Connecting your iPhone to an Apple TV, Mac, or compatible smart display can be as simple as tapping a button if you know where to look. Whether you want to watch your videos in a larger format, share photos with family, or bring a presentation to a meeting room, here are all the ways to achieve it, with no mysteries and clear guidance.
In this how-to guide, we'll go over how to send content with AirPlay, how to mirror your iPhone or iPad screen, what settings to adjust to avoid automatic connections, and what options you have if you prefer Chromecast or an HDMI or VGA cable. We also include helpful details like the difference between Automatic, Ask, and Never, and what to do if your TV isn't the latest generation.
Basic requirements: Wi-Fi network and compatibility
First, make sure your iPhone (or iPad) and the device you're casting to share the same Wi-Fi network. This applies to Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, and Mac computers. Being on the same network is key to a stable connection.
Make sure the receiving device is AirPlay compatible. Apple TVs from the second generation onward support AirPlay, and many current smart TVs indicate in their specifications whether they are AirPlay 2 compatible.
If you're using a Mac as a receiving display, it can also receive content via AirPlay and display playback controls when you hover over the video. This is very handy if you want to pause, fast-forward, or rewind without touching your iPhone.
Please note that the updated official documentation (March 2025) confirms these basic network and compatibility requirements. This is a good indication that the steps below are aligned with the latest.
If you don't share a network or your computer isn't compatible, consider the wired options (HDMI/VGA) we'll discuss later. These are straightforward solutions, especially useful when Wi-Fi isn't available.
Send videos and photos via AirPlay from your apps
AirPlay lets you send videos and photos from iPhone apps directly to an Apple TV, compatible smart TV, or Mac. It's ideal for playing a video from your camera roll, a movie from a compatible app, or a photo album on your TV. To expand your options, you can also learn how to connect to the internet from your iPhone and stream content seamlessly.
Find the content you want to play on your iPhone. Open the app (for example, Photos or a video app) and locate the video or photos you want to stream to the big screen.
Tap the AirPlay button in the app. In some apps, you may need to tap another icon first; for example, in Photos, tap Share and then choose AirPlay. The AirPlay button appears as an option to select the destination device.
Choose your Apple TV, compatible TV, or Mac from the list of available devices. If this is your first time, you may be asked to confirm the connection; select the correct device and wait a few seconds.
To stop streaming, tap the AirPlay button in the app again, and when the list appears, select your iPhone to stop remote playback. This will restore local playback on your phone. You can also check How to connect and use CarPlay for additional compatibility.
Set AirPlay and Continuity/Handoff for suggested or automatic connections
iPhone and iPad may suggest or even initiate automatic connections to your usual AirPlay devices, depending on your AirPlay and Handoff settings. This is very convenient if you usually use the same TV or Apple TV, but you might prefer manual control. To understand how to set it up, you can visit How to connect to the Internet from your iPhone and adjust options easily.
To adjust these options on iOS/iPadOS, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff (or AirPlay & Continuity) and turn on Auto AirPlay. Here you choose your preferred behavior when playing from AirPlay-compatible apps.
Choose between Automatic, Ask or Never: Automatic allows suggested or automatic connections to be made to frequently used devices; Ask shows notifications to accept or dismiss; Never forces you to choose the destination manually each time.
If you receive an automatic suggestion and don't want to connect, you can ignore or dismiss it and continue playing on your iPhone. You can also tap Undo to quickly cut and manually select another destination.
Mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to your TV or Mac
Screen Mirroring displays exactly what you see on your iPhone or iPad on your TV. It's perfect for showing off a specific app, document, or navigating through presentations with the entire room watching. You can also find out what to do if your Apple TV isn't working or if you're having connection issues.
Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad: On iPhone X or later, and on iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, swipe down from the top-right corner; on iPhone 8 or earlier (or iOS 11 or earlier), swipe up from the bottom edge.
Tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Apple TV, compatible TV, or Mac from the list. Wait for the connection to be established; the iPhone image will appear on the screen.
If you see an AirPlay code on your TV or Mac, enter it on your iPhone or iPad to confirm. This is a common security step to prevent unwanted connections. For similar setups, you can also learn how to connect an external keyboard to your iPhone.
To stop mirroring, go back to Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring. If you're using Apple TV, you can also press the Menu button on the Siri Remote to exit mirroring.
Apple TV: What it is, how to set it up, and what you can do
Apple TV is a small device that connects to your TV via HDMI and opens the door to AirPlay, streaming apps, and more. If you're looking for simplicity and a well-integrated ecosystem, this is the most convenient way to use your iPhone or iPad on TV.
Basic steps to get it up and running: Plug it into power, use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV, and set up your internet connection, either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A good reference for this is . Once you're done, you'll be able to access apps like Netflix, HBO, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as the App Store.
To mirror your iPhone or iPad screen with AirPlay, you need a second-generation Apple TV or later. The latest models, in addition to AirPlay 2, offer performance improvements and compatibility with current apps.
Some sources indicate an approximate price of €169 for an Apple TV, although this may vary depending on the store and model. Evaluate your usage: If you want apps and streaming services in addition to duplicating content, the investment is usually worth it.
If you frequently give presentations or events, you'll take advantage of AirPlay to project documents, videos, or websites wirelessly and with very stable quality. It is a convenient solution for home and professional environments.
Non-Apple TV alternatives: Chromecast and other scenarios
If you don't have an Apple TV, Chromecast is a popular alternative that connects via HDMI and adds smart features to your TV. Although it's more geared toward the Google ecosystem, it's also compatible with Apple devices for certain apps. For more information, you might find it helpful to learn more. How to prevent a screenshot from opening automatically when connecting your iPhone.
Setting up Chromecast is easy: Plug it into power and into your TV's HDMI port, complete the initial setup, and download the app to your iPhone or iPad to start streaming compatible content.
Keep in mind that, compared to Apple TV, Chromecast may offer a more limited catalog of compatible apps for iPhone. Even so, in homes with a variety of mobile devices (Android and iPhone), it can be a very practical solution.
If you're looking for maximum AirPlay compatibility and iPhone screen mirroring, the Apple TV is still the most comprehensive option. Chromecast shines when it comes to streaming specific apps and in mixed environments.
For offices, trade shows, and events, there are equipment rental services that include Apple TV and adapters, with a plug-and-play setup. For this, you can consult How to connect and use CarPlay on your devices.
Wired connection: HDMI, VGA and composite video
If you prefer to skip Wi-Fi or are looking for the most direct option, you can connect your iPhone to your TV using cables and a suitable adapter. It's fast and reliable, perfect for environments with interference or without wireless network access. To find out which adapters you need, check How to connect your iPhone to a computer using a cable.
Adapters for iPhone: Depending on your model, you'll need a Lightning AV adapter (for newer iPhones) or a 30-pin AV adapter (for older devices). These adapters convert the iPhone's output to HDMI or VGA for connection.
HDMI vs. VGA: HDMI carries both image and sound, making it the preferred option for today's televisions. VGA only carries the video signal; If you are using VGA, you will have to output the audio using an alternative method.
Very old televisions: If your TV doesn't have HDMI or VGA, you can still use a composite AV cable, which offers compatibility with traditional inputs. The quality will be lower, but it'll get you through.
Advantages and disadvantages of cable: With a cable, you avoid configurations and network dependencies, but you lose the convenience of moving freely. If you don't mind connecting and choosing the input channel, it's a very practical way to mirror your screen without any hassle.
Final tip: If you just want to watch a specific video, open a photo album, or play a compatible app, AirPlay from the app with the corresponding button is usually the fastest. To show off your iPhone as is in a meeting or class, screen mirroring gives you just what you need. And if your home has a mix of devices, a Chromecast can cover you for basic streaming, while an HDMI cable always has a “plan B” that works even without Wi-Fi.