How to Connect Android to TV

This article was co-authored by Brehima Traore and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Brehima Traore is an Electronic Repair Expert specializing in sharing information about smartphones. Brehima has a follower base of over 59,000 YouTube subscribers and over 150,000 followers on Instagram. His most popular videos highlight phone camera and screen replacement tips.

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Connecting your phone to your TV has several merits, including the ability to stream your favorite shows or movies right from your phone. If you're a traditionalist, you can connect your Android to your TV with old-fashioned HDMI cables and a converter for your phone's micro USB port. You can also use a Chromecast USB stick if you'd prefer to wirelessly connect to your TV.

Method 1 of 2:

Using an HDMI Cable Converter

Make sure your device is compatible with your chosen cable before purchasing. You can do this by typing your device's name and the cable's name into a search engine and reviewing the results.
If you don't already have an HDMI cable, purchase one now. HDMI cables go for around $10 online.

Plug the small end of the converter into your Android. This should fit into the charging port at the bottom of your phone.

Plug your HDMI cable into your converter. Your HDMI cable will fit in the opposite end of the converter.

Take note of which input is listed below the HDMI port (e.g., Video 3).
Your converter may come with a USB power cable. If your TV doesn't have a readily-available USB port near the HDMI port, you can plug the USB power cable into your Android charger unit.

Turn on your TV.

If your HDMI port is "Video 3", for example, you'll need to change the TV's displayed input to "Video 3".

Wait for your Android screen to display. If you don't see your Android's screen mirrored on your TV after a few seconds, you may have to restart your device.

Advertisement Method 2 of 2:

Using Chromecast

Make sure you have both a Chromecast unit and the mobile app. You can purchase the Chromecast stick from Amazon for around $30. The pertinent app--also entitled "Chromecast"--is free to download from the Google Play Store on your phone.

You'll also need to plug the included Chromecast power cable into both the back of the unit and the USB charger brick (which should be plugged into an electrical socket).

Open the Chromecast app.

Tap Look for New Chromecast .

Exit the Chromecast app.

Open your network settings. These should be in the Settings app.

Tap the "chromecast" option.

Re-open the Chromecast app.

Tap Next .

Confirm that the code on your TV matches the one on your phone.

Selecting a country
Adding a name to your Chromecast (optional)
Adding a wireless network to your Chromecast

Open an app that supports screencasting. Netflix and YouTube both fit this criterion.

Tap the screencasting icon. This is the rectangular icon with a series of curving lines in its bottom left corner.

Tap Chromecast . If you gave your Chromecast a name, that name will display here instead.

You can also lock your phone while casting if you want to preserve battery life.

Community Q&A

Is an SM-J110F supported when using a micro USB-HDMI cable converter? Community Answer

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Do I have to have a smart TV to use Chromecast? Community Answer

No. You need an HDMI port and some means of powering it, since HDMI doesn't also send power. A TV with a USB port OR a longer cord that can connect directly to a power outlet will do the trick. Everything you need should be in the box when you buy it new.

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If you're averse to online shopping, you can find HDMI cables and their conversion kits at retail stores such as Best Buy and Walmart.

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