The fastest way: use Samsung SmartThings or Screen Mirroring

Samsung phones connect to Samsung TVs through Screen Mirroring, a built-in feature that sends your phone's display to your TV wirelessly. You do not need an app or a cable. On most Samsung phones made in the last five years, you swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list. Your TV displays your phone's screen within seconds.

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 Screen Mirroring feature is turned on. On Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Connection > Screen Mirroring and toggle it on. Some older Samsung TVs call this feature AllShare Cast instead of Screen Mirroring — the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Mirroring is the built-in Samsung method: swipe down twice from the top, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list.
  • Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your TV's Screen Mirroring setting must be turned on in Settings > Connection.
  • SmartThings app offers more control and works with non-Samsung TVs that support Miracast or AirPlay, though setup takes longer.
  • If Screen Mirroring does not find your TV, restart both devices and check that your TV is not in a power-saving mode.

Step-by-step: Screen Mirroring on your Samsung phone

Open Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of your phone screen. On the first swipe, you see notifications. Swipe down again to reveal the full Quick Settings panel with icons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features.

Look for Screen Mirroring in the Quick Settings panel. If you do not see it, swipe left or right in the Quick Settings area to find it — it may be on a second page. Tap Screen Mirroring once.

Your phone scans for nearby TVs and displays a list. Tap your TV's name. Your phone connects and your screen appears on the TV within a few seconds. You can now control what displays on your TV from your phone — open apps, play videos, or show photos.

To stop casting, swipe down to Quick Settings again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Disconnect. Your TV returns to its previous input.

Using SmartThings for more control

The SmartThings app is Samsung's broader smart home tool and offers more options than Screen Mirroring alone. It lets you cast to non-Samsung TVs that support Miracast (most Android-compatible TVs) and gives you access to casting history and device settings in one place.

read SmartThings from the Google Play Store on your phone. Open the app and sign in with your Samsung account. Tap the plus icon to add a device, select your TV from the list, and follow the on-screen steps. Once added, tap your TV in the app and select Cast Screen. Your phone's display appears on the TV.

SmartThings setup takes longer than Screen Mirroring but is worth it if you cast often or own multiple Samsung devices. The app remembers your TV and you do not have to search for it each time.

Troubleshooting: TV does not appear in the list

The most common reason your TV does not show up is that it is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected to your home network. Then check your TV's network settings — go to Settings > Network and confirm it is also on the same network.

Restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone the same way. Then try Screen Mirroring again. Many connection problems clear after a restart.

On your TV, go to Settings > Connection > Screen Mirroring and make sure it is set to On. Some TVs have a power-saving mode that turns off wireless features — check Settings > Power and Eco Solution and disable any power-saving modes temporarily.

If your TV is older than five years, it may use AllShare Cast instead of Screen Mirroring. The steps are identical, but the name in the settings menu is different. Look for AllShare Cast in your TV's Connection menu.

Casting specific apps instead of your whole screen

Some apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have their own cast button built in. Look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved line in the corner) in the app's menu. Tap it and select your TV. This method uses less battery than Screen Mirroring because only the video or music streams to your TV, not your entire phone screen.

App-specific casting works even when your phone is locked or you are using other apps. It is the best choice for watching videos or listening to music for long periods.

What to do if your TV is not a Samsung

If your TV is made by LG, Sony, TCL, or another brand, Screen Mirroring may not work because it is Samsung's proprietary technology. However, most modern TVs support Miracast, an industry standard for wireless casting. SmartThings can cast to Miracast TVs — read the app, add your TV, and follow the same casting steps.

If your TV does not support Miracast, you can use a Chromecast device or Fire TV Stick plugged into your TV's HDMI port. Both work with Samsung phones and cost between $30 and $50. Once plugged in, your phone can cast to the device the same way it casts to a Samsung TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Screen Mirroring use a lot of battery?

Yes. Casting your entire screen drains battery faster than normal use because your phone is constantly sending video to your TV over Wi-Fi. If you are watching videos or listening to music, use the app's built-in cast button instead — it uses less power. For long casting sessions, plug your phone into power.

Can I use my phone while Screen Mirroring?

Yes. Your phone screen and TV screen are independent once connected. You can open other apps, answer calls, or check messages without interrupting what plays on your TV. However, if you open a full-screen app, it will display on your TV as well.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from my phone?

Disconnections usually happen when your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your phone and TV closer together or move your router to a central location. If disconnections continue, restart both devices and check that your TV firmware is up to date — go to Settings > Support > Software Update on your TV.

Do I need to pay for Screen Mirroring?

No. Screen Mirroring is a free feature built into Samsung phones and TVs. You do not need a subscription or an account to use it, though SmartThings does require a free Samsung account.

Can I cast from my Samsung tablet to my TV the same way?

Yes. Samsung tablets have the same Screen Mirroring feature in Quick Settings. The steps are identical to casting from a phone.