Showing your phone screen on your TV can make photos, presentations, and other content easier to see. The process is often called screen mirroring: your TV displays what is on your phone, usually as it happens.
There are a few ways to do it. An iPhone can use Apple AirPlay with a compatible TV or Apple TV device. Many Android phones can use a built-in casting feature, while some TVs and streaming devices support Google Cast. You can also connect certain phones to a TV with an HDMI adapter.
The best method depends on your phone and TV, so start by checking what each device supports.
1. Check that your phone and TV are compatible
First, find out whether your TV supports AirPlay, Google Cast, or another screen-mirroring feature. Look in the TV’s settings or user guide for terms such as AirPlay, Screen Mirroring, Cast, Smart View, or Wireless Display.
If your TV does not support the feature built into your phone, you may be able to use a compatible streaming device connected to the TV. Check the device’s official compatibility information before buying anything.
Also check that your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network when using a method that requires Wi-Fi. Some systems use a direct wireless connection instead, so follow the instructions for your particular TV.
Tip: “Casting” and “screen mirroring” are related but not identical. Casting from an app sends that app’s video or audio to the TV. Screen mirroring shows the phone’s overall display, including menus and other apps.
2. Mirror an iPhone screen using AirPlay
AirPlay is Apple’s wireless technology for sharing video, audio, or an iPhone screen with a compatible TV or Apple TV device.
- Turn on your TV and make sure AirPlay is enabled in its settings, if required.
- Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your TV or Apple TV from the list.
- If a passcode appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone.
Your iPhone screen should now appear on the TV. Turn your phone sideways if you want a wider view and the app supports landscape orientation.
To stop mirroring, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then choose Stop Mirroring.
Screenshot suggestion: Show the iPhone Control Center with the Screen Mirroring control highlighted. Use a demonstration device and hide any personal device names.
3. Mirror an Android phone screen
Android phones use different names and menus depending on the manufacturer. Samsung phones commonly use Smart View. Other phones may call the feature Cast, Screen Cast, Wireless Display, or Screen Mirroring.
Try these general steps:
- Turn on your TV and open its screen-mirroring or casting mode if it has one.
- Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network when required.
- On your phone, swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. You may need to swipe down twice to see all controls.
- Look for Cast, Screen Cast, Smart View, or a similar option.
- Tap the option and select your TV or streaming device.
- Approve the connection on your phone or TV if prompted.
If you cannot find the control, open your phone’s Settings app and search for “cast” or “screen mirroring.” You can also check the phone manufacturer’s support instructions for your exact model.
Some Android phones can mirror their screen through the Google Home app when the receiving device supports Google Cast. Open Google Home, select the compatible device, and look for the screen-casting option. The wording and availability can vary by phone and app version.
4. Cast a video from an app instead of mirroring everything
If your goal is to watch a video, you may not need to mirror the entire phone. Many apps, including YouTube, have a Cast or AirPlay control that sends supported content directly to the TV.
- Connect your phone and TV or streaming device to the same Wi-Fi network, if required.
- Open a supported video app on your phone.
- Start the video or open its playback screen.
- Tap the Cast icon or the app’s AirPlay control.
- Select your TV or streaming device.
The video should play on the TV while you can use your phone for other tasks. To stop, open the app’s casting controls and disconnect or choose the phone as the playback device.
This method does not usually show every item on your phone’s screen. It sends only the supported media from that app, which can be more convenient for watching videos.
5. Connect your phone to the TV with an HDMI cable
A wired connection can be useful if wireless mirroring is unavailable or unreliable. You may need an adapter that matches your phone’s charging port and supports video output, plus an HDMI cable.
Before buying an adapter, check your phone manufacturer’s specifications. Not every phone with a USB-C port supports sending video to an external display. iPhones also require an adapter that is compatible with the particular iPhone connector.
If your phone supports wired video output:
- Connect the compatible adapter to your phone.
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other end into an HDMI port on the TV.
- Use the TV remote to select the matching HDMI input.
- Unlock your phone and check whether its display appears.
When you finish, switch the TV back to its normal input before disconnecting the cable. Use a reputable adapter designed for your phone rather than assuming that any charging cable will carry video.
6. Keep private information off the TV
When you mirror your screen, other people in the room may see more than the photo or video you intended to share. Notifications, message previews, and app screens can also appear on the TV.
Before connecting, consider turning on a Focus or Do Not Disturb mode and closing anything private. Avoid opening banking, email, or personal messages while the screen is being mirrored.
Privacy reminder: Screen mirroring displays your phone activity on a larger screen. Check what is visible before you connect, especially when other people are watching.
Troubleshooting: Your phone cannot find the TV
The TV does not appear in the list. Check that both devices support the same method. Confirm that they are on the same Wi-Fi network, that the TV is switched on, and that AirPlay or screen mirroring is enabled in the TV settings.
The connection starts but then drops. Move the phone closer to the router or TV, reduce interference, and restart the phone and TV. If you use a streaming device, restart that device too.
The TV shows a black screen. Some apps restrict screen mirroring for particular videos. Try casting from the app’s own Cast or AirPlay control instead. Also check that the TV is using the correct HDMI input if you have a wired connection.
There is no sound. Check the phone and TV volume, and make sure the TV is using the correct audio output. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones or speakers if the sound is going somewhere else.
The phone asks for a code. Look at the TV screen for the AirPlay or connection code and enter it on the phone. Only approve a request shown on your own TV.
The menus on your phone look different. Manufacturers change menu names and layouts. Search your phone’s Settings for “Cast,” “Screen Mirroring,” or “Smart View,” or consult the official support page for your model.
Enjoy your phone on the big screen
To mirror your phone to TV, first check which wireless feature both devices support. Use AirPlay on a compatible iPhone and TV, a screen-casting feature on a supported Android phone, or a compatible HDMI adapter for a wired connection.
If you only want to watch a video, try the Cast or AirPlay control inside the app. It is often simpler than mirroring everything on your phone.
