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How to Enable Screen Mirroring on Your Phone
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Screen MirroringSmartphoneDisplayAndroidiPhoneConnectivityWirelessDevice SetupMobile OSUser Guide
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Screen mirroring allows you to display the contents of your phone on a larger screen, such as a TV or computer monitor. This can be incredibly useful for a variety of purposes, such as watching videos, demonstrating apps, or conducting presentations. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to enable screen mirroring on your phone. We'll cover the features available on different platforms and devices, and provide simple examples where necessary.
Understanding screen mirroring
Screen mirroring, sometimes called screen casting, is the process of sharing the display of one device on another screen. This process can be done wirelessly or via a wired connection. The primary requirements for screen mirroring include:
- A smartphone or tablet with screen mirroring capabilities
- A receiver device such as a TV, streaming stick, or a PC with the required software
- A stable Wi-Fi or wired connection for wireless methods
Screen mirroring methods
There are different ways to achieve screen mirroring, depending on the type of device and operating system you're using. Below, we'll explore the options available for Android and iOS devices, as well as some miscellaneous devices.
Screen mirroring on Android devices
Android devices often come with built-in screen mirroring features. Different manufacturers may give different names to this feature, such as "Screen Mirroring," "Smart View," "Cast," and "Miracast." Here are step-by-step instructions for some common methods:
Using a cast or wireless display
The "Cast" feature, which may also be called "wireless display" or "casting", is commonly available on Android devices:
- Check compatibility:
Make sure your TV or streaming device supports casting. Popular devices include Google Chromecast, smart TVs with built-in casting, and some streaming sticks like the Roku or Amazon Fire Stick that have the proper apps installed.
- Connect to the same network:
Both your Android device and the receiver device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Enable Cast:
On your Android phone, pull down the Quick Settings menu by swiping down from the top. Look for a "Cast" or "Screen Cast" option. If you don't see it, you may have to edit the Quick Settings to add it.
- Select your device:
Tap the "Cast" option. Your phone will search for available devices. Select your TV or streaming device from the list.
- Start mirroring:
Once connected, your phone's screen will be mirrored on the TV. You can now open any app, video, or game and watch it on the big screen.
Using Smart View (Samsung devices)
For Samsung devices, the screen mirroring feature is commonly known as "Smart View." Follow these steps:
- Connect to the same network:
Make sure that both your Samsung phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Quick Settings:
Pull down the quick settings menu by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- Select Smart View:
Tap "Smart View" from the Quick Settings menu.
- Select your device:
Select your TV or compatible device from the list of available devices.
- Start mirroring:
Your phone will now start mirroring its screen to the TV.
Using Miracast
Miracast is a wireless display standard available on many Android devices. To use Miracast:
- Check Miracast support:
Make sure both your Android phone and TV or display support Miracast. Most modern smart TVs have Miracast built-in, but older TVs may require a Miracast adapter.
- Enable Wi-Fi on both devices:
Turn on Wi-Fi on both your phone and TV, but they don't have to be on the same network.
- Activate screen mirroring on the TV:
Using your TV remote go to the “Screen Mirroring” or “Miracast” option and enable it.
- Activate screen mirroring on the phone:
On your Android phone, go to Settings > Display > Cast or Screen Mirroring. Your phone will begin searching for available devices.
- Choose your TV:
From the list of available devices, select your TV to start mirroring your phone's screen.
Screen mirroring on iOS devices
iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads typically use Apple's AirPlay feature to mirror their screens to a compatible device such as an Apple TV or an AirPlay-enabled smart TV. Here are the steps:
Using AirPlay
- Ensure compatibility:
Make sure your TV or streaming device supports AirPlay. Compatible devices include Apple TV, some modern smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, and speakers or receivers that support AirPlay 2.
- Connect to the same network:
Make sure that both your iOS device and the AirPlay-enabled device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Center:
On your iOS device, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older devices) to open Control Center.
- Select Screen Mirroring:
Tap the "Screen Mirroring" or "AirPlay Mirroring" button in Control Center.
- Choose your device:
Your device will search for available AirPlay-enabled devices. Select your TV or Apple TV from the list.
- Start mirroring:
Your iOS device's screen will now be mirrored on the TV or streaming device.
Using the Lightning Digital AV Adapter (wired connection)
If you prefer a wired connection, you can use the Lightning Digital AV Adapter to mirror your iPhone or iPad screen:
- Buy the adapter:
Buy the official Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
- Connect the HDMI cable:
Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the adapter and the other end to the HDMI port on your TV.
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone:
Plug the Lightning end of the adapter into your iPhone or iPad.
- Switch TV input:
On your TV, switch to the HDMI input that corresponds to the port where you connected the HDMI cable.
- Start mirroring:
Your iPhone or iPad's screen will automatically appear on the TV.
Miscellaneous methods
Aside from the standard methods for Android and iOS devices, there are other ways to achieve screen mirroring using different platforms and devices. These methods can be especially useful if you're working with different operating systems or unique setups.
Using Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is a versatile device that allows screen mirroring for Android and iOS devices as well as desktop computers. Here are the steps to use Chromecast for screen mirroring:
- Set up Chromecast:
Plug your Chromecast device into your TV's HDMI port and turn it on. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up using the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Connect the devices to the same network:
Make sure both your smartphone (Android or iOS) and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google Home app:
Open the Google Home app on your smartphone. If it is not installed on your device, download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Begin casting:
In the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device. Tap the "Cast my screen" button and follow any on-screen prompts to begin mirroring your phone's screen.
Using a Roku device
Roku streaming devices support screen mirroring from both Android and Windows devices. Here's how you can use a Roku device for screen mirroring:
- Set up the Roku device:
Connect your Roku device to your TV and set it up by following the on-screen instructions.
- Enable screen mirroring:
Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring and enable the Screen Mirroring feature.
- Connect the devices to the same network:
Make sure that both your smartphone and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Start mirroring:
On your Android device, follow the Cast or Smart View steps mentioned earlier. Select your Roku device from the list of available devices to start mirroring.
Using third-party apps
There are many third-party apps available for Android and iOS devices that can provide screen mirroring. Some popular options include:
- Reflector:
Reflector is a wireless mirroring and streaming receiver that is compatible with multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and Windows. Simply install the Reflector app on your PC or TV and follow the on-screen instructions to start mirroring.
- ApowerMirror:
ApowerMirror is another popular app that supports screen mirroring for both Android and iOS devices. It offers additional features like screen recording and annotation. Install the app on both your phone and receiver device and follow the setup instructions.
- AirServer:
AirServer is a universal screen mirroring receiver that works with iOS, Android and other platforms. Install AirServer on your TV, computer or any compatible device, then follow the app's instructions to start mirroring.
Troubleshooting common problems
Screen mirroring can sometimes have problems that prevent it from working properly. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
Connection problems
- Ensure same network:
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Double-check your network settings to confirm this.
- Restart the device:
Restart both the smartphone and the receiving device (TV, streaming stick, etc.) to resolve connection issues.
Audio or video problems
- Check volume:
Make sure the volume on both your phone and TV is turned up, not muted.
- Update the software:
Make sure that both your phone and the receiving device are running the latest software update.
Delay or lag
- Reduce interference:
Make sure there are no physical obstructions or electronic interference between your phone and the receiver device.
- Close background apps:
Close any unnecessary background apps on your phone to free up system resources.
Conclusion
Enabling screen mirroring on your phone allows you to enhance your viewing experience by projecting your phone's display onto a larger screen. Depending on your device and operating system, there are several ways to achieve this, including built-in features like Cast, Smart View, AirPlay, and third-party apps. By following the steps in this guide, you will be able to successfully mirror your phone screen to a TV, monitor, or other compatible device.
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