How to Connect Your PC to Your TV Wirelessly

The simplest wireless connection methods for your PC and TV

You can connect your PC to your TV wirelessly using built-in features on both devices, without buying extra hardware. The method depends on what your PC and TV have: Windows PCs use either Miracast (screen mirroring) or Bluetooth, while newer TVs often have Miracast built in. Macs use AirPlay to compatible TVs. All three methods work over your home WiFi network and let you see your PC screen on the TV, play videos, or use apps on the bigger display.

The fastest route is usually checking what your TV model supports — most TVs made after 2015 have at least one wireless option. If your TV is older or doesn't have the feature you need, a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV can add wireless connectivity for under $50.

Key Takeaways

Windows PCs connect to most modern TVs using Miracast, which mirrors your entire screen wirelessly without needing an app.
Your TV must support Miracast or have a compatible streaming device connected to receive the wireless signal from your PC.
Macs use AirPlay instead of Miracast and only work with Apple TVs or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs from brands like LG and Samsung.
If your TV is older or doesn't support wireless, adding a Roku, Fire Stick, or similar device is the cheapest solution.
Wireless connections work best when your PC and TV are on the same WiFi network and within 30 feet of each other.

Connecting a Windows PC using Miracast

Miracast is the standard wireless display feature built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. To use it, open the Windows Settings menu, go to System, then Display, and look for "Connect to a wireless display" or "Project to this PC." Click that option and your PC will search for available TVs on your network.

On your TV, you need to turn on Miracast — it's usually called "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "SmartThings" depending on the brand. Check your TV's input menu or settings to find it. Once both devices are ready, select your TV from the list on your PC and it will connect within a few seconds. Your entire screen will appear on the TV, and you can control everything from your PC keyboard and mouse.

If your TV doesn't have Miracast, you can add it by connecting a Miracast-compatible device like a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (around $50) to an HDMI port on your TV. Plug it in, turn it on, and follow the same steps on your PC to find and connect to it.

Connecting a Mac using AirPlay

Macs use AirPlay instead of Miracast. Your Mac will only connect wirelessly to an Apple TV or to certain Samsung and LG smart TVs that support AirPlay 2. To check if your TV is compatible, look up your model number on Apple's support page or check your TV's settings menu for AirPlay.

To connect, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your TV from the list. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. If you don't see your TV listed, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that AirPlay is turned on in your TV's settings.

If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, an Apple TV (starting around $99) will add the feature. Connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, set it up on your WiFi, and then use the same Screen Mirroring steps from your Mac.

Using a streaming device if your TV doesn't have wireless

If your TV is older or doesn't support Miracast or AirPlay, a streaming device is the most affordable solution. Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV all add wireless casting to any TV with an HDMI port. Roku and Fire Stick cost $30 to $50, Chromecast costs around $30, and Apple TV starts at $99.

To use one, plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to your WiFi, and then cast from your PC or Mac. On Windows, you can cast to Roku, Fire Stick, and Chromecast using the built-in "Cast" feature in Windows Settings. On Mac, you can cast to Chromecast using third-party apps, or use AirPlay with Apple TV. Each device has its own app or built-in casting method, so check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your PC and TV won't connect, the most common cause is that they're not on the same WiFi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID) in your WiFi settings. If they are, restart both devices and try again — this fixes most connection issues.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list of available displays, make sure wireless display or screen mirroring is turned on in your TV's settings menu. The exact location varies by brand, but it's usually under Display, Network, or Connectivity settings. If you still don't see it, check whether your TV model actually supports the feature — older TVs or budget models may not have it built in.

If the connection keeps dropping, move your PC and TV closer together (within 30 feet) and away from other WiFi devices like microwaves or cordless phones, which can interfere with the signal. If you're far from your router, the WiFi signal may be too weak — moving the router or using a WiFi extender can help.

Choosing between mirroring and extending your display

When you connect wirelessly, you have two options: mirroring shows the same image on both your PC screen and TV, while extending uses the TV as a second display. Mirroring is simpler and works with any wireless connection. Extending is useful if you want to keep working on your PC while showing something different on the TV, but it requires your PC to support multiple displays.

On Windows, you can switch between mirroring and extending by pressing Windows Key + P and selecting your preferred option. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Displays, and choose "Mirror Displays" or leave it unchecked to extend. Not all wireless connections support extending — Miracast and AirPlay both support it, but some streaming devices only allow mirroring.

Performance and latency expectations

Wireless connections have a slight delay (usually under half a second) compared to a wired HDMI cable. This is fine for watching videos, browsing, or giving presentations, but noticeable if you're playing fast-action games or doing precise work. If latency bothers you, use an HDMI cable instead — it's the only way to eliminate the delay entirely.

Video quality over wireless is usually good, but it depends on your WiFi signal strength and how much bandwidth other devices are using. If your video looks pixelated or keeps buffering, move closer to your router, reduce the number of other devices on your WiFi, or switch to a wired connection. Miracast and AirPlay both compress the video slightly to fit through WiFi, so they won't look quite as sharp as a direct HDMI connection, but the difference is usually small on most TVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to connect wirelessly?

Not if your TV has Miracast (Windows) or AirPlay (Mac) built in. Most TVs made after 2015 have at least one of these. If your TV is older, a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick costs $30 to $50 and adds wireless connectivity.

Can I connect my PC to my TV if we're not on the same WiFi network?

No, both devices must be on the same WiFi network to connect wirelessly. If you're at someone else's house, connect both to their WiFi. Some streaming devices can create their own network, but this is less common and usually slower than using shared WiFi.

Why does my TV not show up when I try to connect?

Make sure wireless display or screen mirroring is turned on in your TV's settings menu. Also check that both devices are on the same WiFi network and within 30 feet of each other. Restart both devices if they still don't find each other.

Is wireless connection slower than HDMI?

Wireless has a slight delay (usually under half a second) and slightly lower video quality due to WiFi compression. For everyday use, videos, and presentations, this is not noticeable. For gaming or precise work, an HDMI cable is faster and sharper.

Can I use my PC while the TV is showing my screen?

Yes, if you use extend mode instead of mirror mode. Extend mode uses your TV as a second display, so you can work on your PC while showing something different on the TV. Mirroring shows the same thing on both, so anything you do on your PC appears on the TV when ready.

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.