How to Connect iPhone to TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wireless connection iPhone to the TV through Wi-Fi Opens up a ton of possibilities: from viewing photos on a big screen to streaming high-definition videos. However, many users encounter compatibility issues, unstable connections, or simply don't know which method to choose. In this article, we'll explore all current methods connections, including AirPlay, Smart View, DLNA and alternative solutions for different TV models - from Samsung QLED to budget Xiaomi Mi TV.

Specific instructions will depend on firmware for your TV and versions iOS. For example, iPhone 15 Pro With iOS 17+ supports advanced features AirPlay 2, which are not available on older models. We will also consider the nuances of connecting to TVs. without built-in Wi-Fi module - this will require additional devices such as Apple TV or Google Chromecast.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg LG And Sony) TV firmware is regularly updated, which can change the menu layout. If your TV doesn't find iPhone online, check for updates in the section Settings → Support → Software Update.

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1. Connect via AirPlay (the easiest way for the Apple ecosystem)

AirPlay - this is a proprietary technology Apple, which allows you to broadcast content from iPhone to compatible devices by Wi-FiMost modern TVs (since 2018) support AirPlay 2, including models from Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia And VizioThe main condition is that both devices must be connected to one Wi-Fi network.

To start broadcasting:

1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same network Wi-Fi 5 GHz (recommended for stability).
2. On iPhone open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner on models with Face ID).
3. Click on the icon Screen mirroring (two overlapping rectangles).
4. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV.

If your TV does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Reboot your router — sometimes devices cannot see each other due to network failures.
• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version (settings Main → Software Update).
• 📺 Enable AirPlay on TV - on Samsung this is done in Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.

⚠️ Attention: When mirroring your screen via AirPlay, you may experience audio lag of up to 0.5–1 secondsThis is normal for wireless transmission, but critical for gaming. For watching movies, the delay is almost unnoticeable.

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2. Using Smart View (for Samsung TVs)

Smart View - this is a technology from Samsung, which allows you to stream content from mobile devices to TVs of the series QLED, Crystal UHD and others. Unlike AirPlay, Smart View works not only with iPhone, but also with Android-devices. However, for iOS you will need to install the official application SmartThings from App Store.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and install the application SmartThings on iPhone.
2. Register or log in to your account Samsung (can be done through Google or Apple ID).
3. In the app, click Devices → Add device and select your TV.
4. Once connected, tap on the TV icon and select Broadcast your screen.

Advantages Smart View before AirPlay:

• 🎮 Supports low-latency game streaming (important for cloud gaming).
• 📂 You can transfer files directly to TV (photos, videos).
• 🔒 Works even if the TV and phone are on different subnets (subject to registration in Samsung Account).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2018-2019 models may require manual activation Smart View in the settings: Settings → General → External devices → TV control device.

Install the SmartThings app|Register a Samsung account|Connect your TV and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network|Update your TV's firmware-->

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3. DLNA and third-party apps for universal streaming

If your TV does not support AirPlay or Smart View, you can use the protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). This standard allows devices on the same network to exchange media files. iPhone a third party application will be required because Apple does not include support DLNA into the standard firmware.

Best apps for DLNA on iOS:

• 📱 8player Lite — a free version with support for most video formats.
• 🎵 AllConnect - broadcasts music, videos and photos on TV, Chromecast And Roku.
• 📺 TV Assist - optimized for TVs LG And Sony.

How to set up broadcasting via DLNA:

1. Install one of the applications (for example, 8player Lite).
2. Connect iPhone and the TV to the same network Wi-Fi.
3. In the app, select the file to broadcast and tap the TV icon.
4. Turn on the TV mode DLNA (usually on the menu Network → DLNA/UPnP).

Important: When streaming via DLNA, your TV may not support some video formats (e.g. MKV or FLAC). In this case, the file will have to be converted in advance.

What formats does DLNA support?

DLNA supports most popular formats, but there are limitations:

- Video: MP4 (H.264), AVI (DivX), MPEG-2

- Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV (not all TVs support FLAC or ALAC)

- Photo: JPEG, PNG (GIF may not play)

Rare formats (such as ProRes or Dolby Vision) will require conversion.

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4. Connect via Apple TV or Chromecast (for older TVs)

If your TV was released before 2018 or does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module, you can use external devices:

- Apple TV (4K or HD) is the best option for the ecosystem Apple.

- Google Chromecast (with support AirPlay in new models).

- Amazon Fire TV Stick (requires additional applications).

To connect via Apple TV:

1. Connect Apple TV to the TV through HDMI.
2. Make sure that Apple TV And iPhone in the same network Wi-Fi.
3. On iPhone open Control center and select Screen mirroring.
4. Your device will appear in the list of devices. Apple TV - tap on it.

For Google Chromecast:

• 📱 Install the application Google Home on iPhone.
• 🔌 Connect Chromecast to your TV and set it up through the app.
• 🎬 In supported apps (e.g. YouTube or Netflix) click the broadcast icon.

⚠️ Attention: Chromecast first and second generations are not supported AirPlayYou will need an app to mirror your screen. Streamer for Chromecast (paid).

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5. Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect iPhone and the TV directly, without the need for a router. This is useful if you don't have a home network or are in an area with poor coverage. However, not all TVs support this mode, and iOS has restrictions on working with Wi-Fi Direct.

How to check support Wi-Fi Direct on TV:

• 📺 On Samsung: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📺 On LG: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📺 On Sony Bravia: Settings → Network → Home network setup → Wi-Fi Direct.

Connection instructions:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the TV and remember the network name (for example, DIRECT-xx-SamsungTV123).
2. On iPhone go to Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the TV network.
3. Open your streaming app (eg. SmartThings or TV Cast) and select the file.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 iPhone does not support Wi-Fi Direct at the system level - third-party software will be required.
• 📶 The data transfer speed is lower than through a router (maximum 50 Mbps against 100+ Mbps in Wi-Fi 5).
• 🔋 Fast battery drain iPhone due to direct connection.

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6. Troubleshooting: Why the phone can't see the TV

If iPhone If the TV doesn't find the network, the reasons may be as follows:

1. Different Wi-Fi networks

Make sure both devices are connected to one networkSometimes the router creates two networks - 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz — with the same name. In this case:

• 🔄 Reconnect both devices to the same frequency (better 5 GHz for stability).
• 📡 Rename the networks in your router settings to make them different (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

2. Blocking by a firewall or antivirus

Some routers (especially with firmware DD-WRT or OpenWRT) block multicast traffic required for AirPlay And DLNA. Solution:

• 🛡️ Log in to your router's control panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
• 🔍 Find the section Firewall or Security and disable multicast filtering.

3. Outdated firmware

On TVs LG 2017-2019 model years often have a problem with AirPlay Due to old firmware. Update the software:

Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now

⚠️ Attention: If the TV stops turning on after updating the firmware, perform a factory reset: hold down the button Nutrition on the remote control 10-15 seconds.

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7. Alternative methods: cable and adapters

If wireless methods don't work, you can use a wired connection. To do this, you'll need:

- Lightning to HDMI adapter (official from Apple or certified).

- HDMI cable (version 2.0 or higher for support 4K).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the adapter to iPhone.
2. Connect the adapter and TV with a cable HDMI.
3. On your TV, select the appropriate HDMI input.

Advantages of a wired connection:

• 🎮 Zero latency - perfect for gaming.
• 📶 Stable image without artifacts.
• 🔋 No battery drain iPhone.

Flaws:

• 🔌 Limited cable length (maximum 3–5 meters without amplifier).
• 💰 The official adapter is expensive (~5000 rub.).

⚠️ Attention: Cheap, uncertified adapters may not support video output in 4K or cause overheating iPhone.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting iPhone to TV

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

Yes, there are three ways:

1. Wi-Fi Direct (if supported by TV).
2. Wired connection via adapter Lightning → HDMI.
3. Using a mobile hotspot: create an access point on iPhone and connect your TV to it (does not work on all models).

Why does the video slow down or stop during streaming?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move the router closer to the TV or use Mesh system.
• 📵 Network congestion: Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi or limit background downloads on iPhone.
• 🔄 Low video bitrate: in the application settings (for example, YouTube) select resolution 720p instead of 4K.

How to mirror your iPhone screen to Android TV?

For Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV or Nvidia Shield) there are two options:

1. Install the application AirScreen from Google Play on TV - it emulates AirPlay.
2. Use Google Chromecast (if supported by your TV model).

⚠️ On some firmware versions Android TV You may need to manually enable developer mode (Settings → About TV → Build number - press 7 times).

Can you stream Netflix or Disney+ from iPhone to TV?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• 🎬 Via AirPlay: Most streaming services support broadcasting, but some (for example, Amazon Prime Video) may block it due to DRM.
• 📱 Via the TV app: if the TV is installed Netflix or Disney+, it's better to run content directly from the TV - this way there will be no delay.

How do I turn off screen mirroring if it won't stop?

If iPhone continues to broadcast the screen after disconnecting:

1. Open Control center and press Stop mirroring.
2. Reboot iPhone (hold Power + Volume until the slider appears).
3. Turn off the TV AirPlay in the network settings.