Ever found yourself squinting at a tiny phone screen while trying to share vacation clips with the family? Or maybe you’ve struggled to get Netflix playing on your TV when the remote app just won’t cooperate?
Casting video from your phone to your TV should be simple, but between AirPlay, Chromecast, Smart View, and a dozen other options, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that once you understand which method works for your devices, you’ll be streaming to the big screen in seconds.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to cast content from both iPhone and Android devices to virtually any TV setup. We’ll cover wireless casting, full screen mirroring, streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast, and even wired backup options for when Wi-Fi lets you down. Whether you’re sharing holiday photos with grandparents or binge-watching your favorite series on a bigger screen, this guide has you covered.
Fast answer: how to cast video from your phone to TV in under 2 minutes
If you just need a quick fix and want to get casting right now, here’s the condensed version for both major phone platforms. The detailed explanations come later, but these steps will work for most modern setups in 2025.
The basic requirement for wireless casting is straightforward: your phone and your TV (or streaming device like a Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV Stick) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi réseau. This is true for nearly every casting method, regardless of brand or système d'exploitation.
Pour les utilisateurs d'iPhone :
- Swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone X or newer (or swipe up from the bottom on older models with a Home button) to open Control Center
- Tap “Screen Mirroring” and wait for available devices to appear
- Select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV from the list
- Open YouTube, Netflix, Photos, or any video app and start playing your content
For Android phone users:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open the full Quick Settings panel
- Look for a tile labeled “Cast,” “Screen Cast,” “Smart View” (on Samsung phones), or “Screen Mirroring” depending on your device brand
- Tap the tile and select your smart TV or Chromecast from the list of nearby devices
- Open a streaming app like Netflix or YouTube and hit play
If you don’t have a smart TV, you can plug a streaming stick into any HDMI port on your television. Popular options include Chromecast with Google TV, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, or Fire TV Stick 4K Max. After completing the initial on-screen setup through the device’s companion app, repeat the steps above.
For situations with very slow or unreliable internet connection, a wired HDMI adapter running directly from your phone to the TV is often the most stable solution. We’ll cover that option in detail later in this guide.
What is casting vs. screen mirroring?
Before diving into specific methods, it’s worth understanding the difference between casting and screen mirroring. These terms get used interchangeably, but they work quite differently and are better suited for different tasks.
Casting refers to sending a specific piece of content, like a YouTube video, Netflix movie, or Spotify playlist, from your phone to your TV. When you cast, your mobile device essentially tells the TV or streaming device what to play, and then the TV handles the playback independently. This means you can lock your phone, check email, scroll through social media, or even leave the room without interrupting what’s playing on the TV screen.
Screen mirroring duplicates your phone’s screen in real time on the TV. Everything you see on your device’s screen appears on the television: your home screen, notifications, apps, vertical videos from TikTok or Instagram, and even mobile games. The phone is doing all the work, continuously sending its display to the TV.
When to use casting
Casting works best when you want to:
- Watch streaming content from Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, or YouTube on a 55-inch TV
- Listen to Spotify or Apple Music through your TV’s soundbar or surround system
- Share content from apps that have built-in cast support
- Multitask on your phone while video plays on the big screen
When to use mirroring
Screen mirroring is better when you need to:
- Show a photo gallery from a recent holiday trip
- Demo an app or feature to family members
- Present PowerPoint or Google Slides from your smartphone in a meeting
- Play mobile games that don’t have native TV app versions
- Display apps that don’t support direct casting
Both casting and mirroring require compatible devices. On the casting side, this typically means Google Cast (Chromecast built-in or a Chromecast device) for Android and iOS, or AirPlay for Apple devices. Manufacturer-specific features like Samsung Smart View or the older Miracast standard also enable these connections.
Some video apps, especially paid streaming services, may block full screen mirroring to prevent unauthorized recording but still allow in-app casting. This is a copyright protection measure, so don’t be surprised if Netflix shows a black screen when you try to mirror but works perfectly when you use its cast icon.
How to cast or mirror from an iPhone to your TV
This section focuses on iPhones running iOS 17 or newer, covering connections to Apple TV boxes, AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, and third-party streaming devices.
There are two main approaches for getting content from your iPhone to a television:
- Using AirPlay for both casting and mirroring to Apple devices and compatible smart TVs
- Using third-party streaming gadgets like Google Chromecast or Roku where individual apps support casting
The essential prerequisite is that your iPhone and TV (or Apple TV box or streaming stick) must share the same Wi-Fi network, whether that’s a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. You can verify your iPhone’s network in Settings > Wi-Fi and check your TV’s network in its settings menu.
Using AirPlay to cast videos from iPhone
AirPlay is Apple’s wireless streaming technology built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It works seamlessly with Apple TV 4K and has been integrated into many smart TVs since around 2019.
How to check if your TV supports AirPlay 2:
- Look for an “Apple AirPlay” option in your TV’s settings menu
- On Samsung TVs, navigate to Home > Menu > Settings > Connection > Apple AirPlay Settings
- Check your TV’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for your specific model
- Look for the AirPlay logo on the TV’s packaging or marketing materials
Steps to cast a video from iPhone:
- Open a video app like YouTube, Netflix, or the Apple TV app
- Start playing the video you want to watch
- Look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) or the casting icon in the player controls
- Tap the icon and select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible TV from the list
- Enter the four-digit code displayed on your TV if prompted
- Control playback, volume, and navigation directly from your iPhone
Brands and models that typically support AirPlay 2 include:
- Samsung QLED and Crystal UHD TVs from 2019 onward (like the Q60A series)
- LG OLED and NanoCell TVs from 2019 onward (like the C2 OLED)
- Sony Bravia models from 2020 onward
- Vizio SmartCast TVs from 2018 onward
Always confirm AirPlay 2 support for your specific model and year, as features can differ depending on region and firmware version.
When you cast via AirPlay, audio plays through your TV’s speakers or any connected sound system via HDMI ARC or eARC. This makes AirPlay particularly useful if you’ve invested in a soundbar or home theater setup.
Mirroring your entire iPhone screen to the TV
Full screen mirroring shows everything on your iPhone on the TV, including your home screen, apps, notifications, and any content you’re viewing.
For iPhone X and newer (no Home button):
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center
- Tap “Screen Mirroring”
- Wait for the list of available devices to populate
- Select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV
- Enter the four-digit AirPlay code displayed on the TV if requested
For iPhone 8, SE, or older models:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center
- Follow the same steps above
Once connected, rotating your iPhone to landscape orientation will make photos, games, and video apps fill more of the TV screen. Actions like pinch-to-zoom in the Photos app are mirrored live on the television.
To stop mirroring:
- Open Control Center again
- Tap “Screen Mirroring”
- Tap “Stop Mirroring” or deselect the TV
Common issues and quick fixes:
- If the TV doesn’t appear in the list, confirm both devices are on the same network
- Check that AirPlay is enabled in your TV’s settings menu
- Disable any VPN running on your iPhone, as VPNs can block local network discovery
- Restart both your iPhone and TV if the connection fails repeatedly
Streaming from iPhone without Apple TV
Not everyone owns an Apple TV box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cast from your iPhone. Many modern 4K smart TVs sold since 2019 have AirPlay 2 built right in, enabling casting and mirroring without any additional hardware.
Using a Chromecast or Chromecast with Google TV:
- Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV
- Connect the USB power cable
- Download the Google Home app on your iPhone
- Follow the setup prompts to connect the Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi
- Open a cast-enabled app like YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+
- Tap the Google Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner)
- Select your Chromecast from the list
Using Roku streaming players:
- Connect your Roku device to an HDMI port and complete the on-screen setup
- Ensure the Roku is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone
- Install the same streaming apps on both your Roku and iPhone
- Open an app like Netflix or YouTube on your iPhone
- Look for the cast or AirPlay icon and select your Roku device
Important limitation: iOS cannot mirror its full screen to a Chromecast the way Android can. However, you can still cast from individual apps that support Google Cast. If full mirroring is essential, stick with Apple TV or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
How to cast or mirror from an Android phone to your TV
Android devices from brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola typically support casting or mirroring through Google Cast, Miracast, or manufacturer-specific tools.
The user interface names vary across brands:
| Brand | Feature Name |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Cast / Screen Cast |
| Samsung Galaxy | Smart View |
| OnePlus | Screencast |
| Xiaomi | Cast / Wireless Display |
| Motorola | Cast |
The standard prerequisites apply: your Android phone should be running Android 10 or later (ideally), and both the phone and TV or streaming device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Keeping firmware and apps updated on both devices helps avoid compatibility issues.
Using built-in Cast / Screen Cast on Android
Nombreux Téléphones Android have Google Cast integrated at the system level. The steps are similar across Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia, and most budget Android devices.
Steps to cast your Android screen:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open the full Quick Settings panel
- Look for a tile labeled “Cast,” “Screen Cast,” “Screen Mirroring,” or similar
- If you don’t see it, tap the pencil or edit icon to add the Cast tile to your Quick Settings
- Tap the Cast tile to scan for nearby devices
- Select your Chromecast, Chromecast built-in TV (Sony, TCL, Hisense), or compatible soundbar
- Your phone’s screen will appear on the TV
Some phones let you interrupteur between casting specific apps and mirroring your whole screen. The “cast screen” or “mirror” option duplicates everything, while casting from within an app only sends that app’s content.
To stop casting:
- Reopen Quick Settings
- Tap the Cast tile again
- Choose “Disconnect” or “Stop casting”
If your TV doesn’t appear:
- Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Disable any mobile hotspot or VPN on your phone
- Confirm that “Chromecast built-in” or “Google Cast” is enabled in your TV’s settings menu
- Restart your phone and TV
Screen mirroring with Samsung Smart View and SmartThings
Samsung Galaxy phones (like the Galaxy S22, S23, S24, and A54 series) work especially well with Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 onward using Smart View and the SmartThings app.
Using Smart View from Quick Settings:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your Samsung phone
- Locate and tap the “Smart View” tile
- Wait for your Samsung TV to appear in the list
- Tap the TV name to connect
- Tap “Start now” if prompted with a warning about mirroring sensitive information
- Confirm the connection on your TV if requested
Using the SmartThings app:
- Open the SmartThings app on your Samsung phone
- Ensure both your phone and Samsung smart TV are on the same Wi-Fi
- Tap “Devices” and add your TV if it’s not already detected
- Select your TV and choose “Mirror screen” or “Smart View”
Samsung TVs also support AirPlay and Miracast, meaning both Galaxy phones and iPhones in the same household can mirror to the same 4K Samsung TV without extra hardware.
To disconnect:
- Tap the blue Smart View icon in your notification panel
- Choose “Disconnect”
Performance depends heavily on Wi-Fi quality and your distance from the router. If you experience lag or stuttering, try moving closer to your router or switching to a 5 GHz network.
Casting via Chromecast and Chromecast built-in
Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV are popular solutions for turning any TV with an HDMI port into a cast-ready display. Many TVs from Sony, TCL, Hisense, and other brands have Chromecast built-in, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Setting up a Chromecast device:
- Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV
- Connect the USB power cable to a power outlet
- Switch your TV input to that HDMI port
- Download the Google Home app on your Android phone
- Follow the in-app prompts to connect the Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi
App-level casting from Android:
- Open a cast-enabled app like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, or Spotify
- Look for the Google Cast icon in the player controls
- Tap the icon and select your Chromecast or Chromecast built-in TV
- Control playback from your phone or use voice commands with Google Assistant
Mirroring your entire screen via Google Home:
- Open the Google Home app
- Find and tap your Chromecast device
- Choose “Cast my screen”
- Confirm when prompted
- Everything on your phone now appears on the TV
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) supports up to 4K HDR output, making it an excellent choice for modern televisions. It also runs a full Google TV interface with apps, so you can continue watching even after you disconnect your phone.
Casting from Android to Amazon Fire TV Stick
Android phones can mirror their screens natively to most Amazon Fire TV Stick models. iPhones, unfortunately, cannot mirror the whole screen to Fire OS without third-party apps.
Enabling mirroring on Fire TV Stick:
- From the Fire TV home screen, navigate to Settings
- Select Display & Sounds
- Choose “Enable Display Mirroring” (the exact wording may vary by Fire OS version)
- The Fire TV will enter a waiting state for incoming connections
Connecting from your Android phone:
- Open Quick Settings on your phone
- Tap “Cast,” “Screen Cast,” or “Smart View”
- Wait for your Fire TV Stick name (e.g., “Bedroom Fire TV”) to appear
- Select it and accept any on-screen prompts
This method mirrors your entire phone display, which is ideal for apps that don’t support direct casting. However, expect some latency, which can be noticeable during fast-paced mobile gaming.
Many Android apps like YouTube and Prime Video also feature dedicated “Watch on Fire TV” buttons when you’re using Amazon’s ecosystem, offering a more seamless alternative to full mirroring.
How to cast from phone to TV using a streaming device
If you have an older television or a non-smart TV without built-in casting features, streaming devices are your best friend. These gadgets plug into an HDMI port and connect to your home Wi-Fi, effectively upgrading any flat-screen TV from the last 10-15 years into a modern cast-ready display.
Popular options for 4K HDR casting include:
| Dispositif | Caractéristiques principales |
|---|---|
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K/4K+ | AirPlay 2, wide app support, simple interface |
| Chromecast with Google TV | Google Cast, Google TV interface, Google Assistant |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Alexa integration, Prime Video optimization, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Apple TV 4K (2022) | AirPlay, Apple ecosystem integration, tvOS apps |
Always update your streaming device’s firmware and apps after setup to avoid compatibility issues with newer phones and streaming services.
Using Roku to cast or mirror from your phone
Roku devices and Roku TVs support casting from many apps and, on compatible models, Miracast screen mirroring from Android devices and Windows computers.
Initial Roku setup:
- Plug your Roku into an HDMI port on your TV
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and connect to Wi-Fi
- Sign into your Roku account (or create one)
- Check for system updates via Settings > System > System update
Casting from mobile apps:
- Open YouTube, Netflix, or another streaming app on your Android or iPhone
- Tap the cast icon in the player
- Select your Roku device or Roku TV from the list
- Control playback from your phone
Screen mirroring from Android:
Android phones that support Miracast can mirror their entire screen to compatible Roku models. Use the Cast or Screen Mirroring option in your Quick Settings and select your Roku from the available devices list.
For iPhone users, Roku OS now supports AirPlay 2 on many newer devices, enabling both AirPlay casting and mirroring from iOS and macOS without any third-party apps.
Using Apple TV 4K with iPhone and Android
Apple TV 4K works best with iPhones for seamless AirPlay casting and mirroring, but Android users visage more limitations.
Setting up Apple TV 4K:
- Connect the Apple TV 4K (2021 or 2022 model) to an HDMI port and power
- Pair the Siri Remote by pressing and holding the back button and volume up
- Follow on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign into your Apple ID
- Verify AirPlay is enabled in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit
Pour les utilisateurs d'iPhone :
Use AirPlay casting or tap Screen Mirroring from Control Center exactly as described earlier, selecting Apple TV 4K as the target device.
Pour les utilisateurs d'Android :
Some Android apps can discover Apple TV as an AirPlay receiver using third-party tools, but official full-screen mirroring support from Android to Apple TV is limited and often unreliable.
If you have a mixed household with both Android and iPhone users, Chromecast or Roku typically offers better universal mirroring support for everyone.
How to cast or mirror without Wi-Fi (wired options)
Sometimes wireless just won’t cut it. Hotel Wi-Fi with login portals, unreliable home networks, or offline cabins in the mountains all present challenges for wireless casting. In these situations, a wired connection from your phone directly to the TV’s HDMI port provides the most stable, lag-free video playback.
The concept is simple: connect an adapter to your phone, run an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV, and switch to that HDMI input. No network required.
While wired connections limit your mobility (you can’t walk around with your phone), they’re often the most reliable way to watch downloaded movies from Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video when you’re offline.
Wired casting from iPhone with HDMI adapter
Most iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier, plus SE models) use Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter for HDMI output. USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 series and newer) require a different adapter type.
Using the Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter:
- One end plugs into your iPhone’s Lightning port
- One HDMI port connects to your TV via an HDMI cable
- An additional Lightning port allows charging while mirroring
Steps to connect:
- Plug the adapter into your iPhone
- Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to an available HDMI port on your TV
- Switch your TV’s input to that HDMI source
- Your iPhone’s screen should appear on the TV automatically
Both video and audio pass through the HDMI connection, so your TV or connected sound system handles the audio output. This setup works great for offline movies stored in the Apple TV app or downloaded Netflix and Disney+ episodes.
For iPhone 15 and newer with USB-C:
Look for a USB-C to HDMI adapter that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and ideally 4K output. Reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Apple’s own adapters tend to offer the most reliable performance.
Wired casting from Android with USB-C to HDMI
Many modern Android phones support video output over USB-C, including Samsung Galaxy S series, Google Pixel devices, and select OnePlus and Xiaomi models.
What you’ll need:
- A USB-C to HDMI adapter or USB-C hub that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode
- An HDMI cable
- A TV with an available HDMI port
Steps to connect:
- Plug the USB-C adapter into your Android phone
- Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV
- Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input
- Wait for your phone to auto-mirror to the screen
Samsung DeX note:
On compatible Samsung Galaxy phones, connecting via USB-C to HDMI may launch Samsung DeX instead of simple mirroring. DeX provides a desktop-style interface on the TV where apps run in resizable windows, controlled via your phone’s écran tactile or a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Not all budget Android phones support wired display output. Before buying adapters, check your phone’s manufacturer specifications for “DisplayPort over USB-C” or “video output” compatibility.
Troubleshooting: when you can’t see the Cast icon or TV
Even with the right equipment, casting doesn’t always work on the first try. Here’s a checklist for the most common issues.
Network basics:
- Confirm both your phone and TV or streaming device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
- Avoid mixing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if your router broadcasts them as separate SSIDs, as this can block device discovery
- Check that you’re not connected to a guest network, which often isolates devices from each other
Router configuration:
- Some routers and ISP-supplied modems enable client isolation or guest mode by default
- This prevents phones from discovering TVs on the same network
- Try disabling guest mode or moving all devices to your main network
- Access your router’s settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or via your ISP’s app) to check these options
App compatibility:
- Only cast-enabled apps display the cast icon
- Test with YouTube or Netflix, which almost always support casting to Chromecast, Roku, and smart TVs
- If an app doesn’t show a cast icon, it may not support the feature
TV and device settings:
- Ensure casting or mirroring features are enabled on your TV or streaming device
- On Fire TV: Enable “Screen Mirroring” in Display & Sounds settings
- On Samsung TVs: Check that “Apple AirPlay” is turned on in Connection settings
- On Google TV sets: Verify “Chromecast built-in” is active
Standard fixes that resolve most issues:
- Restart your phone, TV, and router
- Update your phone’s operating system
- Update your TV’s firmware
- Update streaming apps to their latest versions
- Log out and back into streaming apps if casting gets stuck
Other interference:
- Turn off VPNs on your phone, as they can block local network discovery
- Désactiver batterie saver mode, which may restrict background connections
- Turn off data-saving modes that might interfere with streaming quality
Frequently asked casting questions
Can I stream from iPhone to TV without Apple TV?
Yes. Many smart TVs manufactured since 2019 from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio have AirPlay 2 built-in. Additionally, newer Roku devices support AirPlay, and you can cast from individual apps to Chromecast even from an iPhone.
What’s better for vie privée: casting or mirroring?
Casting only shows the specific content you’ve chosen in an app, while mirroring displays your entire screen, including notifications and messages. In shared spaces like living rooms or offices, casting is generally the more private option.
How do I cast in a hotel room?
Hotel Wi-Fi with captive portals (login pages) often blocks device-to-device discovery. Your best options are:
- Use a wired HDMI adapter from your phone to the hotel TV
- Bring a portable streaming stick with “travel mode” or “hotel mode” (available on some Roku and Fire TV devices)
- Some hotels offer Chromecast or AirPlay directly through their in-room entertainment systems
Can I cast audio only to my TV or speakers?
Absolutely. Apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music can cast or use AirPlay to send audio to TVs, smart speakers, and soundbars. This effectively turns your TV or sound system into a large speaker system for music streaming.
Does casting use mobile data?
The casting process itself uses minimal data—it’s just control signals between your phone and the receiving device. However, streaming HD or 4K content uses significant bandwidth. If you’re on a metered mobile hotspot, be cautious: a single 4K movie can consume 7-10 GB of data. For casting at home on Wi-Fi, data usage on your phone plan isn’t a concern.
Principaux enseignements
- Casting sends specific content to your TV while freeing up your phone; mirroring duplicates your entire screen in real time
- Both iPhone and Android devices can cast to most modern smart TVs, but the methods differ by platform
- Streaming devices like Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV 4K can upgrade any HDMI-equipped TV to support casting
- Both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless casting to work
- Wired HDMI adapters provide the most reliable connection when Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable
- Many casting issues stem from network configuration—check for client isolation, VPNs, and mismatched Wi-Fi bands
Wrapping up
Getting video from your phone to your TV doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Whether you’re an iPhone user relying on AirPlay, an Android user with Chromecast, or someone working with older technology and HDMI adapters, there’s a casting solution that fits your setup.
Start with the simple steps in the fast answer section to get up and running quickly. If you run into trouble, work through the troubleshooting checklist before assuming something is broken. More often than not, it’s a network configuration issue that takes just a few minutes to resolve.
Now grab your phone, fire up your favorite streaming app, and enjoy that holiday video or Netflix binge on the screen it deserves.