Before you start
- A smart TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV
- Phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network
- Or a USB-C/Lightning to HDMI adapter
Method 1 Android to Chromecast or Google TV
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Step 1: Connect to the same Wi-Fi
Make sure the phone and the Chromecast/Google TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
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Step 2: Open Cast
Swipe down twice from the top and tap Cast or Screen cast. If it’s not there, tap the pencil icon to add it to Quick Settings. Or open the Google Home app, tap your TV and tap Cast my screen.
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Step 3: Pick your TV
Select your TV and tap Start now. Your screen appears on the TV.
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Step 4: Stop mirroring
Swipe down and tap Disconnect in the casting notification.
Method 2 Samsung Galaxy to a smart TV (Smart View)
Other Android brands have the same feature under names like Wireless display, Screen mirroring, Cast or Smart cast.
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Step 1: Open Smart View
Swipe down twice and tap Smart View.
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Step 2: Choose the TV
Select your TV from the list. Samsung smart TVs, and most TVs that support Miracast (LG, Sony, Hisense, TCL, Fire TV and others), appear here.
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Step 3: Allow on the TV
Accept the connection request on the TV, or enter the PIN it shows.
Method 3 iPhone to Apple TV or AirPlay TVs
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Step 1: Connect to the same Wi-Fi
Put the iPhone and the TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
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Step 2: Open Screen Mirroring
Open Control Center (swipe down from the top right corner) and tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles).
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Step 3: Select the TV
Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV (many Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio and Roku models). Enter the code shown on the TV.
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Step 4: Stop
Open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring and choose Stop Mirroring.
Method 4 Use a cable (works with almost any TV)
Cheaper Android phones often don’t support video over USB-C. Check your phone’s specifications for “DisplayPort Alt Mode” or “video out”.
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Step 1: Get the right adapter
iPhone 15 and later, and most recent Android phones with USB-C: a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable. Older iPhones: Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
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Step 2: Connect
Plug the adapter into your phone and an HDMI cable into the TV, then select that HDMI input on the TV.
Troubleshooting
My TV doesn’t appear in the list
Check both devices are on the same Wi-Fi (not a guest network) and the TV is on. Turn on screen mirroring in the TV’s settings if needed, and restart the router, TV and phone.
Video is laggy or keeps dropping
Move closer to the router, use 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and close other apps using the internet. For games, a cable is best.
There’s no sound on the TV
Turn up the volume on the phone, not just the TV. Check the phone isn’t connected to Bluetooth headphones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mirror my phone to a TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes: use an HDMI adapter, or Miracast/Smart View, which can connect phone-to-TV directly on many TVs.
Can I mirror an iPhone to a non-Apple TV?
Yes, if the TV supports AirPlay 2. Otherwise use a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter, or a streaming stick that supports AirPlay.
Does screen mirroring use mobile data?
No. Mirroring happens over your local network. Streaming the video itself uses whatever connection the phone or TV uses.
Summary
On Android, tap Cast or Smart View; on iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring in Control Center. Keep both on the same Wi-Fi, and for movies use the Cast or AirPlay button inside the app for the best quality.
