Samsung phones connect to TVs wirelessly through three main methods: SmartThings, Screen Mirroring, or Chromecast
The fastest route depends on what TV you own and what you want to do. If you have a Samsung TV made in the last five years, SmartThings is built into both devices and requires no setup beyond turning it on. If your TV is older or made by another brand, Screen Mirroring works on most Samsung phones and many TVs. Chromecast is a third option if your TV has it built in or if you own a Chromecast device.
All three methods are free and work over your home WiFi network. None require cables, apps you have to buy, or pairing codes. The connection stays active as long as both devices are on the same network and within range.
Key Takeaways
- SmartThings is the easiest method if you own a Samsung TV, because the app is already installed on both devices and connects in seconds.
- Screen Mirroring works with most Samsung phones and many non-Samsung TVs, but you must enable it in your phone's settings first.
- Chromecast requires either a TV with Chromecast built in or a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.
- All three methods work over WiFi only — they do not work over cellular data or Bluetooth.
- If the connection drops, restarting both devices and checking that they are on the same WiFi network usually fixes it.
Connecting with SmartThings on a Samsung TV
SmartThings is Samsung's native wireless connection method and works between any Samsung phone and Samsung TV made after 2018. Open the SmartThings app on your phone — it comes preinstalled on most Samsung devices. If you do not see it on your home screen, swipe down and search for "SmartThings" in the app drawer.
Tap the plus icon or "Add device" button in the SmartThings app. Select "TV" from the list of device types. The app will scan for TVs on your network and show a list of available devices. Tap the name of your TV. Your phone will send a connection request to the TV screen. On your TV remote, press the button that appears or confirm the pairing on the TV itself. Once confirmed, your phone is connected.
After the first connection, your TV will appear in the SmartThings app every time you open it. You can then mirror your screen, control the TV with your phone, or send photos and videos directly to the TV without mirroring — just open a photo, tap "Share," and select your TV from the list.
Using Screen Mirroring on any TV
Screen Mirroring works on most Samsung phones and most modern TVs, whether they are Samsung or not. It mirrors everything on your phone screen to your TV screen in real time. Open your phone's Settings app and go to Display. Look for an option called "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Display," or "Cast" — the exact name varies by phone model and Android version.
Tap that option and wait for your phone to scan for available devices. Your TV must be powered on and connected to the same WiFi network as your phone. When your TV appears in the list, tap it. Your phone will send a connection request. Some TVs show a prompt on screen asking you to confirm; others connect automatically. Once connected, your phone screen appears on your TV.
Screen Mirroring drains your phone battery faster than SmartThings because it is constantly sending video data. If you plan to mirror for more than an hour, plug your phone into power. To disconnect, go back to the Screen Mirroring menu and tap "Disconnect," or straightforward turn off Screen Mirroring in your phone's settings.
Connecting through Chromecast
Chromecast works if your TV has it built in — most newer LG, Sony, and TCL models do — or if you own a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port on any TV. On your Samsung phone, open the app you want to cast from: YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, or any other app with a Chromecast icon. Look for a cast icon that looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner.
Tap the cast icon. Your phone will show a list of Chromecast devices on your network. Select your TV or Chromecast device. The app will begin playing on your TV when ready. You control playback from your phone — the TV screen shows only the content, not your entire phone screen like Screen Mirroring does.
Chromecast is more efficient than Screen Mirroring because it sends only the video or audio stream, not your entire screen. This means your phone battery lasts longer and your phone remains free to use other apps while content plays on the TV. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect."
Troubleshooting a failed connection
If your phone does not find your TV, the most common cause is that both devices are not on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and confirm it is connected to your home network. Then check your TV's network settings — on Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Network > WiFi and verify it shows the same network name. If the TV is on a different network, connect it to the correct one.
If both devices are on the same network but still will not connect, restart both. Power off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then go to your phone's Settings, turn WiFi off, wait 5 seconds, and turn it back on. Try the connection again. If you are using SmartThings, also try closing the app completely and reopening it.
If the connection works but drops after a few minutes, move your phone and TV closer together. Wireless connections weaken over distance and through walls. If you are far from your WiFi router, the signal may be too weak to maintain the connection. Moving closer to the router or removing obstacles between your phone and TV usually solves this.
Comparing the three methods
| Method | Works with | Setup time | Battery drain | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartThings | Samsung TVs (2018+) | 30 seconds | Low | Photos, videos, full screen mirroring |
| Screen Mirroring | Most TVs | 20 seconds | High | Presentations, web browsing, apps |
| Chromecast | TVs with Chromecast or separate device | 10 seconds | Low | Streaming apps, music, videos |
SmartThings is the best choice if you own a Samsung TV because it is the fastest to set up and uses the least battery. Screen Mirroring works with almost any TV but drains your battery quickly and is better for short sessions. Chromecast is ideal if you use streaming apps like YouTube or Netflix and want to keep your phone free while content plays on the TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be on the same WiFi network to connect wirelessly?
Yes. All three methods — SmartThings, Screen Mirroring, and Chromecast — require both your phone and TV to be connected to the same WiFi network. They do not work over cellular data or Bluetooth. If your TV is not connected to WiFi, go to the TV's network settings and connect it first.
Can I use my phone while the screen is mirrored to the TV?
With Screen Mirroring, everything you do on your phone appears on the TV, so you cannot use your phone privately. With Chromecast, your phone is free to use other apps while content plays on the TV. With SmartThings, you can send individual photos or videos without mirroring your entire screen.
What if my TV is not a Samsung?
Use Screen Mirroring if your TV supports it — most modern TVs do. Check your TV's manual or settings menu for "Wireless Display," "Miracast," or "Cast" options. If your TV does not support Screen Mirroring, buy a Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port. Chromecast works with any TV that has an HDMI input.
Why does my connection keep dropping?
Weak WiFi signal is the most common cause. Move your phone and TV closer to your router or remove obstacles like walls between them. If the problem continues, restart both devices and reconnect. If you are using Screen Mirroring, it drains more bandwidth than SmartThings or Chromecast, so try switching methods if available.
Can I connect multiple phones to the same TV at once?
Only one device can mirror to a TV at a time. However, with SmartThings, multiple phones can be paired to the same TV and take turns connecting. With Chromecast, multiple phones can cast to the same device, but only one stream plays at a time — the most recent cast request takes over.