Of course you can mirror your iPhone to your TV without splurging on an Apple TV! @caminantenocturno already mentioned some useful methods, but let’s spice things up a bit with a couple of alternatives they missed.
1. DLNA-Compatible Devices
Got a DLNA-compatible smart TV or device? You can use a bunch of iOS DLNA apps, like iMediaShare, to stream your media directly. It’s user-friendly; just connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as your TV and boom—gallery on the big screen!
2. PlayStation or Xbox
Yeah, you heard me right. If you have a PlayStation or Xbox, you can use the respective consoles’ media apps. Get Plex on your PS4/PS5 or Xbox and on your iPhone too. Use the app to project your phone’s media library to your TV via the console!
3. Using a Laptop/Computer
If your TV supports HDMI input, why not mirror your iPhone to your computer first via apps like Reflector 4 and then connect the computer to the TV with an HDMI cable? It’s a tad roundabout way, but it hits the mark.
4. EZCast Dongles
EZCast dongles are another cool piece of tech. They’re effective and often cheaper than some other casting devices. Plug one into your TV’s HDMI port, download the EZCast app on your iPhone, and follow the instructions to start casting.
5. Wireless HDMI Extenders
For those loving the whole wireless scene, there are wireless HDMI extenders. A bit pricier, but these gadgets involve a transmitter connected to your iPhone and a receiver plugged into your TV. These bad boys can mirror screens without the hassle of running cables across rooms.
So if one starts to mirroring their iPhone without Apple TV, there are myriad ways to do it! And for a deeper dive into these methods, you can check out this handy guide on best ways to mirror iPhone to TV without Apple TV. Enjoy your family movie night!