The Basic Steps to Cast to Samsung TV

Casting means sending video, audio, or your screen from a phone, tablet, or computer to your Samsung TV wirelessly. Samsung TVs made in 2016 or later have built-in casting features, though the exact method depends on what device you're casting from and which Samsung model you own.

The fastest way to cast is through SmartThings, Samsung's official app, or through your phone's native casting feature if you're using an Android device. Apple devices use AirPlay, which works on newer Samsung models. All methods require your TV and your phone or computer to be on the same WiFi network.

Before you start, check that your Samsung TV is powered on, connected to WiFi, and that casting is enabled in the TV's settings. Most Samsung TVs ship with casting turned on, but older models or those that have been reset may need you to turn it on manually through the TV's menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Samsung TV and your phone or computer must be connected to the same WiFi network for casting to work.
  • Android phones can cast through SmartThings or through native Android casting; iPhones use AirPlay on Samsung models made in 2018 or later.
  • Casting from a computer works through the SmartThings app on Windows or Mac, or through your web browser on some models.
  • If casting fails, restart both your TV and your phone, check that WiFi is stable, and verify that casting is enabled in your TV's settings menu.

Casting from an Android Phone or Tablet

Open the app or content you want to cast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any other streaming service. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Tap it, then select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices. The content should begin playing on your TV within a few seconds.

If you don't see a cast icon in the app, you can use Android's built-in screen mirroring instead. Swipe down from the top of your phone twice to open the quick settings menu. Look for "Screen Mirroring," "Cast," or "Wireless Display" — the exact name varies by phone manufacturer. Tap it, then select your Samsung TV. Your entire phone screen will now appear on the TV.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect," or swipe down and turn off screen mirroring. Closing the app on your phone does not automatically stop the cast.

Casting from an iPhone or iPad

AirPlay casting works on Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later. Open the app or content you want to cast, then look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Tap it and select your Samsung TV from the list.

If you don't see an AirPlay icon in the app, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring," then select your Samsung TV. Your entire screen will appear on the TV. To stop, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring."

If your Samsung TV is older than 2018 or does not appear in the AirPlay list, you can use the SmartThings app instead. read SmartThings from the App Store, sign in with your Samsung account, and follow the pairing steps. Once paired, you can cast content through supported apps.

Casting from a Windows or Mac Computer

read the SmartThings app from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or the Mac App Store. Open the app, sign in with your Samsung account, and your TV should appear in the list of devices. Select your TV, then look for a cast or screen mirroring option within the app or the content you want to share.

On Windows, you can also use the built-in "Cast to Device" feature. Open the app or video you want to cast, press the Windows key + K to open the cast menu, and select your Samsung TV. Not all apps support this method, but it works with many streaming services and web browsers.

On Mac, open the content you want to cast, then look for an AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click it and select your Samsung TV. If you don't see an AirPlay option, the app may not support casting — try using SmartThings instead.

Troubleshooting When Casting Won't Work

The most common reason casting fails is that your phone or computer and your TV are not on the same WiFi network. Check your TV's WiFi settings by going to Settings > Network > WiFi and confirm the network name. Then check your phone or computer and make sure it's connected to the exact same network.

If both devices are on the same network but casting still doesn't work, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the TV restarts, restart your phone or computer as well. Once both devices are back on, try casting again.

If your TV doesn't appear in the cast list at all, go to your TV's Settings menu and look for "SmartThings" or "Casting" settings. Make sure the option to allow casting is turned on. On some older Samsung models, this setting is called "AllShare Cast" or "Screen Mirroring." If you've recently reset your TV, you may need to set it up again through SmartThings before casting will work.

If the cast connects but the video is choppy or keeps stopping, move your phone or computer closer to your WiFi router. Walls, microwaves, and other electronics can interfere with WiFi signals. You can also try disconnecting other devices from your WiFi to reduce congestion.

Casting Settings You May Need to Adjust

Most Samsung TVs have casting enabled by default, but some settings can affect whether your device appears in the cast list. Go to your TV's Settings menu, then look for "SmartThings," "Casting," "AllShare," or "Wireless Display." Make sure the option is set to "On" rather than "Off" or "Restricted."

Some Samsung models have a privacy setting that limits which devices can cast to the TV. If you've set a PIN or restricted casting to certain devices, you'll need to enter that PIN or adjust the restriction before a new device can cast. Check the "Casting" or "Security" section of your TV's settings to see if a restriction is in place.

If your TV is on a guest WiFi network or a 5GHz-only network, casting may not work. Most casting features work best on 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, connect your phone and TV to the 2.4GHz network specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to cast to my TV?

You do not need a Samsung account to cast from Android phones using native screen mirroring or from apps with built-in cast buttons. You will need a Samsung account if you want to use the SmartThings app on a computer or if your TV requires SmartThings setup. Creating a Samsung account is free.

Can I cast to my Samsung TV if I'm not home?

No, casting requires your phone or computer and your TV to be on the same WiFi network. You cannot cast over the internet from outside your home. However, some streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube let you start playback on your phone and then send it to your TV once you're back on the same network.

Why does casting stop when I lock my phone?

Some apps stop casting when your phone screen locks as a power-saving feature. Check your phone's settings or the app's settings to see if there's an option to keep casting while the screen is locked. You can also adjust your phone's screen timeout to stay on longer while you're casting.

What's the difference between casting and screen mirroring?

Casting sends just the video or audio from an app to your TV, while your phone stays responsive for other tasks. Screen mirroring sends your entire phone or computer screen to the TV. Casting uses less battery and WiFi bandwidth, but screen mirroring lets you show anything on your screen.

Can I cast from multiple phones to the same TV at the same time?

Most Samsung TVs only allow one device to cast at a time. If a second device tries to cast while another is already casting, the first cast will stop. Some newer models may support multiple casts, but this is not standard across all Samsung TV models.