This article shows you how to connect an iPad to a TV to be able to watch a video played directly from the iOS device. You can connect wirelessly using the Apple TV's AirPlay feature, or opt for a wired connection via HDMI cable to physically connect the iPad to the TV. As a last resort, you can use a third-party app to interface the iPad with a Smart TV.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using an Apple TV
Step 1. Make sure you have the correct equipment
In order to take advantage of the AirPlay feature, you need an iPad 2 or later model, together with a second generation or more modern Apple TV. The iPad and Apple TV will also need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Before streaming video content, you need to update your device's operating system in order to achieve the best possible performance
Step 2. Make sure your Apple TV is set up correctly
The latter must be connected to the TV and to a power socket.
Step 3. Log in to your TV and Apple TV
You may need to change your TV's input signal source to select the port your Apple TV is connected to.
Step 4. Launch the iPad TV app
It features a small blue monitor on a white background.
If you need to play a video using the iPad Photos application, you need to launch it
Step 5. Go to the Library tab
It is located at the bottom of the screen.
If you are using the Photos app, you need to select the album Video.
Step 6. Choose the movie to play
Tap the video you want to watch on your TV.
Step 7. Press the Play button
It is located at the top of the screen. This will start playing the chosen video.
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If you are using the Photos app, tap this icon
. It is located in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 8. Tap the AirPlay icon
It is characterized by a triangle with a series of concentric circles that develop outwards. This will give you access to the AirPlay menu.
Step 9. Select the Apple TV name
The image displayed on the iPad screen will be sent to the Apple TV.
If the name of your Apple TV is not visible in the AirPlay menu, make sure that iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
Step 10. Try to duplicate the visible image on the iPad screen on the TV
If the AirPlay feature is not available for use even though the two Apple devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, try these steps:
- Select the movie you want to view;
- Slide your finger on the iPad screen starting from the bottom side;
- Choose the voice Duplicate Screen;
- Select the name of the Apple TV;
- If prompted, enter the security code visible on the TV screen on your iPad.
Step 11. Enjoy it
If you wish, you can disconnect devices at any time by tapping the AirPlay icon (or the "Mirror screen" icon) or by turning off the iPad's Wi-Fi connection.
Method 2 of 3: Use an Adapter
Step 1. Purchase an HDMI adapter for iPad
Apple sells its own adapter called Digital AV which can be plugged directly into the device's communication port. This type of accessory costs € 49. This will give you the option to connect the iPad directly to an HDMI port on the TV.
- If you don't have an HDMI cable, you'll need to purchase it before you can proceed;
- If the TV you want to connect the iPad to doesn't have an HDMI port, then you'll need to purchase an HDMI to RCA adapter as well.
Step 2. Connect the adapter to the iPad
Insert the adapter connector into the communication port of the iOS device, it is the same one you use to recharge it.
Step 3. Now connect the TV to the adapter
Insert one connector of the HDMI cable into its port on the adapter, then plug the other end into a free HDMI port on the TV. They are usually placed along the side or back of the appliance.
If your TV does not support the HDMI connection standard and therefore you had to purchase an RCA adapter, connect it to the HDMI cable and to a power outlet. Now use a composite video cable (featuring three connectors: red, white and yellow) to connect the RCA adapter to the TV
Step 4. Turn on the TV
Press the power button marked with the following symbol
Step 5. Select the input channel of the TV you connected the iPad to
Push the button Input or Source on the remote control or the unit until the image displayed on the iPad appears on the TV screen.
To find out which input source to select, you can refer to the number or abbreviation that identifies the port (HDMI or RCA) to which you connected the iPad
Step 6. Enjoy your videos
The image displayed on the iPad screen should also be visible on the TV screen identically. Use the iOS device controls to select the video you want to watch, then start playback by pressing the button Play. The selected movie will be played directly on the TV screen.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Smart TV
Step 1. Connect the Smart TV to your home wireless network
In order to stream content on the iPad to the TV, both devices must be connected to the home Wi-Fi network.
The procedure to follow to connect the TV to the home LAN varies from device to device. Refer to the TV documentation or the manufacturer's website technical support page to find out how to connect the TV to the Wi-Fi network
Step 2. Download an app to stream content to iPad
In order to transmit the audio / video signal to the TV, it is necessary to use a third-party application capable of accessing the local LAN network. One of the most used programs is iMediaShare.
The free version of this application allows you to stream images and movies stored inside the iPad. In order to use the other features offered by the software, the full version of the application must be purchased
Step 3. Launch the app
After a few moments, the list of content available on the iPad will be displayed. At this point you will be able to stream them to your TV.
Step 4. Select a video
Tap the icon of the movie you want to watch to access a menu showing a list of all devices connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Step 5. Choose the Smart TV option
Touch the name of the TV displayed in the menu that appears.
If your TV does not appear in the list, choose "Others (Undetected)", then follow the on-screen instructions to detect your TV
Step 6. Enjoy watching the video
After selecting the TV from the list of available options the selected movie will be played on the screen. To control video playback you can directly use the controls inside the app installed on the iPad.
