As an iPhone owner, I have been extremely frustrated trying to figure out why I can’t mirror my iPhone to my TV. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share how I solved this issue and the other solutions I discovered. I’m sure that many of you have encountered the same problem, so I hope this blog post will help you out.
You might not be able to screen mirror your iPhone on a smart TV if it’s not compatible with AirPlay 2. Sometimes, the issue can be caused by network-related issues, such as WiFi router glitches or not using the same network on all devices. Besides, your iPhone might need a simple restart or a software update.
In this article, we’ll explore several factors behind failing to screen mirror an iPhone. We’ll also list the most common fixes for each issue.
| Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Your iPhone Isn’t Updated | Check for iOS updates in your phone’s Settings -> General -> Software Update. |
| You’re not Using the Same Network | Make sure that your iPhone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network. |
| Your Smart TV Isn’t Compatible | Check if your TV is compatible with AirPlay 2. |
| TV Connection Issues | Check if all cables are plugged in properly, reboot your TV, or try using a different cable. |
| You’re Automatically Mirroring to Another Screen | Check if your iPhone is automatically mirroring to another device by opening a video app and looking for the AirPlay icon. Select your desired TV or tap the icon again to stop screen mirroring. |
| Your iPhone Might Be Glitching | Restart your iPhone or contact Apple support. |
| Privacy Restrictions | Turn off screen time by going to Settings -> Screen Time -> Turn Off. |
| Screen Mirroring is Disabled | Go to Settings -> General -> Airplay & Handoff -> Automatically Airplay to TVs and choose “Ask” or “Automatic.” |
| WiFi Router Issues | Restart your router, move closer to the router, pause any heavy downloads, or use an ethernet port for a more stable connection. |
Why Can’t I Mirror My iPhone to My TV?
Screen mirroring issues are a common complaint for many users because several devices are involved. Here are some of the most common reasons behind iPhone screen mirroring issues.
- Your iPhone Isn’t Updated
First off, make sure everything on your iPhone is working smoothly. Keeping your iPhone updated will eliminate most glitches that can cause screen mirroring issues.
To check for the latest updates, go to your phone’s Settings, then tap General. From there, go to the Software Update menu, which shows the current iOS version and any available updates.
- You’re not Using the Same Network
Apple devices use AirPlay for screen mirroring, which requires that connected devices use the same WiFi network. Therefore you need to check the network settings on both devices.
For your iPhone and Apple TV, simply go to the WiFi menu in Settings. The screen will list nearby networks and the network which your phone is currently using.
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- Your Smart TV Isn’t Compatible
If you’ve got an Apple TV, then it should certainly work with AirPlay. However, for other TV brands, you need to check if it’s compatible with AirPlay 2.
Luckily, most TV manufacturers try to provide compatible models, catering to the large customer base of iPhone users. Here’s an extensive list of compatible TVs.
- TV Connection Issues
If you’re using Chromecast, Apple TV, or any similar devices, you need to check if their cables are plugged in properly. In case you suspect they might be faulty, try to use a different cable or use the same cable on a different device.
It might also be that your TV is glitching, so we recommend you reboot the TV. Simply unplug the TV from the wall, then wait for about ten seconds before you plug it in again.
- You’re Automatically Mirroring to Another Screen
If this is the first time you’re trying to mirror your iPhone to a new TV, it might be that your phone is automatically streaming to an older device. Your iPhone can automatically connect to the most frequently used TVs.
As such, you can simply check if your iPhone is automatically streaming via AirPlay by opening a video app. If you notice an AirPlay icon in the upper left corner, then a device has been automatically selected.
To choose your desired TV instead, tap the AirPlay icon then select your TV. Otherwise, you can just tap the icon again to stop screen mirroring.
- Your iPhone Might Be Glitching
There are multiple reasons why your iPhone might be the culprit. If it’s already updated try to restart the phone for other minor glitches.
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- Privacy Restrictions
Your iPhone might be restricting screen mirroring due to your Screen Time settings. Here’s how to turn off screen time.
- Go to your phone’s Settings
- Tap Screen Time.
- Scroll all the way down, then choose Turn Off.
- Screen Mirroring is Disabled
Another reason might be that your phone has disabled screening mirroring altogether. To check this, follow the following steps:
- Head over to your phone’s Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Airplay & Handoff.
- Tap Automatically Airplay to TVs.
If the “Never” option is selected, choose either “Ask” or “Automatic” to allow for screen mirroring.
- WiFi Router Issues
Screen mirroring needs a fairly reliable Internet connection. So, we’d recommend you restart the router to fix any minor issues.
Additionally, try to move closer to the router and pause any heavy downloads. You can also use an ethernet port for a more stable connection.
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Wrap Up
Finally, why can’t I mirror my iPhone to my TV? Simply put, you might face problems with iPhone screen mirroring because of your smart TV, your iPhone, or network connection issues.
Initially, you need to get acquainted with how AirPlay functions. More often than not, a simple fix will make AirPlay work smoothly.
If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple support and its helpful community. In the end, trying multiple fixes is definitely worth the large-screen experience.