Picture Maria Diaz | ZDNET
Apple’s AirPlay lets iPhone users mirror its content to a TV, so they can play their videos and music, or view photos. We will focus on different methods to achieve this.
If you want to use the AirPlay feature on your TV, make sure your iPhone and your TV, Roku (especially popular media player in the US) or Apple TV 4K are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a Roku you use to connect, make sure it has the latest updates by going to settings, then System, then System Update to check the OS version.
How to stream from your iPhone to your TV with AirPlay?
We’ll cover the two easy ways to stream from your iPhone to your TV: you can choose to use the screen mirroring feature (exact copy of what the smartphone is showing) or stream specific media such as photos and videos.
1. Choose a file and share
You have to choose a video to airplay it on the TV. So go to the Photos library and tap on a video.
Then you have to press the button Share at the bottom left of your screen.
Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
2. Select AirPlay
Scroll through the sharing options until you find AirPlay, then tap it.
Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
3. Choose a TV
Devices available on your network will be displayed allowing you to choose a TV or streaming device to play selected media such as an Apple TV or Roku device.
Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
4. Media will be aired on TV
The selected media will be played on the television you have chosen. You can take the next step, zoom in or out, play Live Photos, all from your iPhone.
Only the media will be played on the TV, the rest of your iPhone screen will not be mirrored. Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
How to Use Screen Mirroring on iPhone
Besides using AirPlay, the other option to stream media from your iPhone to your TV is to use the screen mirroring feature. The main difference between the two is that the second method displays your entire iPhone screen on the TV, allowing you to see more than just a video or photo. You can read a website or a message on television.
1. Launch screen mirroring
From the top right corner, swipe down on your iPhone screen to access the Control center and touch the icon of Screen Mirroringthis is the button with two overlapping screens.
You will then see available devices nearby or on your network that you can share your screen with.
Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
2. Select your TV
Tap on the name of the TV you want your iPhone screen mirrored to. Your phone screen should now be visible on your TV screen.
Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
If you play your videos, you’ll notice that the video and audio will play only on the TV, allowing you to use your phone as a remote control to control what you’re watching.
With the screen mirroring feature, you share everything on your iPhone screen with your TV. Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNet
This is how you can AirPlay to TV from your iPhone. Screen mirroring lets you project what’s potentially on your iPhone onto a bigger screen to share with other people in the room. This is all possible from the Control Center, where you can pause, play, rewind, or fast forward.
Stream from iPhone FAQ
What is the difference between AirPlay and Screen Mirroring?
Screen mirroring displays everything on your iPhone screen on the TV, so everything you do on your phone is visible on the big screen. When you use AirPlay, you stream media from your phone to your TV without sharing your screen on the TV. AirPlay simply connects to your connected TV to display the media you want to show.
How do I stop mirroring my screen?
If you are done mirroring your screen and want to stop it, just access your Control center by swiping down the upper right corner, then selecting again Screen Mirroring. On the next screen, you can quit.
Can I use AirPlay with a Fire TV Stick?
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is not compatible and will require a third-party app, such as AirScreen or Apowermirror.
Not all smart TVs are compatible with AirPlay 2, so if your iPhone’s screen mirroring feature is important to you, check the specifications of the TV when you choose it to make sure it mentions its functionality. compatibility with Apple AirPlay. If your TV isn’t compatible but you have an Apple TV, you can still use AirPlay to mirror your iPhone screen.
Why won’t my iPhone connect to TV?
If you receive a message saying that you cannot connect to a device, most likely your iPhone is not connected to the same network as the device you want to AirPlay on. Make sure your iPhone’s Wi-Fi is turned on and connected to the same network as your device. If the problem persists, restart your phone and TV and try again. Restarting your router may also resolve this issue.
Can I use AirPlay without an Apple TV device or an Apple TV+ subscription?
You don’t need an Apple TV device or subscription to use AirPlay. All you have to do is connect your iPhone and your AirPlay-compatible TV (or connected to a compatible product such as a Roku key) to the same network, then follow the instructions above.
Source: “ZDNet.com”