You can stream to a Samsung TV without AirPlay by mirroring a compatible Galaxy phone with Smart View, casting from a supported app to a compatible TV or HDMI receiver, or connecting a compatible Galaxy phone by USB-C to HDMI. The right option depends on your phone, the TV or receiver, and whether you want to show the whole phone screen or just play media from an app.
Choose the right way to connect
| Method | What appears on the TV | Best suited to | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Smart View | A mirror of the phone screen or its content | Showing a phone screen on the TV | A compatible Galaxy phone and Miracast-capable TV; Samsung recommends the phone and TV share Wi-Fi. Samsung Smart View guidance |
| Cast from a supported app | The selected media, while the phone remains available for other tasks | Watching video or playing other supported app media | The app and TV or attached receiver must support the same casting method. Samsung identifies Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick as third-party receiver options. Samsung streaming guidance |
| USB-C-to-HDMI or DeX cable | External display output from the phone | Compatible Galaxy phones when a wired connection is preferred | The phone must support video output, the cable or adapter must be suitable, and the TV needs an available HDMI input. Samsung connection guidance |
| SmartThings screen mirroring on iPhone | Unavailable through the Samsung feature described here | Not an option for iPhone users who are avoiding AirPlay | Samsung says its documented SmartThings mirroring feature is not provided for iPhone, which uses AirPlay. Consider app casting to a compatible receiver instead. Samsung SmartThings instructions |
Mirror a Galaxy phone with Smart View
Smart View duplicates the phone display rather than sending only one app’s media. The TV must support Miracast or the compatible screen-mirroring feature; Samsung recommends using the same Wi-Fi network and keeping the TV software current. Menu names can vary by TV model.
- Turn on the Samsung TV. If the phone cannot find it, check the TV’s screen-mirroring settings.
- Connect the phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network where possible.
- On the Galaxy phone, open Quick Settings and tap Smart View.
- Select the TV, then tap Start now or approve the prompt shown on the TV.
If the TV does not appear, confirm that its model supports Miracast or Smart View and install any available TV software updates. Smart View discovery also depends on the phone and TV being on the same network and the TV supporting Smart View, according to Samsung Developer’s Smart View SDK guidance.
Cast from an app instead of mirroring
Casting sends media from a supported app to the TV or receiver. Unlike mirroring, it does not duplicate the entire phone screen, so you can use the phone for other tasks while playback continues. Casting works only when the app and receiving device support the same casting route.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- Check that the app supports casting to your Samsung TV or to a streaming receiver connected to it.
- Connect the phone and receiver as required by the app or device instructions.
- Open the app’s cast control, select the TV or receiver, and start playback.
- If you are using an HDMI receiver, switch the TV to the HDMI input it is connected to.
Samsung names Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick among third-party devices that can stream media to a TV. Check compatibility for the specific app and receiver rather than assuming any receiver works with every app. Samsung’s Korea support guide says Smart View stopped supporting a direct Chromecast connection from Android 11 / One UI 3.0 because of compatibility issues; it points users toward external apps that support Chromecast. That limitation applies to the Smart View-to-Chromecast path, not to casting from compatible apps. Samsung Korea’s Chromecast guidance
Connect a compatible Galaxy phone with a cable
A wired connection can avoid wireless discovery issues, but USB-C alone does not guarantee video output. Samsung documents USB Type-C-to-HDMI and DeX cable connections for supported Galaxy phones.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Confirm that your exact Galaxy model supports external video output.
- Connect the phone to the TV’s HDMI port with a suitable USB-C-to-HDMI adapter or cable, or a compatible DeX cable.
- On the TV, select the HDMI source used for the connection.
The cited Samsung instructions do not establish that every Galaxy phone supports this connection, so verify the model before relying on it. Samsung wired-display guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you have an iPhone
Samsung says the SmartThings screen-mirroring feature described in its instructions is not offered for iPhone; that feature uses AirPlay. If you are avoiding AirPlay, check whether the media app can cast to a compatible TV or attached receiver. A wired connection is a separate possibility, but it requires checking support for the exact iPhone, adapter, and TV rather than assuming a Galaxy USB-C setup will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Rank #4
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #3
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
Fix common connection problems
- The TV is missing from Smart View: Check that the TV supports the selected mirroring method, the phone and TV share a network, and screen mirroring is enabled on the TV.
- The phone connects but playback does not: Try the app’s own cast control and verify that the app and receiver support the same casting feature. App casting and screen mirroring are not interchangeable.
- A Chromecast does not appear in Smart View: Use a Chromecast-compatible app’s cast control instead; Samsung’s documented Smart View path no longer supports direct Chromecast connection from Android 11 / One UI 3.0.
- A wired connection shows no picture: Verify the phone supports external video output, check the adapter or cable connection, and select the HDMI input connected to the phone.
- The TV connection is unstable: Update the TV software and, for Smart View, try putting the phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
