The three ways to send your tablet screen to a TV

You can cast your tablet to your TV using one of three methods: wireless casting (the easiest if your TV supports it), an HDMI cable with an adapter (the most reliable), or a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast (works with almost any TV). Which one works for you depends on what TV you own and what tablet you have.

Wireless casting sends your tablet's screen to your TV over your home WiFi without any cables. It works when ready once set up, but only if your TV has the right built-in technology. An HDMI adapter is a physical cable that plugs into your tablet and TV—it always works but requires you to stay near the TV. A streaming device sits between your tablet and TV and handles the casting for you, which is useful if your TV is older or doesn't have wireless casting built in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most modern TVs have wireless casting built in (called Miracast, AirPlay, or Google Cast depending on the brand), and your tablet can connect to it directly from the Settings menu.
  • If your TV doesn't have wireless casting, an HDMI adapter (USB-C to HDMI or Lightning to HDMI, depending on your tablet) costs $15 to $40 and works with any TV that has an HDMI port.
  • A streaming device like Roku, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV plugs into your TV's HDMI port and lets you cast from your tablet even if the TV itself doesn't support wireless casting.
  • Wireless casting works best when your tablet and TV are on the same WiFi network and within 30 feet of each other.
  • HDMI adapters require your tablet to support video output—most modern tablets do, but some older or budget models do not.

Wireless casting: checking if your TV supports it

Most TVs made in the last five years have wireless casting built in. Samsung TVs use Miracast, Apple devices use AirPlay, and Google devices use Google Cast. Some newer TVs support more than one. The easiest way to find out is to look at your TV's remote or settings menu—if you see a button or menu option labeled "Screen Mirroring," "Cast," "AirPlay," or "Miracast," your TV supports wireless casting.

If you are not sure, check your TV's manual or search the model number online with the word "casting" or "mirroring." You can also try casting from your tablet—if nothing happens after 10 seconds, your TV probably does not support it. Older TVs (more than 7 or 8 years old) almost never have wireless casting, even if they are smart TVs.

How to cast wirelessly from an Android tablet

On an Android tablet, open Settings, then look for Display or Connected Devices. Tap Cast, Screen Mirroring, or Wireless Display (the exact name varies by tablet brand). Your tablet will search for nearby devices. When your TV appears in the list, tap it. Your tablet screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV does not appear, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Restart your tablet and TV, then try again. If it still does not work, your TV may not support Miracast or Google Cast—in that case, use an HDMI adapter or a streaming device instead.

How to cast wirelessly from an iPad or iPhone

On an iPad or iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring (it may be labeled AirPlay on older devices). A list of nearby AirPlay devices will appear. Tap your TV's name. Your screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV does not appear, make sure it supports AirPlay. Most newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs do, but older models and some budget brands do not. If your TV is not listed, check that both your iPad and TV are on the same WiFi network. If AirPlay still does not work, use an HDMI adapter or a streaming device.

Using an HDMI adapter if your TV does not support wireless casting

An HDMI adapter is a small cable that plugs into your tablet's charging port on one end and into your TV's HDMI port on the other. For Android tablets, you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or Micro-USB if your tablet is older). For iPads, you need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Both cost between $15 and $40 and are available at most electronics retailers.

Plug the adapter into your tablet, then plug an HDMI cable into the adapter and into your TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input (usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Your tablet screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, and there is no setup required—it just works.

The downside is that you have a cable running from your tablet to your TV, so you cannot move far from the screen. Also, not every tablet supports video output through its charging port—check your tablet's specifications or manual to confirm it does before buying an adapter.

Setting up a streaming device for casting

If your TV does not have wireless casting and you do not want to use a cable, a streaming device is a small box that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and handles casting for you. Popular options include Google Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick, and Apple TV. These devices cost between $30 and $150 depending on the model.

To set one up, plug it into your TV's HDMI port and power it on. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your WiFi network. Once it is set up, you can cast from your tablet the same way you would cast to a TV with built-in casting—open your tablet's casting menu and select the device. Streaming devices work with almost any tablet and any TV with an HDMI port.

The advantage is flexibility: you can use the same device to cast from your phone, tablet, or laptop. The disadvantage is the upfront cost and the fact that you need to plug in another device. If you already use a streaming service like Netflix or YouTube on your TV, a streaming device may be worth it for the extra features it offers beyond casting.

Troubleshooting casting problems

If your tablet and TV are not connecting, start by checking that both are on the same WiFi network. Restart both devices and try again. If that does not work, move your tablet closer to your TV—wireless casting works best within 30 feet and can be blocked by walls or interference from other devices.

If you are using an HDMI adapter and nothing appears on your TV, make sure you have selected the correct HDMI input on your TV remote. Some TVs do not automatically switch inputs when you plug in a cable. Also check that your tablet actually supports video output—if it does not, the adapter will not work.

If you are using a streaming device and it is not showing up on your tablet's casting menu, restart the streaming device and make sure it is on the same WiFi network as your tablet. Some streaming devices require you to install an app on your tablet before you can cast to them—check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast to my TV if I do not have WiFi?

Wireless casting requires WiFi, but an HDMI adapter does not—it works with just a cable connection. If you have a streaming device, it also needs WiFi to work. If you have no WiFi at all, an HDMI adapter is your only option.

Will casting drain my tablet's battery?

Wireless casting uses more battery than normal use, but not drastically—expect to lose about 10 to 15 percent more battery per hour. If you are casting for a long time, plug your tablet in. HDMI adapters do not drain battery any faster than normal use.

Can I use my tablet while it is casting to my TV?

Yes, with wireless casting you can use your tablet normally and the TV will show whatever is on your screen. With an HDMI adapter, the same is true. If you want to use your tablet for something else while the TV shows something different, you will need a streaming device or a smart TV app instead.

What if my tablet is too old to support casting?

Very old tablets (more than 8 or 9 years old) may not support wireless casting. Check your tablet's manual or search online for your model. If it does not support wireless casting, an HDMI adapter may still work if your tablet has a video output port—again, check the manual. If neither works, a streaming device is your last option.

Do I need to buy a special HDMI cable for the adapter?

No, any standard HDMI cable works with an HDMI adapter. If the adapter does not come with a cable, you can use one you already have or buy a cheap one at any electronics store.