How to connect a TV to a Huawei phone via a USB cable: all the methods and nuances

Connecting a smartphone Huawei to a TV via USB cable seems like a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from lack of response to connection to data transfer errors. Unlike wireless technologies like Miracast or Google Cast, a USB connection provides stable transmission without delays, which is critical for watching high-definition video or controlling the TV as an external display. However, not all TVs and models Huawei support this method equally - a lot depends on the version Android, firmware and even the type of USB port.

In this article we will look at all current connection methods, including MTP, PTP and USB debugging modes, and we will also explain why sometimes the TV does not see the phone even with the correct connection. We will pay special attention to models Huawei P30/P40/P50, Mate 20/30/40 and budget series Y6/Y7where the algorithm may differ. If you tried to connect and received the message “Device not recognized” or “USB not supported” - here you will find solutions.

What USB cables and adapters are needed

Not every cable is suitable for transferring data between Huawei and the TV. Many users mistakenly use charging cables, which physically fit the ports, but do not have internal conductors for data transfer. To avoid problems, check the following points: Charging cables: modern ones are equipped with (for example, 2018) may have

• 🔌 Type of connector on the phone: modern Huawei equipped USB-C (For example, P40 Pro or Mate 50), and older models (before 2018) may have Micro-USB (P10, Nova 2i).
• 📺 Type port on the TV: most TVs have a standard USB-A, but some models Samsung QLED or LG OLED may require an adapter USB-C → USB-A.
• 🔄 OTG support: if the TV does not recognize the phone, it may be needed OTG adapter (for example, to connect USB-C to USB-A with host mode support).

For maximum compatibility, we recommend using certified cables from Huawei or proven brands like Anker, Belkin. Avoid cheap Chinese analogues - they often do not support high-speed data transfer (USB 3.0/3.1).

⚠️ Attention: If your TV was released before 2016, it may not support connecting smartphones in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode. In this case, you will need to use PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol) or alternative methods like DLNA.

Setting up a Huawei phone before connecting

Before To connect devices, you need to configure your smartphone. Default Huawei to Android 10+ (EMUI 10 and later) blocks data transfer via USB until the user explicitly allows it. Follow the instructions:

1. Connect the cable to your phone and TV.
2. A notification “ Huawei . Tap on it.USB chargingwill appear on the screen
3. Select mode:
   

   - File transfer (MTP) — to access the phone memory.
   

   - Photo transfer (PTP) —if MTP not works.
   

   - USB debugging — for advanced users (requires inclusion in Settings → System → For developers).

4. If the option is “For Developers” hidden, activate it: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.

On models Huawei with HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 50 or P60) the path may differ: Settings → Wireless networks → Advanced → USB mode. Also note that some TVs (for example, Samsung Tizen) require connection confirmation on the TV itself - look for a notification in the upper right corner of the screen.

Check cable type (USB-C/Micro-USB)

Enable "File Transfer" (MTP) mode

Activate "For Developers" (if necessary)

Update the TV firmware (if there are compatibility problems)

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Step-by-step guide: connecting to TVs of different brands

The connection algorithm may vary depending on TV manufacturer and its operating system Below are the universal steps with. taking into account the features of popular brands.

TV brand	Operating system	Required USB mode	Additional actions
Samsung	Tizen	MTP or PTP	Enable “USB devices” in Settings → General → External devices
LG	webOS	MTP	Confirm connection in the notification on TV
Sony Bravia	Android TV	MTP or USB debugging	Install the "File" application manager" from Google Play
Xiaomi Mi TV	PatchWall (Android)	MTP	Update the firmware to the latest version

For TVs Sony Android TV and Philips with Android can be used USB debugging modeto control the phone from the TV remote control. To do this:

1. Enable debugging in Huawei (Settings → System → For Developers → USB Debugging).
2. Connect the cable and confirm trust in the device on your phone.
3. On the TV, open Settings → Devices → USB and select “Device Management.”

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with Tizen versions older than 2019 may require manual installation of drivers MTP via Samsung Smart Hub. If the phone is not detected, try rebooting both devices.

Solving common problems

Even with a correct connection, users Huawei often encounter errors. Let's look at typical scenarios and ways to eliminate them.

• 🔴 The TV does not see the phone:
  • Check the cable for damage (try another one).
  • Switch the USB mode on the phone from MTP to PTP.
  • Update the TV firmware (relevant for LG webOS i Samsung Tizen).
• 🔄 Constant connection breaks:
  • Disable power saving mode on Huawei (Settings → Battery → Performance mode).
  • Use a cable with ferrite filter (reduce interference).
• 📂 Unable to open files:
  • Make sure that the files are not protected by DRM (for example, video from Netflix or HBO Max).
  • Check the file format: TVs often do not support .mkv or .flac.

On Sony Bravia TVs from 2020 to 2023, you may need to disable the "Fast Charge" function in USB settings, as it blocks data transfer. To do this, go to Settings → External devices → USB settings and select "Standard Mode".

Why does the TV ask to format the phone when connected?

This error occurs if the phone is connected in the "Storage" (UMS) mode, which is outdated and not supported by modern Android devices. Solution: switch to MTP or PTP in the USB settings on Huawei. If the option is missing, update the smartphone firmware.

Alternative connection methods if USB does not work

If a USB connection is not possible (for example, due to the lack of a port on the TV or incompatible protocols), consider alternatives methods:

• 📶 Wireless transmission (Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct):
  • On Huawei: Settings → Wireless networks → Miracast.
  • On TV: turn on Screen Mirroring (on Samsung) or Wi-Fi Direct (on LG).
• 🖥️ Via an HDMI adapter (to control the screen):
  • Use an adapter USB-C → HDMI (for example, Huawei Multiport Adapter).
  • Enable “Phone Screen” mode in settings Huawei.
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Huawei Cloud):
  • Upload files to the cloud from your phone.
  • Open them on the TV through the built-in browser or application (for example, SmartTube on Samsung).

For models Huawei with HarmonyOS 3.0+ the "Huawei Share" function is available (analogue AirDrop), which allows you to transfer files to TVs that support HUAWEI Cast+ (for example, Huawei Smart Screen). its:

1. Open the notification panel on Huawei and turn on Huawei Share.
2. On the TV, select the signal source "HUAWEI Cast+».
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Security and restrictions when connecting to a USB

Connecting via USB opens access to the phone's file system, which is fraught with risks:

• 🔒 Unauthorized access: If the TV is connected to a public network (for example, in hotel), attackers may try to copy data from the phone through vulnerabilities in the protocol. will spread to the phone when copying files. MTP.
• 🦠 Viruses and malware: TVs on Android TV (For example, Sony or Philips) may be infected with viruses that will spread to the phone when copying files.
• 📵 DRM restrictions: Protected files (for example, downloaded from Netflix or Disney+) will not be played on the TV even if the connection is successful.

To minimize risks:

• Use a separate guest account on your TV (if supported).
• Disable USB debugging after use.
• Scan the files on your phone with an antivirus (for example, Huawei Mobile Security) before copying.

⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei c HarmonyOS when connected to a TV via USB, access to system folders is automatically blocked (for example, /data or /system). This limitation cannot be bypassed without root access.

Comparison of USB connection with other methods

A USB cable is not the only way to connect Huawei and a TV. Below we compare it with alternatives in key parameters:

Method	Transmission speed	Delay (lag)	Required equipment	Limitations
USB (MTP/PTP)	Up to 480 Mbit/s (USB 2.0)	Minimum	Cable that supports data transfer	Not all TVs support MTP
HDMI adapter	Up to 10 Gbit/s (HDMI 2.0)	Minimum	Adapter USB-C → HDMI	Support required DisplayPort Alt Mode on phone
Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct	Up to 300 Mbit/s	100–200 ms	Support Miracast on TV	Depends on Wi-Fi stability
Google Cast (Chromecast)	Up to 150 Mbit/s	200–500 ms	Device with Google Cast (for example, Chromecast)	Not all applications support broadcasting

For watching movies in 4K HDR or games from phone to TV the optimal solution would be HDMI adapter, as it provides minimal latency and maximum picture quality. A USB connection is better suited for transferring files or viewing photos/videos in Full HD.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting Huawei to a TV

My Samsung TV does not see Huawei P40 Pro via USB. What to do?

The problem is typical for Samsung Tizen. Try:

1. Switch USB mode on your phone from MTP to PTP.
2. Update the TV firmware via Settings → Support → Software update.
3. Use original cable Huawei (cheap analogues often do not support MTP).
4. If all else fails, connect via SmartThings (application Samsung for controlling devices).

Is it possible to control a Huawei phone from the TV remote control via USB?

Yes, but only on TVs with Android TV (for example, Sony Bravia or Philips). data-i="281">USB debugging

1. Connect your phone in USB debugging.
2. On the TV, install the application Vysor or Scrcpy via Google Play.
3. Run the application and follow the instructions on the screen.

On Samsung or LG there is no such function - you will have to use wireless methods.

Why does the phone start to discharge when connecting Huawei to the TV via USB?

This happens due to:

• Insufficient power of the TV's USB port (many TVs only give 0.5A, whereas Huawei requires 1A–2A for charging).
• Activated data transfer mode (MTP/PTP), which consumes additional energy.

Solution: connect the phone to the charger in parallel via a second cable or use USB hub with external power supply.

How to transfer sound from Huawei to a TV via USB?

The default USB connection does not transmit sound - only data or video (in HDMI Alt Modemode). To broadcast sound:

• Use HDMI adapter (the sound will go along with the video).
• Connect via Bluetooth (on the TV, turn on pairing mode, on the phone — Settings → Bluetooth).
• For Android TV: install the application SoundWire and connect via Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to connect Huawei to an old TV without Smart TV?

Yes, but with limitations:

• If the TV has USB portbut does not support MTP, try the modes PTP or “Storage” (if available).
• For TVs without USB use:
  • HDMI adapter (if there is an HDMI port).
  • AV cable (for old Huawei with Micro-USB and output to RCA).
  • Media player (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box), connected to the TV via HDMI, and to the phone - via Wi-Fi.