The most common ways to send video and audio from your computer to your TV

You can connect a computer to a TV wirelessly using one of three main technologies: Miracast (built into Windows and some Android devices), AirPlay (Apple's system for iPhones, iPads, and Macs), or Chromecast (Google's receiver that plugs into your TV's HDMI port). Which one works depends on what devices you own and what your TV supports. Most modern TVs have at least one of these built in, though you may need to buy a small receiver device if yours doesn't.

The basic process is the same across all three: you turn on wireless casting on your computer, your TV discovers it, and you confirm the connection. Once paired, your computer's screen appears on the TV. Audio and video travel over your home WiFi network, so you don't need cables.

Key Takeaways

  • Miracast works with Windows 10 and 11 computers and requires a TV or receiver that supports Miracast; you access it through the Action Center on Windows.
  • AirPlay is Apple's system and works between Macs, iPhones, and iPads to any AirPlay-compatible TV or receiver.
  • Chromecast requires a Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port, or a TV with Chromecast built in, and works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone.
  • All three methods require your computer and TV to be on the same WiFi network; they do not work over cellular data.
  • If your TV is older and doesn't support any wireless standard, you can buy a receiver device (Chromecast, Apple TV, or a Miracast dongle) for under $50.

Using Miracast on a Windows computer

Miracast is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you don't need to install anything. Open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A, then look for a button labeled "Connect" or "Project." Click it, and your computer will search for nearby Miracast receivers.

Your TV must either have Miracast built in or be connected to a Miracast receiver (a small device that plugs into the HDMI port). When your TV appears in the list, click it. Windows will ask you to confirm the connection on your TV screen. Once you confirm, your desktop appears on the TV. You can then choose to show only that window, duplicate your desktop, or extend your display across both screens.

If your TV doesn't appear, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that Miracast is turned on in your TV's settings. Some TVs call it "Screen Mirroring" or "Wireless Display." If you still don't see it, your TV may not support Miracast—check the manual or look up your model number online.

Using AirPlay on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad

AirPlay works between Apple devices and any TV or receiver that supports it. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar, then click "Screen Mirroring." A list of available AirPlay receivers appears. Select your TV, and your Mac's screen will appear on it within a few seconds.

On an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your TV from the list. The process is identical. Once connected, you can use your device normally—everything you see on your screen will also appear on the TV.

Your TV must have AirPlay built in (most newer Apple TVs, Samsung, LG, and Sony models do) or be connected to an Apple TV device. If your TV is older, an Apple TV box (starting around $35 for the older model) will add AirPlay support. Make sure your Mac or iOS device and your TV are on the same WiFi network.

Using Chromecast with any computer or phone

Chromecast is Google's wireless casting system and works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. You need either a TV with Chromecast built in or a Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port. The device itself costs around $30 to $50 depending on the model.

On a Windows or Mac computer, open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Select "Cast," then choose your TV from the list. Your screen will appear on the TV. On Android or iPhone, open any app that supports casting (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, and many others have a cast button), tap the cast icon, and select your TV.

Chromecast is particularly useful if you want to cast video from streaming apps rather than your entire screen. Many apps have a built-in cast button that's faster than mirroring your whole desktop. If you're casting your computer screen, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network.

What to do if your TV doesn't support wireless casting

If your TV is more than five or six years old, it may not have any wireless casting built in. The simplest fix is to buy a receiver device and plug it into an HDMI port. A Chromecast device works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. An Apple TV works best with Apple devices but can also receive AirPlay from Android and Windows. A Miracast dongle is cheaper but only works with Windows and some Android devices.

All three types plug directly into your TV's HDMI port and connect to your WiFi network. Once set up (usually just entering your WiFi password), they work the same way as if the feature were built into the TV. You don't need a separate power outlet if your TV's HDMI port supplies power, though some devices come with a USB power cable for reliability.

Troubleshooting when the connection won't work

The most common reason wireless casting fails is that your computer and TV are on different WiFi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band—some older devices only work on 2.4 GHz.

If your TV or receiver doesn't appear in the list, restart both devices and try again. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open the casting menu on your computer again. If the TV still doesn't show up, check that the wireless casting feature is turned on in your TV's settings—it's sometimes disabled by default or hidden under a different name like "Screen Mirroring" or "SmartThings."

If the connection keeps dropping, move your computer and TV closer to your WiFi router or away from other wireless devices like microwaves and cordless phones. Interference from these devices can weaken the signal. If you're far from the router, consider moving it or using a WiFi extender.

Choosing between Miracast, AirPlay, and Chromecast

If you own an Apple device (Mac, iPhone, or iPad), AirPlay is the most seamless option because it's built in and works with most modern TVs. If you use Windows, Miracast is free and built in, but your TV must support it. If you want the most flexibility across different devices and operating systems, Chromecast is the most reliable choice, though it requires buying a device if your TV doesn't have it built in.

For a household with mixed devices—some Windows, some Apple, some Android—Chromecast is often the best single solution because it works with all of them. If you already own an Apple TV for other reasons, use AirPlay. If you have a newer Windows computer and a TV made in the last few years, Miracast is worth trying first since it costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection to cast wirelessly?

You need a WiFi network, but not necessarily internet. Your computer and TV can be on the same local WiFi network without that network being connected to the internet. However, if you want to stream content from the internet (Netflix, YouTube, etc.), then yes, your WiFi network needs internet access.

Can I use my computer for other things while casting?

Yes. Once the connection is established, you can use your computer normally. If you're mirroring your entire screen, anything you do on your computer will appear on the TV. If you're casting a single window or app, you can work in other windows without them showing on the TV.

Why does my TV show a lag or delay when I'm typing?

Wireless casting has a slight delay—usually less than a second, but noticeable if you're typing or playing games. This is normal and unavoidable with WiFi. If lag is a problem, use a wired HDMI cable instead, which has no delay.

Can I cast to my TV from outside my home?

No. All three systems (Miracast, AirPlay, and Chromecast) require your computer and TV to be on the same local WiFi network. They don't work over the internet. If you need to access your computer remotely, use a remote desktop app like Chrome Remote Desktop or Microsoft Remote Desktop instead.

What if I have an older TV with no HDMI ports?

Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) or VGA ports cannot use wireless casting. You would need a wired connection using an HDMI-to-composite or HDMI-to-VGA adapter, which introduces video quality loss. Upgrading to a newer TV or using a projector with HDMI is usually a better option.