How to Connect an iPhone to a Samsung Smart TV via Wi-Fi: 4 Working Methods

Wireless connection iPhone To Samsung Smart TV through Wi-Fi It opens up a ton of possibilities, from streaming photos to a big screen to watching high-definition movies without the hassle of cables. However, many users encounter compatibility issues, especially if their TV was released before 2018 or runs an older version. Tizen OSIn this article, we'll cover all current linking methods, including hidden settings and how to avoid common errors.

The main difficulty is that Apple And Samsung use different ecosystems: the first one promotes AirPlay, the second one is our own protocols Smart View And DLNAFortunately, there are universal solutions that work even on budget models. Samsung (series Crystal UHD, The Frame or QLED). We tested all methods on iPhone 15 Pro and televisions Samsung QN90C (2023) And UE55NU7100 (2018) — the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

If you urgently need to duplicate your screen for a presentation or show a video with YouTube Without further ado, start with the section about Screen Mirroring — this is the fastest way. For continuous use (for example, viewing Netflix or Apple TV+) it's better to set up AirPlay or specialized applications like SmartThingsAnd if the TV doesn't support modern protocols, alternative solutions will come in handy. DLNA or Google Cast.

1. Preparation: Checking compatibility and Wi-Fi network

Before you begin setup, make sure your devices meet the minimum requirements. Key condition: both gadgets must be connected to one Wi-Fi network (guest network or different ranges 2.4 GHz/5 GHz (They won't work). If you have a dual-band router, temporarily disable network separation in its settings.

Check your supported protocols Samsung Smart TV:

• 📺 2018 and newer models (series Q, LS, RU, NU, AU, CU): support AirPlay 2 And Screen Mirroring "out of the box".
• 📺 2016–2017 models (series KU, MU, KS): require updating Tizen OS up to version 4.0+ to work with AirPlay.
• 📺 Models before 2016 (series JU, HU): support only DLNA or third-party applications.

On iPhone check:

• 📱 Version iOS: should be 12.3 or later (For AirPlay 2).
• 📱 Network settings: go to Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure the phone is not using VPN or Modem mode.
• 📱 Function Screen Mirroring: it is available in Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).

⚠️ Attention: If your TV is connected to the network via cable Ethernet, A iPhone - via Wi-Fi, some functions (for example, Screen Mirroring) may not work. In this case, temporarily connect the TV to the same wireless network.

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring

This is the most universal method that works even on older models. Samsung Smart TV (subject to updated software). Advantage: everything that happens on the screen is broadcast iPhone, including games, social networks and system menus. Flaw: There may be audio delays of up to 1–2 seconds when watching videos.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On Samsung Smart TV open Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit (for 2018+ models). If this item is not present, skip this step.
2. On iPhone Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control center.
3. Press and hold the tile Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring).
4. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV (for example, Samsung QLED 65QN90C).
5. A connection request will appear on the TV screen - confirm it using the remote control.

If your TV does not appear in the list:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📶 Check that they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not different bands) 2.4/5 GHz).
• 🔧 On TV, go to Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset Smart Hub (do not reset network settings!).

iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network

The TV is in "Device Discovery" mode.

VPN and Personal Hotspot are disabled on the iPhone.

The TV is not connected via Ethernet-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, series JU6400) function Screen Mirroring works only through the app SmartThings, even if the TV supports MiracastInstall it from App Store in advance.

3. Method 2: AirPlay for media streaming

AirPlay 2 — the optimal way to watch movies, music, and photos with minimal lag. Unlike Screen Mirroring, it broadcasts only the content, not the entire screen, which reduces the load on the network. Supported on Samsung Smart TV starting from 2018 (series Q, RU, NU and newer).

How to enable AirPlay on TV:

1. Open Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
2. Activate the switch AirPlay.
3. In the section Access parameters select All or Only for devices on the same network.
4. Ask AirPlay password (optional, but recommended for security).

How to stream content from iPhone:

• 🎵 Music: Open Apple Music, select a track and click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with triangle).
• 📺 Video: IN YouTube, Netflix or Apple TV+ Click on the broadcast icon and select yours Samsung TV.
• 📷 Photo: In the appendix Photo open the album, click Share → AirPlay.

On models Samsung QLED 2023 (For example, QN95C) when broadcasting video via AirPlay the mode is automatically turned on Filmmaker Mode for correct color rendering. If colors appear dull, check the picture settings on your TV.

4. Method 3: SmartThings app (for older TV models)

If your TV was released before 2018 or does not support AirPlay, official application SmartThings from Samsung will be a lifesaver. It allows you to not only mirror the screen, but also control the TV from iPhone, like a remote control. The app is free and available in App Store.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Install SmartThings on iPhone and register (you can do this through Apple ID).
2. Open on your TV Settings → General → SmartThings and turn on the option Remote control.
3. In the app, click Add device (+) → TV.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen - iPhone will automatically find the TV on the local network.
5. Once connected, select Screen mirroring in the device menu.

Advantages SmartThings:

• 🔄 Works on TV Samsung starting from 2015 (series JU, KU).
• 🎮 Supports game streaming with minimal latency (better than Screen Mirroring).
• 🔧 Allows you to configure your TV remotely (volume, channels, signal sources).

⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, in Russia), the screen mirroring function is available through SmartThings may be limited due to local firmware settings. If the option is disabled, try changing the TV region to USA or Europe in the settings.

How to change the region on a Samsung Smart TV

1. Open Settings → Support → Terms of Service.

2. Click on Country and select USA or Germany.

3. Restart your TV. After that, SmartThings All functions will appear, including screen mirroring.

⚠️ After changing the region, some applications (for example, Tricolor or Wink) may stop working!

5. Method 4: DLNA and third-party apps (alternative option)

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is DLNA — a protocol for transferring media files over a local network. It is supported by all Samsung Smart TV, but requires the installation of additional applications on iPhoneThe main disadvantage: You can't broadcast the entire screen — only photos, videos and music.

Best apps for DLNA:

• 📱 LocalCast: supports all video formats, has a built-in player for TV.
• 📱 AllCast: simple interface, works with Google Drive And Dropbox.
• 📱 BubbleUPnP: for advanced users (supports transcoding).

How to set up DLNA:

1. On TV, open the app Photos, videos, and music (or Smart Hub → Multimedia).
2. Install one of the apps above on iPhone.
3. In the app, select the file to broadcast and click on the TV icon.
4. Confirm the connection on the TV.

If the video does not play:

• 🔧 Check the file format: Samsung TV does not support .mkv or .flac without transcoding.
• 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi speed is not lower than 10 Mbps (for Full HD).
• 🔄 Restart your router - sometimes ports DLNA are blocked.

6. Troubleshooting: Why iPhone Can't Detect TV

If iPhone does not find Samsung Smart TV In the list of available devices, the causes could be both software and hardware. Let's start with the most common:

Problem 1: Different Wi-Fi networks

Even if both devices are connected to the same router, they may be on different subnets. For example:

• The TV is connected to 2.4 GHz, A iPhone - To 5 GHz.
• The router has the function enabled AP Isolation (client isolation).
• A guest network with limited rights is used.

Solution: Disable network separation in your router settings or connect both devices to the same band (2.4 GHz more reliable for Screen Mirroring).

Problem 2: Outdated TV firmware

On models Samsung 2016–2017 AirPlay And Screen Mirroring may not work without an update. Check the version Tizen OS:

1. On TV, go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
2. If a new version is available, install it.
3. After updating, perform a reset Smart Hub (Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset Smart Hub).

Problem 3: Blocked by a firewall or VPN

Some applications (eg. NordVPN or AdGuard) block local connections. Disable them before setting up. Also check:

• 🛡️ Firewall settings on the router (open ports) TCP 7000, 5555 And UDP 1900, 5353 For DLNA).
• 📵 Mode Do not disturb on iPhone (it may block connection notifications).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Samsung (for example, on models for China) function AirPlay Disabled at the system level. In this case, the only solution is to flash the TV to the European firmware version—but this will void the warranty!

7. Connection optimization: how to reduce lags and interruptions

Even if the connection is established, you may experience audio lag, video stuttering, or sudden disconnections. Here's how to improve stability:

1. Setting up the router

• 📶 Switch TV and iPhone on the range 5 GHz (if both devices support it).
• 🔄 Enable it in your router settings WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) And QoS to prioritize traffic.
• 📡 Install a channel Wi-Fi manually (for example, 36 or 149) to avoid interference from neighbors.

2. iPhone Settings

• 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger - if the battery level is low (20%) iOS automatically reduces performance, which affects the broadcast.
• 📵 Turn off background app refresh (Settings → General → Content Update).
• 🎮 For games, reduce graphic settings (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile select Average quality).

3. Samsung Smart TV Settings

• 📺 Turn on Game mode (Settings → General → External Devices → Game Mode) to reduce latency.
• 🔊 Turn off sound processing (Settings → Sound → Equalizer → Off).
• 🖼️ Set your screen resolution to 1080p instead of 4K, if the router does not support Wi-Fi 6.

On TVs Samsung QLED 2022–2023 with a processor Neural Quantum 4K delay at Screen Mirroring is reduced to 50 ms - this is the best indicator among all Smart TVs Tizen OS.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but with restrictions:

• 🔌 Through USB-C/HDMI adapter (For example, Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter) - only video is transmitted, without sound on some TV models.
• 🔌 Through USB cable (only for charging and transferring photos/videos like on a flash drive).

For full screen mirroring Wi-Fi is required.

Why are the audio and video out of sync?

This is a typical problem when using Screen Mirroring. Try:

• 🔊 Turn on TV Settings → Sound → Lip sync/audio and set the delay 100–200 ms.
• 📶 Reconnect to the network 5 GHz (if you use 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Restart the broadcast, after closing all background applications on iPhone.

If nothing helps, use AirPlay instead of Screen Mirroring - it has less latency.

How to stream Netflix from iPhone to Samsung TV in 4K?

Netflix blocks the broadcast in 4K through Screen Mirroring because of protection WidevineTo get the best quality:

1. Install the application Netflix directly on Samsung Smart TV.
2. Log in to the same account as on iPhone.
3. Use iPhone like a remote control through SmartThings or the official app Netflix.

This is the only way you will get it 4K HDR without loss of quality.

Can you control your TV with your iPhone as a remote?

Yes, for this:

1. Install the application SmartThings.
2. Connect your TV to your account Samsung.
3. In the app, select your TV - a virtual remote control with buttons will appear Volume, Channels And Sources.

For voice control, press and hold the microphone button in the app (works with Siri or Bixby).

Why does it ask for a password when connecting, but I didn’t set one?

On some models Samsung (For example, QN90B) protection is enabled by default AirPlayTo reset your password:

1. On TV, go to Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
2. Select Access Settings → Password Required.
3. Enter the standard code 0000 or 1234, then set a new one.

If that doesn't help, reset the settings. Smart Hub (see section 6).