How to transfer video from iPhone to Android TV - 7 proven methods

Transferring video from iPhone to a TV from Android TV is a problem faced by millions of users. Despite the fact that both platforms are developed by different companies (Apple and Google), there are at least 7 working methods of synchronization. The main problem is the closed ecosystem iOS, which does not support standard protocols for exchanging data with Androiddevices directly. However, there are workarounds - from wireless technologies to physical connections.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods, compare them by transmission speed, video quality and convenience use. You will learn how to transfer videos without losing resolution, which applications actually work in 2026, and what pitfalls await when using USB cables or cloud services. We will pay special attention to solutions for 4K HDRcontent and video in format HEVC (H.265), which often cause compatibility problems.

1. Transfer via AirPlay (the best method for owners of Apple TV 4K)

If you have one at home Apple TV 4K (or an older model with support AirPlay 2), this method will be the simplest and most reliable. Technology AirPlay allows you to broadcast video from iPhone to the TV in original quality, including Dolby Vision and Atmosif your Android TV is connected to Apple TV via HDMI.

How it works:

📱 Make sure that iPhone and Apple TV are connected to the same network Wi-Fi 5 GHz (for minimal delays).
🖥️ On the TV, select the signal source - Apple TV (via HDMI).
🔄 On iPhone open the video, click the icon "Share" (or "AirPlay" in the player) and select your Apple TV.

⚠️ Attention: If the video is not broadcast or is jerky, check the network settings. Apple TV and iPhone must be in the same subnet (for example, both on 192.168.1.xIf the router supports Wi-Fi 6, enable it for stability.

Method	Max resolution	Latency (ms)	Do you need software
AirPlay (via Apple TV)	4K HDR (Dolby Vision)	50–150	No
Google Cast (YouTube, Google Photos)	1080p (4K with restrictions)	200–500	Yes (application)
USB cable (MFi)	Original	—	Yes (file manager)

2. Using Google Cast (Chromecast or built-in Android TV)

If you have no Apple TV, but there is a TV with Android TV and support Google Cast (or connected Chromecast), you can transmit video through applications that support this technology. Unfortunately, iOS does not have built-in support. data-i="99">, so you will have to use workarounds. Miracast, so you'll have to use workarounds.

List of applications that support Cast from iPhone to Android TV:

🎬 YouTube - broadcasting any videos from the application (including personal downloads).
📷 Google Photos - viewing videos and photos from the cloud (max. 1080p).
🎵 VLC for mobile - supports DLNA and local Cast.
📺 LocalCast - paid application for streaming local files.

Instructions for YouTube:

Open the video in the application YouTube on iPhone.
Click the icon "Broadcast" (in the upper right corner).
Select your Android TV or Chromecast from the list.

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If the video in Google Photos is broadcast in low quality, check the application settings: Settings → Backup → Download QualityFor original quality, a paid Google One subscription is required.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcast via Google Cast video can be automatically compressed to 1080p, even if the source is in 4K. This is a platform limitation, and you can only bypass it through. alternative methods (for example, USB or DLNA).

3. Direct USB connection (for large lossless files)

If you need to transfer video in original quality (for example, 4K 60fps or ProRes), the most reliable way is a physical connection via USB cable. However, there are nuances:

🔌 iPhone requires certified MFi cable (Made for iPhone) and adapter Lightning → USB-A (or USB-C for new models).
📁 Android TV must support OTG (On-The-Go) and have a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer).
🔒 On iPhone you need to allow access to files when you first connect ("Trust this computer").

Step-by-step guide:

Connect iPhone to Android TV via an adapter and cable.
On the TV, open the file manager and select the connected device (iPhone will appear as an external drive).
Go to the folder DCIM → 100APPLE (for video from the camera) or Downloads (for downloaded files).
Copy the files to the local storage of the TV or to a connected flash drive.

The cable is MFi certified|The adapter supports data transfer (not only charging)|Android TV has a file manager|iPhone is unlocked and trusts the device-->

⚠️ Attention: Some TVs (for example, models Sony Bravia 2018–2020) may not recognize iPhone as a drive due to firmware limitations. In this case, it will help intermediate USB hub with external power.

4. Cloud services: iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox

If a physical connection is not available, and wireless methods are not suitable due to quality limitations, you can use cloud storage. This method is universal, but depends on the Internet speed and can take time for large files (for example, 10 GB 4K video will download ~30 minutes at a speed of 50 Mbit/s).

Comparison of services:

Service	Max. free space	Download speed	4K support
iCloud	5 GB	Medium	Yes
Google Drive	15 GB	High	Yes (with restrictions)
Dropbox	2 GB	Low (limits)	Yes

How to transfer video via Google Drive:

To iPhone download video in Google Drive (via an application or browser).
On Android TV open Google Drive (install from Google Playif not).
Find the file and play it through the built-in player or VLC.

Why can videos in Google Drive be played in low quality?

Google Drive automatically optimizes the video for viewing in the browser. To get original quality, download the file to Android TV (via the "Three dots → Download" menu) and open it locally.

⚠️ Attention: When downloading a video in iCloud via the mobile data (not Wi-Fi), operators can block the transfer of large files. For example, MTS and Beeline limit traffic for cloud services after 10 GB per month.

5. Local network: DLNA and Plex Media Server

For advanced users who have a local network set up at home, the method using DLNA server or Plexis suitable. This will allow you to stream video from iPhone to Android TV without loss of quality and without dependence on the clouds.

What you will need:

🖥️ Computer or NAS (network storage) for distributing files.
📲 Application Plex or VLC on iPhone i Android TV.
🌐 All devices must be on the same network (preferably via cable for 4K).

Instructions for Plex:

Install Plex Media Server on a PC and add a folder with video.
On iPhone i Android TV Install the app Plex and sign in.
On your TV, select your server and play the video.

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Plex automatically converts the video to suit your TV's capabilities. If your Android TV doesn't support HEVC, Plex will transcode the file to H.264 on the fly (you'll need a powerful one). server).

⚠️ Attention: When used DLNA via VLC some formats (for example, MOV with a codec ProRes) may not be played on Android TV. preliminary conversion to MP4 (H.264) via HandBrake.

6. Alternative applications: VLC, Kodi, Send Files to TV

If standard methods do not work, third-party applications come to the rescue. They often offer more functions than built-in tools. but require configuration.

7. plays or is jerky

Even after successfully transferring the video to Android TV problems with playback may occur. Here are the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Video does not open	Unsupported codec (for example, ProRes)	Convert to `H.264` via HandBrake
Jergs when playback	Weak `Wi-Fi` or network overload	Connect the TV via cable or use `5 GHz`
No sound	Audio format `E-AC3` or Dolby Atmos	Recode audio to `AAC` or `MP3`

If the video in 4K HDR is played with artifacts, check:

🔧 Settings Android TV: go to Settings → Display and sound → Resolution and select 4K 60 Hz.
📶 Network speed: for 4K requires at least 25 Mbit/s a stable stream.
🔄 Codecs: install MX Player with a set Custom Codec for support HEVC.

Why doesn't Android TV see iPhone on the local network?

iOS by default blocks access to local network resources due to security policy. To bypass, use applications like FileExplorer or Feemthat create their own server.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer video from iPhone to Android TV without the Internet?

Yes, they are suitable for this:

Direct connection via USB (adapter required Lightning → USB).
Local transfer via Wi-Fi via applications like Send Files to TV or Feem.

Both methods work without access to the Internet, but require preliminary configuration.

Why is 4K video played in 1080p?

This limitation:

Google Cast (Chromecast) automatically lowers the resolution to 1080p when streaming from mobile devices.
HDMI ports some TVs (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S) are not supported 4K@60fps via USB-C.

Solution: use USB connection or Plex with direct playback (without transcoding).

Which application is the fastest for transferring large files?

According to 2026 tests:

USB cable - up to 40 MB/s (depending on the adapter).
Send Files to TV — up to 10 MB/s to Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
Google Drive — 1–5 MB/s (limited by Internet speed).

For files >5 GB is optimal USB or local FTP server (via FileZilla).

Is it possible to transfer video from iPhone to Android TV via Bluetooth?

Technically yes, but it is extremely ineffective:

Speed Bluetooth 5.0 is maximum 2 MB/s (for video in 1080p it will take ~10 minutes per 1 GB).
Many TVs do not support receiving files via Bluetooth (audio only).

We recommend using Wi-Fi Direct or USB instead of Bluetooth.

How to transfer video if Android TV does not support HEVC (H.265)?

There are three options:

Convert video to H.264 via HandBrake (settings: MP4, AAC audio).
Install a player on the TV that supports HEVC (for example, MX Player s Custom Codec).
Use Plex with transcoding on the server (you will need a powerful PC).

How to transfer video from iPhone to Android TV: all methods from fast to lossless quality