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Why Won’t My iPhone Connect to Samsung TV?

As an iPhone user, I was recently frustrated by the fact that I couldn’t get my device to connect to my Samsung TV. After some extensive research and testing, I’m here to share how I solved the issue, as well as some other solutions I discovered.

However, some users might have difficulty connecting their iPhones to Samsung TVs. Bugs on both devices commonly cause this. If you’re having these issues, you must’ve wondered, “Why Won’t my iPhone connect to Samsung TV?” 

Tips for Connecting iPhone to Samsung TV
Ensure AirPlay compatibility on Samsung TV
Keep iPhone and Samsung TV software updated
Check Wi-Fi network connection
Restart Samsung TV and iPhone
Use AV adapter or screen mirroring app
Troubleshoot compatibility issues between brands

Why Won’t My iPhone Connect to Samsung TV?

Technologically advanced devices like iPhones and Samsung TVs aren’t impervious to technical issues. Here are the common bugs that you should look out for, including their easy fixes:

  1. AirPlay Compatibility

Since the launch of AirPlay 2 back in 2017, iPhone can share screens with most smart TVs. However, you first have to check if your Samsung TV is compatible with AirPlay. 

Most 2018 models of Samsung TVs are compatible with AirPlay. If your TV model is older than that, then your iPhone might not be able to connect at all. 

Yet, connection issues could also be caused by iPhone compatibility with AirPlay.

To check, you can head to the Control Center by swiping down from the right corner of your Home screen. If you don’t see an option for screen mirroring, then your device isn’t AirPlay compatible.

  1. Outdated Software

An outdated software in Samsung TV might disrupt its AirPlay connection. So, you have to verify that your device has the latest software version.

Open settings on your Samsung TV, go to Support, then select Software Update. If a software update is available, click Update Now.

  1. Outdated iOS

Outdated software on your iPhone can also cause a connection glitch with your Samsung TV. To verify that your iPhone’s software is up to date, go to your Settings, then select Software Update in the General menu.

If your software is outdated, a new software update will be available. Enter your passcode when prompted, then tap Install Now. To not miss out on future updates, it’s better if you turn on automatic updates on your device. 

  1. Wi-Fi Network

Another reason why your iPhone won’t connect to your Samsung TV is the Wi-Fi connection.

Make sure that your Samsung TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. To check, click on the Home button of your Samsung remote. Then, in your Samsung TV Settings, select Network in the General menu.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, reboot the Wi-Fi router by unplugging it out of the power outlet. Wait for 5 seconds before plugging it back. 

  1. Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth can sometimes prevent your iPhone from connecting to your Samsung TV.

The TV might sometimes refuse to connect because of an already existing Bluetooth connection.

To turn off the Bluetooth connection, go to Menu and select System. Then, head to Wireless Connections and select Bluetooth Devices. You can disable Bluetooth by clicking Turn Off.

What Other Fixes Can You Try to Help Connect iPhone to Samsung TV?

If the mentioned fixes above haven’t resolved the connection issue, here are possible solutions that you can try:

Restart Samsung TV

Restarting your Samsung TV can help resolve technical issues.

To restart your Samsung TV, unplug your TV from the power outlet, then plug it back in after 5 seconds. Also, you can press and hold the Power button on your TV remote.

Restart Your iPhone

If restarting your Samsung TV doesn’t do the trick, try restarting your iPhone instead.

Press and hold the power button and volume up button together. Drag the slider to the right once the power-off slider pops up. To turn it back on, press the power button until the Apple logo appears.

What Are Other Ways Can You Connect an iPhone to Samsung TV?

A nice addition to modern devices like iPhones and Samsung TVs is you can connect them using methods other than AirPlay. Here are other ways to connect your iPhone to Samsung TV:

Use AV Adapter

Unlike a wireless connection, using an AV adapter will considerably reduce the glitching of the software.

First, plug in your HDMI cable to your TV, then connect the other end to the port on the AV adapter. 

 Screen Mirroring Apps

Many free screen-mirroring apps are available from the Apple store, like Samsung’s SmartThings app.

Once you open such an app on your iPhone, it will start scanning for Samsung TVs. Choose your Samsung TV, then click Allow.

Remember that you must connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. 

The Verdict

So, why won’t my iPhone connect to my Samsung TV? In most cases, it’s compatibility issues.

Having compatibility issues between products of different brands is expected. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can try before you call it a day. 

Read more: Samsung TV keeps switching inputs