Have you got content on your iPhone that you want to display on your TV? From showing photos and videos to messages and even presentations, there are a lot of reasons to connect your iPhone.
There are a few different ways to connect iPhone to TV and we’re walking you through multiple methods in this guide to help you to work out the best.
Wireless Connection Methods
Most people who are trying to figure out how to connect iPhone to TV would prefer wireless methods. This is the most convenient way as you don’t have to worry about cables and connections.
AirPlay: Apple’s Native Connection Method
If you’re an iPhone user then AirPlay is the native solution to let an iPhone connect to TV. However, it only works with AirPlay-compatible devices.
AirPlay is now on its second iteration (AirPlay 2) and this allows you to connect to audio devices such as speakers as well as a variety of AirPlay-enabled devices. This method lets you connect to Apple TV, and Roku, as well as certain models of television from brands such as Samsung, LG, and Sony. A full list can be found here.
How to use AirPlay:
Step 1. Make sure your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Find a video you want to stream and tap the AirPlay logo that appears in the bottom corner. Alternatively, if you want to mirror a screen rather than cast a video, navigate to the Control Center and then choose Screen Mirroring.
Step 3. Choose your TV or another device such as Roku from the list.
Step 4. If an AirPlay code appears on your TV screen or Mac, you need to enter the passcode on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 5. The stream will start. You can stop it by hitting the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring button again.
Chromecast: Another Wireless Method
Chromecast devices are another option that makes it possible to stream via your iPhone. If you are wondering how to connect iPhone to TV wirelessly without Apple TV or AirPlay then this is the best option.
If you want to use a Chromecast device, or a TV with Chromecast technology built-in, you will notice there is no native iPhone support via AirPlay. Some apps will let you cast the screen to Chromecast, for instance, YouTube, Netflix, and HBO, but to mirror your screen or use apps without inbuilt Chromecast support, then you will need a third-party app.
Google Home allows you to connect and set up a Chromecast, but it no longer supports mirroring your screen to a Chromecast device, so you will need to use a different app. Since AirPlay 2 came out, this functionality has been removed.
Streamer for Chromecast TVs is an example of one of the apps that can be used for connecting your iPhone to a Chromecast TV or Chromecast device. It lets you mirror your screen, cast videos and photographs, and also stream videos from the web.
To use this app, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Download Streamer for Chromecast TVs and open the app.
Step 2. Allow the app to access your Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. The app will then search for a Chromecast TV or Chromecast device, you can select the device from the list.
Step 4. Start streaming. You can choose between the option to use the web browser, photo, and video library, or even audio.
There are other apps on the market such as Replica that allow you to do the same. Apple doesn’t include this native compatibility, presumably because of the fact that they are trying to encourage people to use AirPlay. Third-party apps may require you to pay to unlock all of the functionality but if you don’t have AirPlay compatibility then this may be worth it.
Other Wireless Methods
Still, wondering how to connect iPhone to smart TV? If neither of the methods above is suitable for you there are some other choices.
For instance, the AirScreen app on FireStick allows you to use a Fire Stick to stream content from your iPhone. AirScreen is free to use and comes with a tutorial to follow, ensuring that you can wirelessly stream a lot of different types of content.
DLNA is another way in which you can stream wirelessly. This technology requires a third-party app to be installed on iPhone. You can connect to Miracast as well as Chromecast and AirPlay using DLNA apps and wirelessly cast a variety of videos.
Some apps such as Netflix have a cast method inbuilt which means you can press the button, choose the device you want to cast to and start wirelessly streaming, but iPhones aren’t always compatible with the device or smart TV.
Using an Adapter
For those interested in streaming iPhone to TV, HDMI is also an option if you don’t mind the wires. You can simply use a Lightning to HDMI adapter. This will simply take your iPhone and turn it into an input source for your television.
You need both an HDMI cable and the specific adapter, Lightning to HDMI, which you should buy directly from Apple if you want the most reliable adapter out there.
To use this method:
Step 1. Connect the Lightning to the HDMI adapter to the phone via the lightning port.
Step 2. Connect the HDMI cable to the adapter, and then to an input HDMI on your television.
Step 3. Ensure this input is selected on your television and start displaying your content.
You may need to switch your phone into landscape mode which can help with the display. Locking it in this mode helps to avoid the aspect ratio continually switching while you watch.
An adapter is an incredibly reliable way to watch videos and it doesn’t tend to glitch, plus you’re not relying on the Wi-Fi network so if it goes down you can still continue to watch your video.
Which Method to Choose? The Pros and Cons of Wireless and Cable Methods
Using wireless methods gives you a lot of conveniences. You can leave your phone on charge while it plays videos and you can keep it on you in case you get important notifications. However, some connections can be buggy and if your Wi-Fi network goes down they will stop working.
The wired method requires an adapter (which is quite pricey) but it is also a good option for those who want a reliable connection that doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi to work. As long as you don’t have problems with the orientation and aspect ratio of the video then this is a reliable option.
Conclusion
AirPlay is the best method if you have the hardware that supports it. It means you don’t have to pay for anything as the AirPlay 2 functionality may already be present in your phone and your TV. If it isn’t, though, Chromecast is another reliable option as long as you download a quality third-party app to help with your streaming.
I have an adapter as a backup method, too. If I can’t get the streaming or mirroring connection to work then I can always just connect the phone the “old-fashioned” way.
