How to Screen Mirror on a Samsung TV

The fastest way to mirror your phone or computer to a Samsung TV

Samsung TVs use SmartThings or AirPlay to mirror content from your phone, and Miracast or SmartThings to mirror from a Windows computer. Which one works depends on what device you're mirroring from and which Samsung TV model you own. Most Samsung TVs made after 2016 support at least one of these methods without needing extra hardware.

The simplest route is usually your phone's built-in casting feature. On Android, swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, tap Cast or Smart View, and select your TV from the list. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV. Both take about 10 seconds once your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Key Takeaways

Android phones use Smart View or Cast from Quick Settings; iPhones use Screen Mirroring from Control Center — both appear in the same menu you use for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your TV must have Wi-Fi turned on and SmartThings enabled in settings.
Windows computers can mirror using Miracast (Settings > System > Display > Connect to a wireless display) or the SmartThings app.
If your TV does not appear in the cast list, restart both devices, check that Wi-Fi is on, and verify your TV model supports the casting method you are using.
Older Samsung TV models (pre-2016) may require a separate Miracast adapter, which costs $20 to $40.

Mirroring from an Android phone

Open Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of your screen twice. Look for a button labeled Cast, Smart View, or Screen Share — the name varies by phone maker and Android version. Tap it, wait for your TV to appear in the list, and select it. Your phone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If the button does not appear in Quick Settings, swipe through the available tiles to find it, or go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Cast Screen. Some Samsung phones label it SmartThings instead. Once you tap your TV, you can control what appears on screen from your phone — swipe, tap, and type normally, and the TV will mirror every action.

The connection stays active until you disconnect. To stop mirroring, tap the cast icon again and select Disconnect, or turn off your phone's screen. The TV will return to its normal input.

Mirroring from an iPhone

Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom). Your Samsung TV will appear in the list if it is on the same Wi-Fi network and has AirPlay enabled. Tap your TV's name, and your iPhone screen will appear on the TV in a few seconds.

Once mirroring starts, you can use your iPhone normally — open apps, browse the web, or show photos — and everything appears on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen on older iPhones to access Control Center.

If your TV does not appear in the Screen Mirroring list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV has AirPlay enabled in its settings (usually under SmartThings or Network settings). Restart your TV if it still does not show up.

Mirroring from a Windows computer

Windows computers can mirror using Miracast, which is built into Windows 10 and later. Open Settings, go to System > Display, scroll down, and click Connect to a wireless display. Your Samsung TV will appear in the list if it supports Miracast. Click your TV's name, and your desktop will appear on the screen.

Alternatively, use the SmartThings app on your Windows computer. read it from the Microsoft Store, sign in with your Samsung account, and look for your TV in the app. Click the TV and select Mirror to start casting your screen. This method works on more Samsung TV models than Miracast, especially older ones.

To stop mirroring, click Disconnect in the wireless display menu or close the SmartThings app. Your TV will return to its normal input. If your computer does not find your TV, restart both devices and make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

What to do if your TV does not appear in the cast list

The most common reason a TV does not show up is that it is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer. Check your TV's network settings by pressing the Home button on your remote, going to Settings > General > Network, and confirming it is connected to your Wi-Fi. Then check your phone or computer and make sure it is on the same network.

If both devices are on the same network, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, restart your phone or computer as well. Once both are back on, try casting again. If your TV still does not appear, check that SmartThings is enabled in your TV's settings — go to Settings > General > SmartThings, and make sure it is turned on.

For older Samsung TV models (before 2016), screen mirroring may not be built in. Check your TV's manual or model number on Samsung's website to confirm it supports Miracast or AirPlay. If it does not, you can buy a Miracast adapter for $20 to $40 and plug it into an HDMI port on your TV.

Using SmartThings for casting on any device

The SmartThings app works on Android phones, iPhones, and Windows computers, and it is often more reliable than the built-in casting methods. read the app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Microsoft Store, and sign in with your Samsung account. Open the app, find your TV in the list of devices, and tap it.

Look for a Mirror or Cast button in the app. Tap it, and your screen will appear on the TV. SmartThings also lets you control your TV remotely — change channels, adjust volume, and switch inputs — even when you are not mirroring. This makes it useful for controlling your TV from another room.

SmartThings works on most Samsung TV models from 2016 onward. If you have an older TV, the app may not support it, but you can still use Miracast on Windows or a third-party casting app on Android.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your screen mirrors but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move your phone or computer closer to your TV and router. Wi-Fi interference from other devices can weaken the signal. If you have a dual-band router, connect both your TV and casting device to the 5 GHz band for a faster, more stable connection.

If the connection drops frequently, restart your TV's Wi-Fi by going to Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi and turning it off, then back on. You can also try forgetting your Wi-Fi network on your phone or computer and reconnecting to it. This forces your device to re-authenticate and often fixes connection issues.

If audio does not come through the TV speakers, check that your TV's volume is not muted and that the correct input is selected. Some apps also have their own volume controls — open the app's settings and make sure audio output is set to your TV. On Windows, right-click the volume icon in the taskbar and check that your TV is selected as the audio output device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for screen mirroring?

No. Screen mirroring is a free feature built into Samsung TVs and phones. You do not need a subscription or special app — just Wi-Fi and the casting feature that comes with your device.

Can I mirror while using other apps on my phone?

Yes. Once mirroring starts, you can use your phone normally. Everything you do on your phone appears on the TV. You can open different apps, take photos, or browse the web, and the TV will show it all in real time.

What if my Samsung TV is older than 2016?

Older Samsung TVs may not have built-in casting. Check your TV's manual or model number on Samsung's website. If it does not support Miracast or AirPlay, you can buy a Miracast adapter for $20 to $40 and plug it into an HDMI port to add casting support.

Can I mirror from my Mac to a Samsung TV?

Yes, using AirPlay if your TV supports it, or the SmartThings app. Go to Control Center, click Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV. If your TV does not appear, read SmartThings from the App Store and use it to cast instead.

Why does my TV show a different name in the cast list?

Samsung TVs appear by their model name or a custom name you set in SmartThings. If you renamed your TV in the SmartThings app, that is the name it will show in the cast list. You can change it back in SmartThings settings if you want.

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.