The fastest way to cast to Samsung TV

Samsung TVs made in the last five years support casting through SmartThings, the built-in casting system that works with Android phones, iPhones, Windows computers, and Macs. To cast, open the app or file you want to watch, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner), select your TV from the list, and the content plays on your screen. The TV and your device must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

If your TV is older or you prefer a different method, Samsung also supports Miracast (for Android and Windows) and AirPlay (for iPhones and Macs). Each method works slightly differently and has its own limits on what you can cast.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings is Samsung's native casting system and works with Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Android phones and Windows computers can also use Miracast, which mirrors your entire screen instead of just one app.
  • iPhones and Macs can use AirPlay to cast to Samsung TVs that support it, though not all Samsung models have this feature.
  • Casting requires both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and your TV must be powered on and set to the correct input.

Casting from an Android phone using SmartThings

Open the app you want to cast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any other streaming service. Look for the cast icon, usually in the top right corner of the app. Tap it, and a list of available devices appears. Select your Samsung TV by name. The app should start playing on your TV within a few seconds.

If the cast icon does not appear, the app may not support casting. You can still use Miracast to mirror your entire phone screen instead. To do this, swipe down from the top of your phone twice to open Quick Settings, find "Wireless Display" or "Smart View," tap it, and select your TV.

If your TV does not show up in either list, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your TV and phone if they still do not find each other. Some older Samsung TVs require you to enable casting in the TV settings under "Network" or "SmartThings."

Casting from an iPhone or Mac using AirPlay

Not all Samsung TVs support AirPlay — it is available on newer models, usually 2018 and later. To check if your TV has it, go to Settings on your TV, select "General," then "AirPlay and HomeKit," and make sure AirPlay is turned on.

On your iPhone, open the app you want to cast and look for the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with a circle at the bottom). Tap it and select your Samsung TV. On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your TV. Your Mac screen will mirror to the TV.

If AirPlay does not work, your TV may not support it. Check your TV model number on Samsung's website to confirm. If your TV does not have AirPlay, you will need to use a third-party device like an Apple TV or a Chromecast instead.

Casting from a Windows computer using Miracast

Windows computers can mirror their entire screen to Samsung TVs using Miracast. First, make sure your TV is set to accept Miracast connections. On your TV remote, press the Home button, go to Settings, select "Connection," then "Miracast," and turn it on.

On your Windows computer, press the Windows key and the K key at the same time to open the Quick Settings panel. Click "Connect," wait for your TV to appear in the list, and click it. Your screen will mirror to the TV. You can now use your computer normally, and everything you do will show on the TV.

If your TV does not appear, restart both devices and try again. Make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older Samsung TVs do not support Miracast — check your manual or Samsung's website for your specific model.

Casting from a Mac using AirPlay or third-party apps

Macs can cast to Samsung TVs using AirPlay if your TV supports it (usually 2018 and later). Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your screen, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your Samsung TV. Your Mac screen will appear on the TV.

If your Mac does not find your TV, make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and AirPlay is enabled on your TV. If your TV is older and does not support AirPlay, you can use a third-party app like Reflector or use a Chromecast device instead. These apps cost money but work with older TV models.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

The most common reason casting fails is that your device and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone or computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network as your TV. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz version — some older devices work better on that band.

If your TV does not appear in the cast list, restart both your TV and your device. Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully load. Then try casting again. If the TV still does not show up, check that casting is enabled in your TV's settings. On most Samsung TVs, go to Settings, select "General," then "External Device Manager," and make sure "Wireless Device Connection" is turned on.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, the connection may be unstable. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router. If you are casting video and it keeps buffering, your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak — try moving the router or connecting your TV to the network with an ethernet cable if your TV has a port for it.

What you can and cannot cast

Most streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+ support casting through SmartThings. Music apps like Spotify and Apple Music also work. However, some apps do not allow casting for licensing reasons — you may not be able to cast from certain video services or protected content.

When you use Miracast or AirPlay to mirror your entire screen, you can cast anything on your device, including web pages, documents, and games. The downside is that mirroring uses more battery and may lag slightly behind what you see on your device. Casting a single app is usually faster and smoother because it streams directly from the internet to your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special remote to cast to my Samsung TV?

No. Casting works through your phone, computer, or tablet — you do not need the TV remote. However, you will need the remote to turn on the TV and select the correct input if it does not switch automatically. Once casting starts, you can control playback from your device.

Can I cast if my TV is not a smart TV?

No. Casting requires a smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi and casting software. If you have an older non-smart TV, you can buy a casting device like a Chromecast, Roku, or Fire Stick to add casting capability.

What if I want to cast to my TV but do not know my Wi-Fi password?

You need to know your Wi-Fi password to connect both your TV and your device to the same network. If you forgot it, log into your router's settings through a computer or phone connected to the network, or contact your internet provider. Your router's password is usually on a sticker on the device itself.

Can multiple people cast to the same TV at the same time?

Most Samsung TVs only show one cast source at a time. If two people try to cast simultaneously, the second cast will either replace the first or be rejected. Some newer models have a queue feature that lets you line up multiple casts, but this depends on your TV model and the app being used.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting streams content over Wi-Fi, so it uses your home internet data. If you have a data cap on your internet plan, casting will count toward it. The amount depends on video quality — higher resolution uses more data. Casting does not use your phone's cellular data unless you are casting over a mobile hotspot.