How to Mirror or Cast an Android Phone to your TV

Ever wondered how people control Netflix from their smartphone, or show holiday photos from their handset on the TV? It's all down to screen mirroring. Learn what it is, and how to mirror or cast an Android phone to your TV, with our step-by-step guide.

If you’re on the lookout for a new Android handset to start screen mirroring with, check out our extensive Android phone collection.

What is Screen Mirroring?

This technology enables you to wirelessly duplicate what you can see on your mobile's screen onto another device, like a TV. Once linked together, whatever you do on your smartphone will be reflected on the other screen - ideal if you need to share something with a group of friends or your work colleagues.

In some cases, screen mirroring might be limited to projecting just your web browser or apps like Netflix and YouTube. Three of the most popular ways to screencast include using Miracast, a Google Chromecast, or by mirroring a device with a Samsung Smart TV.

What’s the difference between screen mirroring and screen casting?

The difference between mirroring and casting comes down to functionality. When you mirror from your phone, the entire screen is presented on the display, so you can’t then continue to use your phone while doing so.

If you cast to another device, you can still use your phone to do other things while a video or photo is being displayed. As such, casting is the preferred option if you need to keep using your handset.

Screen mirroring

How to screen mirror from your Android phone

Broadcasting your phone’s screen directly from the handset itself only takes a few steps; all that’s required is a connection to the internet.

1. Turn on your Smart TV and connect it to the internet
2. From your Android device, swipe down to open the notification panel and look for the screen mirroring option. The name will differ depending on your phone’s model e.g., it can be referred to as ‘Smart View’ on some handsets
3. Once your phone has finished searching for nearby devices, select your TV from the list. Check your TV’s internet connection or turn it back on if you don’t see your device right away
4. Your phone’s screen will now be mirroring to the TV. Simply tap the screen mirroring option again to turn it off once done

How to screen mirror with Samsung Smart View

Samsung released its own mirror streaming app, Samsung Smart View, that smartphone users can download in order to view multimedia content from their device on a Samsung Smart TV.

1. First, turn on both your TV and smartphone
2. Next, make sure your Samsung Smart TV and phone can access the same internet connection. Connect both to the same network to continue
3. Download the Samsung Smart View app on your phone from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Apps store. Any Android handset can connect to a Samsung Smart TV - you don't need a Samsung phone to benefit from the feature
4. Launch the app and follow the steps on-screen. Instructions may vary depending on the model of Samsung Smart TV you own, for example, you may be asked to enter a 4-digit code or manually press Allow on the TV to connect
5. Once connected, you're ready to go. Play music and videos, show photos, control apps like YouTube and Netflix, or use your phone as a remote control for live TV

Screen casting

How to screen cast with Google Chromecast

Android devices can also be used with Google Chromecast to showcase the phone’s screen. This handy little gadget makes casting a breeze, particularly to non-Smart TV units. To get started, you'll need to buy a Chromecast, own a TV with an HDMI port, and be connected to your home Wi-Fi.

1. Use the USB provided and plug one end into the Chromecast, and the other into the power adaptor provided in the box. Then, hook up the Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port
2. Next, make sure your phone can access the same network. Once both are in range, download the Google Home app on your device
3. Once the app has finished downloading, open it and follow the on-screen steps. It'll guide you through setup, which includes confirming your Google account and setting up Wi-Fi
4. Take your device, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, then open any app that works with Chromecast

How to screen cast from YouTube

If you’re watching a video on YouTube, it’s easy to cast straight from the app.

1. From your phone, open the YouTube app
2. While watching a video, there will be a ‘cast’ button that resembles a square with 3 lines in a corner. Tap this button and select your TV to begin screen casting

How to screen cast with the Miracast feature

Some Smart TVs support Miracast, which functions in a similar way to other casting options. This is handy if you don’t have a Chromecast available, as the feature is often built into the TV itself.

1. Go to the Connections menu in your TV’s settings
2. Select Miracast, then choose ‘Cast’ or ‘Screen mirroring’

With these various options, you’ll be screen mirroring and casting from your Android phone in no time. For information on other casting features, such as Samsung DeX, check out our expert guide.