The simplest ways to send what's on your screen to your TV

You can stream from your computer to your TV using either a wireless connection or a cable. Wireless is faster to set up if both devices support it — most modern TVs and computers do. A cable works on older equipment and gives you a more stable picture, but you have to physically connect the two devices and sit closer to your TV.

The method you choose depends on what TV and computer you own, what's already plugged in, and whether you want to mirror your entire screen or just play video from one app. Most people can get this working in under five minutes once they know which option fits their setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Wireless casting (Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast) works if your TV and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network and both support the same standard.
  • An HDMI cable is the most reliable method and works with almost any TV and computer, but requires the devices to be close together.
  • Some streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu) have a built-in cast button that sends video directly to your TV without mirroring your whole screen.
  • Windows PCs use Miracast or the built-in "Connect" app; Macs use AirPlay to Apple TV or third-party receivers; Chromebooks use Chromecast.
  • If wireless doesn't work, check that both devices are on the same network, restart your router, and make sure your TV's casting feature is turned on.

Using an HDMI cable — the most reliable method

An HDMI cable physically connects your computer to your TV and works with nearly every combination of devices. Plug one end into the HDMI port on your computer and the other into an HDMI port on your TV. Your TV should detect the connection automatically and display your computer's screen.

If your computer doesn't have an HDMI port, you may need an adapter. USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort to HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are all common and cost between $10 and $30. Check what port your computer has before you buy.

Once connected, your TV becomes a second monitor. You can drag windows between screens, extend your desktop, or mirror everything your computer shows. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select "Display settings" to choose how you want to use the TV. On Mac, open System Settings, go to Displays, and select the TV from the dropdown menu.

Wireless casting with Chromecast or Miracast

If your TV has a Chromecast built in or you own a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port, you can cast from a Windows PC, Mac, or Chromebook without a cable. Both your computer and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

On a Windows PC, open the app or browser tab you want to cast, look for a cast icon (usually three stacked curved lines), and click it. Select your TV from the list. On a Chromebook, click the time in the bottom right corner, select "Cast" from the menu, and choose your TV.

If your TV supports Miracast (a wireless standard built into Windows), you can cast without Chromecast. On Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows key and P together, select "Connect to a wireless display," and choose your TV. Your TV must have Miracast turned on — check your TV's settings or manual to enable it.

AirPlay for Mac and iPad users

If you own an Apple TV device or a TV with AirPlay built in, you can stream from a Mac using AirPlay. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your Mac, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list.

AirPlay also works with some third-party receivers and speakers if your TV doesn't have it built in. The setup is the same — open Control Center, select Screen Mirroring, and pick the device you want to use.

Casting from streaming apps without mirroring your whole screen

Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and most other streaming apps have a built-in cast button. This sends only the video to your TV, not your entire screen, so you can keep browsing on your computer while the show plays on the big screen. Look for a cast icon in the app's player controls — it usually looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner.

Click the cast icon and select your TV. The app will start playing on your TV, and you can close the app on your computer or use your computer for something else. This method works with Chromecast, AirPlay, and Miracast depending on what your TV supports and what app you're using.

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

If your computer can't find your TV, start by checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your computer's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings and confirm they're connected to the same router. If they're on different networks, move one of them to match the other.

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully restart — this usually takes two to three minutes. Then try casting again. Restarting often fixes temporary connection problems that prevent devices from seeing each other.

Make sure your TV's casting feature is turned on. On most TVs, this is called "Screen Mirroring," "Miracast," "AirPlay," or "Chromecast" depending on the brand. Check your TV's settings menu or manual to find where to enable it. Some TVs have this turned off by default.

If you're using a cable and the TV shows no picture, try a different HDMI port on your TV — sometimes one port doesn't work. Also check that you selected the correct input on your TV remote. If your computer still doesn't appear, restart both devices and try again.

When to use a cable versus wireless

Use an HDMI cable if you want the most stable connection, your devices are close together, or you're using older equipment that doesn't support wireless casting. Cables never drop the signal and work even if your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded.

Use wireless casting if your devices are far apart, you want to move around the room, or you prefer not to have a cable running across the floor. Wireless is faster to set up and works well for streaming video or presentations, though it can occasionally stutter if your Wi-Fi signal is weak.

Many people keep an HDMI cable nearby as a backup. If wireless casting isn't working and you need to get something on your TV quickly, a cable is always a reliable fallback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stream from my phone to my TV the same way?

Yes, phones use the same wireless casting standards as computers. On Android, look for a cast icon in the app or pull down the quick settings menu and tap "Cast." On iPhone, use AirPlay the same way you would on a Mac. The TV must support the same standard your phone uses.

What if my TV doesn't have Wi-Fi or casting built in?

You can buy a Chromecast device, Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Apple TV and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. These devices add wireless casting to any TV. They cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model. An HDMI cable is also always an option if you prefer not to buy extra hardware.

Will casting slow down my internet?

Casting video to your TV uses your Wi-Fi network but doesn't affect your internet speed for other devices. If your Wi-Fi is already slow or crowded, casting might stutter. Moving closer to your router, reducing the number of devices connected, or using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band instead of 2.4 GHz can help.

Can I cast in 4K or high resolution?

Yes, but only if your TV, computer, and casting device all support it. Most newer Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku devices support 4K. Check the specs of your devices to confirm. HDMI cables support 4K as well — make sure you're using a cable rated for 4K if resolution matters to you.

Do I need to buy anything to cast from my computer?

Not necessarily. If your TV has casting built in or you already own a Chromecast or similar device, you don't need to buy anything. If your TV is older and doesn't support wireless casting, an HDMI cable costs $10 to $20, or a Chromecast device costs $30 to $50.