You can get IPTV from your phone to the TV in three ways: cast from an app with a cast button to a Chromecast or Google TV device, use AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV, or mirror your Android screen to a compatible TV. Casting is better than mirroring because the TV device plays the stream itself — but for everyday viewing, an app installed on the TV is the smoothest option.
Casting vs mirroring
| Casting | Mirroring | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | TV device plays the stream | Phone's screen is copied |
| Phone | Free to use | Must stay on the app |
| Quality | Full stream quality | Depends on Wi-Fi |
| Battery | Low use | High use |
Cast to Chromecast or Google TV
- Connect your phone and the Chromecast/Google TV to the same Wi-Fi.
- Open your IPTV app and start a channel.
- Tap the cast icon and choose your TV device.
Not every IPTV app supports casting; check for the icon.
AirPlay from iPhone or iPad
- Put the iPhone and Apple TV (or AirPlay TV) on the same Wi-Fi.
- Start a channel in your IPTV app.
- Tap the AirPlay icon, or use Screen Mirroring in Control Centre.
See IPTV on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
Mirror from Android
- Open Quick settings and choose Cast, Screen mirroring or Smart View (name varies by phone brand).
- Select your TV or streaming device.
- Start the channel on the phone in landscape.
Many Samsung, LG and Roku TVs accept Android mirroring — see IPTV on Roku.
Fixing choppy casting
- Move the phone closer to the router, and use 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Turn off battery saver, which can throttle Wi-Fi.
- Lower the channel quality to HD.
- Restart the TV device and phone.
When to stop casting
If you cast every day, install the IPTV app directly on the TV or a stick — our device setup guides show how — it's faster, keeps full quality and frees your phone. The best device for IPTV compares the options, and phone setup covers the apps.
