How to connect an iPad to a TV

Do you urgently need to watch something on the big screen, but you only have an iPad and a TV on the wall? They are easy to connect together; more than one way has been invented for this. Let's look at it in order: how to connect an iPad to a TV.

Features of connecting an iPad

There are 2 main ways to connect your iPad to a big screen:

Wired.
Wireless.

Using a wire, you can display an image from an iPad to a TV using the following technologies:

HDMI cable;
USB Type-C;
VGA adapter.

Among the wireless technological solutions for connecting iPad to TV, the following are suitable:

shared Wi-Fi network;
use of Apple TV, AirPlay;
Google Chromecast;
Jailbreak.

Let's take a closer look at each of the possibilities.

Options for connecting iPad to TV

iPad owners are often interested in the issue of connectivity. There is a need and need to be in contact with the TV, transferring content from the tablet to it. There are several ways of such contact. Each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and features. In order for the user to choose the optimal method for himself, it is worth considering each one separately.

To begin, the user will have to select the software for the contact. iPads have a built-in Mirror feature that helps broadcast images. The image from the tablet is easily transmitted directly to the TV, as a result it becomes like a second screen. To make it easier to manage such a connection, you can adjust the scale and other equally important and necessary parameters for the user.

As a rule, professionals distinguish two ways to connect a device to a TV:

Wired;
Wireless.

It is impossible to name one priority method, because the choice clearly depends on the model of equipment and other parameters, including the necessary cables and the software used.

You can use a connection via a special cord and HDMI, which is located on the TV. In this case, the tablet will begin to duplicate the picture that is on the TV. In the future, everything is configured in this way. As a rule, thanks to this method, the user can not only watch in high definition, but also use various programs, such as Skype. Opening games and playing them in the future is much easier with such a wire.

You can also use the special AirPlay function. Although this set-top box is quite expensive on the company’s official website, the user still receives a high-quality product, and he does not have to use various cords. The prefix solves the issue or problem regarding the quality of the connection.

The cable can limit the user in many ways, including synchronization over long distances. The set-top box will be able to interact with the user via the Internet, however, not all TVs can afford such a connection.

If the user has not yet decided on the optimal method for himself, then it is worth looking at each in detail, weighing all the pros and cons, assessing the possibilities and then making the right decision.

Note! Particular attention should be paid to the TV model so as not to get into trouble when choosing a method. Not all TVs support the following features.

TV with AirPlay 2 support

The AirPlay service has actually ceased to be exclusive to Apple devices. In 2022, the Cupertino company announced the updated AirPlay 2 protocol, which began to work in smart TV models from several popular brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, etc.

AirPlay 2-enabled TVs make it easy to mirror graphics and sound from iPhone, iPad and Mac to larger screens.

If you own Apple equipment and are planning to buy a TV in the near future, then the availability of support for the AirPlay 2 protocol should be one of the decisive conditions for choosing a particular model.

Buy a TV with AirPlay 2 support

♥ ON TOPIC: 20 iPhone features that can be disabled for most users.

USB connection

As a rule, this technology is used so that the user can set up synchronization with a computer monitor, projector and other similar devices, but not with an iPad.

Note! This technology will be similar to the built-in mirror function on the iPad, but everything will be transmitted without sound. To configure audio, the user will have to use other additional devices, including portable speakers and much more.

If the user just wants to make a presentation through a computer, then he can use the VGA connector, which is the brother of HDMI. However, the easiest way to connect is via USB. The practicality of this method lies and is determined by the fact that the user does not have to buy additional cords, because the USB comes bundled directly with the tablet or smartphone.

Also, the user can connect absolutely any TV in this way, because all TV devices are equipped with this cable. The user does not have to purchase a pass. Synchronization via USB looks like this:

First you need to insert one end of the cord into the port, which is located on the back of the TV;
Afterwards, the second cable must be connected using the connector located on the tablet itself;
Now you should take the tablet and pull back the notification shade to allow the TV to use the iPad as a storage device;
As soon as a notification appears on the TV that a new device has been detected, the synchronization process has been completed successfully.

Important! As soon as the user uses the tablet and connects it via USB, he can automatically use it only as a Flash drive. Moving between folders is also possible, but only using the file manager.

Content is reproduced without any restrictions. However, the user will not be able to watch the video online. It will also not be possible to use this technology with second-generation tablets, as the manufacturer previously announced. But the function is available on mini-version tablets.

Wired connection methods

The wired method of connecting an iPad to a TV is good because it makes it possible to establish a stable communication session, but the disadvantage is that the wires get tangled, lost, or deformed over time. In addition, Apple does not provide its products with popular European USB and HDMI connectors, which complicates the connection. Gadgets are equipped with special connectors of 2 types: with 30 contacts and 8, called Lightning. Therefore, in order to connect via wires, you will have to purchase an adapter that is suitable for your tablet.

The connection can be made in several wired ways:

using HDMI;
using USB (Type C);
using a VGA adapter.

Using HDMI

In order to display an image from an iPad to a TV using an HDMI cable, you will need a special adapter. There is an 8-pin connector at one end and an HDMI connector at the other. It's called Lightning Adapter and is suitable for new versions of tablets, starting from 4. Those who have an older version of iPad can connect using a digital adapter. To connect, perform the following steps:

Insert the AV adapter into the tablet output.
Connect the other end to the HDMI connector of the TV receiver.
If necessary, the adapter must be connected to the power supply.
Turn on the TV panel and select the power source. This will be the HDMI port number you are using.
The tablet's working screen will be duplicated on the TV screen.

If the HDMI port is busy or missing, you can use alternative methods.

Using USB (Type C)

New iPad models are equipped with a universal USB-C port, allowing you to charge the tablet and connect other devices such as a camera, phone, display, etc. To connect via USB to a TV, you will need a USB-C/HDMI adapter, which makes it possible to broadcast high-resolution 4K video on a large screen. The sound will be played from the tablet, but to redirect it to the speakers, you can use the AirPay function or via Bluetooth to headphones.

To establish a broadcast on the TV panel, you must perform the following steps:

Connect one end of the cable to the USB Type C port on the iPad, and the other to the TV.
Turn on the TV panel and use the settings to identify the tablet as the signal source.
Launch the video on your gadget and watch on the big screen.

Using a VGA adapter

A VGA adapter will help solve the problem of connecting an iPad to a TV, but the signal will be of low quality. Another disadvantage of this method is the broadcast of the audio signal from the tablet’s speakers, which, naturally, is disappointing. This analog connection option, like through the RCA port, will not allow the mirroring function to be activated. However, such an adapter makes it possible to connect an iPad not only to a TV panel, but also to a monitor or projector. To broadcast sound, you will have to use additional devices, such as speakers.

Buy cables from reputable manufacturers.

How to connect iPad to TV via HDMI

As mentioned earlier, connecting and syncing devices directly via HDMI is also a good way and method to stream the content you want directly through your tablet. This method allows you to get a high-resolution image. Like all other methods, it has its advantages, including:

The user can transmit not only a picture, but also sound;
The user receives clear sound without interference;
The ability to transmit images in the highest quality;
Practical and convenient.

Note! Not all tablets are capable of transmitting Full HD resolution. For example, the first generation from the company can only transmit up to 720p, but the next generation models can transmit up to 1080p.

For the user to be able to connect the tablet via HDMI, all they need to do is insert one end of the cable into a specially labeled connector, and the other into the tablet itself. After this, the technology will allow you to duplicate the image on the display from the iPad to the big screen.

To set up an iPad 4, the user will have to buy a special adapter for this. That other device that is equipped with a specialized Lighting interface. By purchasing an adapter, the user will receive maximum picture quality. You should follow the instructions for connecting:

Connect the adapter and tablet;
Now we insert the cable into the TV, and then into the adapter itself;
Next, select the required power source. To do this, you should tap on “Input” on the TV and select the source you need – HDMI;
If the user has done everything correctly, he can try to open the gallery. The picture opened on the tablet should also appear on the TV screen.

The main disadvantage of the technology is that the necessary wire must be purchased separately, since it is not available in the basic configuration from the company. If we consider the interface in its entirety, then you can connect not only tablets, but also phones.

Features of connecting an iPad

There are 2 main ways to connect your iPad to a big screen:

Wired.
Wireless.

Using a wire, you can display an image from an iPad to a TV using the following technologies:

HDMI cable;
USB Type-C;
VGA adapter.

Among the wireless technological solutions for connecting iPad to TV, the following are suitable:

shared Wi-Fi network;
use of Apple TV, AirPlay;
Google Chromecast;
Jailbreak.

Let's take a closer look at each of the possibilities.

Using a VGA adapter

This adapter is more suitable for broadcasting various presentations. For video, this connection method is unlikely to be suitable, because it will not be possible to play sound. However, if the user only has a similar connector, then it can be used. The process looks like this:

To begin, the user needs to connect the colored ends of the cable to their corresponding connectors on the TV;
After this, the opposite end must be connected to the adapter;
Now we connect this entire structure with the tablet;
The adapter that remains must be inserted into the charging cable on the tablet;
We connect the speakers if the user will broadcast sound.

The main disadvantage besides the sound is that it requires a lot of wires. This is not very convenient and compact. However, the user gets the advantage of being able to connect older TV models that still have similar connectors.

How to connect iPad to TV via WiFi

This method, like VGA, is suitable for showing photographs or a presentation, but not for broadcasting an entire video, because there will be no sound anyway. It consists in the fact that the user needs to download a certain application to his Apple device, namely iMediaShare, which you can see in more detail in this video

The main requirement for a TV device is to support DLNA or All Share technology. This is modern support that every new TV has. If the requirements are met, then it is worth preparing the equipment and also connecting the device:

We connect the TV directly to Wi-Fi, that is, to the necessary router, so that the subnet for both the tablet and the TV is the same;
Then we launch the application. We select the photo or video that the user wants to play. Tap on the menu in the program to select the device;
Synchronization will begin, which must be confirmed with the remote control.

To display online content, you should use other utilities, such as Flipps. It has a built-in browser that streams content over the Internet. The main device for this method in general is connecting to the same Internet network.

Using Apple TV and AirPlay

Apple has in its store a special set-top box that is capable of synchronizing absolutely all devices from the manufacturer with each other. It is used to connect the iPad to the TV. You can see more details about how the smart box from the company works in this video

The set-top box supports a certain technology called AirPlay. Using it, you can stream content from your tablet directly to your TV. It will be possible to listen not only to music, but also to play various game hosting sites and much more. The image quality is excellent, so the user does not have to worry about the connection. To configure and connect the device, no additional wires are required:

First, you need to connect your Apple TV directly to your TV using special wires;
After that, in the settings we activate the AirPlay technology;
We connect the set-top box and the tablet to the same Internet;
Click on the “Home” button twice to bring up the necessary multitasking panel;
Now go to the volume settings section and configure the parameters;
The bailiff will then appear on the panel. Select the required “Video replay” option. If the English server is installed, then the option is called Mirroring.

If the user has done everything correctly, the TV names will appear on the tablet, and then the ability to broadcast the desired content.

Wireless connection

Modern technologies are gradually making the abundance of cords and cables for a stable connection a thing of the past. The era of infrared ports is long gone; modern technologies for contactless data transfer have appeared. Today, to connect an iPad to a TV, you can use one of the technological methods and there is no magic in it. Let's take a closer look at each of them, as well as all their pros and cons.

Using a shared Wi-Fi network

Connecting your iPad to your TV via home Wi-Fi has become easy thanks to special connection programs available in the app store. Let's look at one of them in more detail.

To connect, you will need the Belkin MediaPlay program downloaded to your iPad, home Wi-Fi and a wireless connection port on your TV.

Set up Wi-Fi access on your home TV.
Launch the above application on your iPad;
Open settings.
Enable the item: “Show or hide the visual indicators at the edge of the screen.”
Using the program, open the site through which the broadcast will be broadcast.
Open the additional menu and find your TV in the “Display Device” panel.
Minimize all unnecessary windows and click on the “Beam” button.
If there is no such button, reload the site and try again.
The connection is established.

The advantage of this method is that it is free. The disadvantages are third-party unstable software that can fail at the most inopportune moment. There is also a case of incompatibility of the TV with broadcast programs.

Via Apple TV and Airplay video devices

The Apple TV set-top box, released and designed to synchronize the TV with the iPad, has gained great popularity. It works on the AirPlay principle, allowing you to not only display an image using a wireless connection, but also:

open programs, applications and games;
communicate on social networks, send email.

Naturally, the set-top box has its main advantage, which is the preservation of excellent image quality. And the main disadvantage: the high price compared to other methods of broadcasting data from an iPad to TV.

To watch TV using Apple TV, follow 5 simple steps:

Connect your set-top box, tablet and TV to the same Wi-Fi.
Connect Apple TV to your TV using an HDMI connection.
Activate AirPlay on your iPad.
In the AirPlay settings panel, find your TV model and select.
On your TV, select the HDMI port as the signal source.
And the final touch: turn on video replay on your iPad.
Everything is ready for the big screen.

In fact, this method has no disadvantages, except for its high cost. The set-top box allows you to work with your iPad through the big screen at any time, as well as synchronize other devices with your TV. At the same time, high connection quality is maintained.

Google Chromecast

An alternative synchronization method to the Apple TV set-top box. For it to work you will need:

Availability of an HDMI port on your TV.
Working Google Chromecast device. It is shaped like a flash drive.
Your iPad is at hand.

For a stable connection, you need to complete several important steps:

Connect Google Chromecast to the HDMI port and restart your TV.
Download GoogleHome from the AppStore. Install and run.
After launch, click on the “Start” and “Configure” buttons.
Open your account on GoogleHome.
Turn on the Bluetooth connection.
The program will find Google Chromecast.
We synchronize, click “confirm” on the TV.
A code will appear on the TV screen; enter it in the program.
The broadcast has started successfully.

The main advantages of this technology:

cheap set-top box compared to its Apple counterpart;
stable connection despite the low price.

There is actually only one minus - it is the inability to transmit images in quality higher than Full HD, according to some sources 720 HD. Despite this, the set-top box is an excellent alternative option for those who want to quickly and inexpensively get a stable daily connection between their iPad and TV.

Jailbreak

In fact, the technology of hacking an iPad and then turning it into a useless hard drive. After using Jailbreak, you will be able to freely transfer and watch any files to other devices. Add new USB connectivity options to your iPad. But at the same time you will get several significant disadvantages:

stopping the warranty on your device;
inability to update the system.

The advantages include:

Applications prohibited in the official store that will make it possible to expand the functionality of the iPad.
Free installation of pirated premium applications.
Early models can be used with any SIM cards.

Whether or not to hack your iPad is up to you to decide. The procedure is illegal and pirated - so we definitely do not recommend it to you. But as part of the review, they couldn’t pass by and not tell us.

Google ChromeCast

To connect, you can use not only a set-top box from the company, but also a special additional device from Google - Google ChomeCast. This device is no different in appearance from a regular and familiar flash drive, however, it has many advantages. Connection occurs directly via HDMI:

First, you need to connect the necessary adapter to the Internet and TV;
After this, you need to configure it through a special utility. It is downloaded through an additional store from Apple;
Now that all the necessary parameters have been adjusted, the user can display the image on the screen using the Internet. Typically the delay is minimal. Possible in a few seconds.

This device is a truly reliable transmitter that will help you display the necessary content in HD quality. This chip costs about $50. The price depends on the seller.

How to connect a tablet via Google Chomecast

One of the options for connecting a smartphone or tablet is an additional device for Google Chomecast TV. This adapter looks like a regular flash drive or USB drive. It connects to the TV via an HDMI interface.

The sequence of connecting an iPad tablet to a TV via a Google Chomecast adapter:

Turn on the adapter after connecting it to the TV. Set it up according to the instructions.
Download an application to your gadget to work with Google Chomecast through the Apple Store.
Go to the Wi-Fi connection settings and find Chomecast as the signal source.

After connecting the tablet to the TV, you can stream photo and video content. The transmission is carried out via a wireless Wi-Fi network. Ultimate image quality – Full HD or HD. The new 4K format is not supported. The cost of the latest version of the adapter is about 3,000 rubles.

Jailbreak

This method significantly expands the user's ability to connect a TV via USB, however, it is illegal. Using jailbreaking, the user automatically solves his device warranty, that is, when contacting the server, the person will be denied repairs, since the firmware was hacked.

The process itself usually resembles a USB connection, but before this you need to install a special application, as well as:

Enter the settings of the iPad and its memory and delete the update that was downloaded earlier. Restart the device;
After this, it’s worth making a backup of the necessary information;
Disable auto-update.

You will have to install the program through unofficial sources. After installing the program, click on settings and go to the main section. Then tap on the “Device Management” item. The user must enter the certificate as trusted.

Let's activate Chimera - semi-tethered jailbreaking. It loses its settings after a week, and then we reboot the tablet. After this, the user is able to connect to the TV without problems.

Note! Using this method, the user risks and loses the warranty on the device. It is necessary to weigh the pros and cons before the procedure.

DLNA setup

DLNA are applications that act as intermediaries between the TV and the tablet. Synchronization occurs using the Internet to which both devices are connected. To carry out quality work, you must first make sure that the TV is capable of reproducing the required program. It must be equipped with Smart TV function. To connect you need several devices:

The tablet itself;
TV;
Router.

It is also worth downloading in advance any application that is suitable for this purpose. To do this, you can use nPlayer - a good application for connecting. The user needs to connect the TV using a cable to increase the stability of the connection. No more equipment is required.

You need to connect your tablet and TV to the same router. After that, launch the application and perform synchronization.

What problems may arise during connection and how to solve them

It's not always possible to connect your iPad to your TV the first time. To solve possible problems, you can use the following table:

Problem	Solution
No picture when using a wired HDMI or VGA connection	Check which connector is selected as the signal source (if the tablet is connected to HDMI 2, then the source should also be HDMI 2)
TV does not appear in the list of available ones, despite the fact that both devices are connected to the same router	Go to TV settings and allow SmartShare connection
Image interruptions occur when using a wireless connection	Place the router closer to both devices or use a special attachment

When connecting wired, you need to check the reliability of the connection between the adapter and the cable. If there are several HDMI outputs on the back of the TV and they are not labeled, then after connecting you will need to check each source in turn. Sooner or later, when you select one of the HDMI connectors, an image will appear.

Output to devices from different companies

Different devices have their own connection characteristics. These devices also include different TVs from different companies. It is worth considering in detail the output of images to different companies.

Samsung SmartView for iPad

This is a special program that helps you watch videos from your tablet and use the device as a remote control. First, you need to connect the iPad to the TV wirelessly, and then Install the program:

Install the application through official sources;
Open it to the TV;
We choose a TV from Samsung for a wireless connection;
Then tap on “Allow”;
The application will automatically connect to the desired TV, after which you can watch it.

Sony Bravia

Sony has its own program - Bravia. Before connecting, you need to make sure that the TV is connected to the same router. After this, you need to look at the new firmware and update it if necessary.

To set up Internet Direct, you should:

Click on the Wi-fi button on the Sony;
After that, connect to the iPad;
Now we indicate the code that is displayed on the TV directly on the iPad;
After that, go to the iPad settings and connect Direct Bravia;
Enter the code given on the iPad;
We wait until the connection takes place.

Note! If the connection is unsuccessful, then make sure that the password is entered correctly.

On an iPad with jailbreak

If a person has an iPhone, iPod or other iPad with jailbreak, then it will be possible to broadcast using AirPlay technology without using Apple TV. To turn your Apple device into an AirPlay receiver, you will need to follow these steps:

On a device with Jailbreak, go to Cydia, find and install the AirFloat application.
Connect a jailbroken iPhone or iPad to a TV or monitor using an adapter and an HDMI cable.
Launch the AirFloat application.
Start broadcasting from your main tablet using AirPlay technology.

Just like streaming to Apple TV, the iPad and the Jailbroken device must be connected to the same network.

You can use an old iPhone or iPod as a receiver. If it does not have a jailbreak, you will need to do it first, following special instructions. After completing all the steps, the outdated device can be used for Airplay technology and fast connection to TV. In this case, you do not need to purchase a special attachment.