How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV

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

You can connect your phone to a TV in three ways: wireless casting (AirPlay, Chromecast, or Miracast), a physical cable (HDMI or USB-C), or screen mirroring through your TV's built-in software. Which one works depends on what phone and TV you own, what you want to do, and whether you want to move around while you're using it.

Wireless casting is the most common choice because it works from across the room and doesn't require you to plug anything in. A physical cable gives you the most reliable connection and works with almost any TV, but you have to stay near the TV. Screen mirroring through your TV's own system (like Samsung SmartThings or LG's built-in software) works without extra apps, but only if your phone and TV are the same brand.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay works for iPhones and iPads to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TVs; Chromecast works for Android phones to Google TV or Chromecast-compatible TVs; Miracast works for Windows phones and some Android devices to compatible TVs.
A USB-C or HDMI cable plugged directly into your TV works with almost any phone and TV combination, though you may need an adapter if your phone doesn't have an HDMI port.
Before you try any method, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network if you're using wireless, or plugged in directly if you're using a cable.
If casting fails, restart both your phone and TV, forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnect, or try the cable method instead.

Wireless casting with AirPlay (iPhone and iPad)

If you have an iPhone or iPad, AirPlay is the built-in wireless method. It works to an Apple TV box, or to any TV that has AirPlay built in (many newer Samsung, LG, and Sony models do). Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad by swiping down from the top-right corner, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your TV from the list. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are and the TV still doesn't show up, restart your TV, then restart your iPhone. If you're using an older TV without AirPlay, you'll need either an Apple TV box (which plugs into your TV's HDMI port) or a cable connection instead.

Wireless casting with Chromecast (Android phones)

If you have an Android phone, Chromecast is Google's wireless casting system. It works to any TV with Google TV built in (most newer TVs have it), or to a separate Chromecast device you plug into your TV's HDMI port. Open the app you want to cast (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, or any app with a cast icon), tap the cast icon, and select your TV. The content will start playing on your TV within seconds.

If your TV doesn't appear, check that your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and your phone if the TV still doesn't show. If you're using an older Android phone or an older TV, you may need to read the Google Home app to set up Chromecast, or use a cable connection instead.

Direct cable connection (works with any phone and TV)

A physical cable is the most reliable method and works with any phone and any TV. You need either a USB-C to HDMI cable (if your phone has USB-C) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter plus an HDMI cable. Plug the USB-C end into your phone and the HDMI end into any HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input using the remote, and your phone's screen will appear.

If your phone is older and has a Micro-USB port instead of USB-C, you'll need a Micro-USB to HDMI adapter. If your phone has a Lightning port (older iPhones), you'll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. These adapters cost between $15 and $40 and are available at most electronics stores. The cable method drains your phone's battery faster than wireless casting, so plug your phone in if you plan to use it for more than an hour.

Screen mirroring through your TV's own system

Many newer TVs have built-in screen mirroring that doesn't require a separate device or app. On Samsung TVs, it's called SmartThings or Samsung DeX. On LG TVs, it's called Screen Share. On Sony TVs, it's called ScreenMirroring. These systems usually work only if your phone is the same brand as your TV (Samsung phone to Samsung TV, for example).

To use it, open your phone's settings, look for "Screen Mirroring" or "Smart View," and select your TV from the list. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV. If this option doesn't appear in your phone's settings, your TV may not support it, or you may need to enable it in your TV's settings first. Check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact steps.

What to do when the connection fails

If your phone won't connect to your TV, start with the basics: make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless methods), or make sure the cable is plugged in firmly on both ends (for cable methods). Restart your phone and your TV by turning them off completely and turning them back on.

If that doesn't work, forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnect to it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and tap "Forget." Then tap the network again and enter the password. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and tap "Forget." Then tap the network again and enter the password. After reconnecting, try casting again.

If wireless casting still doesn't work, try the cable method instead. A cable connection is more reliable and will work even if your Wi-Fi is slow or unstable. If the cable method works but wireless doesn't, the problem is likely your Wi-Fi network, not your phone or TV.

Choosing between wireless and cable for your situation

Use wireless casting if you want to move around the room, show content from multiple apps, or avoid plugging things in. It works well for watching videos, looking at photos, or sharing your screen during a presentation. Wireless casting uses more battery power than a cable, so expect your phone to drain faster.

Use a cable if you want the most reliable connection, plan to use your phone for more than an hour, or if your Wi-Fi is slow or unreliable. A cable also lets you charge your phone while you're using it (if you use a powered HDMI adapter). The downside is that you have to stay close to the TV and you can't easily switch between apps without unplugging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone as a remote control after I connect it to my TV?

Yes, but only with wireless casting. When you cast with AirPlay or Chromecast, your phone becomes a remote — you can pause, play, skip, and adjust volume from your phone. With a cable connection, your phone's screen just mirrors to the TV, so you can't use it as a remote.

Will connecting my phone to my TV slow down my Wi-Fi?

Wireless casting uses your Wi-Fi network, so if your Wi-Fi is already slow or crowded, casting may stutter or drop. A cable connection doesn't use Wi-Fi at all, so it won't affect your other devices. If casting is choppy, try moving your phone closer to the router or switching to a cable.

Do I need to buy anything extra to connect my phone to my TV?

For wireless casting, you don't need to buy anything if your TV has AirPlay or Chromecast built in. If it doesn't, you can buy an Apple TV box (around $100) or a Chromecast device (around $30 to $50). For a cable connection, you may need to buy a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter (around $15 to $40) if you don't already have one.

Can I connect my phone to my TV if we're not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No, wireless casting requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're at a hotel, office, or someone else's home and can't connect to the same network, use a cable instead. A cable connection doesn't need Wi-Fi at all.

What if my TV is very old and doesn't have any of these features?

An older TV without built-in casting can still work with a cable connection, or you can buy a separate device like an Apple TV box, Chromecast, or Roku stick that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. These devices add wireless casting to any TV. A cable connection will always work as long as your TV has an HDMI port.

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.