In this guide
Yes — you can connect an iPhone to a TV with a cable using Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter (older iPhones) or USB-C Digital AV Adapter (iPhone 15 and newer), paired with a standard HDMI cable. Both video and audio mirror to your TV at up to 1080p.
- You use Apple’s official Lightning or USB-C Digital AV Adapter
- Your TV has an HDMI input port
- You switch the TV to the correct HDMI input after connecting
- You match the adapter to your iPhone’s port (Lightning or USB-C)
- You use a cheap third-party adapter without MFi certification
- Your TV has no HDMI port and you have no converter
- You connect a USB-C adapter to a Lightning iPhone or vice versa
- You forget to switch the TV input to the right HDMI channel
What You Need
The iPhone does not output video over its charging port directly — you need Apple’s Digital AV Adapter in between. There are two versions depending on your iPhone model:
- Lightning Digital AV Adapter — for iPhone 14 and older
- USB-C Digital AV Adapter — for iPhone 15 and newer
Plug the adapter into your iPhone, connect a standard HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, then select the matching HDMI input on your TV. Your iPhone screen mirrors immediately — no Wi-Fi needed.
For a broader look at how USB-C handles video output, see our guide on whether USB-C supports video.
Which Adapter Do You Need?
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 or older → TV | Yes | Lightning Digital AV Adapter + HDMI | Up to 1080p mirroring |
| iPhone 15 or newer → TV | Yes | USB-C Digital AV Adapter + HDMI | Up to 1080p mirroring |
| iPhone → TV (no HDMI port) | No | Different converter or wireless | HDMI required on TV |
| iPhone + third-party adapter | Maybe | MFi-certified adapter | Non-certified adapters often fail |
Why Third-Party Adapters Often Fail
Apple’s iOS checks for MFi (Made for iPhone) certification on accessories. Many cheap adapters sold online are not certified, so iOS blocks or limits video output. Stick to Apple’s own adapters or MFi-certified alternatives to avoid this problem. Apple’s official guide covers the full setup process if you want step-by-step instructions.
If you already own a USB-C setup and run into display problems, our article on why USB-C to HDMI is not working covers the most common fixes.
Quick Troubleshooting
- No picture — check the TV input is set to the correct HDMI port
- Picture cuts in and out — adapter is likely not MFi certified; replace it
- Adapter won’t fit — confirm you have the right port type for your iPhone model
- Audio plays on iPhone, not TV — make sure the HDMI cable is fully seated on both ends
Bottom line: Connecting an iPhone to a TV with a cable is straightforward as long as you use the right Apple Digital AV Adapter for your iPhone’s port, a standard HDMI cable, and a TV with an HDMI input. Skip uncertified adapters — they cause more problems than they solve.