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Choose a connection method that both your phone and TV support: use Cast from a compatible app for streaming, AirPlay or screen mirroring to show your whole phone screen, or connect through HDMI when the TV is not smart or wireless options are unavailable. For a regular TV, you will need an HDMI streaming device or a phone-compatible video adapter.

First, choose how you want to use the TV

Method Best for What you need
Cast from an app Streaming supported video or audio apps A Cast-enabled app and a compatible TV or streaming device on the same Wi-Fi network
Screen mirroring Showing photos, websites, presentations, or apps that lack a Cast button A phone and TV that support a compatible mirroring feature
HDMI adapter or cable A direct connection, including when wireless is unavailable or lower latency is useful An HDMI input on the TV and a video-output adapter compatible with the phone
Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast A direct wireless connection on devices that support it Compatible phone and TV models; support varies

Casting and mirroring are different. Casting sends supported content to the TV or streaming device for playback; mirroring duplicates what is on the phone display, so notifications or incoming calls may also appear.

Cast from an Android phone to Android TV or Google TV

  1. Connect the phone and the Android TV, Google TV, or Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open an app that supports Google Cast.
  3. Tap the Cast icon and choose the TV or streaming device.

If the TV does not appear, confirm that both devices are on the same wireless network and that the TV or Chromecast is available for casting. Google’s TV app has a separate pairing option: open the app, choose TVs nearby, select the TV, enter the code shown on the TV, and tap Pair.

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Mirror an iPhone to an AirPlay-compatible TV

  1. Connect the iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open Control Center on the iPhone.
  3. Tap Screen Mirroring and select the TV.
  4. If a passcode appears on the TV, enter it on the iPhone.

AirPlay availability depends on the TV model. Sony says Android TV models and Android devices support Google Cast, while AirPlay is supported on select Android TV and Google TV models and Apple devices.

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Mirror or share an Android phone screen on another smart TV

  1. Make sure the TV is on and its screen-sharing or wireless-display feature is available.
  2. On the phone, open Quick Settings and look for a feature named Cast, Screen Share, Smart View, or Wireless Display.
  3. Select the TV, then accept the connection request on the TV if prompted.

Names and compatibility differ by brand and model. LG directs Android users to Screen Share, Smart View, or a similar phone feature; Samsung says its SmartThings app can connect a phone to a Samsung Smart TV. Check the TV’s settings and manufacturer guidance if the option is missing.

Connect an iPhone to a Samsung or LG TV

Samsung TV

Samsung lists SmartThings as a way to connect a phone to a Samsung Smart TV. Its AirPlay support applies to Samsung TVs manufactured after 2019; availability can still depend on the specific model. If AirPlay is supported, use the iPhone’s Control Center and Screen Mirroring.

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LG TV

On an LG TV that supports the feature, use Screen Mirroring from the iPhone’s Control Center. For Android, use Screen Share, Smart View, or a similar function and accept the request on the TV.

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Connect a phone to a regular TV without built-in smart features

Use an HDMI streaming device

  1. Connect a Chromecast or Google TV streaming device to the TV’s HDMI port and complete its setup.
  2. Switch the TV to the HDMI input used by the device.
  3. Connect the phone and streaming device to the same Wi-Fi, then cast from a compatible app.

This adds a casting receiver to a TV that does not have the required built-in feature. Follow the streaming device’s setup instructions; the TV itself does not need to be a smart TV.

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Use a wired phone-to-HDMI connection

  1. Check the exact phone model’s specifications or manufacturer support page to confirm it supports video output.
  2. Choose an HDMI adapter or cable that matches the phone’s port and supported output.
  3. Connect the phone to the TV’s HDMI input, then switch the TV to that input.

USB-C by itself does not guarantee video output. Motorola notes that an HDMI or USB-C cable can connect a phone to a TV or monitor when the phone supports HDMI. Older iPhones may require a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter.

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Why the TV is not showing up

  • Different networks: For Google Cast or AirPlay, check that the phone and TV or streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Feature unavailable or disabled: Confirm that the TV supports the protocol you are trying to use and that its relevant feature is enabled.
  • Pairing request waiting: Look for an on-screen prompt and accept it. For AirPlay, enter the displayed passcode when asked.
  • Unsupported phone-to-TV combination: Protocol support varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Check the support pages for both devices.
  • USB-C adapter does not work: Verify video output for the exact phone model; the USB-C connector alone is not proof of HDMI compatibility.
  • TV has no compatible wireless feature: Use an HDMI streaming device for casting or a compatible wired adapter for a direct connection.

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