How to display a smartphone on a TV: USB, HDMI, DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast, Chromecast, Tap View, and more

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Modern televisions are now common hubs for media, but one issue keeps nagging: size. People don’t want to lug bulky plasma screens around, so they cast content from tablets or phones to a bigger screen at home. This guide reviews every practical way to display a phone image on a TV and helps viewers pick the best option for their setup in the United States and Canada.

How to connect a smartphone to the TV via USB

The simplest approach is a USB cable. With this method, the TV reads the phone mainly as a storage device. A video file must be selected and played back directly from the phone or memory. It’s not the most convenient solution in today’s world, where most content lives online, and it ties the phone to the TV more than many users want.

Using the charging cable works as a wired connection if the TV has a USB port. If nothing appears after plugging in, choose Source on the TV menu or remote control and select the USB option. On some phones, the connection must be confirmed on the device screen.

Display from the phone to the TV via HDMI

This method mirrors the USB approach but uses an HDMI cable to carry both image and sound from the phone to the TV. The tradeoffs are similar: less mobility and the cost of an extra cable. A USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable is usually required. If the TV lacks an HDMI port, an HDMI to VGA or RCA adapter can be used, though sound may not transfer. If the image doesn’t appear right away, adjusting the phone’s screen resolution can help.

Connecting a smartphone to the TV through the DLNA interface

DLNA-capable devices can form a unified home network. A router with DLNA support is needed to broadcast from the phone to the TV. Not all video formats travel through DLNA, and Android is typically required for the phone to run the necessary app.

For everyday use, a TV and router with DLNA support are essential. The connection often requires a specific DLNA app, such as BubbleUPnP, and all devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Connecting an iPhone to TV via AirPlay

AirPlay offers quick, high-quality content transfer between Apple devices. While it works best within the Apple ecosystem, it may require an Apple TV set-top box. Many modern TVs include AirPlay, but the feature can be flaky and sometimes fails to detect devices.

To connect, open iPhone settings and select Screen Mirroring or use the corresponding button within a video app.

Connecting a smartphone to the TV via Wi‑Fi Direct

Wi‑Fi Direct links devices without a router. The main downside is the slow transfer rate, which makes playing large files impractical.

Enable the feature on both the TV and the phone to establish a direct connection.

How to connect a smartphone to the TV via Miracast

Miracast relies on Wi‑Fi Direct to connect devices directly, bypassing the router. A compatible app or feature is often required, with brands offering their own implementations such as Samsung Smart View or Huawei Share. After activation, available devices appear for pairing and the connection can be made quickly.

Connect your smartphone to your TV via Chromecast

Chromecast requires a Google Chromecast set-top box that plugs into HDMI. The Google Home app must be installed on the phone. After setup, the phone can stream to the TV smoothly and without extra fuss.

Connecting a smartphone to a TV via Tap View

Tap View is exclusive to newer Samsung phones and compatible TVs from Samsung, starting with models like the TU7000. With file transfer enabled, simply tap the phone to the TV to begin. The phone might need the SmartThings app opened, followed by choosing Switch appearance or sound and then tapping another device.

How to play YouTube from a phone on the TV

YouTube supports casting directly from the phone. When a video is playing on a phone connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as the TV, the Cast icon appears and the video can be sent to the TV, even if the device is asleep. This feature is more reliable on newer devices and televisions.

In today’s connected landscape, there are multiple ways to display phone content on a TV. Viewers should explore their gear to find the easiest, most reliable method for sharing video and photos on the big screen.

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