Do you want to show photos from your phone on a big TV screen, but don’t know how to do it via a regular USB cable? This task seems simple, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from incompatible protocols to the lack of necessary settings. Unlike wireless methods (like Miracast or Google Cast), connecting via USB often requires manual setup, especially if your TV does not support MHL or USB OTG.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to output images from a Androidsmartphone to TV via cable - from a standard connection as a flash drive to the use of special adapters. You will learn which TV models support direct streaming of media files, how to enable Developer mode for advanced features, and what to do if the TV does not see the phone. And also - a table of compatibility of popular brands and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why a USB cable does not always work to display an image

Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to simply connect the phone and TV with a cable - and the image will immediately appear on the screen. In fact USB connection the default is for data transfer, not for screen mirroring. Here are the key reasons why this may not work:

  • 📱 Android limitations: Modern versions of the OS (starting from Android 10) block direct video transfer via USB without additional settings or adapters.
  • 📺 Lack of support for MHL/Slimport: Old TVs (before 2018) often do not recognize a smartphone as a signal source - only as an external drive.
  • 🔌 USB port type: The port USB Type-A on TV is usually intended for flash drives, and not for connecting devices. To display an image you need USB-C or HDMI.
  • 🔧 Incorrect connection mode: By default, Android offers options "Charging", "File transfer" or "Photo (PTP)", but not "Image transfer".

If your TV was released after 2020, the chances of a successful connection are higher - many models Samsung, LG and Sony Bravia support USB-C with alternative DisplayPort mode (for example, via USB-C to HDMI adapter). But even in this case, you may need to manually activate the function in the TV settings.

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Method 1: Connecting your phone as an external drive (for viewing photo)

The most universal method, which works on 90% of TVs, is to use your phone as a flash drive. In this case, you will be able to view photos and videos through the built-in media player of the TV, but there will be no screen duplication. The instructions are suitable for TVs with a port USB Type-A (standard connector for flash drives).

What you will need:

  • 📱 Smartphone at Android 6.0 and higher.
  • 📺 TV with USB port (supporting formats JPEG, PNG, MP4).
  • 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C (or USB-A → Micro-USB for old phones).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect the cable to the phone and TV. A notification will appear on the smartphone screen "Charging via USB".
  2. Expand the notification panel and click on the message. Select the mode "File transfer" (or "Photo (PTP)", if the first option is not available).
  3. On the TV, open the signal source USB (usually the button Source or Input on the remote control).
  4. In the TV menu, select the section "Multimedia" or "Photo" —the phone folders will be displayed there (DCIM, Pictures etc.).

Make sure the cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable)

Check that the phone screen is unlocked (some TVs require access confirmation)

Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the phone (they may interfere with a stable connection)

Update the firmware TV (in the menu Settings → Support → Software update)

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If the TV does not see the phone:

  • 🔄 Try a different cable (cheap cables often do not support data transfer).
  • 📱 Restart the phone and reconnect.
  • 📺 On some TVs (for example, Samsung), you need to manually allow access to USB devices in the security settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some TVs (especially LG 2019–2021) may not show files in format HEIC (used in iPhone). Convert photos to JPEG via the app Google Photos.

Method 2: Screen output via USB-C → HDMI (for image duplication)

If you need not just to view photos, but to completely duplicate the phone screen on a TV (for example, to show a presentation or games), you will need an adapter from USB-C to HDMIThis method works on smartphones that support alternative mode DisplayPort (see the list of models below).

Required equipment:

  • 📱 Smartphone with port USB-C and support DisplayPort Alt Mode (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 5, OnePlus 8 Pro).
  • 📺 TV with port HDMI (any model).
  • 🔌 Adapter USB-C → HDMI (we recommend original ones from Anker, Belkin or Samsung).

How connect:

  1. Connect the adapter to the phone, and then the cable HDMI to the TV.
  2. On the TV, select the signal source HDMI (button Source on the remote control).
  3. The phone may ask you to allow image display - confirm it.
  4. If the screen is not duplicated automatically, go to Settings → Display → Wireless display and select mode "Duplicate screen".
Phone model DisplayPort Alt Mode support Max resolution Notes
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra ✅ Yes 4K@60Hz Requires original adapter Samsung USB-C to HDMI.
Google Pixel 7 Pro ✅ Yes 4K@30Hz Works with most adapters, but artifacts are possible at 60 Hz.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 ❌ No — Only supports MHL (obsolete standard).
OnePlus 10 Pro ✅ Yes 1080p@60Hz For 4K you need an adapter with external power supply.

If the image does not appear:

  • 🔌 Try a different adapter (cheap Chinese ones often do not support 4K).
  • 📱 Reboot the phone with the adapter connected.
  • 📺 Check whether the required HDMIport is enabled on the TV (some models require activation in menu).
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If the adapter does not work, try connecting it via a USB hub with external power - some phones (for example, Sony Xperia) require an additional source of energy for stable video transmission.

Method 3: Using an MHL adapter for older TVs

If your TV is released until 2018 and does not support USB-C, but it has a port HDMI, you can use MHL adapter (Mobile High-Definition Link). is considered obsolete. However, for owners of old Micro-USB or USB-C, but today it is considered obsolete. However, for owners of old Samsung, LG or Sony this may be the only option.

What is needed to connect:

  • 📱 Smartphone with support MHL (list below).
  • 📺 TV with port HDMI (necessarily with support MHL -check in the instructions).
  • 🔌 Adapter MHL (for example, Samsung MHL 2.0 or universal from UGREEN).
  • 🔋 Power supply (some adapters require connection to an outlet).

List of smartphones with MHL support (outdated models):

  • Samsung Galaxy S7/S8, Note 5/8
  • LG G5/G6, V20/V30
  • Sony Xperia XZ, XZ Premium
  • HTC 10, U11

How to connect:

  1. Insert the adapter into the port Micro-USB or USB-C phone.
  2. Connect the cable HDMI to the TV and adapter.
  3. If the adapter requires power, connect it to the charger.
  4. On the TV, select source HDMI (you may need to enable the mode MHL in the settings).
⚠️ Attention: Adapters MHL are not compatible with DisplayPort Alt ModeIf your phone supports both standards (for example, Samsung Galaxy S9), in the screen settings you need to manually select "MHL mode".
What to do if the MHL adapter does not work?

1. Check if your TV supports MHL - some models (for example, LG UK6300) have an HDMI port without support for this standard.

2. Make sure that the adapter is connected to power (if required). Without it, video transmission may be interrupted.

3. Update the TV firmware - there may have been compatibility errors with MHL 3.0 in older versions of the software.

4. Try another HDMI cable (the length should not exceed 3 meters).

Method 4: Developer mode and forced USB output (for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can try enabling hidden Android settings, which allow you to force image output via USB. This method is suitable for phones with Android 9.0 and above, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to failures.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Activate Mode Developer:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    • Click on "Number assembly" 7 times until the message appears "You have become a developer!".
  • Return to the main settings menu and open the section System → Developer Mode.
  • Find the option "USB default configuration" and select "Transferring images (DisplayPort)".
  • Connect the phone to the TV via an adapter USB-C → HDMI.

    • If the option "Image transfer" is missing:

    • 📱 Your phone does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode at the software level.
    • 🔧 Try using ADB commands to force the mode to turn on (only for experienced users!).
    adb shell settings put global usb_default_config display

    After executing the command, reconnect the cable.

    ⚠️ Attention: Changing the developer settings can lead to unstable operation of the phone. If after connection the screen starts to flicker or artifacts appear, return the settings to their original state ("Charging").

    Problem solving: the TV does not see the phone via USB

    Even if you did everything according to the instructions, errors may occur. Here are the most common causes and ways to solve them:

    Problem Possible. reason Solution
    TV does not respond to connection Faulty cable or port Try another cable and USB/HDMI port on TV.
    The phone is charging, but files are not displayed Incorrect USB mode Select "File transfer" or "PTP" in the notification.
    The image is there, but not sound HDMI cable or adapter does not support audio Connect external speakers to the TV or use Bluetooth headphones.
    Screen flickering or artifacts Incompatible resolution B in your phone settings, set the resolution 1080p instead of 4K.
    The TV says "Unsupported format" Outdated TV firmware Update the TV software through the menu Settings → Support.

    If none of the methods worked:

    • 📱 Check if the data transfer antivirus or energy saving mode.
    • 📺 Reset the TV settings to factory settings (menu Support → Reset).
    • 🔧 Use alternative methods: Google Cast (for Android TV), Miracast or DLNA.
    💡

    If your TV does not support USB output, but it has Wi-Fi, it is easier to use wireless technologies - for example, an application Smart View (for Samsung) or Google Home (for Android TV).

    Comparison of methods: which method to choose

    To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all the described methods, indicating their pros and cons.

    Method Required equipment Pros Cons Suitable for
    Connecting like a flash drive Cable USB-A → USB-C ✅ Works on any TV with USB
    ✅ Does not require adapters    		 ❌ Only viewing files, without duplicating the screen
    ❌ Slow loading of large photos    		 Viewing photos, videos
    USB-C → HDMI (DisplayPort) Adapter USB-C → HDMI ✅ Full duplication screen
    ✅ Support 4K and sound    		 ❌ Requires a compatible phone
    ❌ Expensive adapters    		 Games, presentations, streaming
    MHL adapter Adapter MHL + power ✅ Works on old TVs
    ✅ Stable connection    		 ❌ Outdated standard
    ❌ Low resolution (1080p)    		 Old TVs (before 2018)
    Developer mode Adapter USB-C → HDMI ✅ Can make it work incompatible devices ❌ Risk of failures
    ❌ Requires technical knowledge    		 Advanced users

    If you just need to show photos from your vacation, the first method is enough. For games or watching movies, it is better to use USB-C → HDMI. Owners of old TVs will have to look MHL adapter or consider purchasing an MHL adapter Google Chromecast.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a phone to a TV via USB

    Is it possible to display the phone screen on a TV via a regular one? USB cable (without adapter)?

    No, the standard cable USB-A → USB-C is intended only for data transfer or charging. To duplicate the screen, you need an adapter USB-C → HDMI (if the phone supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) or MHL adapter for older ones devices.

    Why does the TV see the phone as a flash drive, but does not show photos?

    Probable reasons:

    • Files in the format HEIC (not supported by most TV).
    • Photos are stored in the cloud (Google Photos), and not in the phone memory.
    • The TV does not support exFAT (use FAT32).

    Solution: Copy the photo to folder DCIM/Camera and convert to JPEG.

    My phone supports DisplayPort, but the USB-C → HDMI adapter does not work. What should I do?

    Try the following:

    1. Connect the adapter to the phone to connecting to a TV.
    2. Use an adapter with external power (some phones require additional power).
    3. In the phone screen settings, select the mode "External display".
    4. Update the firmware of your phone and TV.

    Is it possible to connect an iPhone to a TV via USB like Android?

    No, iPhone does not support image output via USB. To connect to TV you need an adapter Lightning → HDMI (official). from Apple) or use AirPlay (for Apple TV or compatible TVs).

    How do I know if my phone supports DisplayPort Alt Mode?

    Check the specifications of your model on the manufacturer's website or in the instructions. As a rule, flagship smartphones Samsung, Google, OnePlus and Sony (released after 2019) support this standard. You can also search for information on the request "phone model + DisplayPort".