Yes, you can AirPlay on Samsung TV – many newer models have this feature built right in. You just need to know how to airplay on Samsung TV the right way to get your iPhone or Mac screen showing up.
I used to think this was impossible. I thought AirPlay only worked with Apple TVs. But I was wrong about that.
Many Samsung TVs made after 2018 can do it. You just need to set it up first. It’s not as as it sounds.
I’ve helped lots of friends get this working. Once you know the steps, it’s pretty simple. Let me show you how to airplay on Samsung TV without any hassle.
What You Need to AirPlay on Samsung TV
First, check if your TV can even do this. Not every Samsung TV has AirPlay built in.
Look for models from 2018 or later. The 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models almost all have it. My 2020 Samsung TV works great with AirPlay.
Your TV also needs to be on the same Wi-Fi as your iPhone or Mac. This is super important. They have to talk to each other on the same network.
Make sure your TV’s software is up to date. Old software might not support AirPlay. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update on your TV.
You don’t need any extra boxes or dongles. The feature is already inside newer Samsung TVs. That’s the best part about learning how to airplay on Samsung TV.
Just grab your Apple device. An iPhone, iPad, or Mac will work fine. Now you’re ready to start.
Step-by-Step: How to AirPlay on Samsung TV
Let’s walk through the exact steps. I’ll make this as simple as possible for you.
First, turn on your Samsung TV. Make sure it’s connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Check this in the network settings if you’re not sure.
On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner. This opens the Control Center. Look for the screen mirroring icon – it looks like two rectangles.
Tap that screen mirroring button. Your phone will search for nearby devices. You should see your Samsung TV’s name pop up on the list.
Tap your TV’s name to connect. You might see a code on your TV screen. Just enter that code on your iPhone if it asks.
That’s it! Your iPhone screen should now appear on your Samsung TV. This is how to airplay on Samsung TV in just a few taps.
To stop, just tap the screen mirroring icon again. Then select “Stop Mirroring.” Your TV will go back to normal.
Using AirPlay for Videos and Music
You can do more than just mirror your screen. AirPlay lets you send videos and music directly too.
Open a video app like YouTube or Netflix on your iPhone. Look for the AirPlay icon – it’s a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom.
Tap that AirPlay icon. A list of available devices will show up. Select your Samsung TV from that list.
The video will start playing on your TV right away. Your phone becomes a remote control. You can pause or skip using your phone.
For music, open Apple Music or Spotify. Tap the AirPlay icon there too. Choose your Samsung TV to play music through its speakers.
This is a great way to have a party. Everyone can add songs from their phones. Learning how to airplay on Samsung TV makes entertainment easy.
You can even play podcasts this way. I listen to my favorite shows on my big TV speakers. It sounds much better than phone speakers.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes things don’t work right away. Don’t worry – most problems have simple fixes.
If your TV doesn’t show up, check your Wi-Fi. Both devices must be on the same network. Restart your router if you need to.
Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your Samsung TV. Go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings. Turn it on if it’s off.
Update your TV’s software. Old software causes lots of connection issues. The Samsung website has update guides if you need help.
Restart both your TV and your iPhone. This fixes many weird glitches. Turn them off, wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router. Weak signals can break the connection. Walls and distance make Wi-Fi worse.
Check for other devices using AirPlay. Only one device can AirPlay to a TV at a time. Ask your family if they’re using it.
AirPlay 2 vs Regular AirPlay
There are two versions of AirPlay. Knowing the difference helps you understand what your TV can do.
AirPlay 2 is the newer version. It has more features than regular AirPlay. Most Samsung TVs from 2019 onward have AirPlay 2.
With AirPlay 2, you can play audio on multiple speakers. You could have music in your living room and kitchen at the same time. They stay in perfect sync.
AirPlay 2 also has better buffering. Videos start faster and play smoother. There’s less waiting around for things to load.
You can control AirPlay 2 from your iPhone’s Lock Screen. Just swipe left to see playback controls. This is super convenient when watching movies.
Regular AirPlay still works fine for basic mirroring. But AirPlay 2 is definitely better. When you learn how to airplay on Samsung TV, check which version you have.
To check, go to your TV’s settings. Look for “Apple AirPlay Settings.” It should say if you have AirPlay 2 or not.
Screen Mirroring vs Direct Play
There are two main ways to use AirPlay. Each one works better for different things.
Screen mirroring shows everything on your phone. Your home screen, apps, notifications – all of it appears on your TV.
This is great for showing photos to family. Everyone can see your vacation pictures on the big screen. It’s also good for presentations or demos.
Direct play sends only the video or audio. Your phone just tells the TV what to play. The TV does all the work.
This saves your phone’s battery. Your screen can even be off while the video plays. I use this for long movie nights.
Some apps only work with direct play. Netflix and Disney+ work this way. They won’t let you mirror due to copyright rules.
Try both methods to see which you like better. Knowing how to airplay on Samsung TV means knowing both options. Each has its own uses.
Setting Up for the First Time
The first setup takes a few extra steps. After that, it’s just one tap to connect.
On your Samsung TV, go to the Home screen. Press the Home button on your remote to get there.
Navigate to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings. Make sure AirPlay is turned on. You might need to set a device name here too.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Connect to the same network as your TV. This step is very important.
Now try connecting like I showed earlier. Swipe for Control Center, tap screen mirroring, select your TV. It should work now.
Your devices will remember each other. Next time, it will connect faster. The Apple support site has more setup tips if you get stuck.
Write down your TV’s name somewhere. It helps when you have multiple devices. “Living Room Samsung” is easier to find than a model number.
Best Uses for AirPlay on Samsung TV
Now that you know how to airplay on Samsung TV, what should you do with it? Here are my favorite uses.
Watch videos from your phone on the big screen. Family videos look amazing on a 55-inch display. Everyone can see without crowding around your phone.
Play music through your TV’s sound system. TV speakers are usually better than phone speakers. It’s like having a free soundbar.
Show photos from recent trips or events. Scrolling through pictures is more fun on a TV. You can tell stories about each photo.
Use your TV as a second monitor for your Mac. This is great for working from home. Spread your windows across both screens.
Play mobile games on the big screen. Some games feel more immersive this way. Just be aware of lag in fast-paced games.
Follow workout videos from your phone. Yoga and exercise apps work great with AirPlay. You can see the instructor clearly on your TV.
Security and Privacy Tips
AirPlay is pretty secure, but you should know a few things. Protect your privacy when using this feature.
Always use a secure Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops isn’t safe for AirPlay. Someone could intercept what you’re sending.
Set a connection code on your TV. This stops neighbors from connecting to your TV. Go to AirPlay settings and turn on “Require Code.”
Be careful what you mirror. Remember everything on your screen shows on the TV. Close personal apps before mirroring.
Turn off AirPlay when you’re not using it. This prevents accidental connections. Go to your TV settings and disable it.
The FCC website has general wireless safety tips. These apply to all wireless devices in your home.
Teach your family how to use AirPlay safely. Kids might not think about privacy. Show them what not to share on the big screen.
Comparing to Other Methods
AirPlay isn’t the only way to connect devices. Here’s how it compares to other options.
Chromecast works with Android phones and Google apps. AirPlay works better with Apple devices. Choose based on what phones you use.
HDMI cables give the best video quality. But you’re tethered to your TV. AirPlay lets you move around freely.
Smart View is Samsung’s own screen mirroring. It works with Samsung phones. AirPlay works with iPhones – that’s the big difference.
Bluetooth connects for audio only. You can’t send video over Bluetooth. AirPlay handles both audio and video.
DLNA is an older standard some apps use. It’s less reliable than AirPlay in my experience. Connections drop more often.
Now you know how to airplay on Samsung TV and how it compares. Each method has pros and cons. Use what works best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Samsung TV has AirPlay?
Check your TV’s model year. TVs from 2018 or later usually have it. You can also look in Settings for Apple AirPlay Settings.
Why can’t I see my Samsung TV when trying to AirPlay?
Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and phone, then check your network settings again.
Can I use AirPlay without Wi-Fi?
No, AirPlay needs a Wi-Fi network to work. Both devices connect through your home network to talk to each other.
How to airplay on Samsung TV from a Mac?
Click the AirPlay icon in your Mac’s menu bar. It looks like a rectangle with a triangle. Select your Samsung TV from the list that appears.
Does AirPlay work with all apps?
Most video and music apps support AirPlay. Some apps block it for copyright reasons. Netflix and Hulu work great with AirPlay.
Can multiple people AirPlay to the same TV?
Only one person can AirPlay at a time. The next person needs to disconnect the first. Some apps let you queue up videos though.
Conclusion
So that’s how to airplay on Samsung TV. It’s really not as hard as it seems at first.
Newer Samsung TVs have this feature built right in. You just need to turn it on and connect properly. Follow the steps I shared and you’ll be streaming in no time.
Start with simple screen mirroring. Then try sending videos directly from apps. You’ll find lots of uses for this handy feature once you know how to airplay on Samsung TV correctly.