How to transfer the screen of an Android phone to a TV: all methods with pros and cons

Do you want to show your vacation photos on the big screen, run a mobile game on your TV, or make a presentation directly from your smartphone? Transferring the screen of a Androiddevice to TV solves these problems in a few clicks - but only if you choose the right method. The methods differ in connection stability, supported resolutions and even sound delay, which is critical for games or videos.

In this article we will look at all screen duplication technologies that are relevant in 2026, from wireless protocols (Miracast, Google Cast) to wired adapters (USB-C → HDMI). You will learn which method is suitable for your TV model (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia etc.), how to get around common errors (for example, "No sound when connected"), and what settings Android 14/15 need to be changed for smooth broadcasting. And at the end - a comparative table on the speed, quality and compatibility of each method.

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1. Wireless transmission via Miracast: a universal standard for Android

Miracast is a built-in Android protocol for wireless screen mirroring that works on most modern TVs (Samsung QLED, LG OLED, Xiaomi TV etc.). Unlike Google Castit transmits the entire screen the smartphone, and not just video from applications. The main advantage is the absence of dependence on the Internet: the connection is established directly between devices across Wi-Fi Direct.

To use Miracast, follow these steps:

• 📱 On a smartphone: open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (on some firmware — Wireless display or Screen Mirroring).
• 📺 On TV: turn on the function Screen Mirroring (in the menu Network → Miracast or Sources → Wireless screen).
• 🔄 Select the name of your TV from the list of available devices on the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some screens. models Xiaomi and Realme the function Miracast may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings → About phone and click on MIUI version 5 times (a notification will appear "Developer mode is enabled"). in Settings → Advanced → Developer options find the item Wireless display.

The TV supports Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast (see instructions)

on an Android phone 5.0 or later (check in Settings → About the phone)

Both devices are connected to the same network (not necessary, but speeds up the search)

VPN and power saving modes are disabled-->

2. Google Cast (Chromecast): for streaming videos and games

Google Cast is the underlying technology devices Chromecast and built into many Smart TV (for example, Android TV from Sony or Philips), unlike Miracast, it is optimized for transmission. data-i="97">), and not the entire screen. But the video quality can be achieved content from applications (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch), and not the entire screen. But the video quality can reach 4K HDR with stable Wi-Fi.

How to connect:

1. Make sure that the phone and TV are connected to one Wi-Fi network (this is a prerequisite for Google Cast).
2. Open a supported application (for example, YouTube) and click the icon "Broadcast" (usually in the upper right corner).
3. Select your TV or Chromecast from the list. The broadcast will start automatically.

For duplication whole screen (not just video) use the application Google Home:

4. Install Google Home from Play Market.
5. In the main application menu, select your Chromecast or Android TV.
6. Click "Broadcast screen" and confirm the start of the session.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting games via Google Cast there may be an input delay (input lag) of up to 100–150 ms. For shooters or racing, it is better to use wired connection (see section 4).

Why is Google Cast better than Miracast for video?

Google Cast uses adaptive bitrate adjustment: if Wi-Fi is unstable, the video quality is automatically is reduced to avoid lags. Miracast transmits the stream “as is,” which can lead to jerks. In addition, Cast supports DRM-protected content (for example, Netflix in 4K), while Miracast is often blocked by such services.

3. Wi-Fi Direct: an alternative to Miracast for older models

If your TV does not support Miracast, but equipped with a Wi-Fi Directmodule, you can still transfer the screen from Android. This method works on most Samsung (series J, K, M) and some models LG 2019). required).

Connection instructions:

• 📺 On TV: activate Wi-Fi Direct in the menu Network → Wi-Fi settings. Remember the network name and password (if required).
• 📱 On the phone: go to Settings → Wi-Fi, press "Advanced" (or "More") and select Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔗 Connect to the TV network After that, yours should appear in the menu Screen transfer on your phone. TV.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Android (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) the function Wi-Fi Direct conflicts with regular Wi-Fi. If the Internet is lost after connecting, restart the phone or use airplane mode with only Wi-Fi Direct.

4. Wired connection via USB-C/HDMI: maximum quality without lags

For gamers, designers or those who need resolution 4K@60Hz no delays, the best option is a wired connection via adapter USB-C → HDMI. This method works on all Androidsmartphones with support for DisplayPort Alt Mode (most flagships since 2018: Samsung Galaxy S22+, Google Pixel 7 Pro, OnePlus 11 etc.).

What you will need:

• 🔌 Adapter USB-C to HDMI (for example, Anker 310 or original from Samsung).
• 📺 TV with port HDMI (preferably version 2.0 or higher for 4K).
• 🔋 Cable USB-C to power the phone (screen broadcast greatly drains the battery).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the adapter to the port USB-C of the phone.
2. Connect the adapter to the TV via HDMIcable.
3. On the TV, select the signal source HDMI (button Source or Input on the remote control).
4. The phone may ask you to allow screen sharing - confirm it.

⚠️ Attention: If the image does not appear, check:

• Does your smartphone support DisplayPort Alt Mode (a list of compatible models is on the adapter manufacturer's website).
• Do you use active adapter (passive ones may not transmit a signal to some TVs).
• Is the mode enabled in the phone settings "For developers" → "Debugging by USB" (sometimes required).

5. Connection via USB (MHL/Slimport): for older smartphones

If your phone was released before 2018 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6), it may support standards MHL or Slimport for transmitting video via USB. These technologies are inferior USB-C → HDMI in quality (maximum 1080p@30Hz), but remain relevant for outdated equipment.

How to check compatibility:

• 🔍 Look at the specifications of your model on the manufacturer's website (look for mentions MHL or Slimport).
• 🛒 Buy the appropriate adapter (for example, MHL 2.0 for Samsung or Slimport for LG).
• ⚡ Please note that these adapters require power from an outlet (a power supply is included).

⚠️ Attention: When used MHL the phone will be discharged even with the adapter connected. It is recommended to keep your smartphone on charge during the session.

Method	Max. resolution	Latency (ms)	Internet required	Compatibility
Miracast	1080p@60Hz	50–80	❌ No	Android 5.0+, Smart TV
Google Cast	4K HDR@60Hz	100–150	✅ Yes (one network)	Chromecast, Android TV
Wi-Fi Direct	720p@30Hz	80–120	❌ No	Old Smart TV
USB-C → HDMI	4K@60Hz	<20	❌ No	Android DisplayPort Alt Mode
MHL/Slimport	1080p@30Hz	60–100	❌ No	Smartphones before 2018

6. Solving problems: no sound, lags, connection is interrupted

Even with the correct connection, typical errors may occur. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔇 No sound during broadcast:
  • Check whether the sound on the TV is turned off (button Mute on the remote control).
  • For Miracast: in the phone settings, select "Transmit sound" (in the wireless display menu).
  • For HDMI: try a different cable or port on TV.
• 🐢 Video lags and jerks:
  • When wireless broadcasts: reduce the phone screen resolution in the settings.
  • When Google Cast: close background applications on the phone.
  • When wired connection: check whether the adapter 4K@60Hz.
• 🚫 TV does not finds the phone:
  • Reboot both devices.
  • Disable VPN i power saving mode on the phone.
  • Update TV firmware (in menu Settings → Software update).

⚠️ Attention: If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the wireless broadcast function can be disabled. In this case, only a wired connection or installing a module will help. data-i="271">via «Wireless Display» through Magisk.

7. Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party applications

If none of the main methods are suitable, consider alternatives:

• 📂 DLNA (for photos/video):
  • Suitable for transfer media files, but not all screen.
  • Use applications like BubbleUPnP or Plex.
  • The TV must support DLNA (check in the menu Network).
• 📱 Application side (for example, ApowerMirror):
  • They work on the same principle as Miracast, but with additional functions (screen recording, annotations).
  • Require installation server part on TV (for example, via Android TV).
  • They may charge for premium features.
• 🖥️ Connect via PC:
  • Cast your phone screen to your computer via Scrcpy, and then from PC to TV via HDMI.
  • Suitable for presentations or streams.

⚠️ Attention: Applications for screen casting (for example, TeamViewer QuickSupport) often have limitations on session time or quality. For regular use, it is better to choose one of the main methods (see table in section 5).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring the screen to a TV

❓ Is it possible to broadcast the screen if there is no Wi-Fi on the TV?

Yes, but only wired methods:

• Via adapter USB-C → HDMI (for modern smartphones).
• Via MHL/Slimport (for phones before 2018).
• Via DLNAif the TV supports connection via cable Ethernet.

Wireless protocols (Miracast, Google Cast) require Wi-Fi on a TV or external device (for example, Chromecast).

❓ Why is there no image when connecting via HDMI, but there is sound?

This is a problem for adapters USB-C → HDMI and is associated with:

• Protocol incompatibility DisplayPort Alt Mode (check the list of supported devices with the adapter manufacturer).
• Faulty cable (try another HDMIcable, preferably version 2.0).
• Wrong signal source on TV (select another HDMI port or reset the input settings).

Solution: connect the adapter to another device (for example, a monitor) to check. If the image appears, the problem is there. TV.

❓ How to cast the screen to TV Apple TV from Android?

Apple TV does not support Miracast, but there are workarounds:

1. Use Google Cast: install on Apple TV application AirScreen (available in App Store) and broadcast from your phone as on Chromecast.
2. Connect via DLNA: applications like AllCast allow you to send video/photo on Apple TV.
3. Use USB-C → HDMI: if Apple TV connected to a TV, connect the phone directly to the TV via an adapter.

⚠️ Delay when broadcasting via AirScreen may reach 200 ms - not suitable for games.

❓ Is it possible to play PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact on a TV without lags?

Input lag is critical for games (input lag). methods:

• Wired connection (USB-C → HDMI): delay <20 ms (as on a monitor).
• Miracast with support Game Mode: some TVs (Samsung Q80C, LG C3) reduce lags to 40–50 ms.
• Steam Link or Moonlight: if the game supports a controller, broadcast it from PC to TV, and use your phone as a gamepad.

❌ Google Cast and Wi-Fi Direct are not suitable due to high latency (100+ ms).

❓ Why does the video slow down when broadcasting via Miracast, but the sound goes fine?

This is due to:

• Overload Wi-Fi channel (switch the router to 5 GHz or change the channel in the settings).
• Weak phone processor (on budget models Miracast can reduce FPS).
• High screen resolution (try reducing the resolution in the phone settings to 720p).

Solution: use a wired connection or close all background applications on the phone.