How to Connect Your TV to Your Computer Wirelessly

The fastest wireless connection methods for your TV and computer

You can connect your TV to your computer wirelessly using one of three main methods: casting (sending video from your computer to your TV), screen mirroring (duplicating your entire display), or streaming apps (playing content directly on your TV). Which one works depends on what hardware you own and what you want to do.

Casting and mirroring both require your TV and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Most modern TVs have built-in wireless capability, but older TVs need a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast plugged into an HDMI port. Your computer needs Wi-Fi — it does not need to be plugged in with a cable.

The setup usually takes under five minutes once you know which method your devices support. The most common mistake is trying to use a method your TV does not have — checking your TV's manual or settings first saves time.

Key Takeaways

Casting sends only the app or window you choose to your TV, while mirroring sends your entire screen, and both require your TV and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Windows computers use Miracast or the built-in Cast feature; Mac computers use AirPlay to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs.
If your TV does not have wireless capability built in, you can add it with a streaming device like Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, or Fire Stick for $30 to $100.
Before you start, check your TV's settings or manual to confirm it has Wi-Fi capability and supports the wireless standard your computer uses.
If the connection drops or lags, moving your router closer to your TV or computer, or reducing the distance between them, usually fixes the problem.

Windows computers: Using Miracast or the built-in Cast feature

Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers can mirror to any TV that supports Miracast, or cast to smart TVs and streaming devices that have the Cast feature. To check if your TV supports Miracast, look in your TV's settings under "Wireless" or "Network" — the option may be called "Miracast", "Screen Mirroring", or "Wireless Display". If you do not find it, your TV likely does not support Miracast, but you can still cast if it is a smart TV.

To mirror your screen using Miracast on Windows: Open the Settings app, go to System > Display, scroll down and click "Connect to a wireless display", then select your TV from the list that appears. Your screen will duplicate on the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, click the notification that appears in the bottom right corner and select "Disconnect".

To cast to a smart TV or streaming device instead: Right-click on your desktop, select "Cast to Device" (or open the Start menu and search for "Cast"), then choose your TV or device from the list. Unlike mirroring, casting lets you choose which app or window to send — you can close the casting window on your computer and the video keeps playing on your TV.

If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's wireless display feature is turned on. Restart both devices if the list stays empty.

Mac computers: Using AirPlay to Apple TV or compatible smart TVs

Mac computers use AirPlay to send video wirelessly. If you have an Apple TV, AirPlay works automatically — just make sure your Mac and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a non-Apple smart TV, check your TV's manual to see if it supports AirPlay (many newer Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs do).

To mirror your Mac screen: Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your screen, click "Screen Mirroring", then select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV from the list. Your entire screen will appear on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, click "Screen Mirroring", and select "Turn Off Mirroring".

If your TV does not support AirPlay, you can buy an Apple TV (the smallest model costs around $100) and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV. This gives you AirPlay capability plus access to streaming apps like Netflix and Apple TV+.

If your Mac does not show your TV in the Screen Mirroring list, restart both devices and confirm they are on the same network. If the problem continues, check that your TV's AirPlay setting is turned on in its settings menu.

Adding wireless capability to an older TV with a streaming device

If your TV does not have built-in Wi-Fi or wireless display support, a streaming device plugged into an HDMI port adds that capability. The four most common options are Google Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV. All of them cost between $30 and $100 and work with both Windows and Mac computers.

Google Chromecast and Roku are the most affordable and easiest to set up. Plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Once it is set up, you can cast from your computer the same way you would to a smart TV.

Apple TV works only with Mac computers and iPhones, but it also gives you access to Apple's ecosystem of apps and services. Fire Stick works with both Windows and Mac but integrates most closely with Amazon services.

All of these devices sit in front of your TV or mount on the wall behind it. They do not replace your TV's remote — you use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where the device is plugged in, then use the device's remote or your computer to control what plays.

Fixing common connection problems

If your TV does not appear in the list of available devices, the most common cause is that your computer and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your computer's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they are both connected to the same network name (SSID).

If the connection keeps dropping or the video lags, move your Wi-Fi router closer to your TV and computer, or reduce the distance between them. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can interfere with the signal. If you cannot move the router, try moving your computer or TV to a different spot in the room.

If the video plays but has no sound, check your TV's input settings to make sure it is set to the correct HDMI input. Then check your computer's audio settings — some computers default to playing sound through the computer's speakers instead of sending it to the TV. On Windows, right-click the volume icon in the bottom right corner and select your TV as the audio output device. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound and select your TV or Apple TV as the output device.

If the screen appears stretched or cut off on your TV, the resolution may not match. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Display and adjust the resolution or scaling. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays and select a different resolution.

Choosing between casting, mirroring, and streaming apps

Mirroring duplicates your entire computer screen on the TV, so you see everything your computer sees. Use this when you want to show a presentation, browse the web together, or play a game. The downside is that your computer screen stays on and uses battery power, and anything you do on your computer is visible on the TV.

Casting sends only the app or window you choose, so you can keep working on your computer while video plays on the TV. Use this when you want to watch a movie or show while keeping your computer free for other tasks. Most streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify support casting.

Streaming apps run directly on your TV or streaming device without using your computer at all. If your TV is a smart TV or you have a streaming device, you can open Netflix, YouTube, or other apps directly on the TV without connecting your computer. This is the most battery-efficient option if you just want to watch something.

For most people, casting is the best balance — it keeps your computer available while sending video to the TV, and it works with almost any streaming service.

Checking your TV's wireless capabilities before you start

Before you try to connect, spend two minutes confirming what your TV supports. Look for a sticker on the back of your TV or in the manual that lists the wireless standards — you are looking for terms like "Wi-Fi", "Miracast", "AirPlay", or "Chromecast". If you cannot find the manual, search online for your TV's model number plus "wireless specifications".

If your TV is a smart TV (meaning it has built-in apps like Netflix or Roku), it almost certainly has Wi-Fi and can receive wireless video. If your TV is older or basic, it may only have an HDMI input and no wireless features — in that case, you will need a streaming device.

Check your TV's settings menu to confirm the wireless feature is turned on. On most TVs, this is under Settings > Network or Settings > Wireless. If you see an option for "Miracast", "Screen Mirroring", "AirPlay", or "Chromecast", turn it on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection to connect my TV and computer wirelessly?

You need a Wi-Fi network, but not necessarily internet. Your TV and computer can be on the same local Wi-Fi network without that network being connected to the internet. However, if you want to stream content from Netflix, YouTube, or other online services, you will need internet access.

Can I use a USB cable instead of wireless if the wireless connection does not work?

Yes. Most TVs have an HDMI input, and you can buy a USB-C to HDMI cable or HDMI adapter for $15 to $30 that plugs directly into your computer and TV. This is more reliable than wireless but requires a cable running between your devices.

Will connecting my TV to my computer drain my computer's battery?

Mirroring your entire screen uses more battery power than casting a single app. If you are casting a video, your battery will drain at roughly the same rate as if you were watching on your computer screen. If you are mirroring and working on your computer at the same time, battery drain will be faster.

What if my TV is too far from my router?

Move your router closer to your TV, or buy a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system to strengthen the signal in that part of your home. If that is not possible, a wired HDMI cable is the most reliable backup.

Can I connect multiple computers to the same TV wirelessly at the same time?

Most TVs and streaming devices can only display one wireless connection at a time. You can switch between computers by disconnecting one and connecting another, but you cannot show two computer screens on the TV simultaneously.

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.