The fastest way: use Samsung's built-in wireless connection

The easiest method is Samsung SmartThings, which works on most Samsung TVs made in the last five years. Open SmartThings on your phone, tap the plus icon, select your TV from the list, and follow the on-screen prompts. Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you can mirror your screen, cast photos and videos, or control the TV from your phone.

If SmartThings does not show your TV, check that both devices are powered on and connected to the same network. Restart the TV and try again. Some older Samsung models use a different app called Samsung Connect instead — check your TV's manual or the Samsung support website to confirm which one your model needs.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings is the primary wireless method for Samsung phones and TVs on the same Wi-Fi network and requires no cables or extra hardware.
  • If your phone is not Samsung, use Chromecast, AirPlay, or Miracast depending on your phone's operating system and your TV's capabilities.
  • A USB-C or HDMI cable works on any phone and TV combination but requires a compatible adapter and limits you to one location.
  • Screen mirroring and casting are different: mirroring duplicates everything on your phone, while casting sends only the app or content you choose.

Wireless casting for non-Samsung phones

If you have an iPhone, use AirPlay. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your TV must support AirPlay — most Samsung models from 2018 onward do, but check your TV's settings under General > AirPlay and HomeKit to confirm it is turned on.

Android phones that are not Samsung often work with Miracast, which is built into most Samsung TVs. Go to your phone's settings, find Display or Connected Devices, and look for Cast, Wireless Display, or Smart View. Select your TV and confirm the connection on the TV remote if prompted. Miracast does not require an app and works across brands, but not all Android phones support it — check your phone's manual if you do not see the option.

Google Chromecast is another option if your TV has it built in or if you own a Chromecast device. Open the app or content you want to cast, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol), and select your TV. Chromecast works on both iPhone and Android and does not mirror your whole screen — only the app you are casting.

Wired connection with a cable or adapter

If wireless is not working, connect your phone directly with a cable. Most Samsung TVs have an HDMI port. If your phone has USB-C, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called a video adapter). If your phone has a Lightning port (iPhone), you need a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Plug the adapter into your phone, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into any HDMI port on your TV.

Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Your phone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. This method works on any phone and any Samsung TV, but you are limited to standing near the TV and the cable may not support charging at the same time.

Adapters cost between $15 and $40 depending on the brand and quality. Buy from a retailer with a return policy in case the adapter does not work with your specific phone model — some phones require certified adapters.

Troubleshooting when your phone will not connect

If your phone and TV are not finding each other, restart both devices. Turn off the TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone the same way. Then try connecting again.

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings (usually under General or Network) and confirm they show the same network name. If they do not, connect the TV to your Wi-Fi network first using the TV remote and the on-screen menu.

If you are using SmartThings, make sure the app is up to date. Open your phone's app store, search for SmartThings, and install any available updates. Close the app completely and reopen it. If the TV still does not appear, forget the TV from SmartThings (tap the three dots next to the TV name and select Remove), then add it again from scratch.

For wired connections, try a different HDMI cable or adapter if you have one. Some cables are faulty or incompatible. Also check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input — use the remote to cycle through inputs until you see your phone screen.

Screen mirroring versus casting: what is the difference

Screen mirroring duplicates your entire phone display on the TV. Everything you do on your phone — notifications, messages, battery percentage — appears on the TV. This is useful for presentations, showing photos, or playing games, but it drains your phone battery faster and shows private information if others are watching.

Casting sends only the app or content you choose to the TV, while your phone stays private. You can cast a YouTube video, Netflix show, or Spotify playlist without mirroring your whole screen. Casting is better for watching media because the TV controls playback and your phone can go to sleep without stopping the video.

SmartThings, AirPlay, and Miracast all support both mirroring and casting. Chromecast is casting only — it does not mirror your screen. Choose mirroring when you want to show your whole phone, and casting when you want to send just one app or video.

Which connection method is best for your situation

Use SmartThings if you have a Samsung phone and TV. It is the fastest, requires no cables, and works reliably on the same network. Use Chromecast if you are casting videos or music and want the simplest setup — it works on any phone and does not require mirroring your whole screen. Use AirPlay if you have an iPhone and a Samsung TV that supports it.

Choose a wired cable connection if wireless is not working, if you need a permanent setup in one location, or if you want to charge your phone while connected. The cable method works on any combination of phone and TV and does not depend on Wi-Fi.

If you move your phone between rooms often, wireless is more convenient. If you use the same spot every time, a cable is simpler and more reliable. Test wireless first because it is faster to set up, then switch to a cable if you run into problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung phone to use SmartThings?

No. SmartThings works on iPhones and most Android phones, but the setup is easier on Samsung phones. On non-Samsung phones, you may need to create a Samsung account first and manually add your TV to the app.

Can I connect my phone to a Samsung TV that is not on Wi-Fi?

Wireless methods like SmartThings and AirPlay require Wi-Fi. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, use a wired HDMI cable instead, or connect your TV to your home network first through the TV's settings menu.

Will connecting my phone to my TV drain the battery?

Wireless connections drain your phone battery faster than normal use because the phone is actively transmitting to the TV. A wired connection does not drain the battery and may charge your phone if the adapter supports power delivery, though not all adapters do.

What if my Samsung TV is too old for SmartThings?

Older Samsung TVs may not support SmartThings. Try Miracast if your TV has it, or use a wired HDMI cable. You can also buy a Chromecast device and plug it into your TV's HDMI port to add wireless casting to any older TV.

Can I connect multiple phones to my Samsung TV at the same time?

Only one phone can mirror or cast to the TV at a time. If a second phone tries to connect, it will disconnect the first one. You can switch between phones by disconnecting one and connecting another.