How to Connect iPhone to External Display: Adapters and Apple TV

In order to display content on the iPhone more clearly, it is interesting to connect it to a larger screen. This task is possible through a simple HDMI or VGA adapter and also through the Apple TV connected to a television or any type of screen.

External display connection with adapter

Adapter needed

In order to connect an iPhone to an external monitor or to a project, it is necessary to have a compatible adapter. With this you can connect the most common cables to transmit video between a mobile device and a screen such as HDMI and VGA. Since all iPhones have a Lightning connector, it is necessary to have a Lightning to VGA or Lightning to HDMI adapter. In the market you can find both the official adapters, at a somewhat high price, or from third-party sellers. It should also be noted that there are some adapters that can support both connections in order to be much more versatile when making this connection.

Connect iPhone to External Display: Adapters and Apple TV

Keep in mind that these adapters include a charging port that must always be used to enjoy a better connection. Unfortunately, the Lightning port is not too powerful, compared to the USB-C port, and that is why it must be connected to an external power source. This process can be carried out using the charging cable included with the iPhone, or with another type of connection included with the adapter. In the case of official adapters, it is always allowed to connect the Apple cable itself.

Connection to external display

Once you have the adapter, simply follow these steps to connect the iPhone:

  1. Connect the adapter to iPhone.
  2. Connect the HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter, depending on availability, and connect the other end to the secondary display.
  3. Turn on the secondary display and select the correct video source.

From this moment you can view the screen of your iPhone on the secondary screen. All the gestures you make with the iPhone will be reflected almost immediately on the screen. Obviously we must take into account that the resolution cannot be scaled so you will see the iPhone screen with black stripes on the sides.

Most common problems

In the cable connection there may be some important problems such as the video display but not hearing the sound. It is important to note that the sound will only be transmitted if you are connecting with an HDMI cable, since the VGA does not allow the transmission of audio signals. Also note that some applications are not compatible with adapters.

Some movies or TV shows have Broadband Digital Content Protection (HDCP). This is why if you are trying to transmit a specific multimedia content to the external screen and skip this warning, you should find a device that supports this protection. In this way the creators ensure that certain content cannot be easily recorded avoiding illegal hacking.

External screen connection via Apple TV

If you have an Apple TV in your possession, you will not need any type of adapter or any type of cable. You can connect your iPhone through the AirPlay connection, this being an extremely comfortable method. But not only Apple TVs support this type of connection, as there are many smart TVs that also include AirPlay 2 . To make this wireless connection, simply follow the steps below:

  1. Connect iPhone to the same WiFi network as Apple TV or compatible TV.
  2. Open the control center and click on the ‘Duplicate screen’ option symbolized with a double square.
  3. Select your compatible device.

At the moment, the video and audio of the iPhone will begin to be broadcast on the external screen. In these cases the screen will adapt to the orientation and aspect ratio of the iPhone screen. In case you want to call up the screen, you simply have to change the ratio or zoom settings on the external screen.

In short, connecting the iPhone to an external screen is a really simple process to do. It can be done through an adapter or with an Apple TV, so there are many possibilities that exist and that adapt to all situations.