Phone to TV · Connect guide
How to connect your phone to a TV
Sources checked · how we check
There are two wireless routes and one wired one. iPhones use AirPlay with an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. Android phones cast to a Chromecast or a TV with Google Cast. Any iPhone can also use an HDMI adapter.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV or streaming device.
- Check what the TV supports: AirPlay (Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV) or Google Cast (Chromecast, Google TV Streamer or a TV with Google Cast).
- Update the app you want to cast from. Google Cast needs Android 6.0 or iOS 12.0 or later.
Source: Google: cast video from Google Cast-enabled apps to your TV
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
iPhone: stream a video with AirPlay
In the app → AirPlay button → choose your TV
- Find the video and tap the AirPlay button. In some apps, such as Photos, tap Share first, then AirPlay.
- Choose your TV from the list.
- To stop, tap the AirPlay button again and choose your iPhone.
Source: Apple: stream video or mirror iPhone or iPad with AirPlay
iPhone: mirror the whole screen
Control Center → Screen Mirroring → choose your TV
- Open Control Center: swipe down from the upper-right corner on iPhone X or later, or up from the bottom edge on iPhone 8 or earlier.
- Tap Screen Mirroring and choose your TV.
- If an AirPlay passcode appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone.
- To stop, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then Stop Mirroring.
Source: Apple: stream video or mirror iPhone or iPad with AirPlay
Android or iPhone: cast from YouTube, Netflix and other apps
In the app → Cast button → choose your TV
- Open a Google Cast-enabled app such as YouTube or Netflix.
- Tap the Cast button and choose your TV. The button turns solid when connected.
- To stop, tap the Cast button, then Disconnect.
On iOS 13, some apps ask for location permission before they can cast.
Source: Google: cast video from Google Cast-enabled apps to your TV
Android: mirror the whole screen
Google Home app → hold device tile → Cast → Cast my screen
- Open the Google Home app and go to Favorites or Devices.
- Touch and hold your TV's tile, tap Cast, then Cast my screen.
- Choose the whole screen or a single app, then Cast screen.
- To stop, touch and hold the tile again and tap Stop mirroring.
Needs Android 8.0 or later and microphone permission for Google Play services.
Source: Google: cast your Android screen from the Google Home app
iPhone: connect with an HDMI cable
Digital AV adapter → HDMI cable → TV input
- Plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or USB-C Display AV Adapter, whichever fits your iPhone, into its charging port.
- Connect an HDMI cable to the adapter and the other end to the TV.
- Switch the TV to the matching HDMI input.
The adapter has an extra port so you can charge the iPhone while it's connected.
Source: Apple iPhone User Guide: connect iPhone to a display with a cable
If it still won't connect
If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check the phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. For Android screen casting, turn off battery saver and check Google Play services has microphone permission.
Source: Google: cast your Android screen from the Google Home app
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect my iPhone to my TV without Apple TV?
Use an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or connect with a Lightning or USB-C Digital AV adapter and an HDMI cable.
How do I watch YouTube on my TV from my phone?
With the phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi, tap the Cast button in YouTube and choose your TV.
What's the difference between casting and mirroring?
Casting sends one video to the TV while you keep using your phone. Mirroring shows your whole phone screen on the TV.