Yes, you can connect your phone to a TV in several ways
Most phones made in the last five years can send their screen or video to a TV without any cables at all. The method depends on what phone and TV you own, but the most common route is a wireless connection called casting or mirroring. If your TV is older or you need a wired connection, you can plug a cable directly into your phone's charging port. Both approaches work; the choice comes down to what hardware you already have and whether you want the phone tethered to the TV or free to move around the room.
Key Takeaways
- Wireless casting (Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast) works if your TV was made after 2015 and your phone is the same brand or supports the same standard.
- Wired connections use an HDMI adapter that plugs into your phone's charging port and connect to any TV with an HDMI input, even older models.
- Android phones typically use Google Cast or Miracast; iPhones use AirPlay; some TVs have their own casting system built in.
- Wireless casting drains your phone battery faster than normal use, so plug in your phone if you plan to watch for more than an hour.
Wireless casting: how it works and what you need
Wireless casting sends video from your phone to your TV over your home WiFi network. Your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network, and your TV must support one of three casting standards: Google Cast (used by Android phones and many TV brands), AirPlay (Apple's system for iPhones and iPads), or Miracast (a Windows and Android standard that some TVs support). Most TVs made after 2015 have at least one of these built in; check your TV's manual or settings menu to see which one.
To cast from an Android phone, open the app you want to watch (YouTube, Netflix, a web browser), look for a cast icon that looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner, tap it, and select your TV's name. The video plays on the TV while you control it from your phone. To cast from an iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV. The entire phone screen appears on the TV, not just one app.
If your TV does not have casting built in, you can add it with a separate device. A Google Chromecast (a small stick that plugs into an HDMI port) costs around $30 and adds Google Cast to any TV. Apple TV is pricier but adds AirPlay and works with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Roku devices support all three standards and cost $30 to $50 depending on the model.
Wired connections: HDMI adapters for any phone and TV
A wired connection guarantees compatibility with any TV, even a 20-year-old model with only composite inputs. You need an adapter that converts your phone's charging port to HDMI. For Android phones, look for a USB-C to HDMI adapter (if your phone charges via USB-C) or a Micro-USB to HDMI adapter (if it charges via Micro-USB). For iPhones, you need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. These adapters cost $15 to $40 and are sold at electronics stores and online.
Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV's HDMI input, and switch the TV to that HDMI input. Your phone's screen appears on the TV when ready. Unlike wireless casting, a wired connection does not drain your phone's battery as quickly, and you can charge your phone while it is connected if the adapter supports it (some do, some do not — check the product description).
The main drawback is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, so you cannot walk around the room or hand the phone to someone else without moving the TV or the cable. Wired connections also do not work with all apps — some streaming services block video output over HDMI adapters for copyright reasons, though audio usually still works.
Casting drains your phone battery faster
Wireless casting uses your phone's WiFi radio and screen at full brightness for the entire time you are watching, which drains the battery much faster than normal use. Most phones lose 10 to 15 percent of their battery per hour while casting, compared to 3 to 5 percent during normal use. If you plan to watch for more than an hour, plug your phone into a charger before you start.
Wired connections also draw power from your phone's battery, but the drain is smaller because the phone's screen can turn off while the TV displays the video. Some HDMI adapters include a second USB port that lets you charge your phone while it is connected, which solves the problem entirely.
What to do if casting does not work
If you tap the cast icon and your TV does not appear in the list, the most common reason is that your phone and TV are not on the same WiFi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID) in their WiFi settings. If they are on the same network and the TV still does not appear, restart both devices and try again.
If your TV is very old or does not support casting, a wired HDMI adapter is your only option. If you do not want to buy an adapter, you can connect your phone to a monitor or projector instead, as long as it has an HDMI input — the process is identical.
Some streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video) block casting from certain regions or account types. If you see a "casting not supported" message, check the app's settings or contact the streaming service. Casting usually works fine with YouTube, web browsers, and most other apps.
Comparing wireless and wired: which is right for you
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | Works With | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless casting (built-in TV) | $0 | 30 seconds | Any phone with casting support | Quick, frequent use; no cables |
| Chromecast or Roku device | $30–$50 | 5 minutes | Android, iPhone, web browsers | Older TVs; multiple devices |
| HDMI adapter (wired) | $15–$40 | 1 minute | Any TV with HDMI input | may provide compatibility; longer sessions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smart TV to cast my phone to it?
No. Any TV made after 2015 with an HDMI input can receive a cast if you add a Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV device. Older TVs need a wired HDMI adapter instead. The TV itself does not need to be smart.
Can I use my phone as a remote while casting?
Yes, for most apps. When you cast YouTube, Netflix, or a web browser, your phone becomes the remote — you control playback, volume, and navigation from the phone while the video plays on the TV. Some apps do not support this; check the app's documentation.
Will casting work if my WiFi is slow?
Casting depends on WiFi speed. If your connection is below 10 Mbps, video may stutter or drop. Move closer to your router, reduce the number of devices on your network, or use a wired connection instead. Wired HDMI adapters do not depend on WiFi at all.
Can I cast from my phone to multiple TVs at once?
No. One phone can only cast to one TV at a time. If you want to show the same video on multiple TVs, you need a separate casting device (Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV) for each one, or use a wired connection to each TV in sequence.
What if my phone does not have a USB-C or Lightning port?
Older phones use Micro-USB or proprietary charging ports. Look up your phone's exact model and charging port type, then search for "[port type] to HDMI adapter" online. Most older phones have adapters available, though they may be harder to find than newer ones.