How to connect your phone to TV wirelessly

How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV Wirelessly

There are many ways you can connect your phone to your television wirelessly. From Google Chromecast, AirPlay, Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV, to Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and many more.

The first thing to decide is what you want to connect your phone to your TV for. Maybe a boxing match or a live concert you can’t stream from your TV, a gig you’ve filmed and want to rewatch on a bigger screen, to gaming from your phone to your TV or displaying your phone’s content like photos as a slide show and presentations in a professional environment. It’s even handy on holiday when channels are limited too.

It’s worth knowing that it’s easier to connect to smart TVs as they have Wi-Fi compatibility, however, if you don’t have one there are devices you can connect to enable the same actions.

There are two processes which display your phone’s content -

Casting

This allows you to stream content from a specific app on your phone onto your TV, which is perfect for that big-screen viewing experience. It doesn’t share anything else from your phone either.

Screen mirroring

This allows you to share your entire phone’s screen with your TV. This means that any notifications that pop up are shown, and even the actions you do too. It’s worth noting that not every phone can do screen mirroring without installing an app to help.

Let’s explore further about which devices or apps you can use and how easy it is to connect your phone to your TV -

Google Chromecast

This is one of the most popular options. It’s a small device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port which then connects to your Wi-Fi network. Setting it up from your phone is easy.

First, you need to ensure that you have a Google account, then you can download and open the Google Home app.
To connect and set up Chromecast, plug the device into your TV, turn it on and follow the set-up instructions from your phone, it’ll let you know when it’s ready.
You’ll see a cast icon at the top of the screen to cast your phone's content – make sure you’ve opened the app you want to cast content.
To stop casting at any time, tap the cast icon.

Apple AirPlay

Compatible with iPhone users, Apple AirPlay is your go-to app for connecting your phone to your TV and if you have an Apple TV or a smart TV that supports AirPlay, you’re all set right away, so long as both are on the same Wi-Fi network.

To set up from your iPhone, first ensure that your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To connect and set up Chromecast, plug the device into your TV, turn it on and follow the set-up instructions from your phone, it’ll let you know when it’s ready. Next, swipe down from the top right-hand corner to open the control centre then tap the Screen Mirroring icon.
Select your TV and enjoy your phone’s content on your television.
Depending on the model of iPhone you have, you may need to add it from the control centre in settings.

Miracast

Many Android phones and smart TVs support Miracast as do some Windows phones. This is a great option if you don’t have a Google Chromecast or AirPlay.

First, ensure your phone and TV support Miracast, and that they’re on the same Wi-Fi network.
Next, on your TV, open the source or input menu and turn on the Miracast icon (screen mirroring) ready for your phone to connect.
Go into your phone’s settings or swipe down to access your connections which should then give you a cast or screen mirroring option for you to select your TV.
Your phone should now be mirrored to your TV.

Roku

Roku comes already built into your smart TV or as a device that you plug in. It works with iPhones and Android phones. You just need to download the app onto your phone then ensure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This works like Chromecast.

Select ‘Screen mirroring’ from your TV’s system settings.
Open your phone’s settings or swipe down to access your connections.
Select Bluetooth then select ‘cast’ then Roku player.
Your phone should now be mirrored to your TV.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire TV comes already built into your smart TV or as a device (Fire TV Stick) that you plug in. It’s compatible with Apple and Android phones and once you’ve downloaded the app onto your phone, both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This works in a similar way to Chromecast.

Open Fire TV on your smart TV, then using your remote, hold down ‘home’ to access the settings, from here, enable the ‘mirroring’ option.
Open your phone’s settings or swipe down to access your connections, find ‘cast’ then select Fire TV.
Your phone should now be mirrored to your TV.

Smart TV Apps

Generally, if you have a smart TV, you may not need any extra devices. Many smart TVs have built-in apps or downloadable apps that support mirroring and casting. All you need to do is to ensure that your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, open the matching app on your phone, select the ‘cast’ option and select your TV which should be listed.

And there you have it. Connecting your phone to your TV wirelessly is simple and convenient, so why not enjoy your choice of content on the big screen?

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