How to connect iPhone to TV will be the emphasis of this article. Most people prefer to watch content on a bigger screen. Well, this is precisely because it’s easier to get immersed in the show or movie that you are casting from your IPhone, but what else can it be used for?
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What else can it be used for?
- For sharing your Excel or presentation from your iPhone instead of using a computer
- Showing your family and friends your photos/videos
- Casting shows/movies from your Netflix account on your IPhone while you are traveling to different hotel rooms
- Streaming music to your TV speakers/HIFI system for a better sound
And the list goes on
Besides that, everything is better and more entertaining on a big screen.
Do you want to connect your iPhone to a smart TV? There are several ways of watching videos and music directly from your smartphone to the TV. We’ve put together a brief but detailed guide to help you get this done. Without wasting a single minute, let’s get to it.
Ways to connect your iPhone to a smart TV
Use an HDMI cable
The first and most convenient way is to utilize the HDMI port on your TV. If you have an Apple TV, this will be a much easier task for you. All you need is the lightning Digital AV adapter and lightning to HDMI cable. While there is a huge collection of HDMI cables out there, always choose a reliable and high-quality cable.
If your TV only has one HDMI port, then this is your lucky day because you can use a splitter to connect your phone to the TV. This will enable you to watch movies on a bigger screen without any disruptions.
But the most important thing to always bear in mind is compatibility. It goes without saying that the cable should be compatible with the iOS software on your device.
Follow these steps to connect your phone with the HDMI cable:
- Find the HDMI port at the back or side of your TV and connect it with the HDMI cable.
- The other end of the cable should go to the Lighting Digital AV Adapter.
- Now connect your iPhone with the Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
- Switch on the TV and use the remote control to find the HDMI you’re currently using or plugged into. You can now watch all of your videos, music and photos on a bigger screen without any disruptions.
Use a Plug and Play cable
Basically, a Plug and Play cable is a USB type-A to Lighting cable. This cable is pretty useful because it enables you to connect your phone with the lightning HDMI adapter and it will seamlessly get connected to the TV. Also, you don’t have to buy two cables for this purpose because you can use a single one.
With that being said, make sure that your TV has an HDMI port with support for the USB Type-A cable on it. There are some TVs with USB ports that are not compatible with this kind of cable and you may end up paying extra money to buy a separate adapter.
To use the plug-and-play cable, follow these steps correctly:
- Connect the USB end of the cable with your iPhone and the other end with a lightning adapter on the side. Since these are just different USB ports, operating your device will be no issues.
- The other end of this cable can go into the lighting HDMI port or use a splitter, according to what your TV supports.
- Switch on your TV and find the HDMI input you’re currently plugged into.
- Enjoy your videos on a bigger screen.
Use an Airplay-compatible smart TV
Airplay is an Apple feature that uses your home Wi-Fi to transmit audio, video, and images to an Apple TV, and other AirPlay-compatible devices. Basically, it enables you to mirror your iPhone screen on the TV screen.
Even though this is a rather simple process it does takes a few steps for you set it up. The good thing about this particular method is that you don’t necessarily need an HDMI cable.
Use these steps to use Airplay on your iPhone:
- Check your TV if it’s compatible with Airplay. If not, you’ll have to buy a new smart TV that supports AirPlay. This is usually an Apple TV.
- Make sure that your iPhone has the latest software and hardware updates. If you’re unsure of the update, then check for it manually through settings > general > software update > install now.
- Connect both the Apple TV and your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network. The two devices should strictly be connected to the internet via the same Wifi network.
- Depending on the type of iOS device, either swipe up or down to launch the control center.
- In the next step, click on screen mirroring and proceed to choose your specific device from the list.
- From there, your phone screen will be mirrored on your TV. Don’t hesitate to relish all the content on your smartphone through the bigger screen.
Chromecast for Streaming on Non-Smart TVs
If the TV is incompatible with Airplay for iOS devices then it’s recommended to use Chromecast as it has proven compatible with any TV with a HDMI cable.
We love that its cheap, at only $30 then you cannot go wrong with this purchase. Once you own one of your own it comes in handy for many travel and work situations where you need to cast your iPhone screen.
For more information on where to get your Chromecast at the cheapest price then go to the official Google webshop, select your region and enjoy the capabilities of streaming from your iOS device on any TV or PC monitor screen.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of ways you can connect your iPhone to a TV. If you’re on a tight budget, then you might want to go for the plug-and-play cable on your TV. This is indeed an ancient way of connecting with a cable since it uses an analog port.
But if you have the extra cash to spend, then you might want to go for an HDMI cable. Also, in order to fully enjoy the Airplay feature, you might want to invest in an Apple TV or any other brand that supports the feature.
FAQs
How do I display my iPhone on a TV?
Some smart TV already has the Airplay feature built in. Depending on the brand; you will be able to mirror the content on your iPhone on your particular smart TV. This way, you can stream all kinds of videos and play online games on a bigger and more enjoyable screen.
Can I mirror my phone to my TV without Apple TV?
Yes, you can do so wirelessly via a scree mirroring app or through an HDMI cable. Both of these methods are effective and you don’t need an Apple TV.
Can you connect your phone to a TV that is not smart?
Yes, this is possible as long as your TV has an HDMI port. You’ll be able to mirror the content on your phone to the TV screen using a wireless dongle such as Google Chromecast.
