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Connection Methods at a Glance
| Method | Phone | Wireless | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart View / Screen Mirroring | Samsung Galaxy | Yes (WiFi) | Full screen mirroring |
| AirPlay | iPhone | Yes (WiFi) | Streaming and mirroring |
| Samsung SmartThings App | Any phone | Yes (WiFi) | Remote control and casting |
| HDMI Adapter | Any phone | No (wired) | Zero-lag connection |
| Chromecast Built-in | Any phone | Yes (WiFi) | App casting |
Samsung Galaxy to Samsung TV (Smart View)
Samsung Galaxy phones have Smart View built in, which mirrors your phone screen to any Samsung Smart TV on the same WiFi network. This is the easiest and fastest method for Samsung-to-Samsung connections.
- Make sure your Galaxy phone and Samsung TV are on the same WiFi network.
- Swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open Quick Settings.
- Tap “Smart View” (the icon looks like a screen with a wireless signal).
- Your Samsung TV appears in the list. Tap it.
- Accept the connection on your TV if prompted.
- Your phone screen now mirrors to the TV.
Smart View mirrors everything on your phone – apps, games, photos, videos, presentations. The connection runs over WiFi, so there’s a slight delay (50 to 200 milliseconds) that’s unnoticeable for video viewing but can be felt in games. Audio plays through the TV speakers.
To stop mirroring, open Quick Settings and tap Smart View again, then “Disconnect.” You can also use Smart View to cast specific content (like a photo gallery) without mirroring your entire screen.
iPhone to Samsung TV (AirPlay)
Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 and later support Apple AirPlay 2. This lets you mirror your iPhone screen or cast content from apps directly to the TV without any additional hardware.
- Connect your iPhone and Samsung TV to the same WiFi network.
- On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap “Screen Mirroring.”
- Select your Samsung TV from the list.
- Enter the AirPlay code shown on your TV screen (first time only).
- Your iPhone screen appears on the TV.
For casting from a specific app (YouTube, Netflix, Photos), look for the AirPlay icon within the app and tap it instead of using Screen Mirroring. This sends only that content to the TV while your phone remains usable for other things.
If your Samsung TV doesn’t show up in the AirPlay list, check that AirPlay is enabled on the TV. Go to Settings on your Samsung TV, then General, then Apple AirPlay Settings, and make sure AirPlay is turned on.
Any Phone to Samsung TV (SmartThings App)
The Samsung SmartThings app works on both iPhone and Android and turns your phone into a remote control for your Samsung TV. It also supports screen mirroring and content sharing.
- Download the SmartThings app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in with your Samsung account (create one if needed).
- The app detects Samsung TVs on your network. Add your TV.
- Use the app’s remote control feature to navigate TV menus.
- Tap the mirroring or sharing option to send your phone screen or media to the TV.
SmartThings is especially useful when you’ve lost your TV remote. The app replicates every remote function including volume, channel switching, input selection, and power. It also lets you share photos and videos from your phone’s gallery to the TV without full screen mirroring.
Wired Connection: HDMI Adapter
For a lag-free, reliable connection that doesn’t depend on WiFi, use an HDMI adapter. This is the best method for presentations, gaming, or situations where WiFi is unavailable or unreliable.
For iPhone (Lightning): Use Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter ($49) and an HDMI cable. Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect the HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, and switch to the correct HDMI input.
For iPhone 15/16 (USB-C): Use any USB-C to HDMI adapter ($15 to $30) and an HDMI cable.
For Samsung Galaxy and Android: Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter ($15 to $30). Your phone needs to support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (most Samsung Galaxy S and Note phones from 2018 onward support this). Samsung Galaxy phones also launch DeX mode over HDMI, giving you a desktop-like interface on the TV.
Cast From Apps (Chromecast Built-in)
Many Samsung Smart TVs have Chromecast built in or support casting from apps that have the Cast button. Open an app like YouTube, Spotify, or Plex, tap the Cast icon (rectangle with WiFi waves), and select your Samsung TV. The content plays on the TV while your phone acts as a remote.
This isn’t full screen mirroring – it only works with apps that support casting. But for watching YouTube, playing music, or viewing photos, casting is simpler than mirroring because you can use your phone normally while content plays on the TV.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
TV doesn’t appear in the device list. Both devices must be on the same WiFi network – check both. Restart your TV (unplug for 30 seconds) and your phone’s WiFi (toggle off and on). Some routers have “AP Isolation” or “Client Isolation” enabled, which prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. Disable this in your router settings.
Connection drops frequently. WiFi signal strength is usually the cause. Move your router closer to the TV or use a WiFi extender. If your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same network name, try connecting both devices to the 5 GHz band specifically for more bandwidth and less interference.
Audio plays on phone instead of TV. Check the audio output setting. On iPhone, tap the AirPlay icon in Control Center and select the TV for audio. On Android with Smart View, audio should route automatically. If it doesn’t, check the volume is up on the TV and that the TV isn’t muted.
Can I use my phone while mirroring to the TV?
With full screen mirroring (Smart View, AirPlay Screen Mirroring), everything on your phone shows on the TV – including texts, notifications, and app switching. You can use your phone, but whatever you do is visible on the TV. For casting from apps (AirPlay from YouTube, Chromecast casting), only the app content plays on the TV while you use your phone independently.
Does screen mirroring use WiFi data or mobile data?
Screen mirroring uses your local WiFi network for the connection between your phone and TV. It doesn’t use your mobile data plan. Streaming content from apps (Netflix, YouTube) uses internet bandwidth but that traffic goes through your WiFi, not cellular data, as long as your phone is connected to WiFi.
Which Samsung TVs support AirPlay?
Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 and later support AirPlay 2. This includes all Samsung QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame, and Neo QLED models from 2018 onward. To verify, go to Settings on your TV, then General. If you see “Apple AirPlay Settings,” your TV supports it. Older Samsung TVs (2017 and earlier) don’t support AirPlay natively – use an Apple TV streaming box or HDMI adapter instead.
Sources
Samsung – Screen Mirroring | Apple – AirPlay on Smart TVs
