AirPlay to Samsung TV: A Comprehensive Guide

Streaming content from your Apple devices to your Samsung TV has never been easier. With AirPlay support on many Samsung smart TVs, you can enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and music on the big screen. Let’s explore how to AirPlay to Samsung TV and what options are available for different models.

What is AirPlay

AirPlay is a wireless streaming feature developed by Apple. It allows you to stream audio, video, and photos from Apple devices to compatible devices, including TVs and speakers. Originally launched in 2010, AirPlay has evolved over the years, offering more features and better compatibility. With AirPlay, you can mirror your entire screen or stream specific content, providing a seamless way to enjoy your media on a larger display.

Does Samsung TV Support AirPlay

The latest version of Apple’s streaming technology is AirPlay 2, and Samsung started integrating the streaming technology into their smart TVs in 2018, enabling you to stream content from your Apple devices directly to Samsung TVs.

The AirPlay-support Samsung TVs are as follows:

• Samsung QLED 4K Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9 series (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
• Samsung QLED 8K Q9 series (2019, 2020, 2021)
• Samsung UHD 6, 7, 8 series (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
• Samsung Frame series (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
• Samsung Serif series (2019, 2020, 2021)
• Samsung 4K UHD TV (2020, 2021)
• Samsung Crystal UHD TV (2020, 2021)

If your TV model is listed above, you’re ready to use AirPlay on Samsung TV, and move to the how-to tutorial. However, if you have an old Samsung TV, other ways to mirror Apple devices to Samsung TV are still available.

How to AirPlay to Samsung TV

Watching content from an iPhone or Mac on the big TV screen is a snap if your Samsung TV does support AirPlay 2. The following shows you how to AirPlay on Samsung TV to stream content from both Apple devices to the TV.

AirPlay to Samsung TV from iPhone

AirPlay relies on the same network on two devices to stream content. So, first, check if your iPhone and Samsung TV are connected to the same network. If yes, start the mirroring process as follows.

Step 1. Enable AirPlay on Samsung TV by navigating to Settings (All Settings) > General or Connection > Apple AirPlay Settings and from here, turning on the feature.

Step 2. Enable AirPlay on your iPhone.

• If you want to share photos or videos, choose them on your iPhone, tap the Share icon, choose AirPlay, and choose your Samsung TV. Then, these media files will appear on your Samsung TV.
• If you want to share the whole iPhone screen, launch Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles), and choose your Samsung TV.

Step 3. Enter the four-digit code that appears on your Samsung TV using your iPhone if asked.

Step 4. Wait for the connection to be established, and enjoy the content from your iPhone on the big TV screen.

AirPlay to Samsung TV from Mac

If you want to send what’s on your Macbook to Samsung TV over AirPlay, ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as well, and then execute the following operations:

Step 1. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings (All Settings) > General or Connection > Apple AirPlay Settings and enable AirPlay.

Step 2. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar (the top right corner of the Mac screen), and click the Screen Mirroring icon, and choose your Samsung TV.

Step 3. Enter a four-digit code that appears on your Samsung TV using your Mac if prompted.

Step 4. Once the two devices are connected over AirPlay, you can play what you want to enjoy on your Mac, and it will appear on the TV screen.

Samsung TV Doesn’t Support AirPlay

If your Samsung TV doesn’t support AirPlay or screen mirroring keeps spinning, try mirroring your iPhone screen with a screen mirroring app or an HDMI cable. Certainly, you can also use a streaming device like Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku if you have one. Here I would like to display how to use a screen mirroring app and an HDMI cable.

Use a Screen Mirroring App

One popular option is the Samsung SmartThings app for mirroring screens to Samsung TVs, but note that the app is not available for Mac. There are plenty of alternatives that run on macOS with similar functionality, so google one for your Mac.

Step 1. Get the screen mirroring app on your Apple device.

Step 2. Ensure your Apple device and Samsung TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3. Launch the app on your Apple device and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your TV.

Step 4. Start mirroring your iPhone or Mac screen to your Samsung TV.

Tip: There are many choices to cast to Samsung TV from Android as well. For example, the Screen Mirroring app, a useful and stable mobile app by BoostVision, helps you watch everything from your smartphone or tablet on a TV screen.

Use an HDMI Cable

A wired connection is not as convenient as a wireless connection, but it is a reliable option when you’re experiencing connectivity issues.

From iPhone or iPad:

Step 1. Prepare a Lightning to HDMI adapter (also known as a Lightning Digital AV Adapter) for iPhones and iPads with a Lightning port; for newer Apple mobile devices, use a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

Step 2. Connect the adapter to your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other end into an available HDMI port on your Samsung TV.

Step 4. Change the Samsung TV input source to the corresponding HDMI input.

After these, your iPhone or iPad screen will now be mirrored on your Samsung TV.

From Mac:

Step 1. Prepare a USB-C to HDMI adapter if your Mac has USB-C ports, or a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for older Mac models.

Step 2. Connect the adapter to your Mac.

Step 3. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other end into an available HDMI port on your Samsung TV.

Step 4. Change your Samsung TV to the correct HDMI input.

Step 5. Your Mac screen will now be mirrored on your Samsung TV.

The End

AirPlay makes streaming from your Apple devices to your Samsung TV a breeze. Whether you’re showing off vacation photos, watching a movie, or giving a presentation, AirPlay ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. For older Samsung TVs without AirPlay support, screen mirroring apps or an HDMI cable offer reliable alternative solutions for screen mirroring. Enjoy your media on the big screen, hassle-free.

AirPlay to Samsung TV FAQ

Q: How do I mirror my iPhone to my Samsung smart TV?

To mirror your iPhone to your Samsung smart TV, use AirPlay if your TV supports it. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center, tap “Screen Mirroring,” and select your Samsung TV. Enter the AirPlay code if prompted, and your iPhone screen will be mirrored to the TV.

Q: How do I know if my Samsung TV has AirPlay?

To check if your Samsung TV has AirPlay, go to the TV’s settings menu. Navigate to “General,” then “Apple AirPlay Settings.” If you see AirPlay options, your TV supports AirPlay. Alternatively, check the model number of your TV against the list of AirPlay-supported Samsung TVs.

Q: How to cast iPhone to Samsung TV without AirPlay?

If your Samsung TV doesn’t support AirPlay, use a screen mirroring app, an HDMI cable for casting, or a streaming device like Chromecast or Roku.