How to Stream Your Phone to Any TV

You want to show vacation photos on the big screen, watch a video from your phone’s gallery, or mirror a presentation. Every combination of phone and TV has a way to do this. Here is the right method for your setup.

iPhone to Smart TV (AirPlay)

If your TV supports AirPlay 2 (most Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs from 2019 onward), swipe down to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Your entire screen mirrors with about half a second of delay.

To stream just a video without mirroring your whole screen, tap the AirPlay icon (the rectangle with a triangle) inside any video player app. This sends only the video to the TV while your phone stays usable for other things.

iPhone to Apple TV

If you have an Apple TV box, AirPlay works identically: Control Center > Screen Mirroring > Apple TV. The Apple TV connects via HDMI and handles the rest. This is the most reliable option because Apple controls both ends of the connection.

Android to Smart TV (Chromecast Built-In)

Most Android TVs, Google TVs, and many Samsung/LG/Sony TVs have Chromecast built in. Open a supported app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Photos), tap the Cast icon (the rectangle with Wi-Fi waves), and select your TV. The TV streams directly from the internet, so your phone acts as a remote and battery drain is minimal.

To mirror your full Android screen: Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Cast (path varies by manufacturer). Or swipe down from the notification shade and tap “Screen Cast” or “Smart View” (Samsung).

No Smart TV? Use a Streaming Device

Chromecast ($30): Plugs into any TV’s HDMI port. Cast from any Android phone or Chrome browser on your laptop. Google Home app handles setup.

Roku Streaming Stick ($30): Supports screen mirroring from both Android (Settings > Cast) and iPhone (Apple AirPlay, built into newer Roku devices).

Amazon Fire TV Stick ($30): Supports Miracast screen mirroring from Android. For iPhone, download the “AirScreen” app on the Fire Stick to enable AirPlay support.

Wired Connection (Zero Lag)

For presentations, gaming, or anything where lag matters:

iPhone: Buy a Lightning to HDMI adapter (Apple brand: $49, third-party: $15). Plug it in, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV. Your screen appears instantly with zero delay.

Android (USB-C): Many phones with USB-C support DisplayPort Alt Mode. A USB-C to HDMI cable ($10-$15) connects directly. Samsung phones with DeX mode launch a desktop interface on the TV. Not all Android phones support video output over USB-C; check your model’s specs.

Troubleshooting

Cast option not appearing: Both devices must be on the exact same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks and 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz networks count as different networks on some routers.

Lag during mirroring: Wireless mirroring always has 0.3 to 1 second delay. Acceptable for photos and videos, unusable for gaming. Use a wired connection for zero lag.

Audio playing on phone instead of TV: Check the audio output setting in the app or phone’s sound settings. Some apps default to phone speakers during casting.

Bottom Line

iPhone to smart TV: AirPlay from Control Center. Android to smart TV: Cast icon in apps or Screen Cast from settings. No smart TV: buy a $30 Chromecast or Roku stick. For zero lag, use a wired HDMI adapter.