Connecting your iPhone to the TV – this is how it works

There are several ways to connect your iPhone to the TV. We show you which options you have and what you need to look out for in the different ways

You can connect these iPhone models with the TV

You can connect your iPhone to your TV via various cables as well as via WLAN.

• From the iPhone 4 you can then play videos, from the iPhone 4S the whole screen can also be transmitted.

• Pick one of the following options, for example, you can switch the output from “iPhone” to the TV via the “Videos” app.

Connect iPhone to TV: The Apple TV

The Apple TV is a set-top box that not only lets you get videos and music from iTunes to your TV, but also plays your media on the TV via AirPlay, among other things.

• Connection: The small black box is connected to the TV via HDMI cable. You then connect your iPhone to the Apple TV via WLAN.

• Advantage: As with the following variants, you can transmit the entire screen via Apple TV or only play videos or music.
  • Price: The price of the Apple TV is comparatively high, with the latest model starting at around 200 euros. Older generations are significantly cheaper, used devices usually don’t have much wear and tear and cost well under 100 euros.

  

  Connect TV and iPhone via App

  One of the most convenient ways is via the TV manufacturer’s app. These are optimised for the respective TVs, so everything usually works quickly and smoothly.

  • Unfortunately, not every manufacturer provides such an app. With many brands, you therefore have to do without this convenience and choose another solution.
  • Samsung is particularly exemplary here with its Samsung Smart View app. Open the app and make sure that the iPhone and the TV are on the same WLAN. After setting it up once, you can display and play pictures and videos from the iPhone on the TV via the app.
  • Sony does away with an app and provides a direct connection between the TV and iPhone.

  iPhone and TV via HDMI connection

  Alternatively, you can connect both devices in the classic way by cable. The speed is usually very good, but the comfort can suffer a little here.

  • Connection: With an HDMI adapter, you can transmit the picture and the sound to the TV at the same time with only one cable. You need both the HMDI adapter and an HDMI cable. There are adapters for the connections for the iPhone 4 and 4S, as well as for all newer models with a Lightning connection.
  • Benefit: You can also stream videos, music or the whole screen to the TV when no Wi-Fi or only a very slow connection is available.
  • Price: Apple prices the Lightning HDMI adapter at around 55 euros. You can get the adapter much cheaper here on Amazon. You can get adapters from other manufacturers for even less on Amazon. You can also get an HDMI cable for little money on Amazon.