How to Connect an Android Phone to TV

Android phones have become a daily utilization tool for just about everything — including watching movies or videos. Which means you might have an occasion to connect your Android to a TV, but may not know how. This terrific mini-guide to connecting an Android to a TV should have your entertainment needs up and running in no time.

Connect to a Smart TV via Wi-Fi
With a Smart TV and home Wi-Fi, it is usually possible to connect with the TV’s screen mirroring capability. Each device comes with specific instructions for use.

Read More: How to Increase Your Privacy on Android

Connect via Google Cast, Chromecast, or Miracast
Wirelessly connect an Android phone to a TV using a dongle such as Google Cast, Chromecast, Miracast, or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. These are not compatible with all Androids and TVs, so check to be sure that your devices are in fact appropriate before purchasing. Additionally, double-check to be sure that the dongle in question is capable of streaming the desired content to your TV’s screen. Different devices support different Digital Rights Management protected content.

Before choosing this option, be aware that you need a home WiFi network. The dongle will need to be connected before you can pair your Android with your TV.

Both Chromecast and Miracast are relatively inexpensive, and they come with complete, user-friendly instructions for use:

• Download the appropriate app from the Play Store, if indicated on the device’s instructions.
• Follow the device’s instructions for connecting to your TV’s HDMI port and your home’s WiFi network. The Android’s screen should be mirrored on the TV.
• Keep your Android battery charged by connecting to a power source (and consider using PowerPro to lengthen your battery life).
• Choose which content you’d like to view and press “Play.”

Connect via HDMI
Many Androids are fitted with HDMI ports. It is very simple to pair an Android with a TV this way: Just plug the small end of the cable into the device’s micro-HDMI port, and then plug the larger end of the cable into the standard HDMI port on the TV.

Note that this is the best way to connect an Android phone to a TV without a separate WiFi service.

Once you have made the connection, you may need to take a few more steps before viewing content on the TV screen.

• Launch the “Gallery” app.
• Choose the video or photo to view.
• Select the “Play” icon marked HDMI. If this is not visible, you should be able to locate it by tapping a dark or empty area on the screen.
• Tapping the “Play” icon should launch your phone’s HDMI viewer panel.
• Select the “Play” button. Your content should now be visible on your TV screen.

Connect via HDMI Converter and HDMI Cable
Some Androids have no HDMI ports, but this doesn’t prevent an HDMI connection. It simply means that besides an HDMI cable, you will need a micro USB to HDMI converter – preferably one that is fitted with a USB power cable for charging. This crucial piece connects the device’s charging port, which is designated as a micro USB outlet, to the HDMI cable, which in turn connects to the TV.

When purchasing the HDMI converter, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your phone or other Android device. You can easily double-check by running a quick search online. If you don’t know which version of Android your phone is running, use the following steps to check:

• Choose “Settings”
• Select “General”
• Choose “About Phone”
• Phone name should be listed near the top of the screen that is displayed. Scroll until you find “Software Info.”
• This will show you which version of Android is running on your device, plus which version of the software is running. This information can help you determine compatibility.

Once you have confirmed that your Android and TV are suitable for pairing, and have gathered the required components, connecting is simple.

• Set up your Android before turning on the TV.
• Locate the micro USB port in your Android. It is the same port that you use to charge your device.
• Fit the smaller portion of the HDMI converter into the micro USB port. If there is a USB power cable attached to the converter, you can either plug it into the TV’s USB port to keep your device charged during use or you can plug it into a wall charger.
• Add the HDMI cable to the converter.
• Locate the TV’s HDMI port, which is usually marked “HDMI”. Some models have multiple ports, and any of them should work.
• When you have chosen an HDMI port, check to see which input is listed alongside or beneath it, i.e. “Video 2”.
• Turn on the TV, and then use the remote control or the “input” button located on the TV itself to change the display input to match the HDMI port that is connected to your Android device.
• Activate your device. You should see the screen mirrored within a few moments. If nothing happens, leave the Android connected to the TV and restart the Android while leaving the TV’s power on.
• Choose a movie or TV show to watch.

Troubleshooting
Connecting an Android phone to a TV is often simple and straightforward, however, there are certain problems that may need to be solved before you can view content.

• Some apps may not allow for content viewing via HDMI. You may be able to resolve the issue by saving the content to your phone’s Gallery app and then viewing from there. Alternately, you may be able to connect you Android to a projector and use a blank wall, a whiteboard, or a screen to view content.
• If your Android has an HDMI port, it may also have an HDMI settings control with a variety of resolutions and refresh rates listed. The “Automatic” setting is usually selected. If this does not work, try other settings until you find the one that looks best. You can access this control by choosing “Settings” and then selecting “HDMI.” Next, select “HDMI Settings” and tap the resolution / refresh rate combination.
• If your TV has no HDMI port, it cannot be paired with your Android device.