How to Connect Your Samsung Phone or Tablet to Your TV

The fastest way: use Samsung SmartThings or Screen Mirroring

If your Samsung device and TV are both made by Samsung and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the simplest method is Screen Mirroring. Open Settings on your Samsung phone or tablet, find Display, then tap Screen Mirroring (or Wireless Display). Your TV will appear in the list — tap it, and your screen appears on the TV within seconds. No cables, no apps to read, no pairing codes to enter.

If Screen Mirroring does not show your TV, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's Wi-Fi is turned on. Some older Samsung TVs call this feature AllShare Cast or Smart View instead — check your TV's manual for the exact name.

Samsung SmartThings is another wireless option if you have the app installed. Open SmartThings, tap the plus icon to add a device, select your TV, and follow the prompts. This works across Samsung devices and some non-Samsung TVs, though it requires the app to be set up first.

Key Takeaways

Screen Mirroring is the fastest wireless method for Samsung-to-Samsung connections and requires only that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
If your TV does not have Wi-Fi or Screen Mirroring, an HDMI cable with a USB-C or Micro-USB adapter will work with any TV that has an HDMI port.
Casting through apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Samsung TV Plus lets you send video to your TV without mirroring your entire screen.
Older Samsung TVs may use different names for wireless features — check your TV's manual or settings menu to find the exact option.
If Screen Mirroring does not work, restart both devices and confirm they are on the same Wi-Fi network before trying again.

Using a cable: HDMI with a USB-C or Micro-USB adapter

If your TV does not have Wi-Fi or you prefer a wired connection, you can plug your Samsung device directly into your TV using an HDMI cable and an adapter. Most newer Samsung phones use USB-C, so you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called a USB-C HDMI converter). Older Samsung phones use Micro-USB, which requires a Micro-USB to HDMI adapter instead.

Plug the adapter into your phone or tablet, connect the HDMI cable to the adapter, then plug the other end of the cable into any HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input using the remote, and your Samsung screen will display on the TV. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of brand or age.

The adapter itself is inexpensive — usually between $10 and $25 — and you can find them at electronics retailers or online. Make sure the adapter supports video output, not just charging, or it will not transmit a picture.

Casting video apps without mirroring your whole screen

If you only want to send video from a specific app to your TV, you do not need to mirror your entire screen. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and Samsung TV Plus have a Cast button built in — it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Tap it, select your TV from the list, and the video plays on the TV while your phone or tablet stays free for other tasks.

Casting works over Wi-Fi and does not require your phone to stay on the same app — you can switch to email, messages, or anything else while the video continues on your TV. This is different from Screen Mirroring, which displays everything on your phone's screen.

Not all apps support casting. If you do not see a Cast button in an app, that app does not have the feature built in. In that case, Screen Mirroring or an HDMI cable are your options.

Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear in the list

If you open Screen Mirroring and your TV does not show up, start by checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your phone and confirm the Wi-Fi network name. Then go to your TV's network settings and confirm it is connected to the same network. If your TV shows a different network, disconnect and reconnect to the correct one.

Restart both devices — turn off your phone and TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent discovery. After restart, open Screen Mirroring again and look for your TV.

If your TV still does not appear, check whether your TV's Wi-Fi is actually on. Some Samsung TVs have a separate Wi-Fi toggle in the network settings that can be turned off. Also confirm that your TV supports Screen Mirroring — very old Samsung TVs may not have this feature at all. Check your TV's manual or the model number on Samsung's website to see what wireless features it supports.

Using a Bluetooth connection for audio only

If you want to send audio from your Samsung phone to a Samsung TV or soundbar but not video, Bluetooth is an option. Open Settings on your phone, go to Bluetooth, and turn it on. Your TV or soundbar will appear in the list of available devices — tap it to pair. Once paired, audio from music apps, videos, and calls will play through the TV or soundbar instead of your phone's speaker.

Bluetooth is slower to connect than Wi-Fi and has a shorter range, so it works best when your phone is in the same room as your TV. If you move too far away, the connection may drop. For video and audio together, Screen Mirroring or an HDMI cable is more reliable.

What to do if you have a non-Samsung TV

If your TV is made by a different brand, Screen Mirroring may not work because that feature is specific to Samsung devices. However, an HDMI cable with an adapter will work with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of brand.

Many non-Samsung TVs support Miracast, which is a wireless standard similar to Screen Mirroring. On your Samsung phone, open Settings, go to Display, and look for Wireless Display or Miracast. If your TV supports Miracast, it will appear in the list. Check your TV's manual to confirm whether it has Miracast built in.

Casting through apps like YouTube and Netflix also works with any TV brand, as long as your TV has the app installed or supports Chromecast. If your TV does not have these features, a wired HDMI connection is your most reliable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my phone with my TV every time I use Screen Mirroring?

No. Once you connect for the first time, your phone remembers the TV. The next time you open Screen Mirroring, your TV will appear when ready and connect without asking for confirmation. You only pair once.

Can I use Screen Mirroring while charging my phone?

Yes. Screen Mirroring uses Wi-Fi, not a cable, so you can plug your phone into a charger while mirroring. If you are using an HDMI adapter, the adapter takes up your charging port, so you would need to choose between charging and mirroring at the same time.

What if my TV is too old to have Wi-Fi?

An HDMI cable with a USB-C or Micro-USB adapter will work with any TV that has an HDMI port, even if it has no Wi-Fi or smart features. This is the most universal method and works with TVs from any era or brand.

Does Screen Mirroring drain my phone's battery faster?

Yes, mirroring uses Wi-Fi and your screen continuously, so battery drains faster than normal use. If you are mirroring for more than an hour, plug your phone into a charger to avoid running out of power.

Can I mirror my Samsung tablet the same way as my phone?

Yes. Samsung tablets use the same Screen Mirroring feature as phones. Open Settings, find Display, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV. The process is identical.

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.