The fastest way: Samsung SmartThings

The easiest method is to use Samsung SmartThings, the app that comes built into most Samsung phones and TVs made in the last five years. Open SmartThings on your phone, tap the plus icon to add a device, select your TV from the list, and follow the on-screen prompts to connect. Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The whole process takes about two minutes.

If your TV doesn't appear in the SmartThings list, make sure it's powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Restart both devices and try again. SmartThings works best when your phone and TV are within 15 feet of each other during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung SmartThings is the built-in method for most Samsung phones and TVs and requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Screen mirroring (also called screen casting) lets you display your phone's screen on the TV and works even if SmartThings isn't available.
  • Samsung DeX turns your TV into a desktop-like workspace when you connect your phone, useful for productivity tasks.
  • All three methods require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and setup takes between two and five minutes.

Using screen mirroring to display your phone on the TV

Screen mirroring (sometimes called screen casting) shows everything on your phone's display on your TV screen. Swipe down twice from the top of your phone to open the full Quick Settings menu, then tap Screen Sharing or Smart View. Wait for your TV to appear in the list, tap it, and your phone's screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

If your TV doesn't show up, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older Samsung TVs need to have screen mirroring turned on in the settings menu first — go to Settings > Network > Screen Mirroring and make sure it's set to On. If you're still not seeing your TV, restart both devices and try again.

Screen mirroring works for watching videos, browsing the web, or showing photos. The connection stays active as long as both devices are powered on and within range. If the connection drops, straightforward tap your TV's name again to reconnect.

Setting up Samsung DeX for a desktop experience

Samsung DeX transforms your TV into a desktop-like workspace with a taskbar, windows, and a mouse-friendly layout. Connect your phone to the TV using screen mirroring first, then look for a DeX notification on your phone. Tap it to switch into DeX mode. Your TV will now show a desktop interface where you can open multiple apps at once, use a keyboard and mouse (connected via Bluetooth), and work more like you would on a computer.

DeX is available on Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones from the last three years. Not all TV models support DeX mode — if you don't see the option after connecting, your TV may not be compatible. You can still use regular screen mirroring instead.

Connecting via HDMI cable if Wi-Fi isn't working

If your Wi-Fi is down or unreliable, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to plug your phone directly into the TV. Buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15 to $30) and connect one end to your phone's charging port and the other to an HDMI port on the TV. Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV when ready.

This method works without Wi-Fi and has no lag, making it good for gaming or watching videos. The downside is that your phone will be tethered to the TV by a cable, and the adapter adds an extra piece to carry. Some Samsung phones support Samsung DeX over HDMI as well, giving you the desktop experience without Wi-Fi.

Troubleshooting when your phone won't connect

The most common reason for connection problems is that your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network as your TV. If you have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with the same name, try connecting your phone to the 2.4GHz band instead — older TVs sometimes don't support 5GHz.

If SmartThings still won't find your TV, restart both devices completely: power off the TV for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Do the same with your phone. After both restart, open SmartThings again and try adding the TV. If your TV is very old (before 2018), it may not support SmartThings at all — screen mirroring is your best option instead.

For screen mirroring problems, make sure your TV's screen mirroring feature is turned on. Go to the TV's Settings menu, find Network or Connectivity, and look for Screen Mirroring or Miracast. Turn it on if it's off. Then try screen sharing from your phone again.

What to do if your TV model isn't supported

Older Samsung TVs (before 2015) may not have built-in Wi-Fi or SmartThings support. In that case, a USB-C to HDMI adapter is your only wireless-free option. You could also buy a separate streaming device like a Chromecast or Roku and use that instead, though that's an extra expense.

If your TV has Wi-Fi but SmartThings won't work, screen mirroring usually will. Screen mirroring is a more basic standard that works on almost all Samsung TVs from the last decade. If neither option works, check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in the manual) and search the Samsung support website to see what connection methods that specific model supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to connect my phone to my TV?

No. SmartThings works without an account, though creating one lets you control your TV remotely when you're away from home. Screen mirroring requires no account at all. Both methods only need your phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I control my TV with my phone after connecting?

Yes. Once connected via SmartThings, your phone becomes a remote control — you can change channels, adjust volume, and open apps. Screen mirroring doesn't give you remote control; it only displays your phone's screen. Use SmartThings if you want to control the TV itself.

Will screen mirroring drain my phone's battery?

Screen mirroring uses Wi-Fi and your phone's display, so it does drain the battery faster than normal use. Expect about 10 to 15 percent more battery drain per hour. Plug your phone in if you plan to mirror for more than an hour or two.

What if my phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

They must be on the same network to connect. If you have a guest network, switch your phone to your main network. If your TV is on a 5GHz network and your phone won't connect, try switching the TV to 2.4GHz in its network settings.

Can I use these methods to play games on my TV?

Yes, screen mirroring works for games, though there may be a slight delay (lag) between your phone and the TV. Samsung DeX is better for gaming because it has less lag. If lag bothers you, use the HDMI cable method instead, which has no wireless delay at all.