How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV

The three ways to connect: wireless, cable, or casting

You can connect your phone to your TV in three ways: wireless casting (AirPlay, Chromecast, or Miracast), a physical cable (HDMI or USB-C), or screen mirroring built into your TV's operating system. Wireless casting is the easiest for most people because you don't need cables and it works from across the room. A cable gives you the most reliable connection and works even if your WiFi is down. Screen mirroring is a middle ground — it's wireless but built into your TV, so it doesn't require a separate device.

Which method works for you depends on what phone you have, what TV you have, and what you're trying to do. If you want to show photos or videos to a group, casting is fastest. If you're playing a game or watching something that needs zero lag, a cable is more stable. If your TV is a few years old and doesn't have casting built in, you may need to buy a small adapter.

Key Takeaways

Wireless casting (AirPlay for iPhones, Chromecast for Android phones) works if your TV was made in the last five years and is connected to WiFi.
A USB-C or HDMI cable plugged directly into your phone and TV is the most reliable method and works on almost any TV, but you need the right cable for your phone model.
Screen mirroring built into your TV's menu (on Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands) is free and wireless but slower than casting apps.
If your TV is older or doesn't have wireless features, a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV device plugged into an HDMI port adds casting to any TV.
Test your connection before you need it — casting can drop if your WiFi signal is weak or if too many devices are connected.

Wireless casting with AirPlay (iPhones and iPads)

If you have an iPhone or iPad, AirPlay is the easiest wireless option. Your TV must be made by Apple (Apple TV), or it must be a Samsung, LG, Sony, or other brand TV made after 2018 that has AirPlay built in. To check if your TV supports AirPlay, look in your TV's settings menu under "AirPlay" or "Apple" — if it's there, your TV is compatible.

To cast with AirPlay: Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same WiFi network. Open the app you want to cast from (Photos, YouTube, Apple TV, or any app that supports AirPlay). Look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Tap it, then select your TV's name from the list. The content should appear on your TV within a few seconds.

If you don't see your TV in the list, restart your phone and TV, then try again. If your WiFi is slow or you have many devices connected, AirPlay may stall or drop. Moving your phone closer to the WiFi router or reducing the number of devices using WiFi can help.

Wireless casting with Chromecast (Android phones)

Chromecast is Google's casting system for Android phones. Your TV must have Chromecast built in (most Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brand TVs made after 2016 have it), or you need a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port. To check if your TV has Chromecast, look in the settings menu for "Chromecast" or "Google Cast" — if it's there, you're ready to go.

To cast with Chromecast: Connect your Android phone to the same WiFi network as your TV. Open the app you want to cast from (YouTube, Google Photos, Chrome browser, or any app with a cast icon). Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner. Tap it and select your TV's name. Your content will appear on the TV in a few seconds.

Chromecast works well for video and photos, but some apps don't support it. If you don't see a cast icon in an app, that app doesn't support Chromecast. Like AirPlay, Chromecast can drop if your WiFi is weak. If casting keeps stopping, try moving closer to your router or unplugging other devices from WiFi.

Using a cable: USB-C or HDMI

A physical cable is the most reliable way to connect your phone to your TV because it doesn't depend on WiFi. You need the right cable for your phone: iPhones use a USB-C to HDMI cable (iPhone 15 and newer) or a Lightning to HDMI cable (older iPhones). Android phones use a USB-C to HDMI cable. Both types cost between $15 and $40 and are sold at electronics stores and online.

To connect with a cable: Plug one end into your phone and the other into an HDMI port on your TV. Your TV should automatically switch to that HDMI input and show your phone's screen. If it doesn't, use your TV remote to select the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Your phone's screen will now appear on the TV, and you can use your phone normally — everything you do will show up on the big screen.

A cable connection works for everything: photos, videos, apps, games, and web browsing. It's also faster than wireless, so there's no lag if you're playing a game or typing. The downside is you're tethered to the TV by a cable, and you can't control the TV from across the room without walking back to your phone.

Screen mirroring built into your TV

Most modern TVs have a built-in screen mirroring feature that doesn't require a separate app or device. On Samsung TVs, it's called SmartThings or Screen Mirroring. On LG TVs, it's Screen Share. On Sony TVs, it's Screen Mirroring. On other brands, look in the settings menu for "mirroring," "casting," or "wireless display."

To use your TV's built-in mirroring: Make sure your phone and TV are on the same WiFi network. On your phone, open the settings menu and look for "Cast," "Screen Mirroring," or "Wireless Display." Select your TV's name from the list. Your phone's entire screen will appear on the TV. Everything you do on your phone — opening apps, scrolling, typing — will show up on the TV in real time.

Built-in screen mirroring is slower than casting apps like AirPlay or Chromecast, and it uses more battery on your phone. It's useful if you want to show your entire phone screen or if you're using an app that doesn't support casting. If your TV is older and doesn't have this feature, you can add it by plugging in a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV device.

Adding casting to an older TV

If your TV doesn't have casting built in, you can buy a small device that plugs into an HDMI port and adds casting. The three most common options are Google Chromecast (works with Android phones and iPhones), Amazon Fire TV Stick (works with Android phones and iPhones), and Apple TV (works best with iPhones but also works with Android phones). All three cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

To set up one of these devices: Plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. Connect it to your WiFi network using the setup instructions that come with it. Once it's set up, you can cast to it the same way you would cast to a TV with built-in casting. The device sits on a shelf or behind your TV and handles the wireless connection, so your TV doesn't need to be smart.

These devices also add other features like streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.), voice control, and remote controls. If you're buying a new TV anyway, it's worth getting one with casting built in to avoid needing an extra device. But if your current TV works fine otherwise, adding a casting device is cheaper than replacing the whole TV.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your phone and TV aren't connecting, start with the basics: Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Restart your phone and TV. Check that your TV is set to the correct input (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc., or the input where your casting device is plugged in). If you're using a cable, try a different USB port on your TV or a different cable.

If casting keeps dropping, your WiFi signal is probably weak. Move your phone closer to your WiFi router, or move your router closer to your TV. If you have many devices on your WiFi (phones, laptops, tablets, smart home devices), disconnect some of them and try again. Some routers have a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band — try connecting to the other band if one isn't working well.

If you see a message that says your phone and TV aren't compatible, check that your TV actually supports the casting method you're using. An older TV may not have AirPlay or Chromecast built in. If your phone is very old, it may not support the latest casting standards. In either case, a cable connection or a casting device will work as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to connect my phone to my TV?

No. A cable connection works without WiFi. Wireless casting (AirPlay, Chromecast, screen mirroring) requires WiFi on both your phone and TV. If your WiFi is down, use a USB-C to HDMI cable instead.

Can I charge my phone while it's connected with a cable?

Not with a standard HDMI cable — it only carries video, not power. Some newer USB-C cables support both video and charging, but you need to check the cable's specifications. A wireless connection lets your phone charge while you're casting.

Why does my casting keep stopping?

Weak WiFi is the most common cause. Move your phone closer to your router, or move the router closer to your TV. If many devices are using your WiFi, disconnect some of them. If your TV is far from your router, a WiFi extender can help.

Can I use my phone while I'm casting to my TV?

With AirPlay and Chromecast, yes — you can use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV. With screen mirroring, everything you do on your phone shows up on the TV, so you can't use it privately. With a cable, your phone screen is mirrored, so you can't use it for other things without stopping the connection.

What if my TV is too old to have casting built in?

Buy a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV device and plug it into an HDMI port. These devices add casting to any TV that has an HDMI port. Alternatively, use a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect your phone directly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.