How to Cast Video from an iPhone or iPad to Apple TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Casting video from your iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, videos, and more on a larger screen. Whether you want to share family videos, stream content from apps, or showcase a presentation, casting to Apple TV offers a seamless and high-quality viewing experience. 

Casting Video from iPhone or iPad to Apple TV

Prerequisites

Before you begin casting video to your Apple TV, make sure you have the following:

An Apple TV: You'll need an Apple TV (4th generation or later) connected to a compatible TV or display.

Wi-Fi Network: Ensure that your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Latest Software Updates: Make sure your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV have the latest software updates installed.

Video Content: Have the video you want to cast ready on your iPhone or iPad. This can be a video from your camera roll, a streaming app, or a web page.

Steps to Cast Video from iPhone or iPad to Apple TV

Follow these steps to cast video from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV:

1. Connect Your Apple TV

Ensure that your Apple TV is powered on and connected to your TV or display. Make sure both your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Access Control Center

On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner (on devices with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom (on devices with a Home button) to access Control Center.

3. Enable Screen Mirroring

In Control Center, you'll find the "Screen Mirroring" or "AirPlay" icon. It looks like a rectangle with an upward-pointing triangle inside it. Tap this icon.

4. Select Your Apple TV

A list of available AirPlay devices will appear. Select your Apple TV from the list.

5. Enter the AirPlay Code (if prompted)

On your TV screen, you might see an AirPlay code for verification. Enter this code on your iPhone or iPad to establish the connection.

6. Cast Your Video

Once connected, your iPhone or iPad's screen will be mirrored on your Apple TV. You can now play the video you want to cast on your iPhone or iPad. Open the video app or the camera roll on your device and play the video. It will be mirrored on the TV screen.

7. Adjust Playback

Use your iPhone or iPad as a remote control to pause, play, rewind, or adjust the volume of the video being cast.

8. Stop Casting

To stop casting, return to Control Center, tap the "Screen Mirroring" or "AirPlay" icon, and select "Turn Off AirPlay Mirroring" or "Stop Mirroring."

Tips and Considerations

Streaming Apps: Most streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+ have built-in AirPlay support, making it easy to cast content directly from the app.

Quality Settings: Depending on your Wi-Fi network and the video quality, you can adjust video quality settings for a smoother experience.

Audio Output: You can choose to play the audio through your iPhone or iPad or through your TV. Adjust this setting in Control Center while casting.

Privacy: Be cautious when casting sensitive content, as it's visible on the larger screen. Make sure to stop casting when you're done.

Casting video from your iPhone or iPad to Apple TV is a straightforward process that offers a great way to enjoy your content on a bigger screen. Whether you're streaming the latest blockbuster or sharing cherished memories with friends and family, AirPlay and Apple TV make it easy to elevate your viewing experience.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • What Airplay is.
  • How to use Airplay to watch video from your iPhone or iPad on your Apple TV.

Before We Begin:

  • Make sure that your Apple TV and Apple iPad or iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Have an Apple TV (2nd generation or later) with the latest Apple TV software.
  • Your iOS device must use iOS 7 or later.
iOS devices with a doggy

2. What is AirPlay?

AirPlay allows you to mirror your entire screen, or a single QuickTime compatible video file to your AppleTV.

  • Other apps are starting to support AirPlay. Look for the AirPlay icon on the toolbar of your favorite video or audio app.
AirPlay Icon

Your iOS device must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Apple TV.

3. Cast Video to Apple TV

  1. Open the app and video you'd like to stream from on your iOS device.
  2. Tap the AirPlay icon.
Airplay button
  1. Select your Apple TV.
iOS device ready to select apple tv
  1. You'll need to use the iOS device you're casting video from to control your video.
Video settings