How to Play Videos from iPhone to TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wireless video transmission with iPhone on the big TV screen through Wi-Fi It's convenient, fast, and doesn't require any extra wires. But it's not always obvious which method to choose: built-in AirPlay, applications from manufacturers Smart TV, universal protocols like DLNA or third-party programs. Each method has its own nuances, from format support to connection stability.

In this article, we will look at all the current broadcasting methods, including step-by-step instructions for different TV models (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi etc.), and we will also tell you how to solve typical problems - for example, when a video slows down when transmitting over Wi-Fi due to low network bandwidth or the TV just doesn't see it iPhoneLet's take a closer look at alternative solutions for old TVs without Smart functions.

If you want to not only watch movies but also mirror your smartphone screen for presentations or games, you'll find working methods here too. All instructions are tested. iOS 17 and current TV firmware (data at the time of publication).

1. Method 1: AirPlay – the native method for the Apple ecosystem

AirPlay - this is a proprietary technology Apple, which allows you to stream videos, music, and even mirror your screen iPhone on compatible devices. The main advantage is minimal latency and high-resolution support (up to 4K HDR on new models Apple TV And Smart TV With AirPlay 2).

However, there are some nuances: not all TVs support AirPlay "out of the box". For example, Samsung added support only since 2018 (models QLED 4K and newer), and LG - from TVs on webOS 4.0+If your TV is older, you will need an additional device - Apple TV or adapter with AirPlay (For example, Roku Streaming Stick+).

• ✅ Supports 4K, HDR And Dolby Atmos (on compatible devices)
• ✅ Minimal latency (ideal for gaming and video)
• ✅ Built-in support in iOS - no need to install applications
• ❌ Requires a compatible TV or Apple TV
• ❌ May not work on guest networks with restrictions multicast

To play the video through AirPlay:

1. Make sure that iPhone and the TV are connected to one Wi-Fi network (guest network will not work!).
2. Open the video in any application (for example, Photo, YouTube or Safari).
3. Click on the icon Share (square with an arrow pointing up).
4. In the menu, select «AirPlay» (or «Transmit to TV» in some applications).
5. Select your TV from the list of devices. If it's not there, check your TV's network settings.

Make sure your TV supports AirPlay 2|

Update TV firmware to the latest version|

Connect iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)|

Enable AirPlay in your TV settings (usually under "Network" or "Apple AirPlay")

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If the video is slow or choppy, the problem may be Wi-Fi bandwidth. For 4K-content is recommended to connect to the network 5 GHz (if your router supports it). Also check if it's blocking AirPlay your firewall or antivirus on the router.

⚠️ Attention: Some public networks (in hotels, airports) block the protocol multicast, necessary for AirPlayIn this case, use mobile hotspot (share Wi-Fi with iPhone on TV).

2. Method 2: Smart TV Manufacturer Applications

If your TV does not support AirPlay, but is Smart TV, most likely, its manufacturer has its own streaming app. For example:

• Samsung SmartThings — for TVs Samsung (2016 and newer)
• LG TV Plus - For LG With webOS
• Sony Video & TV SideView - For Sony Bravia
• Mi Home - For Xiaomi Mi TV

These applications usually support not only video but also screen mirroring (mirroring), however, there may be format restrictions. For example, Samsung SmartThings does not broadcast video from DRM protection (for example, from Netflix or Apple TV+).

Instructions with an example Samsung SmartThings:

1. Install the application SmartThings from App Store.
2. Register or log in to your account Samsung.
3. Connect your TV to the same Wi-Fi as iPhone.
4. In the application, select your TV from the list of devices.
5. Click Screencasting or select a file to play.

If the manufacturer's app does not find the TV, check:

• 🔄 Is the TV firmware updated (in the menu) Settings → Support → Software Update).
• 📶 Are the devices connected to the same network (some applications do not work via VPN or guest Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Are "unknown sources" allowed in the TV security settings?

Samsung|LG|Sony|Xiaomi|Philips|TCL|Other-->

3. Method 3: DLNA/UPnP – a universal protocol for any device

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on the same network to exchange multimedia. Unlike AirPlay, it works on most Smart TV, including older models, and is not tied to the ecosystem AppleHowever, DLNA There are some downsides:

• ❌ No support DRM-content (it won't be possible to broadcast) Netflix or Disney+).
• ❌ There may be delays in playback 4K-video.
• ❌ Not all video formats are supported (for example, .mov may not be playable).

To broadcast via DLNA you will need a media server application on iPhonePopular options:

• 🎬 VLC for Mobile - supports almost all formats, has a built-in DLNA server.
• 📱 Infuse — paid, but with better metadata support.
• 🖥️ Plex — if you need to broadcast not only to TV, but also to other devices.

Instructions for VLC for Mobile:

1. Install VLC from App Store.
2. Open the app and go to the section Local Area Network.
3. Turn on DLNA server (in network settings).
4. On your TV, open a media player that supports it. DLNA (For example, Media on Samsung or Photos and Videos on LG).
5. Select iPhone from the list of devices and play the file.

If the TV doesn't see iPhone through DLNA, check:

• 🔌 Are the devices connected to the same subnet (for example, if the router distributes several VLAN, they may not "see" each other).
• 🔄 Is it enabled? UPnP in the router settings (usually in the section LAN or Home network).
• 📂 Are shared folders allowed in the app settings? iPhone.

4. Method 4: Chromecast and Google Home - for Android TVs

If your TV is running on Android TV (or connected to it via Google Chromecast), you can use Google Home for streaming video. This method is convenient because it is supported by most streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+), but has limitations:

• ✅ Works with DRM-content (as opposed to DLNA).
• ✅ Supports 4K HDR on Chromecast Ultra And Android TV 9+.
• ❌ Not all applications are on iOS support Cast (For example, Apple TV+ can't broadcast on Chromecast).
• ❌ There may be a delay in sound when mirroring the screen.

How to stream video via Google Home:

1. Install the application Google Home from App Store.
2. Connect Chromecast or Android TV to the same Wi-Fi network as iPhone.
3. In the appendix Google Home Add your device (if it is not detected automatically).
4. Open the video in a supported app (e.g. YouTube or Netflix).
5. Click on the icon «Cast» (rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) and select yours Chromecast or Android TV.

If the icon Cast not active, check:

• 📱 Is the app you are trying to stream from updated (eg. YouTube must be the latest version).
• 🌐 Are the devices connected to the same network (some routers block multicast for guest networks).
• 🔄 Rebooted Chromecast (sometimes physically disconnecting the power for 30 seconds helps).

What to do if Chromecast doesn't detect iPhone?

1. Make sure the protocol is enabled on the router mDNS (in settings LAN or Local area network).

2. Check if it is blocking firewall router traffic on port 5353 (used for Bonjour).

3. Try connecting to the network 5 GHz - some models Chromecast work unstably on 2.4 GHz.

4. If nothing helps, reset Chromecast to factory settings (button Reset on the device).

5. Method 5: Third-party broadcasting applications (ApowerMirror, Screen Mirroring)

If the built-in methods do not work (for example, you have an old TV without Smart functions or with limited protocol support), you can use third-party applications. They usually work on the principle screen mirroring (screen mirroring), but can also broadcast individual video files.

Popular apps:

• 🔄 ApowerMirror - supports AirPlay-compatible TV and has a built-in player.
• 📺 Screen Mirroring - simple interface, works with most Smart TV.
• 🎮 Mirror for Samsung TV — a specialized solution for Samsung.

Example of setup ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on iPhone and a computer (if you need to broadcast via a PC).
2. Connect iPhone and the TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch ApowerMirror on iPhone and select «Mirror to TV».
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN).
5. Once connected, open the video – it will be broadcast on TV.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications for screen mirroring may collect data about your traffic. Before installing, check the permissions in App Store and read reviews about safety.

Disadvantages of third-party applications:

• ❌ Delays are possible (especially when streaming games or dynamic videos).
• ❌ Often requires a paid subscription to work in 4K.
• ❌ Not all applications support sound when mirroring the screen.

6. Troubleshooting: Video is lagging, there is no sound, TV doesn't recognize iPhone

Even if you've set up your stream correctly, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If the problem is not solved, try alternative broadcast methodFor example, if AirPlay doesn't work, use DLNA or Chromecast.

7. Alternative methods: if Wi-Fi doesn't work

If streaming via Wi-Fi is not possible (for example, due to router issues or lack of network coverage), there are several alternatives:

• 📱 Lightning → HDMI adapter - Direct connection to TV via cable. Supports 4K, but requires the purchase of an adapter (official from Apple costs ~3,000 ₽).
• 🔌 USB drive — Copy the video to a flash drive and connect it to your TV. Cons: Not all TVs support modern formats (.mov, .mkv).
• 📶 Mobile hotspot - distribute Wi-Fi with iPhone to the TV (if the TV supports connection to P2P networks).

If you choose Lightning → HDMI adapter, please take into account:

• Official adapter from Apple supports 4K HDR, but cheap Chinese analogues can only produce 1080p.
• Some applications (eg. Netflix) block the output through HDMI because of DRM.
• A separate cable may be required for audio (if the TV does not support it). ARC).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about iPhone to TV streaming

Is it possible to stream video from iPhone to TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. Use Lightning → HDMI adapter for direct connection.
2. Connect iPhone and TV to one mobile hotspot (for example, distribute Wi-Fi from your phone to your TV).
3. Copy video to USB drive and play through TV.

However, for AirPlay or DLNA Wi-Fi is required.

Why can't my TV see my iPhone via AirPlay?

The reasons may be as follows:

• The TV does not support AirPlay 2 (check the model on the manufacturer's website).
• The devices are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, iPhone To 5 GHz, and TV to 2.4 GHz).
• The protocol is disabled in the router. multicast or mDNS.
• The TV is not in the mode AirPlay (in network settings).

Solution: Restart your router, update your TV firmware, and check your network settings.

How to stream video from an iPhone to an old TV without Smart TV features?

There are several options:

1. Use prefix (Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku or Fire TV Stick).
2. Connect Lightning → HDMI adapter directly to TV.
3. Use DLNA media player (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Nvidia Shield).
4. Copy video to USB drive and play through the port USB on TV (if supported).

The most universal way is a prefix Chromecast or Fire TV Stick, as they support most streaming services.

Is it possible to mirror iPhone screen to TV with less than 1 second delay?

Yes, but only if several conditions are met:

• Use AirPlay 2 on a compatible TV or Apple TV 4K.
• Connect devices to the network 5 GHz (delay on 2.4 GHz usually higher).
• Close all background applications on iPhone.
• Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (standard 802.11ax).

For gaming or video chatting it is better to use wired connection (through HDMI adapter), since even AirPlay may give a delay of ~0.5–1 s.

Which app is best for streaming local video files?

The choice depends on the formats and devices:

• VLC for Mobile — the best choice for rare formats (.mkv, .avi).
• Infuse — if you need metadata support and a beautiful interface (paid).
• Plex — for organizing a large media library with transcoding.
• Photo (standard) - for fast broadcasting via AirPlay (but does not support all formats).

If the video is in 4K HDR, check if your TV supports it (for example, older models Samsung can reproduce 4K only through HDMI).