Many people know that in most cases it is possible to output an image from a personal computer or laptop to a TV set without any problems using a video cable, similar to the one through which a monitor is connected to your computer. But not many people know how to connect a phone to a TV, and in this article we will look at 6 ways to display an image from a phone to a TV.
This method is analogous to connecting a PC to a TV, but there is a caveat here: most smartphones, if not all, do not have a micro HDMI port. And, by the way, there are not many tablets that have it.
In this case, an adapter from Micro USB to HDMI can come to our aid, but this makes sense only if the device supports the OTG function. An important factor here is the length of the HDMI cable. If its length is too short, and the distance to the TV is too far, then this will limit your position in relation to the TV.
As we can see, there is nothing complicated in this method, however, it sets itself many nuances and limitations for comfortable use.
Connecting using a mobile app
Many do not know that there are many applications available on the Play Market that allow you to duplicate an image from an Android device onto a TV screen using screen mirroring technology, or in other words, Screen Mirroring. You can activate it by downloading special applications such as MirrorOp or iMediaShare.
For output, you need an Android device with one of the programs preinstalled and the TV itself with Wi-Fi module support or the ability to connect an HDMI cable. Thus, you can watch photos and videos, if you have a browser, surf the Internet, and enjoy other content on your TV screen using your Android device.
However, this method of connection also has disadvantages. If you play games or watch streaming video on the Internet, then in this case it is important to have a stable high-speed Internet, and even better, unlimited. Some TV models may also have problems pairing the phone with the TV, because some applications simply do not see them.
MHL adapter
MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapter is a kind of active analogue of HDMI, and is also one of the universal wired solutions. With it, you can connect a wireless keyboard, gamepad and other devices to your phone, allowing you to actually use your phone as a console. Externally, the MHL adapter is similar to a micro USB to HDMI adapter, but unlike a conventional adapter, it allows you to transfer Full HD video at a rate of 60 frames per second, and has support for wide-channel audio. Everything here will depend on the capabilities of your phone.
It is also worth noting that the MHL adapter requires an external 1A power supply at 5V or more.
The advantage of this connection is that it allows you to charge your smartphone when connected to the MHL adapter. The main disadvantage is that not all TVs have MHL support. This point needs to be clarified when buying, if you plan to use this technology. Also, your phone must support data transmission via MHL.
Tv receiver
TV receiver or, in other words, a set-top box that can be used when connected to cable TV. The key feature of this method is that you can connect your phone to a TV via Wi-Fi using Screen Mirroring technology. In this case, the TV and the phone must be within the same Wi-Fi network. In this case, you can also enjoy surround sound and HD images. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers of such set-top boxes have their own applications for displaying images from the phone screen to the TV.
One of these companies is Xiaomi, which allows you to control your TV using the Mi Box set-top box using its standard application. It is noteworthy that Google has already made a software platform for this type of set-top box called Google TV, which is also open source, which allows developers to create their own widgets for TV-platforms.
The undoubted advantage of this type of connection is the elimination of cable connections. We also note that, unlike the HDMI method, here you are not tied to a location relative to the TV, because data transfer takes place via a Wi-Fi connection.
Portable electronic module
This device is very similar to a USB flash drive and has several types of data exchange, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It works according to the same principle as with a TV receiver, except that you get rid of not only wires, but also devices that take up extra space.
By simply connecting such a device to the HDMI port of the TV, it will not take up extra space, which is one of its advantages. The device is controlled by a special mobile application, one of which is Google Home.
Miracast
Miracast is a wireless communication standard based on Wi-Fi Mirroring technology that was approved in 2012. The main advantage of this technology is the absence of a connecting element between the TV and the smartphone. This technology is easy to configure, because to use it, you will need two compatible devices, where one of them plays the role of a transmitter, and the other as a receiver. As in the case of MHL, Miracast is able to broadcast video in Full HD format and transmit multi-channel audio in Audio 5.1 mode.
To display an image on a TV screen, you must have a phone or tablet with Android 4.2 or higher. Screen Mirroring mode must be activated on the device using the mobile application. Then, in the settings, select the Wireless screen item, and find the TV that you want to connect to in the list. Also, this mode must first be activated on your TV.
Articles and Life Hacks
If you know how to display an image from a phone to a TV, then you can comfortably watch videos on a large screen, show any content to a large audience, or just play games. It has long been possible to do this using an MHL cable, but certain inconveniences in using the cable pushed manufacturers to search for wireless technologies. Today there are several of them: DLNA, Apple AirPlay, Miracast, HTC Connect, Samsung AllShare Cast, Intel Wireless Display (or WiDi). Some of them can work with devices from different manufacturers, others are designed only for devices of the same brand (as the name implies), but often they can connect to other devices using adapters or adapters. You just need to choose, more precisely, a suitable wireless signal transmission technology. Let's consider some.
How to stream an image with Apple AirPlay
This requires:
1. Mobile device iPhone or iPad.
2. Apple TV. It is a multimedia player in the form of a small set-top box. Through the HDMI connector, it must be connected to the TV.
Establishing a connection:
1. Open the AirPlay app on your mobile device.
2. Select Apple TV from the list of devices that support AirPlay.
3. Activate the "video replay" setting.
Now you can watch your favorite video on the big screen. The control will be carried out from the phone or tablet, and the image on the TV. The same applies to games and other applications with the difference that the image will be on two screens at the same time. So, from iOS devices transferring images to the TV screen is easier than, but what about other devices?
How to transfer an image using Miracast
If you figure out how to display an image from a phone to a TV using Miracast, then you can use various devices and not be limited to a specific brand. But since this technology is still quite new, there are not many devices compatible with it on the world market. These are the latest models of smartphones and TVs from Panasonic, LG and Sony. It is possible to connect to other TVs, but this requires that the TV supports Smart TV.
To connect:
1. Turn on Wi-Fi on your mobile device.
2. Find the source on the TV - this is the broadcast source (in our case, Miracast).
3. On the smartphone, in the Wi-Fi settings, enter WI-FI Direct.
4. Select your TV from the list of "seen" devices.
5. Open the settings.
6. Output of multimedia.
7. Select a TV.
If errors appear during the setup, double-check the presence of all connections and repeat the procedure.
It's certainly good to watch videos and listen to music in good quality on a smartphone, but doing it with a connected widescreen TV, duplicating a picture or outputting multimedia files, is even better!
Did you know that most Android smartphones can be connected to modern TVs? Ask why? For example, to watch videos from the phone's memory or its SD-card. A person does not always have a USB drive with him, on which films are stored, but you can watch them from your phone by connecting it to the plasma. If the quality of the video itself is decent, then on the TV screen it will not "creep" in pixels. The same goes for music. For example, you can make a multimedia player from your phone that connects to a TV with a complete track list.
At the moment, connection is possible in the following ways:
- Via USB cable;
- Wireless Wi-Fi;
- Via RCA cable (tulip);
- Via HDMI cable;
- Through MHL and SlimPort adapters;
- Miracast technology.
Now let's look at each method separately.
In this case, the connection is via a standard USB cable that you use to charge your Android.
As a rule, most devices today are supplied with a cable and a block into which this very cable is inserted. So, your task is to find a USB input on the TV (usually from the back or side), and insert the cable with the connected phone there. It can be either MicroUSB or MiniUSB.
You will see a notification on the screen with the new device. The system will offer to connect the smartphone as a storage device. Agree with this notification and you will find yourself in the file system of your phone. Here you will see all the files, both on SD and in the internal memory of the device. Launch any movie or music file to play it already on the TV. Please note that any rar, zip and other third-party file types available on your computer will not open on your TV! Media files only.
This method will be relevant only for those users who have built-in support for wireless technology in the TV. Thanks to this option, connecting your phone is much more convenient, and you can manage files from a distance. For example, you can sit comfortably on the couch and choose movies to watch or music to listen to.
To connect, it is necessary that the built-in Wi-Fi module is present both on the TV and on your mobile phone. If your TV has Smart TV technology, then Wi-Fi Direct is definitely there! As a rule, Smart TVs are found in all TVs of the latest generations from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers.
- Go to the "Settings" of your Android smartphone and select the Wi-Fi item there.
- Next, click on the tab "Additionally" and find Wi-Fi Direct.
- On your TV, also go to "Settings" and find the same wireless technology there, and then activate it.
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your smartphone, and the system automatically searches on the TV for available points for connection. Once your phone's hotspot is found, the devices are paired and connected to the public network.
If your TV does not have a Wi-Fi module, you can purchase it separately. It will be inserted through the HDMI port, so it's worth considering carefully, is it worth it? After all, this is an additional cost, and the HDMI port will be busy.
Via RCA (tulip)
This method is suitable for those users who have old TVs. They usually have support for RCA (cable with three branches of different colors). Each plug performs a separate task - it transmits sound, video. But you can even connect your Android smartphone to an old TV. To do this, you need an HDMI to RCA adapter, as well as HDMI support in your smartphone.
The adapter will cost about 700 rubles. On one side you plug in RCA, on the other you plug in HDMI. There is still a power input on the side, but a cable for it is provided with an adapter. As a rule, the connection to your smartphone can be carried out both via HDMI Micro and HDMI Mini.
The adapter will have two modes: NTSC and PAL. The first is used if you have an American TV, and the second is more suitable for European ones, since they have a higher resolution. You can simply switch modes and see for yourself which picture will look better. But keep in mind that this method does not guarantee a clear image, given that RCA technology cannot boast of this, and even all kinds of adapters are used.
Via HDMI
Actually, above in the paragraph, we have already mentioned the HDMI technology, which can connect Android with plasma. But, if you have a new generation device, then no RCA is needed! It is enough to insert the HDMI cable into the socket and directly or through the HDMI Mini adapter connect the cable to the smartphone. Please note that by default the cable is not provided with the smartphone, so you will have to buy it separately!
To connect, take a cable, where there will be HDMI on one end, HDMI Mini on the other. The first one is inserted into the socket on the TV, and the second one into your tablet or smartphone on Android. In many phones of the latest generations, there is even a separate item in the "Settings" for changing the HDMI parameters. For example, you can choose the resolution, zoom and other equally important settings.
In most cases, the system automatically detects the device and duplicates the smartphone screen on the screen. But some models require confirmation.
Via MHL or SlimPort
If Android does not have an HDMI input, you can use one more adapters that will allow you to connect your phone to a plasma.
One of the most common connection methods is MHL technology. Connection is carried out through the familiar and popular microUSB input. Almost all phones have it. At the other end of the cable there will be an HDMI input. You simply plug one end into your TV and the other into the jack on your phone, where you would normally plug your charger. Just keep in mind that for correct display, you need to insert HDMI into exactly the slot next to which the MHL logo will be. In this case, the picture will be correctly displayed and duplicated on the TV screen, which, in turn, will also be charged. Do not forget to disable screen rotation, otherwise it will rotate on the TV too.
Important! Before buying a cable, be sure to check with the sellers if it will fit your phone model, since some models have their own distinctive features.
Another alternative is SlimPort. As a rule, recently it is actively found in devices such as Asus, ZTE, and some LG models. Its main difference from MHL is that it supports almost all video output standards: VGA, HDMI. You can use such an adapter to connect the device not only to a TV, but also to a monitor.
Its configuration and varieties may be different:
- Firstly, it can be a simple HDMI adapter, where, on the one hand, it connects to the TV, and on the other hand, to the smartphone's charging socket.
- Secondly, there is a SlimPort with several outputs at once, for example, the same VGA. In addition to the input and output, there is a separate charging socket on the side, since the phone will not be charged from the TV through this adapter! Although it consumes much less energy than MHL.
With such adapters, you can easily connect your smartphone to a TV, projectors and screens, and you can charge the device. At the same time, FullHD image output with a resolution of up to 1080p is supported, depending on the type of adapter.
Miracast is a picture mirroring technology that allows you to mirror the entire process from your device to your TV. It does not require any cables, everything is done wirelessly. It is only necessary that the TV and smartphone have this technology. As a rule, most modern smartphones have it. It has been introduced since Android 4.2.
Let's consider the connection using the example of an LG TV.
- We go to the "Menu" on the TV, then we find there "Connection Manager" and in the general list, select "Smartphone" or "Tablet". Now you need to select the tab Screen Sharing... As soon as you press, you will see the Miracast inscription. Click on the "Start" tab. That's it, the setup on the TV is complete.
- Moving on to activating the technology on your smartphone. We go to the "Settings" and there we are looking for the item "More". There will be a WiDi item. Click on it. In the list you will see your TV already. Click on it and wait for the device to connect. As soon as the pairing is established, you will see a duplicate smartphone on the screen and you will be able to launch games, applications, access the Internet, etc.
Here you can also connect a gamepad, for example, or a keyboard, and make a full-fledged computer out of your Android smartphone.
Modern mobile devices are suitable for watching movies and videos from YouTube, but they have one significant drawback: the screen diagonal is too small. The displays of even the largest smartphones and phablets are no match for television screens.
Fortunately, transferring an image from a mobile device to a TV screen is now easier than ever, and this article will tell you about the most common methods.
Connecting a smartphone to a TV via HDMI is the most popular option. Many people prefer HDMI, because high data transfer rates and high-quality picture are guaranteed. However, the connection is possible only if the Android smartphone itself has a corresponding connector - usually it is located next to the micro-USB.
Note that a special HDMI cable is required: one end must have a standard Type A connector, the other a Type D connector that looks like a charger connector.
HDMI A-D cable
If you can't find an A-D cable, you can use a special MHL to HDMI adapter, which is usually included in a TV set.
MHL to HDMI adapter
Having connected two devices via a cable, on the TV itself, you need to select HDMI as a signal source, after which the same image will appear on the screen as on the smartphone display. If there is no image, it is worth adjusting the settings on the gadget (path "Settings" "HDMI format").
Connect via USB
The method of connecting a gadget to a TV via USB is suitable if the TV itself is equipped with a corresponding connector. You will need a USB-micro-USB cable, which you can find with almost any smartphone.
USB-micro-USB cable
It will not be possible to duplicate the picture from the display of the gadget on the TV, but the smartphone with such a connection can be considered as a USB drive. Data management is carried out through the TV interface. Modern TV devices can play not only clips and films of certain formats, but also text documents and presentations.
Pay attention to this connection feature: both devices must be turned on - if the gadget is turned off, the TV does not recognize it as a drive.
We connect via Wi-Fi
You can connect your phone to the TV without cables - just use one of the software products of the manufacturing companies. For example, many of Samsung's models have the AllShare function, which allows you to connect to a TV of a similar brand in a couple of clicks. To use this function, you need:
- Activate your home Wi-Fi network.
- Connect both devices (TV and Samsung phone) to Wi-Fi.
- Activate AllShare.
Other major manufacturers have an AllShare counterpart. offers to use Smart Share, through which the smartphone connects to the TV in much the same way as through Samsung technology. Apple devices can be connected via AirPlay, however, you will have to additionally buy a special set-top box.
The listed methods have a common disadvantage: you can connect the gadget only to TVs of the same brand. Therefore, the question that owners of TV of rare brands will definitely ask is reasonable: is it possible to connect a smartphone via Wi-Fi bypassing branded applications?
We use Wi-Fi Direct
The advantage of this technology is that setting up a home Wi-Fi network and registering both devices in it is not required - the gadget connects directly to the TV via Wi-Fi. The important thing is that both devices must support this function. "Connect" happens like this:
- Wi-Fi Direct runs on the gadget. The user needs to follow the path "Settings" "Wireless networks and connections" "Wi-Fi Direct". Click "Activate" or "Ok" (depending on the model).
- The function runs on TV. You need to go to the menu, select "Network" and find Wi-Fi Direct in the list of options. After activating the function, a list of devices available for connection appears - in the list, select the smartphone that was configured earlier.
- The smartphone receives a request to confirm the connection. Just click "Yes" and enjoy Wi-Fi Direct.
other methods
You can connect devices differently:
Via Miracast technology... The technology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance is similar to Wi-Fi Direct — the connection is also direct and does not require an additional router. This ensures a high connection speed. There is one difference from Direct: Miracast can be used even if the TV does not support this function or does not have a wireless module at all. To connect in such cases, you need an external unit (for example, Prestigio Multiscreen) - a device that looks similar to a USB flash drive.
External block Prestigio Multiscreen for Miracast connection
Miracast also has a drawback: only the latest TVs and smartphones are equipped with this technology. Miracast is supported by Android smartphones with Jelly Bean OS (4.2) and higher.
Through a Chromecast device... Such a device, a Google innovation, is inserted into the HDMI connector of a TV and broadcasts content from a smartphone to it.
Google Chromecast device
Chromecast has a significant advantage over other connection methods: this equipment works not only with Androids, but also with gadgets on Windows and iOS.
Through device xBounds... IPhone owners will be disappointed, but xBounds only works with Android. The principle of operation is the same as that of the Chromecast, and even in appearance, these devices are similar.
XBounds device
Interestingly, when connecting via xBounds, even low-resolution videos will appear on the TV screen in high quality.
Conclusion
If a user plans to connect a smartphone to a TV, he should think about this point even before buying devices. To avoid connecting via a cable and not feeling tied by wires, it is better to include the presence of Miracast technology (or Wi-Fi Direct) in the list of mandatory requirements for the purchased gadget.
Currently, there are wired and wireless ways to connect a smartphone or tablet to a TV.
Via hdmi
First, you need a TV with HDMI connector... Ideally, this would be a Smart TV. Secondly - tablet or smartphone and HDMI cable.
You may also need MHL adapter- special adapter microUSB - HDMI (if the smartphone does not have this type of connector). The adapter itself must be constantly recharged using a microUSB connected to it charger.
The advantages of this method are - high quality and speed data transmission. Everything that a user does on a smartphone will be displayed on TV with almost no delay.
For this type of connection, you will need it in the off state. connect devices with each other using an HDMI cable, and then turn on. After automatic connection setup, the function will start. mirroring, that is, the image of the smartphone can be seen on the TV.
We use USB
Using a USB connection will not work duplicate the image from the smartphone. However, it can be used to use a smartphone as a high-quality removable storage.
The control will be carried out thanks to the TV interface. Connect using your standard USB cable.
On modern devices, you can, in addition to watching videos and listening to audio recordings, read books stored in the memory of your smartphone or view presentations. In the same way, you can use the usual USB stick... We recommend using this method when you want to view a slideshow of your photos.
How to use Wi-Fi
Now let's move on to wireless connections, in particular, via the Wi-Fi radio channel. Most modern televisions are equipped with built-inWi— Fimodule... So, no additional routers will not need... Technologies may have different names depending on your model. For LG - Smart Share, for Samsung - AllShare, Miracast.
Owners of iPhones have the ability to connect to TVs using technology AirPlay... In this case, you will need an additional TV set-top box.
Technology Wi-Fi Direct also allows direct connection. The phone and TV must support Wi-Fi Direct. On a smartphone, this function activated In chapter " Wireless networks and connections". On the TV, you need to get into the network settings (the remote control usually has a button that allows you to quickly do this).
Connection method Wi-Fi Direct. We activate and choose device to connect.
How to display an image from a phone
Let's look at how to display an image from a phone using an LG TV as an example.
Using the remote control, open the section Screen Share.
Moving on to a smartphone (or tablet). We open settings.
We include Wi-Fi. 
Next tab Screen / Wireless Projector.
We include and press Find screens.
After finding your TV connect to him. 
The phone screen is now displayed on your TV.
Depending on the phone model and the version of the Android system installed, the way to enable the function may differ.
For example, for Android 5.0 This option is enabled in the settings tab More.
Then PlayTo.
Other options are also possible, see the manual specific to your phone.
The only one disadvantage such a connection can be called a certain delay pictures, and therefore, it may be inconvenient to play some dynamic games. However, for watching videos and surfing in a browser and other actions, this connection method is the most convenient and optimal.
