The simplest wireless connection methods

You can connect your phone to your TV wirelessly using one of three main methods: screen mirroring (which shows your phone's display on the TV), casting (which sends specific apps or content to the TV), or AirPlay (Apple's wireless system). The method that works depends on what phone and TV you own, and what you're trying to do.

Screen mirroring works with most Android phones and newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs. Casting works best if you have a Google Chromecast device plugged into your TV, or a TV with built-in Google Cast. AirPlay is the only option if you have an iPhone and want to mirror your entire screen, though some apps let you cast to non-Apple TVs.

All three methods require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi built in, you'll need either a Chromecast device (about $30) or a similar adapter to make wireless connection possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before any wireless connection will work.
  • Android phones use screen mirroring or Google Cast, while iPhones use AirPlay, and the exact steps depend on your TV brand.
  • If your TV is older or doesn't have Wi-Fi, a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick plugged into an HDMI port adds wireless capability for under $50.
  • Screen mirroring shows everything on your phone, while casting sends only one app or video, which uses less battery and bandwidth.

Screen mirroring on Android phones

To mirror your Android phone screen to a Samsung, LG, or Sony TV, first make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then open your phone's settings, find the option called Display, Screen Sharing, or Smart View (the name varies by phone brand), and turn it on. Your phone will search for nearby TVs.

When your TV appears in the list, tap it. Your phone may ask you to confirm the connection on the TV itself — look for a prompt on the screen and press Yes or Allow. Once connected, everything on your phone's screen will appear on the TV, including notifications and any app you open. To disconnect, go back to the same settings menu and tap Disconnect.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check that both devices are truly on the same network (not a guest network), and that your TV has Wi-Fi turned on. Restart both devices and try again. Some older TVs don't support screen mirroring at all — if yours is more than five years old, a Chromecast device is usually the easiest fix.

Using Google Cast with Chromecast or compatible TVs

Google Cast (often called Chromecast) is different from screen mirroring because it sends only the app you're using, not your entire phone screen. This uses less battery and data. If your TV has a built-in Chromecast button or menu, or if you have a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port, you can cast from any Android phone or iPhone.

Open the app you want to cast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any other app with a Cast button. Look for a small rectangle with curved lines in the corner (the Cast icon). Tap it, select your TV from the list, and the content will play on the TV while you control it from your phone. You can close the app, lock your phone, or even switch to another app, and the video or music keeps playing.

If the Cast button doesn't appear in an app you're using, that app doesn't support casting. You can still use screen mirroring instead, though it will drain your battery faster. Casting works across any Wi-Fi network, so you can cast to a friend's TV if you're both on their Wi-Fi.

AirPlay for iPhones and iPads

If you have an iPhone or iPad, AirPlay is the wireless system built into Apple devices. To use it, make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list.

Your entire iPhone screen will now appear on the TV. Everything you do — opening apps, typing, swiping — shows up on the big screen. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

AirPlay works with Apple TV devices and newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs. If your TV isn't listed, check that it's on and connected to Wi-Fi. Some TVs require you to enable AirPlay in their settings menu first. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay at all, you can buy an Apple TV device (starting at $99) or use an HDMI cable instead.

What to do if your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi

Older TVs without built-in Wi-Fi can still connect wirelessly if you add a small device to one of the HDMI ports on the back. A Chromecast (Google's device, about $30) works with any phone and lets you cast apps. A Fire TV Stick (Amazon's device, about $40) also works with any phone but is designed around Amazon services. An Apple TV (about $99) is required if you want AirPlay from an iPhone.

Plug the device into an HDMI port, connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the on-screen setup, and then use the same casting or mirroring steps as above. The device itself handles the wireless connection, so your TV doesn't need Wi-Fi built in. These devices also add apps like Netflix and YouTube directly to your TV, even if your TV is very old.

If you don't want to buy anything, an HDMI cable is still the most reliable option, though it requires plugging your phone into the TV with a cable and an adapter (about $15 for both).

Troubleshooting when the connection won't work

The most common reason wireless connection fails is that your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network name as your TV. If you're on a guest network, switch to the main network — many devices don't see each other across guest networks.

If both devices are on the same network but still won't connect, restart both of them. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone the same way. Then try the connection again. This fixes most temporary glitches.

If the TV appears in your list but won't actually connect, check that you're using the correct phone model and TV brand combination — not all phones work with all TVs. Look up your specific phone and TV model online to confirm they support wireless connection. If they don't, a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick will add the capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wireless connection if my Wi-Fi is slow?

Slow Wi-Fi will make the connection lag or drop. For smooth video, you need at least 5 Mbps read speed. If your Wi-Fi is very slow, move closer to the router, restart it, or use an HDMI cable instead. Casting uses less bandwidth than screen mirroring, so try casting a single app rather than mirroring your whole screen.

Will wireless connection drain my phone battery?

Yes, screen mirroring drains battery faster than normal because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV. Casting drains less battery because only one app is sending data. If battery is a concern, plug your phone into a charger while using it, or use casting instead of mirroring.

Can I connect my phone to a TV at a hotel or someone else's house?

Yes, as long as you're both on the same Wi-Fi network. Ask for the network name and password, connect your phone, and then use the same mirroring or casting steps. Some public networks block wireless connection between devices — if it doesn't work, ask the network owner or try an HDMI cable.

What's the difference between mirroring and casting?

Mirroring shows your entire phone screen on the TV, including notifications and anything you open. Casting sends only one app or video, leaving your phone free to do other things. Casting uses less battery and bandwidth, but not all apps support it.

Do I need to buy anything to connect wirelessly?

Not if your TV is newer than five years and has Wi-Fi built in. If your TV is older or doesn't have Wi-Fi, a Chromecast device (about $30) adds wireless capability. An HDMI cable and adapter (about $15) is the cheapest option but requires a physical connection.