued access, make sure the link doesn't require authorization. To do this, select the option in the shared folder settings "Anyone with a link"** (in iCloud Drive).
5. Method: Third-party applications
When standard methods don't work, specialized apps can help. We tested several solutions and selected the best:
- 📱 "ApowerMirror"** (for screen mirroring).
- 🖼 Send Anywhere** (direct file transfer).
- 🌍 "TV Cast"** (for media streaming).
ApowerMirror allows you to fully mirror your screen iPhone on a TV, which is convenient for displaying slideshows or editing photos in real time. However, both devices must be on the same network for this to work. Send Anywhere It also transfers files directly via Wi-Fi Direct, without dependence on the router.
Comparison of applications:
| Application | Transmission type | Speed | 4K support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ApowerMirror | Screen mirroring | Average | Yes | Free (with watermark) |
| Send Anywhere | Direct file transfer | High | Yes | Free (10 GB/day limit) |
| TV Cast | Streaming media | Low | No | Paid version ($4.99) |
For maximum speed in Send Anywhere use the function "Send Nearby"** - it creates a direct Wi-Fi Direct-connection between iPhone and TV, bypassing the router. This is especially useful if your network is overloaded.
6. Alternative solutions (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)
If wireless transfer is not possible due to network issues or device incompatibility, consider alternatives:
- 🔌 USB cable + adapter: Connect iPhone to TV via
Lightning/USB-C → HDMIadapter (for example, Apple Digital AV Adapter). - 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Some models Samsung (for example, series MU or NU) support direct transmission without a router. Turn it on
Wi-Fi Directin the TV settings and connect to it with iPhone. - 💿 USB drive: Transfer photos from iPhone to a flash drive via Lightning reader, then insert it into the TV.
For Wi-Fi Direct:
- On TV:
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → On - On iPhone:
Settings → Wi-Fi→ select your TV network (the name will start with «DIRECT-xx-Samsung»**). - Use any file transfer app (eg. Files or Send Anywhere).
Important: When using Wi-Fi Direct iPhone will temporarily lose internet access because it will be connected directly to the TV. To restore the network, disconnect Wi-Fi Direct on TV.
Samsung TV Compatibility Chart
To make it easier for you to choose a method, we have compiled a compatibility table for popular series. Samsung TV:
| TV model (year) | AirPlay | SmartThings | DLNA | Wi-Fi Direct | USB input |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLED QN90C (2023) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (USB 3.0) |
| The Frame (2022) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (USB 2.0) |
| CU8000 (2021) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| TU8000 (2020) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| NU8000 (2018) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| MU6100 (2017) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
If your model is not in the table, check support AirPlay on official Samsung website (enter TV model in the search bar).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why can't AirPlay find my Samsung TV even though it supports this feature?
The problem could be in several places:
- Different networks: Make sure that iPhone and TV are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest!).
- Router blocking: Disable it in your router settings
AP IsolationorClient Isolation. - Outdated firmware: Update your TV software to the latest version.
- Regional restrictions: On some models
AirPlayDisabled for some countries. Check your TV region in settings.
If nothing helps, reset the network settings on your TV: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
❓ Is it possible to transfer photos in ProRAW or HEIC format?
Yes, but with some reservations:
- AirPlay: Supports
HEIC, ButProRAWmay appear with artifacts. - SmartThings/DLNA: Transforms
HEICVJPEGautomatically (quality decreases). - Send Anywhere: Keeps the original quality, but the files
ProRAWmay not open on TV.
For guaranteed results, convert your photo to JPEG before transmission: Settings → Photo → Formats → Compatible.
❓ How do I transfer photos from an old iPhone (e.g. iPhone 6) to a new Samsung TV?
On iPhone 6/6s (With iOS 12) the following methods are available:
- SmartThings: Works if the TV was released after 2016.
- DLNA: Use the app LocalCast or MediaConnect.
- Wi-Fi Direct: If the TV supports (series MU/NU and newer).
- USB adapter: Lightning → USB + flash drive (the most reliable option).
AirPlay on iPhone 6 Not supported for photo transfer (audio/video only).
❓ Why are photos transferred in low quality?
Reasons and solutions:
- Network compression: Use
5 GHz Wi-FiorWi-Fi Direct. - Automatic conversion: In the application settings (for example, SmartThings) select "Original quality".
- TV restrictions: Older models (before 2018) may not support
4Kwhen streaming. - File format:
HEICsometimes it squeezes harderJPEG.
❓ Is it possible to transfer photos to a Samsung TV without the internet?
Yes, the following will work for this:
- Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection iPhone to TV.
- USB cable/flash drive: Physical file transfer.
- Send Anywhere (offline mode): Creates a local network between devices.
AirPlay And SmartThings require a connection to a router (but not necessarily to the Internet).