How to Connect an iPhone to a TV Without a Smart TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Do you want to stream video from iPhone on the big screen, but your TV doesn't support it Smart TVNo problem! Even without built-in Wi-Fi or smart features, you can set up wireless image streaming. In this article, we'll cover all the working connection methods that don't require expensive adapters or replacing your TV.

The main difficulty is that regular TVs (produced before 2015-2018) do not have built-in support AirPlay, Miracast or DLNAHowever, external devices and software solutions can help circumvent this limitation. We will consider options using Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, as well as alternative methods via a router or special applications.

Important: All methods described work on iPhone 6s and newer (with iOS 12 and above). If your TV has at least one HDMI-port, you will be able to apply at least one of the methods.

1. Connecting via Apple TV (the most reliable method)

Apple TV - this is a specialized device from Apple, which transforms any TV with HDMI in smart. It supports AirPlay, so synchronization with iPhone happens instantly and without delays.

To connect:

• 📺 Connect Apple TV to the TV through HDMI and turn it on.
• 📱 On iPhone open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner on models with Face ID or up from the bottom edge on models with Touch ID).
• 🔄 Click Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring) and choose yours Apple TV from the list.
• 🔒 If required, enter the code that appears on the TV screen.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Minimal latency (ideal for gaming and videos).
• ✅ Support 4K HDR on Apple TV 4K.
• ✅ The ability to broadcast not only the screen, but also individual videos/music via applications (YouTube, Netflix and others).

⚠️ Attention: Apple TV requires connection to the same Wi-Fi network as iPhoneIf your router is in the mode 5 GHz, and the TV does not support it, switch to 2.4 GHz or use a dual-band router.

2. Using Google Chromecast or similar adapters

If Apple TV too expensive, the alternative will be Google Chromecast (or its analogues, for example, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick). These devices connect to HDMI-port and allow you to stream content from iPhone via Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Connect Chromecast to the TV and set it up through the app Google Home (available for iOS).
2. Make sure that iPhone And Chromecast connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In supported applications (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos) click the icon Cast (📡) and choose yours Chromecast.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications support Cast (For example, Apple Music or Safari are not broadcast).
• ❌ Image lag may reach 1-2 seconds (not suitable for gaming).
• ❌ To duplicate the entire screen, you will need third-party software (for example, ApowerMirror).

A Chromecast device (or similar) with Wi-Fi support|TV with HDMI port|Google Home app on iPhone|Public Wi-Fi network for all devices|Power source for Chromecast (TV USB port or adapter)-->

3. Connecting via Roku or other media set-top boxes

Roku - another popular console that supports AirPlay 2 (on models Roku OS 9.4 and newer). This allows you to broadcast your screen iPhone almost as easy as on Apple TV.

How to set up:

1. Connect Roku to your TV and complete the initial setup.
2. Go to Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit and turn it on AirPlay.
3. On iPhone open Control center → Screen mirroring and choose yours Roku.

Advantages Roku:

• ✅ Cheaper Apple TV (price from 3,000–5,000 ₽).
• ✅ Supports 4K HDR on top models.
• ✅ Large selection of channels and applications.

⚠️ Note: Some models Roku (For example, Express) do not support AirPlayBefore purchasing, check the specifications on the official website.

4. Wireless streaming via a router with DLNA

If you have a modern router with support DLNA (For example, TP-Link Archer, ASUS RT-AX), you can use it as a bridge between iPhone and a TV. For this you will need:

• 📶 Router with function Media Server (DLNA).
• 📺 TV with support DLNA (even without Smart TV, many models after 2010 have this module).
• 📱 Application for iPhone, supporting DLNA (for example, 8player Lite or AllConnect).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Activate DLNA server in the router settings (usually in the section USB applications or Media server).
2. Connect a flash drive or external hard drive with files to the router (if you want to stream local content).
3. On iPhone open the application 8player Lite, select your router from the list of devices and stream files to your TV.

Important: DLNA does not support screen mirroring—it only supports individual file transfers (videos, photos, music). Screen mirroring requires additional software.

5. Screen mirroring apps (no adapters required)

If purchasing adapters isn't in your plans, you can use specialized applications. They work by creating a virtual AirPlay servers on a computer or router, which then broadcasts the signal to the TV.

Top 3 apps for iOS:

• 🔹 ApowerMirror - supports screen mirroring Windows/Mac, as well as broadcast on Chromecast And Roku.
• 🔹 LetsView — a free solution with minimal latency (suitable for presentations).
• 🔹 AirServer - paid software for PC/Mac, emulating Apple TV.

How to set up ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on iPhone and a computer (or Android-TV box, if it is connected to the TV).
2. Connect all devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch ApowerMirror on your computer and select the mode Phone to PC.
4. On iPhone open the app, click Mirror and select your computer from the list.

⚠️ Please note: When using these types of apps, the delay can reach 3-5 seconds. This is acceptable for watching movies, but not suitable for gaming or video chatting.

6. Alternative methods: cables and adapters

If a Wi-Fi connection is not possible (for example, due to a weak signal or the absence of a router), you can use wired adapters. iPhone will do:

• 🔌 Lightning → HDMI adapter (official from Apple or certified Belkin).
• 🔌 USB-C → HDMI (For iPhone 15 and newer).
• 🔌 AV cable (for old TVs without HDMI, but quality 480p).

Advantages of a wired connection:

• ✅ Zero latency.
• ✅ Does not require Wi-Fi.
• ✅ Supports 4K@60Hz (on adapters with USB-C).

Cons:

• ❌ Limited cable length (maximum 2-3 meters without amplifier).
• ❌ Not convenient for continuous use (tied to a wire).

How to check if a Lightning→HDMI adapter is genuine?

Original adapter from Apple has:

1. Logo Apple and the inscription Designed by Apple in California.

2. Serial number on the packaging and the adapter itself.

3. Support 1080p (non-original ones are often given out only 720p).

4. Compatibility with iOS 13 and newer (cheap fakes only work on older versions).

Comparison of all connection methods

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect an iPhone to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but only with the help of wired adapters (Lightning/USB-C → HDMI) or through Bluetooth (Audio only, no video). Wireless methods require Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.

Why can't my TV see Chromecast?

Check:

• 🔌 Is it connected? Chromecast to power supply (some models require a separate power supply, not USB from the TV).
• 📶 Are they connected? iPhone And Chromecast to one Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Is the software updated on Chromecast (checked through the app) Google Home).

How to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV without adapters?

If you don't have Apple TV or Chromecast, use:

1. Apps like ApowerMirror (requires computer or Android-TV boxing).
2. DLNA server on the router (only for files, not for the screen).
3. Connection via AirServer on Windows/Mac (paid solution).

Full screen mirroring without adapters is impossible—at least one intermediate device is required.

Does my TV support AirPlay?

AirPlay is supported by:

• 📺 Televisions Samsung (2018 models and newer).
• 📺 Televisions LG (With webOS 4.0 and above).
• 📺 Televisions Sony Bravia (2019 models and newer).
• 📺 Any TV with set-top boxes Apple TV, Roku (With OS 9.4+).

If your TV is older than 2018, chances are AirPlay not supported.

Is it possible to connect an iPhone to a TV via USB?

No, connection via USB allows only charging iPhone or transfer files (photos/videos) to TVs with USB media playerTo broadcast your screen you need HDMI- adapter or wireless method.