iOS: About Apple AV Adapter compatibility

Summary

This article outlines how to use the Apple AV adapter or VGA Adapter to connect your iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad, or iPod touch (4th generation) to an external TV, projector, or display.

Products Affected

iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

Video Mirroring

You can use the Apple Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter to display the contents of your iPad 2 or later and iPhone 4S screen to a compatible TV, projector, or other external display.

Apps "mirror" by default—the external display will show the same content as the iPad 2 or later or iPhone 4S screen—unless designed to display different output on the external display (see Video Out below). When first connecting, it may take up to 20 seconds for the device display to appear on the external display.

Video Out

Some apps do not mirror, but instead are designed to display video out on an external display. Use the Apple Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter to connect your iPhone 4, iPad, or iPod touch (4th generation) to an external TV, projector, or display to enjoy the video-out feature of these apps:

Videos  
Safari Video content on webpages
Photos Slideshow and video playback
YouTube  
Keynote Available in the App Store

Note: Some third-party apps also support video out. To determine if an app supports this feature, refer to the Info page for the app in the App Store, or contact the developer.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

If you encounter an issue using the Apple Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter:

  • Disconnect and reconnect the adapter from the iOS device and display.
  • Connect directly to the TV, projector, or external display using a known-good VGA or HDMI cable.
  • Remove any VGA or HDMI extension cables or converters.
  • Note that accessories that convert a VGA or HDMI signal to other video formats (DVI, Composite, Component) are not supported.
  • Ensure that you are using the latest version of iOS. Some Apple Digital AV Adapters require iOS 5.1 or later.

Note: When using an Apple Digital AV Adapter manufactured before early 2012 with iPad (3rd generation), you may see the "This accessory is not supported" alert. Dismissing the alert will allow you to use the adapter.

For optimal performance, you may need to adjust the video resolution or settings for your display. If your display offers an "auto detect" or "factory default" setting, you may be able to use these options to optimize video resolution and display.

Video output specifications

iPad 2 or later and iPhone 4S support video output up to 1080p. iPad, iPhone 4, and iPod touch (4th generation) support video output up to 720p.

HDCP requirements

iTunes Store movies (SD and HD) and TV shows (HD) require an HDCP digital connection such as the one provided when using the Apple Digital AV Adapter and HDMI cable. If you attempt to play this content using a non-HDCP digital connection, such as the Apple VGA Adapter, an alert will appear to let you know that an HDCP-compatible device is required. To view iTunes Store content using a non-HDCP digital connection, do one of the following:

  • Sync the SD version of the TV show
  • Use an Apple Component AV cable to play the HD version at 480p
  • Use an Apple Composite AV cable to play the HD version at 480i

Attempting to play rental content on a device that requires an HDCP digital connection may start the rental timer. Use one of the recommended Apple AV cables to view your rental before the time limit expires.

 

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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