The three ways to connect: wireless, cable, or casting
You can connect an Android phone to a TV in three ways: wireless casting (the easiest if your TV supports it), a physical cable (the most reliable), or screen mirroring (which works on older TVs). Which one works depends on what TV you own and what you want to do — watch videos, show photos, or use your phone as a remote control.
Wireless casting sends video and audio from your phone to your TV without a cable. It works best for streaming apps, photos, and videos. A cable connection gives you a direct link and works on almost any TV, but limits how far you can move your phone. Screen mirroring shows everything on your phone's screen on the TV, which is useful for presentations or gaming but uses more battery.
Before you start, check what ports your TV has. Look at the back or side of your TV for HDMI ports (the most common), USB-C ports, or older connections like composite (red, white, yellow cables). Your phone's manual or the manufacturer's website will tell you what it supports.
Key Takeaways
- Wireless casting through Google Cast, Miracast, or your TV's built-in app is fastest if your TV supports it and your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- A USB-C to HDMI cable or USB-C to HDMI adapter works on most newer Android phones and any TV with an HDMI port, and requires no setup beyond plugging it in.
- Older Android phones may need a Micro USB adapter instead, and you should check your phone's specs before buying a cable.
- Screen mirroring drains your phone's battery faster than casting and works best for short presentations or gaming rather than long video watching.
- If wireless casting fails, restart both your phone and TV, check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and make sure your TV's casting feature is turned on in its settings.
Wireless casting with Google Cast or your TV's app
Most modern TVs have built-in casting support. Samsung TVs use SmartThings, LG uses AirPlay and Miracast, Sony uses Bravia Core, and TCL uses Google Cast. Check your TV's remote or settings menu to see which one yours has. If you are not sure, look up your TV model number (usually on a sticker on the back) and search for "[TV brand] casting" online.
To cast from your Android phone, open the app you want to use — YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, or any other app that supports casting. Look for a cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner). Tap it, select your TV from the list, and the video or content will start playing on your TV. Your phone becomes a remote: you can pause, rewind, or change the volume from the app on your phone.
If you do not see a cast icon in your app, your phone and TV may not be on the same Wi-Fi network. Both devices must be connected to the same network for casting to work. Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings and confirm they are both on the same network name. If they are, restart both devices and try again.
Using a USB-C to HDMI cable for a wired connection
A wired connection is the most straightforward method if your phone has a USB-C port. You need a USB-C to HDMI cable or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (a small device that plugs into your phone's charging port and has an HDMI port on the other end). These cost between $15 and $40 and work with almost any TV that has an HDMI port.
Plug the USB-C end into your phone and the HDMI end into an available HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input using the remote or the input button. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. You can use your phone normally — open apps, take photos, or play games — and everything shows on the TV.
Some phones charge while connected via USB-C to HDMI, but not all do. If your phone's battery drains quickly during use, you may need to plug it into power separately. Check your phone's manual or the cable manufacturer's website to see whether charging works with that specific cable.
Micro USB cables for older Android phones
If your phone has a Micro USB port instead of USB-C (common on phones from 2015 to 2018), you will need a Micro USB to HDMI adapter. These are less common than USB-C adapters and may be harder to find in stores, but you can order them online. The connection works the same way: plug the Micro USB end into your phone, plug the HDMI end into your TV, and switch to that HDMI input.
Micro USB adapters are less reliable than USB-C ones because the older port is more fragile. If the connection keeps dropping or your TV does not recognize your phone, try a different adapter or a different HDMI port on your TV. Some older phones also do not support HDMI output at all, even with an adapter — check your phone's manual before buying a cable.
Screen mirroring for presentations and gaming
Screen mirroring shows your entire phone screen on the TV, including notifications, status bar, and everything else. It is useful for presentations, gaming, or showing photos to a group, but it uses more power and may have a slight delay compared to casting.
To enable screen mirroring on Android, swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full quick settings menu. Look for "Cast", "Screen Mirroring", or "Wireless Display". Tap it and select your TV from the list. Your phone screen will appear on the TV. To stop, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect".
Screen mirroring works best on the same Wi-Fi network, though some TVs support Miracast, which does not require Wi-Fi. If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure it is turned on and on the same network as your phone. Some older TVs do not support screen mirroring at all — in that case, use a cable connection instead.
Troubleshooting when the connection fails
If your TV does not appear in the cast list, restart both your phone and TV. Turn off your TV completely (not just standby), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone the same way. Then try casting again. This fixes most connection problems.
If restarting does not work, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Go to your phone's Settings > Wi-Fi and your TV's Settings > Network and confirm the network name is the same on both. If your Wi-Fi password recently changed, your TV may still be connected to the old network — disconnect it and reconnect with the new password.
If you are using a cable connection and your TV shows "No Signal", try a different HDMI port on your TV. Some ports are reserved for specific functions and may not work for phone input. Also check that the cable is fully plugged in on both ends — a loose connection is the most common reason a cable stops working.
If your phone gets very hot during casting or mirroring, disconnect it and let it cool down. Casting uses your phone's processor and Wi-Fi radio, which generate heat. If it happens repeatedly, your phone may have a hardware problem — contact the manufacturer or a repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special app to cast from my Android phone?
No. Casting is built into Android and most apps that support it. You do not need to read anything. Just look for the cast icon in the app you are using. If the app does not have a cast icon, it does not support casting — use a cable connection instead.
Can I use my phone while casting to the TV?
Yes, with casting. You can use other apps on your phone, answer calls, or check messages while video plays on your TV. With screen mirroring, everything you do on your phone shows on the TV, so it is less practical for multitasking.
What if my TV is very old and does not have HDMI?
You will need a USB-C to composite video adapter (red, white, yellow cables), which is rare and may not work reliably. A cable connection is usually not practical for very old TVs. Wireless casting is your best option if your TV supports it, even if it is old.
Does casting use a lot of data or drain my phone battery?
Casting uses Wi-Fi, not cellular data, so it does not count against your phone plan. It does drain battery faster than normal use because your phone is actively sending video and audio. Screen mirroring drains battery even faster. If you plan to cast for more than an hour, plug your phone into power.
Can I cast from my phone to multiple TVs at once?
No. Most phones can only cast to one device at a time. If you want to show the same content on multiple TVs, you will need to cast to each one separately or use a cable connection to one TV and have people gather around.