When you want to show others your videos and photos on your iPhone or iPad, or you’re watching a streaming service (such as Apple’s new TV+) on a handheld device, often the small screen just won’t do. That's when you need to mirror your iPhone to your TV Fortunately, there are several easy ways to connect an iPhone or iPad to the biggest screen in your home.
Related: Netflix Download Manual: Get Movies & Shows to Watch Offline on iPhone or iPad (2019)
What's in this article:
- How to Mirror Your iPhone or iPad Display to Your TV
- How to Display Your iPhone or iPad on Your TV Using AirPlay
- How to Display Your iPhone or iPad on Your TV with an HDMI Cable
How to Mirror Your iPhone or iPad Display to Your TV:
If you have an Apple TV (or compatible smart TV) and you simply want to duplicate your smaller device screen onto your larger TV screen, the Screen Mirror function on your iPhone is what you want. First ensure that the device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, then follow these steps:
- On the device, swipe up from the bottom of your screen (devices with Home buttons) or down from the upper right corner (devices with Face ID) to reveal the Control Center.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
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- Select your Apple TV from the list. (If you have multiple Apple TVs, consider labeling them based on the room they’re in.)
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- If this is your first time connecting the device and TV, you’ll be asked to enter a code that appears on your TV screen into your device.
- When you’re ready to disconnect from the TV, follow steps 1 and 2, then select Stop Mirroring below the list.
If you have any issues with AirPlay not working, check out these troubleshooting tips!
How to Display Your iPhone or iPad on Your TV Using AirPlay:
If you have an Apple TV (or compatible smart TV) and you want to stream video or audio content from an iPhone app, then mirroring isn’t necessary. Selecting AirPlay within the app performs the same function and consumes less battery. It also allows you to use your iPhone for other tasks while the video plays on the TV.
- Open the Apple TV app and find the video or audio you want to play.
- Tap the AirPlay icon (resembling a screen with a triangle below it).
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- Select your Apple TV from the list.
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How to Display Your iPhone or iPad on Your TV with an HDMI Cable:
If you don’t have an Apple TV (or smart TV) on which to mirror or AirPlay, you can still connect your device to a TV with an HDMI cable. You’ll need to supply your own, so consider getting a longer one if you want to sit a comfortable distance from the TV. You’ll also need Apple’s Lightning Digital AV adapter, which costs $49.
- When you have those two items, plug the HDMI cable into your TV (usually on the back) and into the adapter.
- Then plug the adapter into the Lightning port on the bottom of your device.
- This will instantly mirror the device’s display onto the TV. Be sure to set the TV to the appropriate input.
And now you're set up to enjoy your favorite entertainment on a larger screen. Next, learn how to play Spotify on HomePod using AirPlay!
