Watching videos, photos or presentations on a small screen is fine for a while. But a big screen makes everything better. This guide explains how to connect your phone to a TV using screen mirroring, casting and cables, on both Android and iPhone.
Contents
- Casting vs screen mirroring: what’s the difference?
- Method 1: Cast with Chromecast or Google TV
- Method 2: Screen mirroring on Android
- Method 3: AirPlay from iPhone
- Method 4: Use an HDMI cable
- Method 5: Link YouTube with a TV code
- Why you can’t connect your phone to a TV
- Tips for the best picture and sound
- Frequently asked questions
- Can I mirror my phone to a TV that is not smart?
- Does screen mirroring use mobile data?
- Why is there a delay on the TV?
- Related on Froshvibes
Casting vs screen mirroring: what’s the difference?
Before you start, it helps to know the two main wireless options.
- Casting sends a video or song from an app, such as YouTube or Netflix, straight to the TV. Your phone acts like a remote, so you can use it for other things while the video plays.
- Screen mirroring shows everything on your phone screen on the TV, exactly as it appears. It’s useful for photos, presentations, games and apps without a cast button.
Casting usually gives better quality and uses less battery. Mirroring is more flexible.
Method 1: Cast with Chromecast or Google TV
Many smart TVs, including Android TV and Google TV models, have Chromecast built in. You can also plug a Chromecast stick into any TV with HDMI.
- Connect your phone and the TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open a supported app, such as YouTube.
- Tap the Cast icon (a small screen with Wi-Fi waves).
- Choose your TV from the list.
To mirror the whole screen instead, open the Google Home app, select your device and tap Cast my screen.
Method 2: Screen mirroring on Android
Most Android phones can mirror directly to smart TVs that support Miracast or similar standards.
- Turn on screen mirroring on the TV. It may be called Screen Mirroring, Screen Share or Smart View.
- On your phone, swipe down to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Smart View (Samsung), Cast, Screen Cast or Wireless display, depending on the brand.
- Select your TV and accept the prompt on the TV screen.
Samsung Galaxy phones work especially well with Samsung TVs, but Smart View also supports many other brands.
Method 3: AirPlay from iPhone
iPhones use AirPlay. It works with Apple TV and with many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and others that support AirPlay 2.
- Connect the iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Centre.
- Tap Screen Mirroring and choose your TV.
- Enter the code shown on the TV if asked.
Apple lists supported TVs and steps on its AirPlay support page.
Method 4: Use an HDMI cable
A cable gives the most reliable connection, with no Wi-Fi lag. It’s ideal for gaming and presentations.
- Android: use a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Your phone must support video output (often called DisplayPort Alt Mode). Many flagship Samsung phones do, but many budget phones don’t, so check before buying.
- iPhone 15 and newer: use a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Older iPhones: use Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
Plug the adapter into the phone, connect the HDMI cable to the TV and switch the TV to that HDMI input.
Method 5: Link YouTube with a TV code
If your TV has the YouTube app but casting doesn’t appear, open YouTube on the TV and go to Settings › Link with TV code. Then, in the phone app, tap your profile, choose Settings › Watch on TV › Link with TV code and enter the code. This works even when the devices don’t detect each other automatically.
Why you can’t connect your phone to a TV
If nothing works, check these common problems:
- Different Wi-Fi networks. Both devices must use the same network, and some routers isolate devices on guest networks.
- Outdated software. Update both the phone and the TV.
- Mirroring switched off on the TV. Check the TV’s network or connection settings.
- VPN or data saver. Turn them off temporarily, because they can block local devices.
- Protected content. Some streaming apps block mirroring but allow casting.
Mirroring for long periods also uses a lot of power and can heat the phone. Read our guide to phone overheating if it gets too warm, and keep it charging during long sessions. For better battery habits, see how to make your phone battery last longer.
Tips for the best picture and sound
Once your phone and TV are connected, a few small changes can improve the experience a lot.
- Turn your phone sideways. Landscape mode fills the TV screen instead of showing black bars.
- Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. It is faster and less crowded than 2.4 GHz, so video looks smoother.
- Move closer to the router. A strong signal reduces stuttering and lag.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb. Notifications won’t pop up on the big screen while family or colleagues are watching.
- Check the TV picture mode. “Movie” or “Cinema” modes often look more natural than “Vivid”.
For presentations, also lock screen rotation so slides don’t flip unexpectedly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mirror my phone to a TV that is not smart?
Yes. Use an HDMI cable, or plug a streaming stick such as Chromecast into the TV.
Does screen mirroring use mobile data?
Mirroring itself uses your local Wi-Fi. However, streaming a video still uses internet data from your Wi-Fi connection.
Why is there a delay on the TV?
Wireless mirroring always adds a small delay. For games, a cable works better.
Related on Froshvibes
