How to Connect Android Phone to TV (4 Easy Methods)
Everybody loves a bigger screen! Smart TVs are becoming more and more popular these days and because of advancements in technology, you can now connect your mobile phones to your Smart TVs enabling easier live-streaming!
But how do you do that? Well, there are two ways to do it, and I’ll show you both. If you don’t know how to connect Android phones to TVs, the most basic way is by using cables. This is especially useful for non-techy people. In this method, you’ll only need the right cable for your device.
You can also connect your Android device to your TV wirelessly! Of course, provided that you have the proper tools. As long as you have a stable Wi-Fi network at home, you’re good to go.
Note: For the latest tips, tricks, and hacks, check out our dedicated section for Android tips and tricks.
Connect Your Phone to Your TV: 4 Options
Try these 4 ways to connect Android phone to TV.
- Connect phone to TV with micro-USB to HDMI cable
- Connect phone to TV wirelessly
- Connect phone to TV with HDMI to AV/RCA Converter
- Connect phone to TV with Bluetooth
1. Use a Micro-USB to HDMI Cable
You can use an HDMI cable to connect your Android phone or tablet to your TV!
Make sure that your Android device supports HDMI output. Most people assume this will be the case, but there are only several smartphones that have this feature.
If you’re not sure, don’t fret. You can skip the portion below and move over to the wireless connection section.
What Cables Do I Need?
From the list above, you will see that there are two types of HDMI output ports on Android devices. Most of the newer smartphones use the USB-C port as the HDMI output port. Some phones use a Micro USB MHL port. (MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link.)
Micro USB to HDMI Cable (MHL Cable)
If you have a phone that has an MHL port, like the LeTV Le Max Pro, or the older HTC One or HTC One XL – it would usually come with a Micro USB to HDMI cable (MHL Cable). That’s what you need to connect an MHL-enabled Android phone to your TV.
Connect the Micro USB to HDMI cable (MHL Cable) to your phone or tablet, and then connect the other end to the HDMI input port on your TV and you’re good to go.
USB Type-C to HDMI Cable
For smartphones with the USB-C port, the HDMI output cable is not usually provided by manufacturers, and you would want to purchase either an official accessory cable or a third-party accessory such as a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
Once you have the cable, it will be as simple as connecting the cable via your phone’s USB-C port and the other end to the HDMI input port of your TV. Same as the process for the MHL.
2. Connect Android to TV Wirelessly
If connecting your phone to your smart TV via HDMI ports is not an option, then there are other ways to connect your phone to your TV.
I recommend that you explore connecting your device to your TV wirelessly. If you haven’t checked it out, you’d be surprised at how easy it is.
Because Wi-Fi networks are almost ubiquitous in homes these days, it’s much easier to use a network to connect your Android phone or tablet to your TV wirelessly than through HDMI ports. If your TV and your device are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, then you’re halfway there.
Check out these two methods you can use.
Using a Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is one of the best screen mirroring devices to cast your Android on TV. There are smart TVs, which have internal hardware and features able to connect to your Wi-Fi network. But there are also plenty of flat-screen TVs which have no internet capabilities.
Enter Google’s genius device – Google Chromecast.
The Chromecast is a mirroring dongle that you connect to your TV’s HDMI port and gives it the ability to connect to the internet. Specifically, it also allows you to cast videos, images, information, and instructions from your device to your TV screen via your WiFi connection.
Once you’ve got yourself a Chromecast dongle, connect it to your TV via the HDMI cable. It also requires a power source plugged in via its USB port, but you can use one on your TV or power it from a wall plug with an adapter.
From there, it’s just a matter of downloading the Google Home app and following the setup and installation instructions so you can finally start streaming from your phone to your TV screen.
Using MiraCast Technology
Miracast is an older wireless display standard that will allow you to connect your phone to your TV wirelessly. Miracast is a screen mirroring technology available in devices running Android 4.2 or earlier, and fortunately, a lot of older smart TVs have Miracast capabilities as well.
The first thing to check is if your TV and your smartphone both support cast – and you will need to look into its official documentation for this. Once you’ve confirmed that both can use it, then you’re on your way.
You need to make sure both your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for screen mirroring to work. Then enable the “Wireless Display” feature on your smartphone under settings or tap the “Cast” toggle on Android’s Quick Settings.
Doing this will show you a list of available Miracast-enabled displays that you can connect to. Choose your television. After which you can now cast your phone to your TV screen via screen mirroring.
3. Use an HDMI to AV/RCA Converter
The only real reason why you would consider connecting your smartphone to your TV using an AV cable – also called an RCA cable or composite cable – is if you have a standard box-type TV or an old TV without an HDMI connector.
If you have an old CRT or flat-screen TV that does not have an HDMI port for input, this method will work for you. In that case, you’ll have to get creative and use the AV/composite port that’s the only one available on your TV.
A bit of warning, though. There are a lot of videos on YouTube claiming to have done this – and logically, it should work. But there’s also a chance it might not work.
What Tools Do You Need?
First, you will need a phone that has an HDMI output feature, in which case you can check the list I gave above or check with your manufacturer if your phone has it. Second, you need an HDMI output cable – whether via USB-C or MHL. (See HDMI section above.)
Third, you’ll need an HDMI-to-composite video converter. These are third party devices that you can buy from your local Radio Shacks or online from Amazon or eBay.
What does it do? Your phone outputs video in high definition (HD) format, but an older TV won’t have the technology to access that, much less display it on its standard definition (SD) display. You need a device that will down-scale the HD output from your phone to an SD signal that your TV will accept and be able to display.
Lastly, you’ll need an AV cable to connect your video converter to the TV.
Connect Your Android Phone to Old TV Using HDMI to AV/RCA Converter
In theory, this should work. But as mentioned, the number of elements between your phone or tablet and your older TV equals the number of points where the process may fail.
To start, you connect your regular HDMI output cable to your phone and the HDMI input port on the converter device. Then you connect the converter to your old TV via an AV/composite cable.
Make sure that you select the AV input on your TV and check if your phone’s video output is now viewable on your older TV set.
Note: This method does not guarantee connection between Android and TV. Also, things might go wrong in the worst case.
4. Use Bluetooth
This section is a bonus. Some Smart TVs have Bluetooth streaming capabilities, wherein you can watch videos and use apps from your phone or tablet and cast it on the TV. Although not all Smart TVs have the cast feature.
Also, Smart TVs will usually accept a Bluetooth connection for streaming audio. If you’re playing music from an app like Spotify, you might want to connect to your TV, which probably has a better sound system.
In this case, you can pair your TV with your smartphone. There should be no problem connecting a smart TV with a Bluetooth feature to your smartphone.
In some cases, you can pair your smartphone with the TV via Bluetooth to use your phone either as a remote control device or a gaming controller.
Frequently Asked Questions-Connect Android Phone to TV
How to connect Android phone to TV?
You can’t connect all phones to a TV, and not all TVs will allow you to connect a phone. In most cases, if you have an Android phone, you can use either an HDMI to USB cable, a Google Chromecast, or an Android TV Box to connect your phone to your television.
How to connect a phone or tablet to a TV with USB?
Depending on the device model, a phone should feature a USB 3.0 port for it to be able to connect to a TV and project its display. For this to work, you will need an HDMI to USB cable, or else the phone won’t be able to connect to a TV with USB if it doesn’t support it natively and meet the requirements.
How to connect the phone to a TV wirelessly?
There are three possible ways to connect your Android smartphone to a TV wirelessly. You can either use a Google Chromecast, Android TV Box that supports MiraCast or a Smart TV that supports MiraCast or has a built-in Chromecast.
You also need to ensure that you’re phone and TV are connected to the same network for it to work.
How to connect an Android phone to RCA TV?
You’ll need this equipment before you start connecting your Android to TV: a micro-USB to HDMI cable, HDMI to the composite converter, and RCA cables. First, connect the micro-USB end of the micro-USB to the HDMI cable to your Android and the HDMI end to the HDMI port of the composite converter. Next, plug in the RCA cable ends to the composite converter AV outputs and the RCA AV inputs of the TV. Now, switch to AV mode on your large screen and your Android phone will be mirrored to the TV.
How to connect the phone to a TV without an HDMI cord?
You can wirelessly connect your Android phone to a TV without an HDMI cord. Try connecting via Bluetooth, a built-in screen mirroring feature on Android, MiraCast, or Chromecast.
Suggested reads
3 Best Android TV Sticks: The Control Is In Your Hands
How to Choose Android TV Box-10 Must Know Tips
4 Smart TVs That Work With Android TV-You Must Be Aware Of
Final Thoughts-Connect Android Phone to TV
You can do a lot of exciting things with an Android device and television for relatively little expense. Usually, when people are looking for ways how to connect Android phones to TVs, it means that they want to be able to have a bigger screen and sound system for content that they usually access with their phones.
However, phone-to-TV interaction isn’t limited to just that. If you want to turn your phone into a universal remote, that capability is entirely within the reach of your Android device.
If you want to play a music video while you tidy up the living room, you can do that too. The trick is getting the equipment you need to accomplish the results that you want and having the appropriate expectations for the kind of method that you use.
I would recommend Google Chromecast above all else. It’s both inexpensive and flexible. Once you get used to having it, you won’t know how you lived without it!
The other choices are more challenging, but with a bit of work, work as well. Is there a particular workaround that you have to connect your phone to your TV? Share it with me in the comments section!
Is there a way to connect my Android to my Colby television so I can watch Netflix and YouTube without requiring any kind of internet, except my phone data (obviously)????
I don’t think my phone has infrared at all. And it didn’t have an HDMI port. At least, not one that’s similar to ps4 (assuming there is one). I’m not sure what kind of phone I have. But it’s Android. And it’s Motorola. Idk if any of this info helps, but, I hope it does. 😛
Hi Andy,
If your phone doesn’ t have infrared, you can try the methods where that have the cheapest accessories in your area. I would also recommend getting your know every single detail about your phone, model number, and everything and buy the appropriate accessories. Good luck! Thanks for commenting.
sony c2104
My TV don’t have HDMI port or USB port ..can I connect my phone to my TV to watch my phone videos using any cables such as component cables or any other
Please suggest a way to connect to my TV using cables
Hi There,
If you TV doesn’t have any of those connections then I’m afraid there is no way to connect your phone. Thanks for commenting.
I have the adapter hooked up and the tv on the right hdmi port but I still can’t see nothing on the screen. I didn’t get the pop for hdmi media charging. As I normally would
Did you change your TV to the proper channel?
What channel would that be?
She meant input mode.
Can i connect my android lg3 phone to my tv without hdmi to micro usb cable or chromecast.
You can if your TV has a built-in chromecast or is a SmartTV that supports 3rd party app installation. Otherwise, it’s impossible.
I have an LG optimus n I want to usb Netflix to my tv can anyone help?
I don’t think your phone has a video out option from the USB. You would probably need to use Wi-Fi.
My tv is intex led 3210.. I want to know can my tv support screen mirroring????.
It doesn’t seem to be a smart tv or otherwise able to hook up to Wi-Fi. Because of that, you will need some sort of third-party streaming device like a Roku or chromecast or other similar devices. It will depend on what you want to mirror.
Hello,
I have Sm-T350, it doesnt support MHL(according to Samsung customercare).
Is there a way to mirror screen to Projector using any cables?
have you tried any screen mirroring apps?
My TV’s hdmi plugs are fried. Is there anything to plus in my usb plug so I can watch Hulu and Netflix?
not usually. can you stream to it over Wi-Fi?
Yes
I have Coolpad note 3 lite this mobile support mhl cable?
no video out is capable through a cable is on this device
Hi crorm cast is work for mobile video or net movie play in l
Led tv
Chromecast will work with any TV that has an HDMI port, as long as you have WIFI and somewhere to plug in a USB cord. As of now, it supports most mobile video apps, including Netflix and almost all videos that will load from the mobile chrome browser.
I Hava a new vizio 65 inch smart cast ultrHD t.v and I want to use my charter on demand app from my phone to my t.v. without having to use and other Internet other than my phone. The phone is app app Droid galaxy s 5. Is there a way than do this.
I just bought a WIFI. wireless N USB Adapter 150mbps 2.0 high speed 2.4 GAg. IEEE 802.11b/g/n how do I. Connect it to my HD TV and start it up. So I can play my games and watch Netflix. The disk that came with it is so small and I don’t have laptop or computer . I have the new LG K 20 TP260.
Hi, Laurie! All you need to do is plug it into your tv’s USB slot and change your input to the corresponding setting.
Iam not having HDMI port in my tv and also i do not have infrared in my phone then how con i connect my phone gionee m5 lite with tv pls help me
Hi, Mukhil. If your tv has a USB connection, you could use an HDMI to USB adapter. They can be easily purchased through Amazon or an electronics store like Best Buy for around $8 to $12 USD.
I have a galaxy s3 can I use a hdmi to connect on my Xbox 360 because I don’t have a tv that have any sort of usb or hdmi connection.
Hi, Jacob. An RCA converter would be more straightforward, but you should also be able to use your Xbox.
I have a non smart samsung LED TV. It has HDMI and USB port both. I have a samsung Android phone. I want to play video and music on TV. I tried to connect from normal USB but could not. How to do ?
Hi, GBK! What exactly was the problem when you tried to connect through USB? Have you tried any of the other methods listed here?
I’ve bought the MHL Cables to use with my Android Tablet, however the tablet doesn’t seem to support MHL. The cables I have are Micro-USB to HDMI and I am unable to screen-mirror to my tv. I have changed the tv input to the correct setting, and everything appears to be plugged in properly. What seems to be my problem? What can I use if my tablet is not MHL supported but the only output is the Micro-USB?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, Drew. What tablet do you have? If I know the model, I can confirm whether or not your device supports MHL. If it does, you may have a faulty connection somewhere, whether in the HDMI cable, MHL adapter, or tv input. If not, you can still use Chromecast or Harmony Smart Control (Methods 1 and 4), and may be able to use a universal remote app (Method 3). If I know the model of your tablet, I can tell you for sure whether or not a universal remote app is a solution for you.
I’ll keep this brief 🙂
If I where to buy an MHL and an HDMI cable, and then buy a device that converts HDMI into the classic Yellow-Red-White video wires, in theory, could I connect my phone to the TV that way?
I suppose it would depend on whether the “converter” can properly interact with my phone through HDMI. I’m not sure if this is available, but I’m starting to think it might be possible.
Best wishes, VERY helpful and easy-to-understand, humorous article!!
Actually, no, I take it back. The HDMI to RCA composite converter might not need to interact with my phone if the MHL is already doing that. All the second converter needs is a solid HDMI input to convert. If MHL interacts with my phone enough to get a HDMI output through my Micro-USB and send it out, the second converter should do the rest. At least, if I’m thinking correctly. Sorry for long comment!!
I have a Element 32 class LED what can I use to watch my galaxy j3 prime on my tv
Hi, Armando! You can use chromecast, an hdmi cable and MHL, or Harmony Smart Control.
Hi my Sony Bravia 26 inches have HDMI and mhl ports. How can I connect my phone redmi note 4 to my TV without internet. Watch videos through Bluetooth in my TV is it possible without cables and internet
I have a LG Stylo4 and was wonderingif I can use the micro USB cord to watch Netflix on my smart tv. Thanks
i have a oppo r7s. is it mhl supported?
I am having Lenovo smart phone and my Panasonic TV has HDMI (AV) and HDMI ports. What type of connectivity cable be used for mirroring. Lenovo is not in the MHL listed, when I searched. Kindly advice
How can I connect to my sanyo TV? It has the HDMI port and the RCA connection. I use the samsung Galaxy S8
Ok so i have the lg stylo 4 and i bought the type c usb adapter piece and recently i purchased a double ended usb cable because the usb is the is the only one cable that fits into the adapter
Is there a way to connect my phone to TV using just the USB cable? If not, can someone please invent a app to connect phone to TV using just the USB cable alot of people can’t afford a brand new smart TV or $1000 phone.
Hi Kaspersky, if you wish to connect your phone to your TV via USB Cable, the only way to do so is by ensuring that your phone supports or is equipped with USB 3.1 standard. Otherwise, if not, it simply will not work. The minimum requirement for such connection is that the phone’s USB Type-C or Type-Micro B port is a USB 3.1 or 3.0.
I have a LG Phoenix Plus and an Element TV.. What cables do I need to watch my phone screen on the tv? such as when I want to watch my Tubi TV or Netflix on the bigger screen??
Hi Kasey, unfortunately, the LG Phoenix Plus only sports a USB 2.0. The USB 2.0 does not support mirroring or casting the screen of your device to a secondary display, in this case, it’s your Element TV. The phone must have a USB 3.0 to be able to support such a feature. You can, however, watch Tubi TV or Netflix by having a Google Chromecast hooked up to your TV if the model of your TV doesn’t support miracast.
How can I connect my LG Stylo 4 to my tv?
TV Field 4K funciona ϲomo ᥙm mini PC que roda Android.
Is there a way to simultaneously charge your phone and connect to hdmi at the same time? I have a USB-c type phone
Hi Kelly, there is a way for you to simultaneously charge your phone with a USB Type-C port and connect to an HDMI at the same time. We highly recommend checking out ORICO Type-C Docking Station. You can learn more here https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32932500453.html
I have a samsung galaxy A5 (2017) phone which does not support MHL. I have a samsung smart tv. I do not have Wifi but have a Wifi connection through my cell provider but i can only access wifi through my phone (sim card on my phone). Is there any way i can connect my phone to my tv?
Well my t.v. is not a smart tv but it is flat screen and has 2 hdmi ports.my phone is LG style 3 but where I live I have no internet service b.f.e….Can I play downloader videos via Bluetooth from phone to tv?
My phone is my modem. When I use it as a hot spot the speeds are very slow. Is there any way to use a wired connection so that my TV can access the internet?
What about connecting USB to VGA adaptor then VGA cable to the VGA port on the TV
or USB to VGA adaptor then VGA to RCA adaptor to connect to tv with RCA
or the same with HDMI using USB to HDMI adaptor then HDMI to RCA adaptor?
I ask this because Android Head Units are becoming very popular but not all
support connecting a roof-mounted screen and or like mine only displays
the DVD playing from Head Unit to Screen via RCA but nothing else.
I want to connect my head unit to display everything I do on the head unit
and I only have RCA out and USB out.
If this can work for head units it would be helpful info for connecting phones to RCA TVs as well.