This article explains how to connect an iPad to a TV so that the content displayed on the screen of the iOS device is shown on the TV screen and the audio signal is reproduced by the speakers of the latter. If you have an Apple TV, you can use the TV as an external iPad monitor by taking advantage of your home wireless network via the AirPlay feature. If you don't have an Apple TV, you will still be able to connect the iOS device to the TV via HDMI or VGA cable by purchasing the appropriate adapter.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the AirPlay Feature Using an Apple TV
Step 1. Connect the Apple TV and iPad to the same Wi-Fi network
This way you'll be able to use your TV as an external iPad monitor, without having to use cables to make the connection.
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To connect an iPad to a Wi-Fi network, launch the app Settings by touching the icon
Iphonesettingsappicon choose the Wi-Fi item, then select your home wireless network.
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To connect an Apple TV to a Wi-Fi network, go to the menu Settings
Iphonesettingsappicon select Network (or General and then Network), then choose the Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Step 2. Open the iPad "Control Center"
If you are using iOS 12 or later, swipe down from the top right corner of the device screen (make sure Home is displayed). If you're using an older version of iOS, swipe the screen up from the bottom of the Home screen
Some applications allow you to stream content to Apple TV without having to duplicate the entire iPad screen. In this case, you will simply have to tap the "AirPlay" icon (it is characterized by a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) of the apps that support this feature. Where the AirPlay icon is located varies depending on the program you are using
Step 3. Select the Duplicate Screen button
It features a rectangular icon with a small triangle visible on the underside. A list of all compatible Apple devices will be displayed.
Step 4. Select the Apple TV
After performing this step, the content displayed on the iPad screen should appear on the TV screen.
If your Apple TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that the router / modem is on and working. If you have any problems restart your network router, then try again. If the problem persists, connect the Apple TV to the network router via Ethernet cable
Step 5. Launch an app on the iPad
Now that the iOS device is connected to the TV via Apple TV, everything displayed on its screen will automatically play on the TV screen as well. At this point you will be able to play videos, browse the web and watch your photos directly on the TV.
If the audio signal is not playing from the TV (or if you don't hear any sound), make sure that the volume on the iPad and Apple TV is set to the correct value. If your Apple TV is connected to external speakers, make sure they are turned on and working
Step 6. Press the "Menu" button on the Apple TV remote to stop mirroring the iPad screen
Alternatively, you can perform the same operation by pressing the Mirror Screen button in the "Control Center" of the iOS device.
Method 2 of 2: Use an Adapter
Step 1. Find a free HDMI port on your TV
Ports of this type have a rectangular shape (similar to that of USB ports) with the two lower corners rounded. Normally, they are located on the rear side of the TV.
- If your TV doesn't have an HDMI port, look for the VGA port. It has a trapezoidal shape and is characterized by 15 pins arranged in three parallel rows.
- An HDMI cable can carry both video and audio signals at the same time, while a VGA cable transmits only the video signal. In the latter case, you will need to use a second cable with which to connect the audio jack of the iPad to the input port of the TV. To make this connection, you will need to use an audio cable with a 3.5mm jack. If your iPad doesn't have a headphone audio port, you'll need to purchase a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter.
Step 2. Purchase the correct adapter for your iPad
If the TV you want to connect the iPad to has an HDMI or VGA port, you will be able to connect using the appropriate adapter. The adapter model you will need to purchase depends on the type of communication port on the iPad:
- If you are using a 4th generation (or later) iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, or iPad Pro, you will need to purchase a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (equipped with an HDMI port) or a Lighting to VGA Adapter (equipped with VGA port). The port has a rectangular shape, with rounded sides similar to that of a USB-C port. It is located in the center of the underside of the device.
- If you are using an iPad 1, iPad 2, or iPad 3, you will need to purchase an Apple 30-pin Digital AV Adapter (with HDMI port) or an Apple 30-pin to VGA Adapter (equipped with a VGA port). In this case, the communication port of the iPad is located along the underside of the device, has 30 pins and is characterized by an elongated rectangular shape.
Step 3. Connect the adapter to the communication port of the iPad
The adapter connector should fit snugly into the port on the device you normally use to charge the battery.
Step 4. Connect one end of an HDMI cable to one of the free HDMI ports on the TV
If you have chosen to use a VGA cable, you will need to connect one end to the appropriate port on the TV.
Step 5. Now connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the appropriate port on the adapter
The iPad is now properly connected to the TV.
Step 6. Select the correct TV video source
Depending on the device model, you may need to use the remote control to select the video source you connected the HDMI or VGA cable to the iPad. Normally, the remote control button to press is indicated by the "Source" or "Input" item. When you have selected the correct video source, the content visible on the iPad screen should automatically appear on the TV.
If you used a VGA cable to make the connection and you also need to carry the audio signal, you will need to use an audio cable with a 3.5 mm jack (and if necessary the appropriate adapter) to connect the audio output of the iPad to the TV's audio input port
Step 7. Launch an app on the iPad
Now that the iOS device is connected to the TV, everything displayed on its screen will automatically play on the TV screen as well. At this point, you are able to play videos, browse the web, and watch your photos directly on your TV.
- If the audio signal is not playing on the TV (or if you don't hear any sound), make sure that the volume of the TV and the iPad are set to the correct value. If you use external speakers, make sure they are turned on and working and that the volume level is set to the correct level again.
- If when trying to play streaming content, a message appears indicating that you are using a device compatible with HDCP technology, it means that most likely the program you have chosen does not support video connection via VGA cable.
- If no image appears on the TV screen, make sure you have selected the correct video source. To fix this, try using a different HDMI or VGA port or a different connecting cable.
