The Best Way to Extend Your iPhone to a TV or Monitor

You have a big screen sitting right there. Your iPhone is in your pocket. Connecting the two should be simple, and in 2026 it largely is. But there is a big difference between getting your iPhone on a screen and actually getting a useful full-screen experience.

This guide covers the main ways to extend your iPhone to a TV or monitor, compares what each one gives you, and points you to the setup that actually works best.

The Main Ways to Get iPhone on a Big Screen

Option 1: AirPlay to Apple TV or Smart TV

AirPlay wirelessly mirrors your iPhone screen to a compatible TV. It works well for quickly sharing a video or photo. The big downside is that you still see a mirrored portrait iPhone screen. Black bars appear on the sides of landscape TVs and the content is small. You also need an Apple TV or a smart TV with AirPlay support, and a solid Wi-Fi connection.

Option 2: Standard screen mirroring via HDMI adapter

Plug a Lightning to HDMI adapter (or USB-C to HDMI, or USB-C to USB-C on compatible monitors) into your iPhone and connect it to a TV or monitor. Most apps show a mirrored portrait screen with black bars on either side. Safari does this, built-in apps do this, and there is no option in iOS to change it natively. You end up with maybe half the screen in use.

Option 3: External Display Browser (the best option)

External Display Browser is built specifically to fill the external screen in landscape mode at native resolution. You get the full width of your TV or monitor, corner to corner, with no black bars. It is a browser, so you have access to every website, streaming platform, and online tool. It also supports Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, file downloads, and camera and mic for calls.

External Display Browser

Full screen on any external monitor, TV or portable display. On the App Store.

Download on the App Store

What You Need for the Wired Setup

• Any iPhone supporting video output (iPhone 5 or later, see the full compatibility list below)
• A Lightning to HDMI adapter for iPhone 5 through 14
• A USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to USB-C cable/hub for iPhone 15 and later
• A TV or monitor with an HDMI input
• The External Display Browser app

Step by Step

Comparing the Options

Is It Good for Watching TV Shows and Movies?

Yes. Any streaming platform that has a website works in the browser. Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube all play full screen in External Display Browser on the TV or monitor. The app does not impose any letterboxing or bars on video content.

What About Big TVs?

Large TVs, including 65 inch and 75 inch displays, work exactly the same way over HDMI. The app fills the display at whatever resolution your TV supports. Most TVs support 1080p or 4K over HDMI, and the browser renders to match that resolution.