- Stream content directly from your iPad or iPhone to your smart TV.
- Cast work presentations directly from your mobile device.
- Connect your phone and tablet to a screen with a connector or adapter.
If you have an iPad or an iPhone, you can easily cast whatever is on your small screen to a bigger screen, like a smart TV, projector or monitor. If you want to prep for a presentation, or just stream some content for fun, we've got you covered.
Different ways to connect iPad to TV
There are lots of ways to bring your mobile presentation to life by casting through projectors or external screens, it all depends on the technology you're using and the level of connectivity you require.
If you have an Apple TV
Mirroring from an iPad or iPhone is easiest if you happen to have an Apple TV. All you need to do is turn on your TV, then go to Control Center on your mobile device and select Screen Mirroring or AirPlay followed by Apple TV. If this doesn't work, double-check to make sure both your TV and your iPad or iPhone are using the same Wi-Fi network.
If you have a smart TV but not an Apple TV
If you have a smart TV (that just means a TV that connects to the internet) but not an Apple TV, you can use an app for mirroring. Check out our app recommendations and compatibility information below so you can use the app that works best for your devices.
If you have a regular TV or projector
Working with an old-school TV or projector that doesn't connect to the internet? Not a problem. You can use a connector or adapter to achieve the same effect as mirroring via an app. Check out the sections below ‒ Connect to a monitor with an adapter and Connect to a projector with an adapter ‒ for instructions and compatibility information.
Use AllCast
If you want to skip the extra dongles and wires, you can use the app AllCast to wirelessly stream the content that's on your phone to an external monitor. AllCast is available in the Apple app store and is compatible with Roku, Apple TV, Xbox 360, Xbox One, as well as smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic. Assuming you have a compatible external television, you can download AllCast on your iOS device; make sure both the TV and phone or tablet are on the same Wi-Fi network, and then stream at will.
Use AirPlay
If your device is running iOS version 5 or higher, you can use AirPlay to mirror your phone on your television. AirPlay is a feature of Apple TV; the catch, however, is that you must also have the Apple TV set-top box, which retails for $99. Assuming you have Apple TV, navigate to the Settings menu, and then activate AirPlay. Next, enable AirPlay on your iPhone or iPad. Once that's done, and your Apple TV and your iOS device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you should be able to find your Apple TV and start your presentation.
Connect to a monitor with an adapter
If you have access to a monitor and you don't want to connect wirelessly, you can always opt for a good old-fashioned cable adapter. Apple sells a Lightning digital AV adapter with an additional power port (so you can charge your iPhone or iPad while you present from it). At $49, Apple's adapter is pricey for a one-off presentation, but if you travel a lot, it could be a worthwhile purchase. Using Wi-Fi across various venues can be a gamble, and if you're presenting to clients, you may not want to roll the dice.
Connect to a projector with an adapter
Many modern projectors have their own proprietary apps to connect wirelessly from mobile devices, but they vary drastically in terms of quality, availability and compatibility. If you want to be certain of your ability to connect to a certain projector, an adapter is a great option.
Newer projectors typically have both HDMI and VGA ports. If you have the option of either, opt for an HDMI adapter, because it'll be more useful for more things. If you need to connect to an older projector, you will probably have to connect using a VGA adapter, and Apple sells one for $49 that has an added charging port so you don't run out of juice.
FAQs
Still having trouble connecting your iPad or iPhone to a monitor, or have other questions about creating a great presentation? We've got you covered with these frequently asked questions.
What is screen mirroring?
Screen mirroring is the process of displaying what is on one device (i.e., your iPad or iPhone) on another device, like a television, external monitor or projector. Screen mirroring is sometimes confused with screencasting, which is the process of recording everything happening on your screen, often with audio.
Why do people use screen mirroring?
Screen mirroring can be used any time you want to get what's on your little screen, like your iPhone onto a big screen, like a TV. People use screen mirroring in both personal and professional settings, for watching entertainment and running through presentations.
Can you screen mirror without Wi-Fi?
The only way to screen mirror without Wi-Fi is by using a cable connection or adapter. Using screen mirroring apps won't work if you can't access Wi-Fi. In fact, if you're using a screen mirroring app, you will need both the device you're mirroring from and the device you're mirroring to to be on the same Wi-Fi network. One major benefit of buying an HDMI adapter is that you no longer need to worry about Wi-Fi access when mirroring ‒ you can just connect and get started.
Can you do screen mirroring with an Android device?
Yes. You can mirror your Android, PC, or Google device onto an external screen or projector by using a built-in app, Bluetooth, a third-party app, or an HDMI adapter. As with an Apple device, if you go the app and Bluetooth route, you will need to make sure your mobile device and the external monitor are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Do I need an adapter to connect my iPad to my TV?
If you have Apple mobile devices and you want to see your little screen on a big screen, using an adapter is a great option. The main advantage of purchasing an adapter is that it allows you to connect to nearly any external monitor without ensuring both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is especially helpful for people who want to screen mirror to a nonsmart TV or monitor, as well as people who frequently do presentations for work (in places that may or may not have open Wi-Fi networks or smart monitors).
What are the best iPad apps for creating presentations?
Keynote is Apple's answer to PowerPoint, and it's a go-to for lots of professionals who use Apple devices, because it's a free download from the app store. You can also use PowerPoint on Apple devices, including mobile devices, by downloading the app. If you want to try something different, Google Slides is the current black horse in the presentation software arena, and it's also available through the Apple app store.