How to Cast Your Phone Screen to a TV

You want what is on the phone to appear on the TV. Both Android and iPhone can mirror wirelessly to most TVs and streaming boxes, as long as the phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Connect the phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi

Check the network name in Settings, Wi-Fi on the phone and in the TV's network settings. Mirroring does not work across a guest network or between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands of some routers, so match the exact name.

Start casting from an Android phone

Swipe down twice from the top to open Quick Settings and tap Screen Cast (labeled Cast on some phones and Smart View on Samsung). If the tile is missing, tap the pencil or Edit button and drag it in. Pick the TV from the list. Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV, and most recent smart TVs appear here. To stop, open the notification shade and tap Disconnect under the casting notification.

Start Screen Mirroring from an iPhone

Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring (two overlapping rectangles). Choose an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible TV. Most recent Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Roku models support AirPlay. To stop, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then Stop Mirroring.

Use the app's cast button for video

For YouTube, Netflix, and similar apps, tap the cast icon inside the app instead of mirroring the whole screen. The TV plays the stream directly at full quality, and the phone stays free for other things without interrupting playback.

Use a cable when Wi-Fi is not available

A USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable works with most Android phones and with iPhone 15 and later. Older iPhones with a Lightning port need Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter. Plug into an HDMI input on the TV and select that input with the remote.

If the TV does not appear in the list. Confirm both devices are on the same network, then check that the TV's own AirPlay or Cast setting is turned on in its menu. Restarting the TV clears most remaining cases.

If the video shows as a black screen. Some apps block screen mirroring of DRM-protected video. Use the app's cast button or a cable instead.