What you need before you start
To connect your phone to your TV with HDMI, you need three things: a phone with video output capability, a TV with an HDMI port, and the right cable or adapter for your phone model. Most phones do not have a built-in HDMI port, so you will need an adapter that converts your phone's charging port into HDMI. The adapter sits between your phone and a standard HDMI cable.
Check what type of charging port your phone has. iPhones use Lightning (iPhone 14 and earlier) or USB-C (iPhone 15 and newer). Android phones typically use USB-C, though some older models use Micro-USB. Once you know your port type, you can buy the matching adapter at any electronics store or online retailer for $15 to $40.
Your TV needs at least one HDMI port, which looks like a flat rectangular slot. Most TVs made in the last ten years have multiple HDMI ports on the back or side. If your TV is older and has no HDMI ports, this method will not work — you would need a different connection type instead.
Key Takeaways
- You need an HDMI adapter that matches your phone's charging port type, plus a standard HDMI cable and a TV with an HDMI port.
- Connect the adapter to your phone's charging port, plug the HDMI cable into the adapter, then plug the other end into your TV's HDMI port.
- Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote — the input number depends on which HDMI port you used.
- Some phones require you to enable developer mode or allow screen mirroring permission before the connection works.
- If your phone screen does not appear, try a different HDMI port on the TV or restart both devices.
Getting the right adapter for your phone
The adapter you buy depends entirely on your phone's charging port. For iPhones with Lightning ports, look for a "Lightning to HDMI adapter" — Apple makes an official one called the Lightning Digital AV Adapter. For iPhones with USB-C, search for "USB-C to HDMI adapter." For Android phones, search "USB-C to HDMI adapter" or "Micro-USB to HDMI adapter" depending on your port.
Buy from a retailer where you can return it if it does not work with your specific phone model. Some adapters work with only certain phone versions, so read the product description carefully. The adapter package will tell you which phones it supports. If you are unsure, ask a staff member at an electronics store to confirm the adapter works with your exact phone model before you leave.
You will also need a standard HDMI cable. These are inexpensive and widely available — any HDMI cable works with any HDMI adapter. If you already have an HDMI cable connected to your TV for another device, you can unplug it and use it for your phone instead.
Connecting the adapter and cable
Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port. The adapter has a port on one end that matches your phone's charging port, and an HDMI port on the other end. Push the adapter firmly into the port until it sits flush — you should hear or feel a small click.
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the adapter. Push it straight in until it clicks. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into an HDMI port on your TV. It does not matter which HDMI port you use — most TVs have two to four ports, usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on on the back or side of the TV.
Do not bend the cable sharply or pull on it once it is connected. The connection should be snug but not forced. If the cable does not slide in easily, you may have the connector upside down — HDMI connectors only fit one way, so flip it and try again.
Switching your TV to the HDMI input
Pick up your TV remote and look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." Press it. Your TV will show a menu listing all available inputs — you will see options like HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, or sometimes "HDMI (port number)." Use the arrow buttons on the remote to highlight the HDMI port you plugged the cable into, then press Enter or OK.
Your phone's screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. If nothing appears, try pressing the Input button again and selecting a different HDMI port — you may have plugged into a port that is not the one you selected. If you still see nothing, unplug the HDMI cable from the TV, wait five seconds, and plug it back in.
Once your phone screen appears on the TV, you can use your phone normally and everything you do will show on the TV screen. The TV is now displaying whatever is on your phone — apps, photos, videos, web pages, or anything else.
Troubleshooting when the connection does not work
If your phone screen does not appear after you switch to the HDMI input, the most common cause is that the adapter or cable is not fully plugged in. Unplug both ends and check that nothing is blocking the ports. Plug the adapter back into your phone first, then the cable into the adapter, then the cable into the TV. Push each connection in firmly until you feel it click.
Some phones require you to give permission before they will send video to an external display. Check your phone's notification panel or settings — you may see a prompt asking whether to allow HDMI output. Tap "Allow" or "Yes" if you see this prompt. On some Android phones, you may need to enable "Developer Options" in Settings first, though most newer phones do this automatically.
If the cable and connections are all find and you still see nothing, try restarting both your phone and TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone by powering it off and back on. Then switch the TV back to the HDMI input you used. This often fixes connection problems that happen the first time you use a new adapter.
If you have tried all these steps and the connection still does not work, the adapter may be faulty or incompatible with your phone model. Return it to the retailer and try a different brand or model. Bring your phone with you so the staff can test the new adapter before you leave.
What to expect once you are connected
Your phone's entire screen will display on the TV, including the status bar at the top showing time and battery. Everything you do on your phone — opening apps, scrolling, typing, tapping buttons — will appear on the TV in real time. The TV acts as a larger display for your phone; it does not control your phone or add any new features.
The HDMI connection also sends audio from your phone to your TV's speakers, so you will hear sound through the TV rather than through your phone's speaker. This is useful for watching videos, playing games, or showing photos to a group of people. You can adjust the volume using your TV remote.
The connection will stay active as long as the cable is plugged in and your TV is on the correct HDMI input. If you unplug the cable or switch the TV to a different input, the connection stops and your phone screen no longer appears on the TV. You can plug it back in at any time.
When HDMI is not the best option
HDMI works well for one-time connections or when you need a wired connection, but it has limitations. You have to keep the cable plugged in, which can be awkward if you want to move around the room or use your phone while it is connected. The cable also adds wear to your phone's charging port over time.
If you plan to connect your phone to your TV regularly, wireless options like Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast may be more convenient. These let you send your phone's screen to the TV without a cable, though they require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your TV's manual or settings to see which wireless options it supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my phone while it is connected to the TV with HDMI?
Not with a standard HDMI adapter. The adapter uses your phone's charging port, so you cannot plug in a charger at the same time. If you need to charge while connected, you would need a special dual-port adapter that has both HDMI output and a charging port, though these are less common and more expensive than standard adapters.
Will the HDMI connection work with all apps on my phone?
Most apps will display on the TV, but some apps that use copy protection (like Netflix, Disney+, or some streaming services) may show a black screen or refuse to play. This is intentional — the apps are designed to prevent recording or copying of protected content. You can still use these apps on your phone normally; they just will not display on the TV through HDMI.
What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?
Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use this method. You would need to use a different connection type, such as composite cables (red, white, and yellow connectors) if your TV has them, or consider upgrading to a TV with HDMI ports. Most TVs made after 2010 have at least one HDMI port.
Does the HDMI cable length matter?
Standard HDMI cables work at any length up to about 50 feet, though longer cables are less common and more expensive. For most home setups, a 6-foot or 10-foot cable is sufficient. Avoid very cheap cables from unknown brands, as they may have poor shielding and cause picture problems, but you do not need to buy expensive premium cables either.
Can I use the same HDMI cable for my phone and other devices?
Yes. HDMI cables are universal — the same cable works with your phone adapter, your cable box, your game console, or any other HDMI device. You can unplug it from one device and plug it into another whenever you need to switch.