How to Mirror Your Samsung Phone or Tablet to Your TV

The fastest way to mirror a Samsung device to your TV

Samsung devices can send their screen to a TV in three main ways: Smart View (wireless, works with most Samsung and compatible TVs), HDMI cable (wired, works with any TV that has an HDMI port), or Miracast (wireless, works with any TV that supports it). Smart View is the easiest if your TV is a Samsung model made in the last several years. If your TV is older or made by another brand, an HDMI cable is the most reliable option.

The method you choose depends on what TV you have and whether you want a cable running across the room. All three work well—Smart View and Miracast are invisible once connected, while HDMI gives you a physical connection that never drops.

Key Takeaways

Smart View is built into Samsung phones and tablets and works wirelessly with Samsung TVs and many other brands made after 2015.
An HDMI cable plugged into your TV's HDMI port works with any TV and is the most stable option if you do not mind a cable.
Miracast is a wireless standard that works across brands, but your TV must support it—check your TV manual or settings to confirm.
Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for Smart View or Miracast to work.

Mirroring with Smart View (wireless, Samsung TVs)

Smart View is Samsung's built-in wireless mirroring tool. Open the notification panel on your Samsung phone or tablet by swiping down from the top of the screen twice. Look for a tile labeled Smart View or Screen Sharing—the name varies by model and Android version. Tap it.

Your device will search for nearby TVs. When your Samsung TV appears in the list, tap its name. Your phone will ask for permission on the TV screen—accept it, and your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open the notification panel again and tap Smart View to disconnect.

If Smart View does not appear in your notification panel, you may need to add it. Open Settings, go to Notifications, then Notification Panel, and look for an option to customize or add tiles. Add Smart View if it is available. If it is not listed at all, your phone model may not have it—move to the HDMI or Miracast method instead.

Mirroring with an HDMI cable (wired, any TV)

An HDMI cable is the most straightforward method and works with every TV made in the last 15 years. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer Samsung phones and tablets) or a Micro USB to HDMI adapter (for older models). Check your phone's charging port to know which one you need. These adapters cost between $15 and $40 and are sold at electronics retailers and online.

Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port. Connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, then plug the other end into any HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to that HDMI input using the remote or the input button. Your phone screen will appear on the TV when ready. There is no pairing step, no Wi-Fi needed, and no lag.

The downside is the cable—you cannot move far from the TV without unplugging. But if your Wi-Fi is unreliable or your TV is older, this is the most dependable option.

Mirroring with Miracast (wireless, any compatible TV)

Miracast is a wireless standard that works across phone and TV brands. Not all TVs support it, so check your TV manual or search the model number plus "Miracast" to confirm yours does. If it does, open your Samsung phone's Settings, go to Display, and look for Screen Sharing or Miracast. Tap it and turn it on.

Your phone will search for available devices. Select your TV from the list. Some TVs will ask you to confirm the connection on the remote—do that, and your screen will mirror. Miracast works the same way as Smart View but is not Samsung-specific, so it is useful if you have a non-Samsung TV that supports the standard.

The catch is that not all TVs have Miracast built in. Older TVs especially may lack it. If your TV does not support Miracast and is not a Samsung model, an HDMI cable is your best option.

Making sure your phone and TV are ready

For Smart View and Miracast to work, your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID) in their settings. If they are on different networks or one is not connected to Wi-Fi at all, mirroring will not work.

Restart both devices if mirroring fails the first time. Turn off your TV and phone, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then try mirroring again. A restart often clears temporary connection problems.

If your TV has a software update available, install it. Older TV software sometimes has bugs that prevent mirroring. Check your TV's settings menu for a Software Update or System Update option.

Troubleshooting when mirroring does not work

If Smart View does not find your TV, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your TV is turned on. Move closer to the TV—Wi-Fi range can be an issue in large homes. If the TV is far from your router, move the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.

If the connection keeps dropping, switch to an HDMI cable. Wireless mirroring can be interrupted by other devices on your network or by interference from microwaves and cordless phones. A wired connection is immune to these problems.

If you see a "not supported" message, your TV may not have the feature you are trying to use. Check your TV manual to see which mirroring methods it supports. If it only supports HDMI, use the cable method.

What to do if your TV is very old or not a Samsung

If your TV does not have Smart View or Miracast, an HDMI cable is your only option. Buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or Micro USB if your phone is older), plug it in, and connect the HDMI cable. This works with any TV with an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand.

If your TV has no HDMI port at all—which is rare but happens with very old sets—you will need a different approach. Some older TVs have composite video inputs (red, white, and yellow plugs). Adapters exist for these, but they are harder to find and less reliable. Consider whether upgrading the TV might be worth the cost and hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mirroring drain my phone battery faster?

Yes, wireless mirroring uses more power than normal use because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV over Wi-Fi. If you are mirroring for more than an hour, plug your phone in. HDMI mirroring also drains the battery but slightly less than wireless methods.

Can I use my phone while it is mirroring?

Yes. Whatever you do on your phone appears on the TV in real time. You can open apps, take photos, browse the web, or play videos, and all of it shows on the big screen. This is useful for presentations, showing photos to guests, or playing games.

Why does my screen keep disconnecting from the TV?

Wireless mirroring can drop if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth, or if your TV software is outdated. Try moving closer to your router, closing other apps on your phone, or updating your TV. If it keeps happening, use an HDMI cable instead.

Do I need a special TV to use Smart View?

Smart View works best with Samsung TVs made after 2015, but it also works with many LG, Sony, and other brands. Check your TV manual or search the model number plus "Smart View" to see if it is supported. If not, try Miracast or use an HDMI cable.

Can I mirror to multiple TVs at once?

No. Your phone can only mirror to one TV at a time. To switch to a different TV, disconnect from the first one and connect to the second.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.