Holiday photos look a lot better on a 55-inch screen than passed around on a phone. The same goes for a YouTube video everyone wants to watch, a slideshow for a family get-together, or a presentation in a meeting room.
There are a few ways to connect your phone to a TV, and the right one depends on your phone and your TV. This guide covers wireless options first, since they are the most convenient, and then cables for when Wi-Fi lets you down.
Before you start
- For wireless methods, your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Know what kind of TV you have. Is it a Google TV or Android TV, a Samsung or LG smart TV, a Roku or Fire TV, or a regular TV with a streaming stick plugged in? That decides which method works best.
Option 1: Cast from an app (Android and iPhone)
This is the best option for video. Many apps, including YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and Spotify, have a Cast button: a small rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner.
- Open the app and start a video.
- Tap the Cast icon.
- Pick your TV from the list.
The video plays directly on the TV, so your phone is free. You can lock it, reply to messages or even leave the room without stopping playback. Casting works with Google TV, Android TV, Chromecast and many smart TVs that have Chromecast built in.
Option 2: Mirror your Android screen
Mirroring shows exactly what is on your phone’s screen, which is useful for photos, apps without a Cast button, or presentations.
On most Android phones:
- Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Screen cast, Cast, or Smart View (on Samsung phones).
- Choose your TV.
If you do not see the tile, tap the pencil icon in Quick Settings to add it. Samsung’s Smart View works especially smoothly with Samsung TVs. On Google TV and Chromecast devices, you can also use the Google Home app: select the device and tap Cast my screen.
Option 3: AirPlay from an iPhone
iPhones use AirPlay, which works with Apple TV and with many recent smart TVs from brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio that support AirPlay.
To mirror your whole screen:
- Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner).
- Tap the Screen Mirroring button (two overlapping rectangles).
- Select your TV. If a code appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone.
To play just a video or photo, look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle) inside the app and tap it.
If your TV does not support AirPlay or Chromecast, an inexpensive streaming stick that does is usually the simplest upgrade.
Option 4: Use an HDMI cable
A wired connection has no lag and does not depend on Wi-Fi, which makes it great for gaming, presentations, hotels with tricky networks, and older TVs.
For iPhones with USB-C (iPhone 15 and later): use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable, plug it into the TV’s HDMI port, and switch the TV input to that port.
For iPhones with Lightning: use Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter and a regular HDMI cable. Cheap no-name Lightning adapters often do not work with protected content.
For Android phones: many flagship phones support video output over USB-C (sometimes called DisplayPort Alt Mode), and a USB-C to HDMI adapter works. Many budget and mid-range phones do not support this, so check your phone’s specifications before buying an adapter. Samsung’s DeX turns supported Galaxy phones into a desktop-style setup when connected to a TV or monitor.
Troubleshooting
- TV does not appear in the list: confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network), restart the TV and the phone, and update the TV’s software.
- Choppy video: move closer to the router, or switch to a 5 GHz network. Our tips to speed up your home Wi-Fi help here.
- Black screen with Netflix or similar apps while mirroring: some apps block screen mirroring for copyright reasons. Use the app’s Cast or AirPlay button instead.
- No sound on TV: check the TV’s volume and input, then turn the phone’s media volume up.
Want to move files rather than display them? See our guides on how to transfer files between Android and PC. Google also has setup help for casting on its Chromecast help site.
Quick recap
To connect your phone to a TV, use an app’s Cast button for video, Screen cast or Smart View to mirror an Android phone, and Screen Mirroring via AirPlay on an iPhone. If wireless is not an option, a USB-C or Lightning to HDMI adapter gives a reliable, lag-free connection.
