How to Cast Video and Apps From Your Tablet to Your TV

The fastest way to cast from your tablet to your TV

Casting sends video, apps, and your tablet's screen to your TV wirelessly. The method depends on what devices you own. If your TV has Chromecast built in (most newer smart TVs do), you can cast from any Android tablet or iPad in seconds using the Cast button in most apps. If your TV doesn't have Chromecast, you can buy a Chromecast device for $30–$50 and plug it into an HDMI port. For Apple devices, AirPlay works with Apple TV boxes or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs. Android tablets work best with Chromecast, but some also support Miracast, which works with certain Windows and Samsung TVs.

The actual casting process takes about 10 seconds once everything is set up. You tap the Cast icon in the app you're using, select your TV from the list, and the content appears on your screen. No cables, no setup menus, no waiting.

Key Takeaways

Chromecast (built into most modern TVs or available as a separate device) works with any Android tablet and most streaming apps without extra setup.
AirPlay works with iPads and Apple TV devices, or with certain Samsung and LG smart TVs that support AirPlay 2.
Your tablet and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
Not every app supports casting—check for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) before you try.
If your TV is older or doesn't support casting, a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick plugged into an HDMI port adds the feature for under $50.

Check what your TV supports

Before you buy anything, look at your TV's input menu or settings to see if it has Chromecast or AirPlay built in. Most Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL TVs made after 2018 have Chromecast. Some newer models also have AirPlay 2. If your TV is older or you're not sure, check the model number on the back of the TV and search "[model number] Chromecast" or "[model number] AirPlay" online.

If your TV doesn't have either, you have two main options: buy a Chromecast device (Google's $30–$50 dongle that plugs into HDMI) or a Fire TV Stick (Amazon's equivalent, also $30–$50). Both add casting to any TV with an HDMI port. Chromecast works better with Android tablets and most apps. Fire TV Stick works with both Android and iPad but is designed for Amazon services.

Set up your tablet and TV on the same Wi-Fi network

Casting only works when your tablet and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your tablet's Wi-Fi settings and note which network it's on. Then go to your TV's settings (or the settings of your Chromecast or Fire TV device) and connect to the same network. Use the same password if prompted.

If you have a guest network separate from your main Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are on the primary network, not the guest one. Some networks split 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands—either band works, but both devices should be able to see the same network name.

Cast from an app on your Android tablet

Open any app that supports casting—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Google Photos, and most streaming services do. Look for the Cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. It's usually in the top right or bottom right of the app.

Tap the Cast icon. A list of nearby devices appears. Select your TV or Chromecast device by name. The content starts playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your tablet becomes a remote—you can pause, rewind, adjust volume, or switch videos without interrupting playback on the TV. To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or just close the app.

If you don't see the Cast icon in an app, that app doesn't support casting. You can still mirror your entire tablet screen (see the next section), but you won't get the app-specific controls.

Cast from an iPad using AirPlay

On an iPad, casting is called AirPlay. It works with Apple TV boxes or with newer Samsung and LG TVs that support AirPlay 2. Open an app that supports AirPlay—Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, and most video apps do. Look for the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with a circle at the bottom.

Tap the AirPlay icon. Select your Apple TV or compatible smart TV from the list. The video plays on your TV. Like Chromecast, your iPad becomes a remote. If you don't see the AirPlay icon, the app doesn't support it, but you can still mirror your entire screen (see below).

Mirror your entire tablet screen to your TV

If an app doesn't have a Cast or AirPlay button, you can send your whole tablet screen to the TV instead. This is called screen mirroring or screen casting. It's slower than casting a single app and uses more battery, but it works with any app.

On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings. Look for "Cast," "Screen Cast," or "Wireless Display." Tap it and select your TV or Chromecast device. Your entire screen appears on the TV. Everything you do on your tablet shows up there—apps, web pages, photos, everything.

On iPad, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring." Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. Your iPad screen appears on the TV. To stop, open Control Center again and tap "Screen Mirroring," then select "Stop Mirroring."

Troubleshoot common casting problems

If the Cast icon doesn't appear, make sure your tablet and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If the app still doesn't show the icon, that app may not support casting—try a different app to test whether casting works at all.

If the device list is empty or your TV doesn't appear, check that your TV or Chromecast device is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Wait 30 seconds and try again. If it still doesn't show up, restart your Wi-Fi router (turn it off for 10 seconds, then back on) and restart both devices.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move closer to the router or restart it. If video keeps freezing or buffering, close other apps on your tablet to free up memory and bandwidth. Casting uses a lot of Wi-Fi, so other devices streaming at the same time can cause problems.

If you're using an older Chromecast or Fire TV device, make sure it's updated to the latest software. Check the device's settings menu for a software update option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to cast?

No. Casting itself is free. You only need a subscription to the service you're casting from—like Netflix or Spotify. If you're casting photos, videos, or music you own, no subscription is needed at all.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

Most apps only cast to one device at a time. If you want to play the same content on two TVs, you'd need to cast from two different tablets, or use a different method like connecting both TVs to the same speaker system.

What if my TV is too old to have Chromecast?

Buy a Chromecast device (about $30) or Fire TV Stick (about $35–$50) and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. Both add casting to any TV made in the last 10 years. Chromecast works better with Android tablets; Fire TV Stick works with both Android and iPad but is optimized for Amazon services.

Does casting work over mobile data or hotspot?

No. Casting requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Mobile data and hotspots don't work because your TV can't connect to your tablet's hotspot in the way casting needs.

Can I use my tablet while casting?

Yes. When you cast an app, your tablet becomes a remote—you can use other apps, check email, or browse while the video plays on your TV. When you mirror your entire screen, whatever you do on the tablet shows on the TV, so you can't use it privately at the same time.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.