The fastest way: use Samsung's SmartThings app or screen mirroring

Most Samsung TVs connect to phones through SmartThings, Samsung's control app, or through screen mirroring, which shows your phone's display on the TV. SmartThings works for controlling the TV itself — changing channels, adjusting volume, launching apps. Screen mirroring works when you want to show photos, videos, or anything else from your phone on the big screen.

The method you use depends on what you want to do. If you're controlling the TV like a remote, use SmartThings. If you're displaying content from your phone, use screen mirroring. Both require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings app turns your phone into a remote and works on both Android and iPhones, but requires your TV and phone on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Screen mirroring displays your phone's screen on the TV and works through either SmartThings or your phone's built-in casting feature, depending on whether you have an Android or iPhone.
  • Older Samsung TVs may not support SmartThings and will need screen mirroring through Miracast (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone) instead.
  • Both methods require your TV to be a smart TV model — non-smart TVs need an external device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV to connect wirelessly.

Connecting with SmartThings to control your TV

read the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). Open the app and tap the plus sign or "Add Device" button. Select "TV" from the device type list. The app will search for Samsung TVs on your network.

When your TV appears in the list, tap it and follow the on-screen prompts. Your TV will display a PIN code — enter this into the app to confirm the connection. Once paired, you can use SmartThings to change inputs, adjust volume, open streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, and navigate menus without a physical remote.

If your TV doesn't appear in the search, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the app and try again. If it still doesn't work, your TV may be older and not compatible with SmartThings — in that case, use screen mirroring instead.

Screen mirroring from Android phones

On Android, screen mirroring is called casting. Pull down your notification panel twice to access Quick Settings. Look for "Cast," "Screen Cast," or "Wireless Display" — the exact name varies by phone maker. Tap it and select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices.

Your phone's screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. Everything you do on your phone — opening apps, scrolling, typing — shows on the TV in real time. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect."

If your TV doesn't appear in the cast list, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If it still doesn't show up, try opening SmartThings instead and using its screen mirroring option — tap the TV name, then look for a "Mirror" or "Screen Mirroring" button.

Screen mirroring from iPhones

iPhones use AirPlay instead of casting. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring" and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone's screen will appear on the TV.

Not all Samsung TVs support AirPlay natively — if your TV doesn't appear in the list, you have two options. First, try using SmartThings instead: open the app, select your TV, and look for a screen mirroring or mirror option. Second, if your TV is older, you may need an external device like an Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible Roku, or Fire TV Stick to bridge the connection.

To disconnect, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select "Stop Mirroring."

What to do if your TV isn't a smart TV

If your Samsung TV doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi or apps, it's not a smart TV and won't connect directly to your phone. You'll need an external streaming device. Popular options include Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast — all plug into your TV's HDMI port and add wireless casting capability.

Once you plug in the device and connect it to Wi-Fi, you can cast from your phone to that device instead of the TV. The process is the same: use your phone's casting feature or the device's companion app to send content to the screen.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your phone and TV won't connect, start with the basics: restart both devices and make sure they're on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your TV's Wi-Fi is turned on — go to Settings on the TV remote, find Network or Wi-Fi, and confirm it's enabled.

If SmartThings won't find your TV, try forgetting the network on your phone and reconnecting to it. Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, select your network, tap "Forget," then reconnect and enter the password again. Then open SmartThings and search for the TV once more.

If screen mirroring connects but the picture is choppy or keeps dropping, move your phone closer to the TV or router. Walls and distance weaken Wi-Fi signals. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart before trying again.

Using your phone to launch apps and control playback

Once connected through SmartThings, you can do more than just mirror your screen. The app lets you launch streaming services directly on the TV — tap the app icon in SmartThings and it opens on the TV without needing to navigate menus with a remote. You can also control playback: pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume all from your phone.

This is especially useful when you're watching something on your phone and want to move it to the TV. Open the video in your phone's app, look for a cast icon (usually in the top corner), select your TV, and the video continues playing on the big screen while you control it from your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung phone to connect to a Samsung TV?

No. Samsung TVs work with both Android and iPhones. Android phones use casting, iPhones use AirPlay, and both can use SmartThings. The TV brand and phone brand don't have to match.

Can I connect without Wi-Fi?

SmartThings and screen mirroring both require Wi-Fi. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use an HDMI cable to connect your phone directly to the TV with an adapter, but this only works for video — not for controlling the TV remotely.

Why does my phone keep disconnecting from the TV?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move closer to your router or TV. If disconnections continue, restart your router and check that your phone's Wi-Fi isn't set to turn off automatically. Some phones have a battery-saving feature that disables Wi-Fi when the screen is off.

Can I use my phone as a remote if the TV remote is lost?

Yes. SmartThings works as a full remote — you can change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and launch apps. It's not a perfect replacement for a physical remote, but it covers the main functions.

What if my Samsung TV is very old?

Older Samsung TVs may not support SmartThings or screen mirroring. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's website with your model number to confirm. If it's not compatible, an external device like Roku or Fire Stick will add wireless casting capability.