Play iPad Videos on TV
Do you have a video on your iPad that you want to show off to everyone in the house? Do you wish you could watch Netflix on the big screen instead of squinting at your iPad? With the right software and hardware, streaming video from your iPad to your TV is a snap. See Step 1 below to learn how.
Contents
Steps
AirPlay
- Check that your hardware is compatible. In order to use AirPlay, you will need an iPad 2 or newer. The original iPad will not work with AirPlay. You will also need a second generation or newer Apple TV box.
- The iPad 2 released in 2011. Original iPads have the model number A1219 or A1337.
- The second generation Apple TV released late 2010.
- Both devices must be upgraded to the Update-iOS-Software-on-an-iPad. This will ensure that you get the best quality picture.
- Turn on your TV and the Apple TV box. Your TV should be turned to the input that the Apple TV is connected to. You will see the Apple TV interface if everything is hooked up correctly.
- See this guide for detailed instructions on setting up your Apple TV for the first time.
- Check the AirPlay section of the settings menu to ensure that AirPlay is enabled.
- Connect your iPad to your network. In order to use AirPlay, your iPad will need to be on the same network as your Apple TV. See Connect-Your-iPad-to-the-Internet for details on connecting an iPad to a wireless network.
- Start the video you want to stream. You can stream videos directly to your Apple TV by opening the video on your iPad and then tapping the AirPlay button. This button is located next to the "Next" button on the playback controls.
- You can control playback during streaming by using the playback buttons that appear on the iPad screen.
- A variety of media apps allow AirPlay streaming as well, such as Netflix and Hulu+. Use the AirPlay button to send the signal to your Apple TV.
- Stream your entire screen. If you'd rather stream everything displayed on your iPad screen instead of just specific videos, you can turn on screen sharing in the Control Center.
- If you are using iOS 7, swipe up from the bottom of the Home Screen to open the Control Center, and then tap the AirPlay button and select your Apple TV from the menu.
- If you are using iOS 6, double-tap the Home button and then swipe the bar at the bottom to the right. Tap the AirPlay button in the Control Center and select your Apple TV from the menu.
- You can toggle Mirroring on and off from the Control Center as well. If Mirroring is on, the iPad and the TV will both show the same screen.
A/V Adapter
- Purchase a Digital A/V Adapter. These connectors are made by Apple and allow you to physically connect your iPad to your TV. There are two types of connectors: Lightning connectors and 30-pin connectors. The iPad 2 will require the 30-pin version, while any newer iPads use the Lightning connector.
- You will notice slightly lower video quality with the 30-pin connector.
- Plug the adapter into your iPad. Insert the adapter into the charging port of the iPad. Ensure that you are inserting it in the correct direction so that the pins in the connector aren't damaged (it inserts just like the charging cable).
- Connect the adapter to your TV. Depending on your adapter, you may have a couple different choices. The newer Lightning adapters connect via HDMI. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter, and the other into an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Older adapters may use component cables, which plug into the color-coded ports on the back or side of your TV.
- If your TV doesn't have an HDMI port but you are using the Lightning adapter, you will need a second adapter to convert the HDMI port to component cables.
- Turn on your TV. Switch it to the input that you plugged your HDMI or component cables into. The ports are labeled on the TV itself so you'll be able to seer which input you need to select on the TV.
- Watch your videos. Your iPad's screen will be mirrored on your TV, showing exactly what appears on the iPad. Use your iPad to open the video you want to show. Some apps will have slightly different interfaces when using this method (e.g. Netflix will display the Netflix logo on the TV until you select a video on the iPad).
Smart TV
- Connect your Smart TV to your home network. In order to stream content from your iPad to your TV, your TV needs to have network-capabilities, and needs to be connected to your home network.
- The process for connecting your TV to your network varies from TV to TV. Consult your TV's documentation or support page for instructions on connecting the TV to your home network.
- Download a streaming app. In order to send data to the TV, you will need an app that allows you to connect to Smart TVs on your network. One of the most popular apps is iMediaShare.
- The free version will allow you to stream pictures and videos that are on your iPad already. In order to use the additional streaming options you will need the paid version.
- Open the app. After a moment, the content on your iPad will load. You will be able to select any image or video stored on your iPad.
- Tap on a video. Selecting a video will pull up a menu of all the connected devices on your network. Choose your Smart TV from the list. If your TV is not listed, tap the "Others (Undetected)" option and follow the prompts to try to detect your TV.
- Watch your video. After selecting your TV from the list of options, the video will begin playing on the TV screen. You can control playback from the app on the iPad.
- If you are experiencing poor performance, it may be because your TV is connected wirelessly. Try connecting your Smart TV via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, or place your iPad closer to your router.
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