How to connect your phone to your TV?

Playing your favourite mobile game on a bigger display is a satisfying experience. But how to connect your phone to your TVs big screen? Modern technologies offer multiple ways to mirror your phone screen to your television.

You can connect the mobile to the TV via a wired or wireless connection. In this guide, I will explain the fastest wireless and wired methods to connect your smartphone to any TV screen.

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Quick Overview: Best Connection Methods

Wired and wireless are the two methods to connect your mobile screen to a TV. But which one is perfect for you depends on your TV type.

Wireless vs. Wired: Key Differences

Wireless connections work with the smart TV. It is a convenient method to sift your mobile content to the TV without cable cluttering. Using phone AirPlay or Google Cast, you can mirror your phone screen. But ensure that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Wireless mirroring quality depends on your connection speed; understanding the difference between 5G vs 4G can help you determine if your The Android screen will mirror data is fast enough for high-definition streaming without lag. If you can't find the Cast icon in your quick tiles, you might need to adjust your Android settings to enable the hidden connectivity toggles.

Wired connections use an HDMI cable for connection. It works without internet on the old TVs. If you have an older TV at home, an HDMI adapter is best to connect your mobile device directly to the TV screen.

Wireless Methods to Mirror Your Phone to a TV Screen

Method 1: Built-In Screen Mirroring (AirPlay & Cast)

Latest smartphones have the in-built screen mirroring features that make the wireless connection easy. Here is how you can do it from your iPhone and Android devices.

For iPhone Users (AirPlay)

Open Control Centre from the top-right corner of the iPhone.
Click Screen Mirroring.
Now select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
The iPhone display will appear on the TV screen.
Now enter the AirPlay code. (If Prompted)

For Android Users (Cast & Smart View)

Before starting, ensure that your smart TV and mobile phone are connected to the same internet connection.

Open the Quick Settings on Android.
Look for Cast, Smart View or Screen Cast. (according to the phone manufacturer)
Tap the icon and choose your smart TV.
The Android screen will mirror to the TV.

Method 2: Using Chromecast or Streaming Devices

You can still mirror your phone content on the TV screen with an old TV. Use streaming devices like Google Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV Stick. These can transform a television with an HDMI port into a screen mirroring powerhouse.

Simply plug the streaming device into your TV's HDMI port. (connect to WiFi)
Download the companion app (Google Home for Chromecast or Roku app) on your phone.
Now cast content directly to the TV screen using the casting icon.

Wired Connection: HDMI Cable Method

Connect an iPhone or Android with an HDMI Adapter

An HDMI cable is the wired system to connect your mobile to the TV.

For iPhone Users

Purchase an Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
Connect the Lightning end to your iPhone charging port.
Plug a standard HDMI cable into the adapter, and the other end into your TV's HDMI input.
Switch your television to the correct HDMI source.

The iPhone screen appears instantly on the TV display.

For Android Users

Buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable.
Older Android devices with Micro USB may need MHL or SlimPort adapters.
Connect the USB-C end to your phone.
Attach an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug it into your TV screen.
Change the TV input to match the HDMI port number.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

The setup is simple, but you may encounter connectivity issues. The following are the quick fixes for some issues.

Phone won't find TV: Confirm both devices are connected to the same stable WiFi network. You can power off both devices and restart. Now check the TV settings to confirm the screen mirroring is enabled. If your home WiFi is unstable, understanding the pros and cons of WiFi vs Cellular Data might help you decide if switching to a mobile hotspot is a better option for a steady connection.
Poor screen mirroring quality: Place the wireless router close to the TV and phone. The issue may be due to the WiFi interference from microwaves or other electronics. Ensure to keep them aside to fix it.
No sound from TV: Sometimes audio doesn’t transfer. In such a case, select your TV as the audio device in Bluetooth or casting settings.
Connection Keeps Dropping: Updating your smartphone operating system and TV firmware to the latest versions can fix the connection.

Staying Connected: Why Your Phone's Network Matters?

While connecting your phone toTV screen, a stable internet connectivity is a compulsory component required for wireless screen mirroring. The latest eSIM-compatible phones make it easy to access the flexible network.

eSIM technology is the perfect connectivity solution for travellers, students, nomads and business travellers. It replaces the physical SIM card and ensures to provide the internet connection.

How eSIM Improves TV Connectivity?

If you are on international travel and want to mirror your phone screen to a hotel smart TV, eSIM will provide you with a safe connection for mirroring. eSIM activates the data plans to maintain the WiFi hotspot or network connection. Unlike SIM card swapping, users can switch the carrier to improve the internet.

Better Network Stability for Screen Mirroring

If the hotel network is weak, you can use the eSIM data as a backup. You can create a mobile hotspot and connect both your phone and smart TV to it. But ensure to have the best eSIM data plans for a consistent network. Because not all eSIM are ideal to provide smooth connectivity.

To access the more secure, flexible and affordable connection, an eSIMCard is an ideal option. The carriers offer eSIM data plans worldwide. You can buy the eSIM online and activate it in your device with a QR code scan. Since high-quality streaming can be data-intensive, it's wise to calculate how much data you need for travel before using your phone as a primary media hub for your TV.

Conclusion

Playing mobile games on a big TV screen is an entertaining experience. You can effortlessly share your smartphone content with the TV screen via wired or wireless connection. For smart TV owners, AirPlay and Google Cast provide convenient screen mirroring.

If you have the old TV, you can use the HDMI adapters create stable wired connections with zero lag. The setup procedure is simple, but sometimes the connection fails. If you're stuck at this point, read the troubleshooting given in the guide.

FAQs

Can I connect my phone to the TV without WiFi?

Yes, the wired connection using the HDMI adapter and cable doesn't require any internet or WiFi network.

What's the difference between casting and mirroring?

Casting sends specific content to your TV while your phone remains free. While screen mirroring duplicates your entire phone display on the TV screen.

Do I need special apps to connect my phone to my TV?

Modern devices don’t need the additional apps. iPhones use built-in AirPlay, and Android phones include native Cast functionality. Third-party apps useful for older devices.