How to Connect Android or iPhone to Samsung TV Wirelessly

This guide walks you through connecting your Android phone or iPhone to a Samsung TV without any cables, so you can mirror your screen, stream videos, or share photos on the big screen. You’ll use built-in features like Smart View (Android) and AirPlay (iPhone), plus a few third-party apps as backup. Before you start, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Samsung TV is from 2016 or newer for the best compatibility.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Smart TV (2016 model or later recommended) with Wi-Fi enabled
An Android phone (running Android 4.4 or newer) or an iPhone (running iOS 12.4 or newer)
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (ideally a 2.4GHz or 5GHz band – either works, but 5GHz is smoother for video)
Optional: A Samsung account (not required for basic mirroring, but some features like TV Plus or remote access may need it)
Optional: A router that supports UPnP or multicast (most modern routers do) – this helps the devices find each other

Step-by-Step

For Android Phones (Using Smart View)

Turn on your Samsung TV and make sure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. If you’re not sure, go to TV Settings > General > Network > Network Status to check.
On your Android phone, swipe down from the top to open the notification shade. Look for a tile called Smart View (it might be under a pencil/edit icon to add it if you don’t see it). Tap it.
Wait for your TV to appear in the list of available devices. It usually shows as the TV’s name (e.g., “Samsung 7 Series”). Tap on it.
If prompted, accept the connection on your TV screen (a pop-up may appear asking to allow screen mirroring).
Your phone’s screen should now appear on the TV. You can rotate your phone to change orientation, and the TV will mirror it.
To stop mirroring, pull down the notification shade again and tap the Smart View tile to disconnect, or press the Exit button on your TV remote.

For iPhone (Using AirPlay)

Ensure your Samsung TV supports AirPlay 2 – this is available on 2018 models and newer, and some 2017 models after a firmware update. Check your TV’s settings under General > Apple AirPlay Settings.
On your iPhone, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (on iPhones with Face ID) or swiping up from the bottom (on older iPhones with a Home button).
Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles).
Select your Samsung TV from the list of available AirPlay devices.
If a code appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone to connect (this is a one-time verification).
Your iPhone’s screen will be mirrored. To stop, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then tap “Stop Mirroring.”

Alternative: Using the Samsung SmartThings App (Both Android and iPhone)

Download the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Open the app and sign in with a Samsung account (create one if needed).
Tap the “Add Device” button (plus icon) and select “TV” or “Device” > “TV.”
Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your TV. The app will guide you to connect to the same Wi-Fi.
Once paired, you can use the app to cast content – look for a “Smart View” or “Cast” icon within the app when playing videos from apps like YouTube or Netflix.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same Wi-Fi network. This is the #1 reason connections fail. Double-check both devices are on the same network name (SSID), not just the same router.
Using a guest network. Guest networks often isolate devices, preventing them from seeing each other. Use your main network.
Outdated TV firmware. If AirPlay or Smart View isn’t working, check for TV software updates in Settings > Support > Software Update.
Ignoring pop-ups on the TV. Sometimes the TV asks for permission to connect – if you miss it, the connection times out.
Assuming all apps support mirroring. Some apps (like Netflix) block screen mirroring for copyright reasons. Use the app’s built-in cast icon instead.

Tips

For smoother video streaming, use the built-in casting feature in apps (e.g., the cast icon in YouTube) rather than full screen mirroring – it uses less bandwidth and looks better.
If you have a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, connect both devices to it for faster speeds and less interference, especially when mirroring video.
Keep your phone’s screen on while mirroring – if the screen locks, the mirroring may pause or stop.
Use the TV’s remote to adjust picture settings while mirroring – you can change aspect ratio or picture mode to fit your content.
If you mirror frequently, consider setting up a dedicated Wi-Fi network for your TV and phone to avoid congestion.

Troubleshooting

TV not showing up in the device list: Restart both your phone and TV. On the TV, go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status and ensure it’s connected. On your phone, turn Wi-Fi off and on again. Also, check if your router has “AP Isolation” enabled – if so, disable it.
Connection drops frequently: This is usually a Wi-Fi signal issue. Move your router closer to the TV, or reduce interference from other devices. Try switching to 5GHz if you’re on 2.4GHz, or vice versa.
AirPlay not working on iPhone: Make sure your TV supports AirPlay 2 (check your TV’s specs). Also, go to TV Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings and ensure AirPlay is set to “On.” If it’s set to “Never,” change it to “On” or “Ask.”
Smart View says “No devices found” on Android: Ensure your phone’s location permission is enabled for Smart View (some Android versions require it for Wi-Fi scanning). Go to phone Settings > Apps > Smart View > Permissions and allow location.
Screen is black or distorted: Try changing the resolution on your TV (Settings > Picture > Picture Size) or on your phone (display settings). Also, some apps may not support mirroring – try a different app.
Audio is out of sync: This can happen with Bluetooth headphones connected to your phone. Disconnect them and use the TV’s speakers. Also, try restarting both devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my iPhone to a Samsung TV without AirPlay?

Yes, you can use the Samsung SmartThings app to mirror your iPhone’s screen, or use a third-party app like Reflector or AirBeamTV. However, AirPlay is the most seamless method if your TV supports it.

Why is my Samsung TV not showing up on my Android phone?

Most likely your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks, or your router has AP isolation enabled. Check both devices’ network settings and restart them if needed.

Does screen mirroring work with all apps?

No. Some streaming apps (like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+) block screen mirroring due to copyright restrictions. Use the app’s built-in cast button instead.

Can I mirror my phone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can use a wired connection via an HDMI adapter (USB-C to HDMI for Android, Lightning to HDMI for iPhone). Alternatively, some Samsung TVs support Wi-Fi Direct, but that’s less common and may require manual setup.

Will screen mirroring drain my phone’s battery quickly?

Yes, mirroring uses a lot of power because the screen stays on and the Wi-Fi radio is active. Keep your phone plugged in during long mirroring sessions.

Can I control my Samsung TV with my phone while mirroring?

Yes, the SmartThings app includes a remote control feature that lets you adjust volume, change channels, and control playback while mirroring.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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