One of the coolest aspects of modern TVs is their versatility and ability to connect with other devices. You can pair your Android phone and TV and enjoy all the visual content on a much bigger screen.
If you are wondering about the different ways on how to pair your Android phone and TV, then you are in the right place. Read on more to find the different ways you can connect them.
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Why Connect your Android Phone to TV?
‘I don’t like watching on a bigger screen’, said no one ever. Whatever you are watching, when you watch it on a bigger screen, the viewing experience is much better.
This is especially true for mobile gaming. On a bigger screen, the details are very clear and you can have an immersive gaming experience. Similarly, you can make video calls and view saved photos and videos directly on your TV screen.
Options to connect Android phone to TV
There is more than one way to connect your Android phone to a TV. We have listed all the options below:
Google Chromecast
This is the most preferred way of connecting an Android phone to a TV. The Chromecast device acts as a hub between your phone and TV.
The device is connected to your TV using an HDMI converter. Additionally, one end of a USB power cable is connected to the device and the other end to the USB port on the TV. The TV provides sufficient power for the Chromecast to operate.
Turn on your TV and choose the HDMI channel matching the HDMI port in which the Chromecast is plugged. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the TV to your home Wi-Fi network.
Turn on the Screen casting option from the Setting menu on your phone. Or else, you can download the Chromecast app from the play store. Click on the Chromecast device name and pair by entering the security code displayed on your TV screen. You are all set.
Amazon Firestick
The Amazon Firestick is first connected to your TV using an HDMI cable. It has a power cable, one end of which is connected to the Firestick, and the other end is plugged into a power outlet. Now, turn on the TV, choose the appropriate HDMI channel and connect it to a Wi-Fi network.
Then, follow similar steps as in the case of Chromecast. Download the Amazon Fire TV app from the play store and choose the Firestick device name. Enter the security key displayed on your TV screen and your phone will be paired with the TV.
Miracast
This is another wireless option to pair your Android phone and TV. Firstly, you need to ensure that your Android phone and TV supports the Miracast feature.
If your TV lacks the Miracast feature, you can use a Blu-ray player or other media centers that support it to establish the connection. Alternatively, you can also use a Miracast dongle and connect it to your TV’s HDMI port.
From your Android phone, visit the screen casting option and follow the on-screen instructions. You will see an option Enable wireless display using which you can pair your Android phone and TV.
Built-in Screen Mirroring
This is a simpler and straightforward process. You will have a screen-mirroring option on both your Android phone and TV. Visit the settings menu on your TV and turn on screen mirroring.
Similarly, visit the settings menu on your Android phone and turn on the screen mirroring option. Your phone will scan for available devices nearby. Click on your TV name and then enter the security number displayed on your TV screen to pair them.
The major drawback of screen mirroring is that you won’t be able to use your phone for other purposes when mirroring. In case of casting, you can cast a video on the TV screen from your Android phone, however, still, use your phone without interrupting the video displayed on the screen.
USB to HDMI Converters
You can connect your Android phone and TV using USB to HDMI converter cables. Based on your Android phone charging port (whether it is C type or B type), you might need to choose the correct converter cable.
The converter has cables and an adapter that works like a hub. One end of the HDMI cable is connected to your TV and the other end to the adapter. Similarly, one end of the USB cable is connected to the adapter and the other end to your phone charging port.
Once connected, you will have to choose the appropriate HDMI channel.
There are two types of converters available in the market.
MHL: Mobile High Definition Link supports HD videos and an eight-channel surround system. The converter comes with micro USB and USB Type-C charging ports.
Slim port: This cable consumes low power and hence your Android phone’s battery lasts longer when paired with your TV. It comes with micro-USB ports for connecting your phone and TV.
There are other types of converter cables available as well such as VGA converters. If your TV does not have an HDMI port or has become defective, you can opt for VGA converter cables.
Connecting directly with USB cable
The other option is to pair your Android phone and TV directly with a USB cable. However, it offers limited functionalities. It only acts as a storage device and you can not share the screen or stream online videos.
You can use this option if you want to view your photos and videos in your phone gallery on the big screen. Just plug the cable into your TV and phone, change the TV input option and enjoy the videos with your family.
DLNA app
The modern TVs come in-built with a technology called DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). To pair your Android phone and TV using DLNA, both the devices have to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also use an ethernet cable to connect your TV and phone.
Then, download a DLNA app on your phone from the play store. Bubble UPnP is one of the most popular DLNA apps. In the app, you will have a Devices menu from which you will have to select your TV name.
Voila, they are connected and you can cast your phone on Android TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have a WiFi connection, you can use a Chromecast device to cast your phone on your TV. Alternatively, you can also use the Miracast feature or Miracast dongle to cast your phone on TV.
You can use the screencasting option on your phone to pair your TV and phone. Ensure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network to establish the connection. Alternatively, you can also opt for HDMI converter cables.
You simply have to plug one end of the USB cable into your TV’s USB port and the other end into your phone’s charging port. However, this connection will only let you view offline media from your phone’s gallery.
If you don’t want to use a Chromecast, there are other casting devices such as Firestick or Miracast dongle. Alternatively, you can use the in-built screen mirroring and DLNA features or use converter cables.
The most popular option to pair your phone and TV without screen mirroring is by using a Chromecast or other streaming devices. Alternatively, you can use USB cables, USB to HDMI converter cables or an in-built DLNA feature to pair your phone and TV.
Conclusion
As you have seen, there are more than options to connect your Android phone to TV. The in-built features do incur any costs, however, your devices need to be compatible with those features. Based on the compatibility of your devices and your intended use, go with the one that suits you the best.
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Have you tried pairing your Android phone and TV? Did you face any specific difficulties in pairing the devices? Let us know your experience in the comment section.
