HomeTech SkillsBeginner SkillsHow to Mirror Your iPhone to a TCL TV: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

How to Mirror Your iPhone to a TCL TV: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Mirroring your iPhone to a TCL TV lets you share photos, videos, or apps on a bigger screen. Whether you want to watch a movie or show a presentation, this guide covers simple methods to connect your iPhone to any TCL TV. We’ll explain how to use AirPlay, an HDMI adapter, or third-party apps, depending on your TCL TV’s operating system (Roku, Google TV, Android TV, or Fire TV). Follow these steps to get started.

Determine Your TCL TV Type

TCL TVs use different operating systems, which affect how you mirror your iPhone:

  • TCL Roku TV: Supports AirPlay for easy wireless mirroring.
  • TCL Google TV/Android TV: May need third-party apps for full screen mirroring or use Chromecast for app-specific casting.
  • TCL Fire TV: Likely requires third-party apps, as AirPlay isn’t natively supported.

Check your TV’s manual or settings to identify its operating system. For AirPlay, many TCL Roku TVs (like models 43S431, 55S535, or 65R635) support it.

iPhone and TCL TV showing identical screens.
iPhone mirroring a photo to a TCL TV.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure:

  • Your iPhone runs iOS 12 or later (check in Settings > General > About).
  • Your TCL TV is powered on and updated to the latest software.
  • Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless methods.
  • For wired connections, you have an HDMI cable and an adapter (Lightning for iPhone 5-14, USB-C for iPhone 15 or later).

If you need help updating your TV, see our guide on how to update Vizio TV firmware.

Method 1: Using AirPlay (TCL Roku TV)

AirPlay is Apple’s wireless mirroring feature, ideal for TCL Roku TVs. Many models, like the 4-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, and 8-Series, support AirPlay if running Roku OS 9.4 or later. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Check AirPlay Support: On your TCL Roku TV, go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Ensure AirPlay is turned on. If you don’t see this option, your TV may not support AirPlay. Check TCL’s support page for compatible models.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPhone and TCL TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Learn more in our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
  3. Open Control Center: On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up on older models) to open the Control Center.
  4. Tap Screen Mirroring: Look for the icon with two overlapping rectangles.
  5. Select Your TCL TV: Choose your TV from the list of devices.
  6. Enter Passcode (if prompted): Type the code shown on your TV screen.
  7. Start Mirroring: Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Method 2: Using an HDMI Adapter (All TCL TVs)

An HDMI adapter provides a wired connection that works with any TCL TV, no Wi-Fi needed. This method is reliable for all models, including those without AirPlay.

  1. Get the Right Adapter: Use an Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter for iPhone 5-14 or a USB-C to HDMI adapter for iPhone 15 and later.
  2. Connect the Adapter: Plug the adapter into your iPhone’s charging port.
  3. Attach an HDMI Cable: Connect one end to the adapter and the other to an HDMI port on your TCL TV.
  4. Select HDMI Input: On your TCL TV, use the remote to switch to the correct HDMI input (e.g., HDMI 1 or 2).
  5. Mirror Your Screen: Your iPhone’s display should appear on the TV automatically.
Diagram of iPhone, HDMI adapter, and TCL TV connection.
Connecting an iPhone to a TCL TV with an HDMI adapter.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Non-AirPlay TVs)

If your TCL TV (Google TV, Android TV, or Fire TV) doesn’t support AirPlay, third-party apps can enable mirroring. Two popular options are DoCast and AirDroid Cast.

Option 1: DoCast

DoCast is a free app that works with many TCL TVs, including Roku models. It’s available on the App Store.

  1. Download DoCast: Install the app on your iPhone.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPhone and TCL TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Launch DoCast: Open the app and follow the prompts to select your TCL TV.
  4. Start Mirroring: Choose the screen mirroring option to display your iPhone’s screen.

Option 2: AirDroid Cast

AirDroid Cast works with TCL Google TV, Android TV, or Fire TV by using a web browser on the TV.

  1. Download AirDroid Cast: Get the app from the App Store.
  2. Open TV Browser: On your TCL TV, go to webcast.airdroid.com using the TV’s web browser.
  3. Connect Devices: On your iPhone, open AirDroid Cast and scan the QR code or enter the cast code shown on the TV.
  4. Start Mirroring: Allow the connection, and your iPhone screen will appear on the TV.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If mirroring doesn’t work, try these fixes:

  • AirPlay Issues:
    • Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. See our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
    • Ensure AirPlay is enabled in your TCL TV’s settings.
    • Restart your iPhone and TCL TV.
    • Update your TV’s software via Settings > System > Software Update.
  • HDMI Issues:
    • Check that the HDMI cable and adapter are securely connected.
    • Select the correct HDMI input on your TV.
    • Try a different HDMI port or cable.
  • Third-Party App Issues:
    • Update the app to the latest version.
    • Visit the app’s support page (e.g., DoCast Support or AirDroid Support).
    • Restart devices and ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection.

If you need help accessing TV settings, check our guide on how to access TCL TV settings without a remote.

Benefits of Each Method

MethodBenefitsRequirements
AirPlayWireless, easy setup, no extra costTCL Roku TV, same Wi-Fi network
HDMI AdapterWorks with any TCL TV, no Wi-Fi neededAdapter, HDMI cable
Third-Party AppsWorks with non-AirPlay TVs, flexibleApp download, Wi-Fi network

People Also Ask

Does my TCL TV support AirPlay?

Check your TV’s model number (e.g., 55S535) against TCL’s supported list or look for AirPlay in Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Visit TCL’s support page for details.

Can I mirror my iPhone to a TCL TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, use an HDMI adapter for a wired connection. No Wi-Fi is required.

What if my TCL TV doesn’t support AirPlay?

Use third-party apps like DoCast or AirDroid Cast, or connect via an HDMI adapter.

How do I stop screen mirroring?

Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Can I use Chromecast to mirror my iPhone to a TCL TV?

Chromecast supports casting from apps like YouTube on TCL Google TV or Android TV, but for full screen mirroring, use AirPlay or third-party apps.

Conclusion

Mirroring your iPhone to a TCL TV is simple with the right method. Use AirPlay for TCL Roku TVs if available, an HDMI adapter for a universal wired solution, or third-party apps like DoCast or AirDroid Cast for other TCL TV types. Each method has its strengths, so choose based on your TV model and setup. Enjoy your content on the big screen!

Related Posts

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent Posts