To connect an iPhone to a TV, use AirPlay if the TV supports it (Screen Mirroring in Control Center), or plug a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable from the iPhone into the TV. AirPlay needs the iPhone and TV on the same WiFi network, and works with many recent Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio TVs and with an Apple TV box. A cable gives the most stable picture and works with any TV that has an HDMI port, but protected apps such as some streaming services may block mirroring over a cable.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read.
- Three ways compared in one table
- AirPlay steps and what to do if it fails
- Cable setup and the right adapter
- Mounting the TV so the cable reaches
- AirPlay is wireless and needs a compatible TV or an Apple TV on the same WiFi.
- A Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter works with any HDMI TV.
- Cable mirroring can be blocked by some streaming apps. Cast the app instead.
- Restarting the TV, the iPhone and the router fixes most AirPlay problems.
What are the ways to connect an iPhone to a TV?
| Method | What you need | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | An AirPlay-compatible TV and the same WiFi | Photos, videos and casting apps with no cables | Needs a good WiFi signal and a supported TV |
| Apple TV box | An Apple TV connected to the TV | TVs without AirPlay | An extra device to buy |
| Adapter and HDMI cable | Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter and a cable | Any TV with HDMI, steady for presentations and games | Some apps block cable mirroring |
How do you connect an iPhone to a TV with AirPlay?
- Put the iPhone and the TV on the same WiFi network.
- Turn on AirPlay on the TV in its settings if there is a switch.
- Open Control Center on the iPhone and tap Screen Mirroring.
- Pick your TV from the list.
- Enter the code if the TV shows one.
- To stop, open Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring.
For a single video, tap the AirPlay icon inside the app and choose the TV. That casts the video without showing your whole screen.
How do you connect an iPhone to a TV with a cable?
- Choose the adapter: Lightning to HDMI for older iPhones, USB-C to HDMI for newer ones.
- Plug the adapter into the iPhone and an HDMI cable into the adapter.
- Plug the HDMI cable into a TV HDMI port.
- Select that HDMI input on the TV.
- Charge through the adapter if it has a power port, for long sessions.
What if the iPhone will not connect to the TV?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| TV does not appear in the list | Check both are on the same WiFi, and that AirPlay is on in the TV settings |
| Laggy or choppy picture | Move closer to the router or use a cable. See home WiFi and mesh installation |
| Black screen with a cable | Try another cable or HDMI port. The app may block mirroring |
| No sound | Check the volume and the TV input, and the Control Center audio output |
| Still stuck | Restart the TV, the iPhone and the router, then try again |
Want the TV and cables tidy? Pixl mounts TVs from $79.99 labour in Calgary and Edmonton and hides wires from $25, before tax. See TV mounting service, hiding TV wires and what is HDMI ARC.
Connecting an iPhone to a TV: frequently asked questions
How do I connect my iPhone to my TV?
Use AirPlay through Screen Mirroring in Control Center, or connect a Lightning or USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable.
Why won’t my iPhone connect to my TV?
Usually the devices are on different WiFi networks, AirPlay is off on the TV, or the TV is not AirPlay compatible.
Do I need an Apple TV to mirror my iPhone?
Not if your TV supports AirPlay. Otherwise an Apple TV box or an HDMI adapter works.
Can I connect an iPhone to any TV?
Any TV with an HDMI port works with an adapter and cable.
Why does the picture lag over AirPlay?
A weak WiFi signal. Move closer, restart the router or use a cable.
Can Pixl mount my TV and hide the cables?
Yes. Text a photo of your wall to (587) 899-7495. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
Want the TV on the wall with clean cables?
Labour from $79.99 in Calgary and Edmonton, before tax. No deposit, and you pay after the job.
What is HDMI ARC?
Connect a TV to WiFi
Hide TV wires
Connect a laptop to a TV
Sources and method. General steps from Apple’s AirPlay and display adapter documentation. Menus vary by iOS and TV version. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, are for Calgary and Edmonton, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.
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