The fastest way: use Samsung SmartThings or Screen Mirroring

The easiest method depends on what TV you have. If you own a Samsung TV made in the last five years, SmartThings is the fastest route—it's Samsung's built-in wireless system that handles the connection automatically. If you have any other brand of TV, use Screen Mirroring, which works on almost every modern television.

Both methods are wireless and free. You don't need cables, apps, or a computer. Your phone and TV just need to be on the same WiFi network, and the connection takes about 30 seconds to set up the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings is the fastest option for Samsung TVs—open the SmartThings app, tap the plus icon, select your TV, and confirm the pairing code shown on your screen.
  • Screen Mirroring works on any TV brand and is built into every Samsung phone—swipe down twice from the top, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV from the list.
  • Both methods require your phone and TV to be connected to the same WiFi network before you start.
  • If your TV doesn't appear in the list, restart both devices and make sure your TV's WiFi is turned on in its settings menu.
  • For a wired connection, use a USB-C to HDMI adapter (around $15 to $30) if your phone has a USB-C port, or a micro-HDMI cable if your phone is older.

Connecting with SmartThings on a Samsung TV

Open the SmartThings app on your Samsung phone. If you don't have it, read it from the Google Play Store. Tap the plus icon (usually in the top right corner) and select "Add device." The app will search for nearby devices—your Samsung TV should appear in the list within a few seconds.

Tap your TV's name. Your phone will display a pairing code, and the same code will appear on your TV screen. Confirm that both codes match, then tap "Confirm" on your phone. Once paired, your phone's screen will mirror to the TV automatically. You can now control what appears on your TV from your phone, or use your TV remote to navigate.

After the first pairing, SmartThings remembers your TV. The next time you want to connect, just open SmartThings, tap your TV, and select "Mirror" or "Connect."

Using Screen Mirroring on any TV brand

Screen Mirroring is built into every Samsung phone and works with most modern TVs, including LG, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and Roku models. Swipe down from the top of your phone screen twice to open the full quick settings menu. Look for Screen Mirroring (sometimes labeled "Smart View" on older Samsung phones) and tap it.

Your phone will scan for available TVs. Select your TV from the list. If your TV asks for permission, confirm it using your TV remote. Your phone screen will then appear on your TV. To stop mirroring, tap Screen Mirroring again and select "Disconnect."

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Restart your TV and try again. Some older TVs may not support Screen Mirroring—check your TV's manual or settings to confirm it has wireless casting built in.

Wired connection using HDMI

If wireless doesn't work or you prefer a cable, you can connect your Samsung phone directly to your TV with an adapter. Most newer Samsung phones use USB-C, so you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (available online or at electronics stores for $15 to $30). Older Samsung phones may use micro-HDMI, which requires a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable instead.

Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into an HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using your remote. Your phone screen will appear on the TV when ready. This method also charges your phone while connected.

The downside of a wired connection is that you're tethered to the TV and can't move around. Most people prefer wireless for everyday use and save the cable for situations where the wireless connection is unreliable.

Troubleshooting when your TV doesn't appear

The most common reason your TV doesn't show up is that your phone and TV are on different WiFi networks. Check your phone's WiFi settings and make sure it's 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 your phone to the 2.4 GHz band—some older TVs don't support 5 GHz.

Restart both your phone and TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try Screen Mirroring or SmartThings again. If your TV has a WiFi setting in its menu, make sure WiFi is turned on—some TVs disable it by default.

If you're using SmartThings and the pairing code doesn't match, close the app completely and try again. If you're still having trouble, check whether your TV model supports wireless casting by looking at your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website.

What to do if you have an older Samsung phone

Older Samsung phones (Galaxy S8 and earlier) may use Smart View instead of Screen Mirroring. The process is the same: swipe down to access quick settings, tap Smart View, and select your TV. If Smart View isn't in your quick settings menu, you can read the Smart View app from the Google Play Store.

If your phone is very old and doesn't support wireless casting at all, a wired HDMI connection is your only option. Check whether your phone has a micro-HDMI port or a USB port that supports video output. If neither is available, you may need to use a streaming device like a Chromecast or Roku instead.

Using a streaming device as an alternative

If your TV doesn't support wireless casting and you don't want to buy an adapter, you can use a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, or Roku device instead. These plug into your TV's HDMI port and create their own wireless connection. Once set up, you can cast from your Samsung phone to the device without needing an adapter.

Streaming devices cost between $30 and $50 and offer the added benefit of built-in apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. They're a good choice if you plan to use your TV for streaming content regularly, not just phone mirroring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on WiFi to use Screen Mirroring?

Yes, both your phone and TV must be connected to the same WiFi network. Screen Mirroring doesn't work over cellular data or Bluetooth alone. Make sure your TV's WiFi is enabled in its settings before you try to connect.

Can I mirror my Samsung phone to a TV that's not a smart TV?

Not directly. Non-smart TVs don't have built-in WiFi or casting capability. You'll need either a wired HDMI adapter or a streaming device like Chromecast or Roku plugged into the TV's HDMI port.

Will mirroring drain my phone's battery?

Screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use, but not dramatically. If you're mirroring for more than an hour or two, consider plugging your phone in or using a wired HDMI connection, which also charges the phone.

Can I use my phone while it's mirrored to the TV?

Yes. Whatever you do on your phone will appear on the TV in real time. You can open apps, browse the web, or play videos, and they'll all display on the big screen. To stop mirroring, just disconnect from the Screen Mirroring menu.

What if my TV asks for a PIN when I try to connect?

Some TVs require a PIN for security. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to find the PIN, or look for a pairing request on your TV screen when you try to connect. Enter the PIN on your phone to complete the pairing.