Connecting a smartphone to a TV-based Android TV opens up a lot of possibilities: from viewing photos on the big screen to streaming games with minimal latency. But not all users know that there are at least five connection options, and each of them is suitable for different scenarios. For example, Miracast is ideal for presentations, and HDMIthe cable guarantees stability without lags, which is critical for online games.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from wireless protocols to wired adapters - and also compare them by key parameters: data transfer speed, latency i compatibility with different models of TVs (Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV, Nvidia Shield etc.). We will place special emphasis on typical errors that cause the connection to fail, and we will provide a checklist for eliminating them.

⚠️ Important: some functions (for example, Google Cast) may require updating the TV firmware to the latest version. If your Android TV was released before 2019, check the specific protocol support in the specifications of the model.

1. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Method Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect your phone and TV without a router, creating a local network between devices. This is convenient for transferring files or broadcasting your screen in places without internet access. The connection speed reaches 250 Mbit/s (in theory), but in practice depends on interference and distance.

To activate Wi-Fi Direct on the TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct. On a smartphone, the path may be different: for example, on Samsung Galaxy this Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct, and on Xiaomi — Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct.

  • 📱 Pros: does not require a router, low power consumption, compatible with most devices running Android 4.0+.
  • ⚠️ Cons: possible connection breaks over long distances (more than 5 meters), does not support audio transmission in some TV models.
  • 🔧 Typical error: If the TV is not visible in the list of devices, restart both devices and repeat the search.

For stable operation it is recommended:

Disable Bluetooth on both devices

Make sure that the "Visible to everyone" mode is turned on on the TV

Reboot the router (if it is on the network)

Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->

2. Using Miracast (wireless display) is a wireless screen transfer standard built into most modern screens. Unlike

Miracast is a wireless screen transfer standard built into Android 4.2+ and most modern Android TV. Unlike Wi-Fi Direct, it broadcasts not only files, but also the entire smartphone interface in real time. This is ideal for presentations, watching videos or even playing games (albeit with a latency of ~50–100 ms).

Connection algorithm:

  1. On TV: Settings → Input devices → Wireless display (or Screen Mirroring).
  2. On the phone: Settings → Connected devices → Wireless display (on Samsung — Smart View).
  3. Select your TV from the list and confirm the connection.

Critical detail: Miracast does not support DRM-protected content (for example, Netflix or Disney+). To watch them, use Google Cast.

Parameter Wi-Fi Direct Miracast
Max. resolution 1080p 4K@30Hz (on new TVs)
Latency (lag) 100–200 ms 50–100 ms
Audio support Partial Full
Energy consumption Low Medium
📊 Which connection method do you use more often?
Wi-Fi Direct
Miracast
HDMI cable
Google Cast
I don’t connect

3. Connection via HDMI (wired method)

If you need minimum response time (for example, for playing games or watching videos in 4K@60Hz), a wired connection via HDMI remains the best choice. For this you will need:

  • 📱 Smartphone with support USB-C or Micro-USB (depending on the model).
  • 🔌 Adapter USB-C → HDMI (or Micro-USB → HDMI for old phones).
  • 📺 Cable HDMI 2.0 or higher (for 4K required!).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the adapter to your smartphone.
  2. Connect the adapter and TV with an HDMI cable (use the port HDMI ARC for better sound).
  3. On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (Input → HDMI 1/2/3).
  4. On your phone, you may need to enable USB debugging (Settings → For developers).

⚠️ Attention: not all adapters support audio output. If there is an image, but no sound, check the audio output settings on your phone (Settings → Sound → Sound output) or use a separate Bluetoothspeaker.

Why does the phone not detect the HDMI adapter?

If the adapter is not recognized, the reason may be be in:

1) Protocol incompatibility (for example, the adapter for Samsung DeX is not suitable for regular broadcasting).

2) Insufficient power supply (connect the charger to the adapter via a USB connector).

3) Outdated phone firmware (update to Android 10+).

4. Broadcasting via Google Cast (Chromecast)

Google Cast is a technology for streaming content from a phone to a TV through applications that support the function Cast (for example, YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos). Unlike Miracast, here it is not the phone screen that is transferred, but only the content, which reduces the load on the battery.

How to use:

  1. Make sure that the phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open a supported application (for example, YouTube).
  3. Click the icon Cast (usually in the upper right corner).
  4. Select your TV from the list.

List of popular supported applications Google Cast:

  • 🎬 YouTube, Netflix, Disney+
  • 🎵 Spotify, Google Play Music
  • 📷 Google Photos, VLC

⚠️ Attention: if the TV is not displayed in the list of devices for Castcheck:

  • Is the power saving mode disabled on the phone (it may block background activity).
  • Are the applications and firmware of the TV updated?
  • Is VPN used on the phone (it may interfere with the detection of devices on the local network).

5. Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work, you can use the protocol DLNA or third-party applications like ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport. These methods are suitable for specific tasks:

  • 🖥️ DLNA: allows you to stream media files (photos, videos, music) without duplicating the screen. Supported by most. data-i="161">via the app Android TV via the app Media Server.
  • 🔄 ApowerMirror: duplicates the smartphone screen on the TV via Wi-Fi, but requires installation of the application on both devices.
  • 🛠️ TeamViewer QuickSupport: convenient for remote assistance (for example, if you need to show the phone screen on TV for setup).

For setup DLNA:

  1. On TV: open the application Media Player or Photo/Video.
  2. On phone: use a file manager with DLNA support (for example, FX File Explorer) and select the option Share via DLNA.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like ApowerMirror may charge for premium features (such as audio streaming or screen recording). Before using, check the rates in Google Play.

💡

If streaming via Miracast lags, try reducing the phone screen resolution to 720p in the developer settings (Settings → System → For developers → Minimum width).

6. Solving common problems

Even with proper configuration, the connection may not work. Here are typical errors and their solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
TV is not visible in the list of devices Disabled Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast on TV Check the network settings on the TV and reboot it
There is an image, but no sound Incompatible HDMI adapter or HDMI sound is disabled Use an adapter with audio support or connect external speakers
Strong lags during broadcasting Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion Switch the router to the channel 5 GHz or use wired connection
Google Cast does not work in applications Outdated version of the application or TV Update the TV firmware and the application on the phone

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 🔌 Firmware compatibility: some Android TV based Android 9 and below may not support Miracast with phones on Android 12+.
  • 📶 Network interference: other devices (microwaves, wireless headphones) can create interference at frequency 2.4 GHz.
  • 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: for example, Samsung blocks Miracast on some models due to security policy.
💡

For stable video broadcasting in 4K use either HDMI 2.1cable, or Miracast on TVs with support HEVC (H.265).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I connect my phone to TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, the following is suitable for this:

  • HDMI adapter (wired connection).
  • Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router).
  • Bluetooth (only for file transfer, without duplicating the screen).

To broadcast the screen in real time without lags, it is better to use HDMI.

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

The reasons may be the following:

  • The TV or phone does not support audio transmission via Miracast (check the model specifications).
  • The wrong audio output is selected in the phone settings (switch to HDMI or Wireless display).
  • An outdated version of the protocol is used (update firmware).

Solution: try connecting via Google Cast or use external speakers.

Which USB-C → HDMI adapter should I buy for Samsung Galaxy S22?

For Samsung Galaxy S22 will be suitable adapters with support USB-C 3.1 and HDMI 2.0, for example:

  • Samsung USB-C to HDMI Adapter (official, supports 4K@60Hz).
  • Anker 310 (budget option with good reviews).
  • Baseus USB-C Hub (multifunctional, with ports USB-A i SD).

⚠️ Avoid cheap no-name adapters - they often do not support audio output.

Is it possible to play mobile games on TV via broadcast?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct: latency ~50–100 ms (suitable for strategies, but not for shooters).
  • HDMI: latency ~10–20 ms (optimal for any games).
  • Google Cast: not suitable - broadcasts only content, not screen.

For games, it is recommended to use an HDMIadapter or specialized applications like Steam Link (for PC games).

How to disable screen broadcasting if the phone is frozen?

If the phone does not respond to commands, try:

  1. On the TV: disable the function Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi Direct manually.
  2. On the router: temporarily disable Wi-Fi (if used Miracast or Google Cast).
  3. On the phone: hold down the power button for 10+ seconds to force a reboot.

If the broadcast is via HDMI, simply disconnect the cable.