Using a bigger screen with your iPhone can totally transform how you listen to music or watch movies, give a presentation, or even play a game on your phone. You need to know how to connect iPhone to HDMI, whether you want to watch a movie, share pictures, or to mimic your screen to work. It can be done depending on the type of port on your iPhone; older iPhones have Lightning, and newer models (such as iPhone 15 or 16) have USB-C.
The guide covers how to connect HDMI to iPhone via both a wired and wireless connection as well as the problem-solving tips and the recommendation of the adapters.
Table of Contents
Why Connect iPhone to HDMI?
Better Viewing Experience
The HDMI gives you an opportunity to display the top quality video and audio on your iPhone to a television or a monitor and provide you with a more engaging experience.
Ideal for Entertainment
It is ideal to watch YouTube, Netflix, or Apple TV+ on a larger screen without lag and buffering problems.
Perfect for Work and Study
It is simple to share slideshows, documents, or educational videos in case of meetings or online classes.
Reliable and Convenient
The HDMI connections do not rely on Wi-Fi, unlike wireless streaming, and are therefore more reliable and easily portable.
What You Need to Connect iPhone to HDMI
For Lightning iPhones (iPhone 5 – iPhone 14)
In case your iPhone has a Lightning port, you will require an Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter and a standard HDMI cable. This adapter will be able to project your iPhone display onto a television or a monitor at 1080p HD quality.
The official Apple adapter or MFi certified is the best combination to achieve compatibility.
For USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 and Newer)
The later iPhones have a USB-C port, and it is even easier. All you have to use is a USB-C to HDMI cable (or USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter). These cables are 4K-resolution and power pass-through, which means you can also charge your iPhone when it is connected.
For Wireless Setup (AirPlay)
AirPlay is preferred by those who do not want any cables. This requires an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay 2 support and both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
How to Connect iPhone to HDMI (Wired)
Connecting Lightning iPhones to HDMI TV
This technique is applicable to older iPhones, which have the Lightning port.
Step 1: Attach the Adapter
Insert Lightning Digital AV Adapter in Lightning port of your iPhones.
Step 2: Connect HDMI Cable
Plug one end of HDMI cable to the adapter and the other end to the HDMI port of your television.
Step 3: Select HDMI Input on TV
Select the appropriate HDMI channel with your TV remote.
Step 4: Mirror Your iPhone Screen
When the devices are plugged in, the screen of your iPhone will automatically be displayed on the television.
It is now possible to open any program, watch videos, or view photos. The adapter sends the audio and video thus providing you with a full viewing experience.
Connecting USB-C iPhones to HDMI TV
The technique is compatible with iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and more.
Step 1: Plug in the Cable
Plug the end of the cable with a USB-C into the iPhone.
Step 2: Connect to TV
Connect the HDMI end to the HDMI port of your TV or monitor.
Step 3: Switch Input
Switch the input of your TV to the HDMI input that is attached to your iPhone.
Step 4: View Your iPhone Screen
Your television will automatically display what is on your iPhone screen without any additional configuration or application.
To achieve optimal results, a cable with high quality, supporting 4K at 60Hz, should be used. In case you intend to charge your iPhone during its connection, it is advisable to use a multiport adapter supported by power delivery.
How to Connect iPhone to HDMI TV Wirelessly
Using AirPlay on Apple TV or Smart TV
In case you do not want any cables, AirPlay provides an experience of a mirroring experience that is smooth and wireless.
Step 1: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Make sure that your iPhone and your TV (or Apple TV) are in the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Open Control Center
Swipe on the upper-right corner (on Face IDs) or on the upper-left corner (on Touch IDs).
Step 3: Select Screen Mirroring
Tap Screen Mirroring and select your TV that is AirPlay compatible and Apple TV.
Step 4: Start Mirroring
Your iPhone will be up on TV within a few seconds. To prevent mirroring, go to Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring.
AirPlay is excellent in playing videos, displaying photos, or broadcasting music wirelessly.
What If Your TV Doesn’t Support AirPlay?
In case your television does not support AirPlay, you can go wireless in the following ways:
Use an Apple TV Box
To support AirPlay, connect an Apple TV to your HDMI TV.
Use Third-Party Apps
Install such applications as AirScreen or ApowerMirror on your smart TV to be able to be connected to AirPlay signals.
Return to Wired Setup
When wireless does not work, HDMI cable method is sure and has zero lag.
Troubleshooting HDMI Connection Problems
When There’s No Signal or Blank Screen
Just in case you do not see anything on the TV, ensure that your HDMI cable and adapter are fitted. Test the source of television input and switch to another HDMI port or cable, as necessary.
When There’s Sound But No Video
Make sure your iPhone screen is not locked. In case the problem continues, restart your devices or refer to the display settings of the TV.
When Apps Don’t Work with HDMI
Other apps prevent HDMI output because of copyright. Instead, try AirPlay or the built-in cast feature in the app.
When USB-C Connection Fails
Ensure that your USB-C cable has video output (not all charge). Also, update your iPhone up to the newest version of the iOS and check the configuration on the other display.
Best Adapters and Cables for Connecting iPhone to HDMI
Recommended for Lightning iPhones
Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter is the surest option in older iPhones. It can maintain steady 1080p performance and power pass-through.
Belkin HDMI Cable is compatible with Apple adapters to ensure a safe connection.
Recommended for USB-C iPhones
Anker USB-C to HDMI Cable (4K) delivers a smooth and clear video output. Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter allows you to connect HDMI, charge your devices, and even use USB accessories. Another good choice when it comes to multitasking (and presentations in particular) is the UGREEN USB-C Hub with HDMI.
Only use trusted or MFi-authenticated accessories to prevent compatibility problems.
Conclusion
Knowing how to connect iPhone to HDMI can lead to broad possibilities – watching movies, making presentations or playing games on the large display. It is very easy, one has to select either wired (HDMI adapter) or wireless (AirPlay) options according to their choice.
The older iPhones need the Lightning Digital AV Adapter, whereas the newer USB-C iPhones will just be compatible with a USB-C to HDMI cable. And yet, providing your television has AirPlay capabilities, you can go as far as to mirror wirelessly, without additional cables.
With the knowledge of how to connect HDMI cable to iPhone, you can view your favourite content at any time and in any place, but in high quality and comfort.
FAQs About How to Connect iPhone to HDMI?
Can I Plug HDMI Directly into My iPhone?
No, there is no HDMI port on iPhones. Depending on your model of the phone, you will require an adapter with Lightning or USB-C.
Can I Connect iPhone to HDMI TV Without an Adapter?
Only when you have an AirPlay-enabled TV. Otherwise an adapter or cable is necessary.
Can I Charge My iPhone While Connected to HDMI?
Yes, but you will require an adapter that can pass-through power such as the official Digital AV Adapter by Apple.
Why Isn’t My HDMI Connection Showing Video?
Check HDMI cable, television input and ensure your iPhone is unlocked. There are applications that block video play due to copyright concerns.
Does HDMI Support 4K from iPhone?
Depending on the TV and cable type, lightning adapters support up to 1080p, and USB-C cables can be used to provide 4K resolution.
Which Is Better HDMI or AirPlay?
HDMI provides a stable and lag free connection which is ideal in gaming or presentations. AirPlay is convenient in a casual manner.