How to AirPlay from iPhone to TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

AirPlay is a convenient feature developed by Apple that allows you to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone to your TV. Whether you want to watch videos, view photos, or mirror your entire screen, AirPlay makes it easy to connect your iPhone to a compatible TV. Here’s how you can do it:

Requirements:

• iPhone: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.
• Apple TV or AirPlay 2-Compatible Smart TV: AirPlay works best with Apple TV, but many modern smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio also support AirPlay 2.
• Wi-Fi Network: Both your iPhone and your TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Connect Your Devices to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Before using AirPlay, ensure that your iPhone and the TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they aren’t, you won’t be able to establish a connection between them.

1. On Your iPhone: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and connect to your desired network.
2. On Your TV: Check the network settings in your TV’s menu to ensure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Enable AirPlay on Your TV

If you’re using an Apple TV:

1. On Apple TV: Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit and turn on AirPlay.

If you’re using a smart TV with AirPlay 2 support:

1. On Smart TV: Navigate to the settings menu and locate the AirPlay option. Turn it on if it isn’t already enabled.

Step 3: AirPlay Content from Your iPhone

Once your devices are set up, you can start streaming content from your iPhone to your TV.

1. Streaming Videos or Music:
   • Open the app (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Apple Music) with the content you want to stream.
   • Look for the AirPlay icon, which usually looks like a rectangle with an upward arrow at the bottom.
   • Tap the AirPlay icon and select your TV from the list of available devices.
2. Mirroring Your iPhone Screen:
   • Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your iPhone screen to access the Control Center.
   • Tap Screen Mirroring.
   • Select your TV from the list. Your iPhone screen will now be mirrored on the TV.

Step 4: Control Playback

Once your content is playing on the TV, you can control playback directly from your iPhone. This includes pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding content. For mirrored screens, you’ll need to use your iPhone to navigate as usual.

Step 5: Stop AirPlay

When you’re done, stopping AirPlay is straightforward:

• For Streaming Content: Tap the AirPlay icon again in the app and select Stop AirPlay or deselect your TV.
• For Screen Mirroring: Open the Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and then tap Stop Mirroring.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Sound or Video?: Ensure your iPhone is not muted and that the volume on your TV is turned up. Sometimes, restarting both devices can resolve connectivity issues.
• Can’t Find the AirPlay Icon?: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Ensure that your app supports AirPlay.
• Connection Drops?: Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause disconnections. Consider moving closer to the router or using a more stable network.

Follow this video if you face any problem:

How to AirPlay to a Non-Smart TV

If you have a non-smart TV but still want to take advantage of AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone, you can do so with the help of additional hardware. While non-smart TVs don’t have built-in AirPlay capabilities, you can use devices like Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast to bridge the gap. Here’s how you can set it up.

Method 1: Using an Apple TV

Apple TV is the most seamless way to AirPlay content from your iPhone to a non-smart TV. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Connect Apple TV to Your Non-Smart TV

1. Plug your Apple TV into your TV using an HDMI cable.
2. Connect the Apple TV to a power source and turn it on.
3. Switch your TV to the HDMI input that the Apple TV is connected to.

Step 2: Set Up Apple TV

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Apple TV to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure it’s the same network your iPhone is connected to.
2. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit on your Apple TV and enable AirPlay.

Step 3: AirPlay from Your iPhone

1. On your iPhone, open the app with the content you want to stream.
2. Tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an upward arrow) and select your Apple TV from the list.
3. To mirror your iPhone’s screen, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV.

Step 4: Control and Stop AirPlay

• You can control playback directly from your iPhone.
• To stop AirPlay, tap the AirPlay icon again in the app and select Stop AirPlay or deselect your Apple TV.

Method 2: Using a Roku Device

Roku devices also support AirPlay, making them a good alternative to Apple TV for non-smart TVs.

Step 1: Connect Roku to Your Non-Smart TV

1. Plug the Roku device into your TV’s HDMI port.
2. Connect the Roku to a power source and turn it on.
3. Switch your TV to the HDMI input that the Roku is connected to.

Step 2: Set Up Roku

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Roku to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit on your Roku and make sure AirPlay is enabled.

Step 3: AirPlay from Your iPhone

1. On your iPhone, open the content you want to stream.
2. Tap the AirPlay icon and select your Roku device from the list.
3. To mirror your screen, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and choose your Roku.

Step 4: Control and Stop AirPlay

• Control playback from your iPhone as usual.
• To stop AirPlay, tap the AirPlay icon again and deselect your Roku device.

Method 3: Using Chromecast (With a Workaround)

While Chromecast does not natively support AirPlay, you can still stream content from your iPhone using apps like YouTube or Netflix, which have Chromecast support.

Step 1: Connect Chromecast to Your Non-Smart TV

1. Plug Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port.
2. Connect Chromecast to a power source and turn it on.
3. Switch your TV to the HDMI input that the Chromecast is connected to.

Step 2: Set Up Chromecast

1. Use the Google Home app on your iPhone to set up Chromecast and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Stream Content from Supported Apps

1. Open a Chromecast-compatible app like YouTube or Netflix on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi bars in the corner) and select your Chromecast device.
3. Your content will begin playing on the TV.

Step 4: Use a Third-Party App for Full AirPlay

For a more comprehensive AirPlay experience, you can use third-party apps like AirScreen on your Chromecast, which adds AirPlay support. Install AirScreen on your Chromecast, and follow the instructions to use AirPlay as you would with an Apple TV or Roku.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Connection?: Ensure that both your iPhone and your streaming device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Lagging or Dropped Connection?: A weak Wi-Fi signal might cause interruptions. Try moving closer to your router or ensuring your streaming device has a strong connection.

Final Thoughts

AirPlay is a powerful tool for seamlessly connecting your iPhone to your TV, enhancing your entertainment experience by allowing you to enjoy your favorite content on a bigger screen. With just a few taps, you can easily stream videos, mirror your screen, and even play music through your TV’s speakers.