Do you want to watch a movie or family video from your phone on a big screen, but don’t know how to do it via a USB cable? Many users encounter a problem: they connect their smartphone to the TV, but the image does not appear, or the devices simply do not see each other. In this article we will look at all the possible ways to transfer video from a Androiddevice to a TV via USB, including nuances with support MHL, USB OTG and alternative solutions. It is important to understand that not all TVs and phones support live video broadcasting via USB. Both hardware capabilities (the presence of appropriate ports and chips) and software settings play a role here. We will look at options for modern

It's important to understand that not all TVs and phones support live video streaming over USB. Both hardware capabilities (the presence of appropriate ports and chips) and software settings play a role here. We will consider options for modern Smart TV (from Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands) and outdated models, and also explain why additional adapters or applications are sometimes required.

If you have already tried to connect, but without success, do not rush to buy new cables. Perhaps the problem lies in the settings of your phone or TV. Below you will find step-by-step guide, a device compatibility table and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Checking the compatibility of your phone and TV

Before buying cables or adapters, make sure that your devices support video transmission via USB. There are two main standards:

  • 🔌 MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) —technology for transmitting video and audio via USB with support for resolutions up to 4K. Requires a special port on the TV (usually marked as MHL or HDMI/MHL) and a compatible smartphone.
  • 🔄 USB OTG + SlimPort/DisplayPort is an alternative method, where the phone acts as a signal source and the TV as a monitor. Often requires an adapter USB-C → HDMI or Micro-USB → HDMI.

Most modern Androidsmartphones (starting from Android 6.0) support USB OTG, but not all can output video. For example, flagships Samsung Galaxy S/Note (2016–2023) and Google Pixel are usually compatible with DisplayPort via an adapter, and budget models (for example, Redmi or Realme) may require additional Software.

📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
Other

To check support MHL or DisplayPort on your phone:

  1. Look at the model specifications on the manufacturer's official website (look for mentions MHL, SlimPort or Alt Mode).
  2. Use applications like USB Host Diagnostics (available in Google Play) to test OTG-functions.
  3. Pay attention to connector: USB-C more often supports Alt Mode (video transmission) than Micro-USB.
⚠️ Attention: Some TVs (especially budget models TCL or Hisense before 2019) may have a USB port for playback only media files from a flash drive, but not for connecting a smartphone as a signal source. Check this in the user manual.

2. What cables and adapters will be needed

Depending on the ports on the phone and TV, you may need:

Connection type Required cable/adapter Example device models
MHL (Micro-USB → HDMI) Cable Micro-USB → HDMI with support MHL (for example, Belkin MHL 2.0) Samsung Galaxy S5, Note 4, Sony Xperia Z3
USB-C → HDMI (Alt Mode) Adapter USB-C → HDMI (for example, Google USB-C to HDMI or Anker 810) Samsung Galaxy S10+, Google Pixel 6, OnePlus 9 Pro
USB OTG + SlimPort Adapter Micro-USB → SlimPort + cable SlimPort → HDMI LG G4, Nexus 5X
USB → USB (for media files) Regular cable USB-A → USB-C/Micro-USB Any phones, but only for transferring files, not for screen mirroring

Critical: Adapters without support Alt Mode or MHL will not be able to transmit video - they are intended only for charging or data transfer. For example, cheap Chinese adapters USB-C → HDMI for 200 rubles often do not work with video. Check the certification HDMI Alt Mode or DisplayPort Alt Mode on the packaging.

If your TV does not have a HDMIport (for example, older models with only VGA or SCART), an additional signal converter will be required, but the video quality will be worse and the latency will be higher.

3. Step-by-step guide: connection via MHL or USB-C → HDMI

Consider a universal algorithm for modern devices with support HDMI Alt Mode or MHL:

Check the phone's compatibility and TV (see section 1)

Buy a certified cable/adapter (for example, USB-C to HDMI from Anker)

Connect the cable to your phone and TV (port HDMI should be marked as MHL or ARC)

Turn on the mode HDMI on the TV (press the button Source or Input on the remote control)

-->

  1. Connect the adapter to the phone (for example, USB-C → HDMI).If used MHL, additional power may be required through the Micro-USB port (use the original charger).
  2. Connect the adapter to the TV via HDMI-cable. use port HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 (they often support MHL).
  3. On the TV select the signal source: press the button on the remote control Input (or Source) and select the appropriate HDMIport.
  4. On the phone you may be asked to allow video transmission. Confirm it (press Allow or Start now).
  5. If the image does not appear, go to Settings → Display → Wireless display (or Cast) and turn on the mode HDMI or External monitor.

On some phones (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei), you may need to activate developer mode and enable the option USB debugging or Secondary display simulation. To do this:

Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times)

Settings → System → For Developers → Enable "USB Debugging"

⚠️ Attention: If after connection the phone begins to discharge quickly, this is normal - video transmission via HDMI consumes a lot of energy. Use the original power supply to recharge while watching.

4. Alternative way: transfer files via USB (without mirroring)

If your TV does not support MHL or Alt Mode, but has USB-port, you can copy video files to a flash drive or directly from your phone. This method works on almost all Smart TV, but has limitations:

  • 📁 Not all video formats are supported (usually .mp4, .mkv, .avi with codec H.264).
  • 🔊 The sound may not be played if the file has non-standard audio tracks (for example, DTS or AC3).
  • 📱 In this case, the phone is used only as a storage device - there will be no screen mirroring.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to the TV via USBcable (use port USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 on TV).
  2. On your phone, select mode File transfer (or MTP) in the connection notification.
  3. On the TV, open the menu Media or USB (button Source → USB).
  4. Select a folder with video (usually DCIM, Movies or Download) and start playback.
💡

If the TV does not see the phone, try a different cable (preferably original from the manufacturer) or reboot both devices. Sometimes disabling the function USB Debugging in the developer settings helps.

If the video does not play, try converting it to a supported format using applications like VLC or HandBrake. Optimal settings for most Smart TV:

  • Format: MP4 (container)
  • Video codec: H.264 (or AVC)
  • Audio codec: AAC or MP3
  • Resolution: no higher 1920×1080 (if the TV does not support 4K)

5. Solving problems: why the connection does not work

If after all the manipulations the video is not transmitted, check the following points:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The TV does not see the phone Incompatible protocols or damaged cable Try another cable/adapter, check support MHL/Alt Mode
No image, but there is sound Wrong screen resolution or video codec Change the resolution in the phone settings (Settings → Display → Screen resolution)
The phone quickly discharges Transferring video via HDMI consumes a lot of energy Connect the phone to charge while watching
The video lags or slows down Insufficient processor power or slow USB 2.0 Close background applications on your phone, use USB 3.0 or HDMI 2.0

If you are using an adapter USB-C → HDMIbut the image does not appear, try:

  1. Reconnect the cable (sometimes changing the port HDMI on the TV helps).
  2. Update the firmware of the phone and TV (in the menu Settings → Software update).
  3. Reset settings HDMI on the TV (in the menu Support → Reset HDMI).
What to do if the TV says "Unsupported format"

On some TVs (for example, LG series LK5xx or UK6xx) when connecting via MHL a format error may appear. This is due to limitations of HDCP (content protection) Solutions:

1. Try another HDMIcable. (preferably with support HDCP 2.2).

2. Disable protection HDCP in the phone settings (if there is such an option in the developer menu).

3. Use streaming applications (for example, LocalCast or BubbleUPnP) that bypass restrictions HDCP.

For phones Xiaomi i Redmi you may need to disable the function MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, as it sometimes blocks video output via HDMI.

6. data-i="239">If the hardware connection does not work, you can use applications for streaming video over the local network. This is less stable than

If the hardware connection does not work, you can use applications to stream video over the local network. It's less stable than HDMI, but works on most devices. Popular options:

  • 📺 LocalCast - supports video transmission via DLNA, Chromecast And Smart TVCan stream files from. phone without an Internet connection.
  • 🔗 BubbleUPnP —a universal media server for streaming to Smart TV, PS4, Xbox. Works even with outdated TVs.
  • 🖥️ ApowerMirror —mirrors the phone screen to TV via Wi-Fi (requires installation of the application on both devices).

Instructions for LocalCast:

  1. Install LocalCast from Google Play to your phone.
  2. Connect your phone and TV to the same network Wi-Fi.
  3. Open the application, select a video and press Cast.
  4. In the list of devices, select your TV (it should appear automatically).

If the TV is not displayed in the list, check:

  • Is it turned on DLNA or Miracast in the TV settings (usually in the menu Network → Remote control).
  • Are firewalls or VPNs disabled on the phone.
  • Does the TV support the protocol DLNA (older models may not work).
💡

Streaming applications - good an alternative if there is no support MHL or HDMI Alt Mode. However, they depend on the speed Wi-Fi and can cause a sound delay of up to 1-2 seconds.

7. Comparison of methods: which is better to choose

Each connection method has its advantages and disadvantages. cons. The choice depends on your devices and tasks:

Method Pros Cons When to use
MHL/HDMI Alt Mode Maximum quality (4K, HDR), minimal latency Requires compatible devices and an expensive cable For watching movies, games or presentations
USB (file transfer) Works on any TV with USB, does not require Internet No screen mirroring, limited formats To view pre-downloaded videos
Applications (DLNA, Miracast) No cables needed, works on most devices Depends on the speed Wi-Fi, lags are possible For a temporary connection or if there are no cables

If you need screen mirroring (for example, to display photos or run games), it is better to use HDMI Alt Mode or Miracast. For simple viewing of movies, transferring files via USB.

For owners Samsung DeX or Huawei Desktop Mode connection via HDMI will allow you to use your phone as a full-fledged computer with large screen output. This function is available on flagship models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20+ or Huawei Mate 40 Pro).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

My phone supports USB OTG, but there is no video via HDMI. What's the problem?

Most likely, your phone does not support HDMI Alt Mode or MHL. USB OTG it is intended only for connecting peripherals (keyboards, flash drives), but not for video transmission. Check the model specifications on the manufacturer's website or try using wireless solutions (Miracast or DLNA).

The TV sees the phone as a flash drive, but does not play video. What to do?

Probably, the video format is not supported by the TV. Convert the file to MP4 with codec H.264 and audio AAC s using VLC or HandBrake. Also check whether the video resolution exceeds the capabilities of the TV (for example, 4K on Full HD-TV will not play).

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

No, iPhone does not support video transmission via USB or HDMI without special adapters (for example, Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapteruse iOS ). data-i="319">(for AirPlay (For Apple TV) or HDMI-adapters with certification MFi.

Why is there no sound on the TV when connected via HDMI?

This problem occurs when the audio codecs do not match. Try:

  1. Change audio output on your phone (Settings → Sound → Audio output → HDMI).
  2. Transcode video to audio format AAC or MP3.
  3. Use external speakers, connected to the TV via Optical or 3.5 mm.
Can I play games from my phone on the TV via USB?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • When connected through HDMI Alt Mode the delay is minimal (suitable for games).
  • When using Miracast or DLNA there will be a noticeable lag (uncomfortable for dynamic games).
  • Some games (for example, with protection from cheats) can block output to an external screen.

For gaming, it is better to use a HDMIconnection or specialized devices like Razer Kishi.