Connecting an iPhone to an HDMI Display over USB-C

Before you start

This process uses a wired connection between the iPhone and the display. You need an iPhone with a USB-C connector, a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable that supports video, and an HDMI cable. The adapter must be compatible with the iPhone and intended for video output; a USB-C data-only cable or a charging-only cable will not carry a display signal.

The connection runs locally between the phone, adapter, cable, and display. No account, app, or online service is required. If your display has multiple HDMI ports, note which port you use because you will need to select it as the input source.

Step-by-step instructions

• 1. Connect the HDMI cable to the display.
• 2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the USB-C to HDMI adapter.
• 3. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port on the iPhone.
• 4. Turn on the display and select the HDMI input that matches the port you used.
• 5. Unlock the iPhone and wait a few seconds for the screen to appear on the display.

Screen mirroring normally starts automatically. The display may show the iPhone screen in a different aspect ratio or resolution depending on the adapter, cable, and display capabilities. Some apps and video services may behave differently while an external display is connected, including limiting or blocking playback.

Check the output

Confirm that the iPhone screen appears on the display and that movement on the phone is reflected without excessive delay. Check the edges of the image to see whether the display is cropping or adding black bars. If the screen is blank, check that the correct input is selected and that every connector is fully seated.

For audio, check whether sound comes from the display or from the iPhone speaker. Not every adapter and display combination passes audio over HDMI, and the iPhone may keep audio on its own speaker until the connection is working correctly.

Common problems and next steps

No picture on the display

First reseat the adapter at both the iPhone and HDMI cable ends. Try another HDMI port on the display and make sure the matching input is selected. If possible, test the adapter and cable with another display or another HDMI source to identify the failed part.

Video app shows a black screen or plays only audio

This can be caused by content protection or by the app blocking external displays. Disconnect the adapter, start playback on the iPhone, and reconnect. If the app still restricts output, use playback on the iPhone or choose a supported viewing method.

Sound stays on the iPhone

Check whether the adapter supports audio over HDMI and whether the display volume is turned up. Some adapters require a firmware update or may only pass video. If audio does not work, connect an external speaker to the iPhone or use the display's own media input if available.