The fastest way to mirror a Samsung device to your TV
Samsung devices can send their screen to a TV in three main ways: SmartThings (the easiest for newer Samsung TVs), Screen Mirroring (works with most TVs that support Miracast), or Samsung DeX (if you want a desktop-like experience on a larger screen). The method you use depends on what TV you own and what you're trying to display.
If your TV is a Samsung model made in the last five years, SmartThings is the fastest route—it takes about 30 seconds from start to finish. If your TV is a different brand or older, Screen Mirroring usually works as long as your TV supports the Miracast wireless standard. Both methods work over Wi-Fi and do not require cables.
Key Takeaways
- SmartThings is the fastest method for Samsung TVs and requires only that both devices be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Screen Mirroring works with most non-Samsung TVs and uses the Miracast standard, which most TVs made after 2013 support.
- Both methods stream wirelessly and do not need any cables or adapters.
- If mirroring fails, restart both devices and check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network before trying again.
- Samsung DeX turns your phone into a desktop interface on your TV and is useful for productivity tasks, not just mirroring.
Mirroring with SmartThings on a Samsung TV
Open the SmartThings app on your Samsung phone or tablet. If you do not have it, read it from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network—this is the most common reason mirroring fails.
Tap the plus icon or "Add device" button in the SmartThings app. Select your TV from the list of nearby devices. Once your TV appears, tap it to connect. The app will ask for permission to mirror; tap "Start mirroring" or "Mirror screen." Your phone's display should appear on the TV within 10 to 15 seconds.
To stop mirroring, swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open the notification panel, find the SmartThings or mirroring notification, and tap "Stop mirroring." You can also close the SmartThings app on your phone.
Using Screen Mirroring for non-Samsung TVs
Screen Mirroring is built into most Samsung phones and tablets and works with any TV that supports Miracast—a wireless standard that most TVs made after 2013 support. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to confirm it has Miracast; if it does, you can mirror without any additional apps or hardware.
On your Samsung phone or tablet, swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the full Quick Settings panel. Look for "Screen Mirroring," "Wireless Mirroring," or "Smart View"—the exact name varies by model. Tap it. Your phone will search for nearby TVs and display a list. Select your TV from the list. The first time you connect, your TV may ask for permission; confirm it on the TV remote. Your screen should appear on the TV in 10 to 20 seconds.
If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV's Miracast feature is turned on. Restart both devices and try again. Some older TVs require you to turn on Miracast manually in the TV's settings menu before your phone can find it.
Connecting with Samsung DeX for a desktop view
Samsung DeX transforms your phone's interface into a desktop-like layout when connected to a TV or monitor. This is useful if you want to use your phone like a computer—opening multiple windows, using a keyboard and mouse, or working with documents side by side.
Connect your phone to your TV using SmartThings or Screen Mirroring (follow the steps above). Once mirrored, swipe down from the top of your phone screen and look for a "DeX" button or notification. Tap it to switch to DeX mode. Your TV will now show a desktop interface with a taskbar at the bottom, a home screen, and the ability to open multiple apps at once. You can connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to control the interface from your TV.
To exit DeX mode, tap the DeX button again or disconnect your phone from the TV. Your phone will return to its normal mobile interface.
What to do if mirroring is not working
The most common reason mirroring fails is that your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If they are on different networks—for example, if your TV is on a guest network—mirroring will not work.
Restart both your phone and TV. Turn off your phone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same for your TV. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent mirroring from starting. After both devices restart, try mirroring again.
If your TV still does not appear, check that Miracast or the mirroring feature is turned on in your TV's settings. Consult your TV's manual for the exact menu path—it varies by brand and model. Some TVs hide this setting under "Network," "Wireless," or "Display" settings. Once enabled, your phone should find the TV within 30 seconds.
If you are using SmartThings and your TV does not appear, sign out of the SmartThings app on your phone, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. This refreshes the connection between your phone and the app's servers.
Mirroring over USB-C or HDMI if wireless does not work
If your Wi-Fi is unstable or you prefer a wired connection, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable to connect your Samsung phone directly to your TV. This bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and provides a stable, lag-free connection.
Purchase a USB-C to HDMI adapter that matches your phone's charging port (most newer Samsung phones use USB-C). Connect the adapter to your phone's charging port, then plug an HDMI cable into the adapter and into your TV's HDMI port. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Your phone's screen should appear on the TV when ready. This method does not drain your phone's battery as quickly as wireless mirroring and works even if your Wi-Fi is down.
The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, so you cannot move around freely. This method is best for stationary use, such as watching videos or giving a presentation.
Mirroring audio and video at the same time
When you mirror your Samsung phone to a TV, both audio and video stream to the TV by default. You do not need to do anything extra—sound from apps, videos, and notifications will play through your TV's speakers.
If audio is not coming through your TV, check that your TV's volume is not muted and that the TV is set to the correct input. Also confirm that your phone is not connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones—if it is, audio will play through that device instead of the TV. Disconnect any Bluetooth devices and try mirroring again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mirror my Samsung phone to a TV that is not on the same Wi-Fi network?
No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring to work. If your TV is on a guest network or a different network entirely, mirroring will fail. Connect both devices to the same primary network and try again.
Does mirroring drain my phone's battery quickly?
Yes. Wireless mirroring uses your phone's Wi-Fi and processor continuously, which drains the battery faster than normal use. If you plan to mirror for more than an hour, plug your phone into a charger. Wired mirroring (USB-C to HDMI) drains the battery more slowly because it does not rely on Wi-Fi.
Can I use my phone while it is mirroring to the TV?
Yes. Whatever you do on your phone—open apps, take photos, send messages—will appear on the TV in real time. You can use your phone normally while mirroring. If you want privacy, you can turn off the screen on your TV without stopping the mirror, though this is not possible on all TV models.
What if my TV does not support Miracast or SmartThings?
Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter and cable to connect your phone directly to the TV. This works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand. It is the most reliable method if your TV is older or does not support wireless mirroring.
Why does the picture lag or stutter when I mirror?
Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your phone and TV are too far apart. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or place your phone and TV in the same room. If lag continues, restart both devices and try again. A wired connection (USB-C to HDMI) will eliminate lag entirely.