The fastest way to mirror depends on what device you're using

Screen mirroring on a Samsung TV works differently depending on whether you're connecting a phone, tablet, or computer. Samsung TVs built after 2016 have SmartThings (the Samsung ecosystem) and Miracast (a wireless standard that works across brands) built in. Most phones and computers can connect using one of these two methods without installing anything extra.

The connection is wireless—your phone or computer and TV must be on the same WiFi network. Once connected, everything on your device's screen appears on the TV in real time. The process takes 30 seconds to two minutes from start to finish, depending on your device and how many times you've connected before.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones connect fastest through SmartThings, which is built into both the phone and TV and requires no setup beyond turning it on.
  • iPhones and most Android phones not made by Samsung use Miracast, which you access through your phone's display settings and appears as "Screen Mirroring" or "Wireless Display."
  • Windows computers connect through Miracast using the Action Center; Macs require AirPlay and only work with Samsung TVs that support it (2018 and newer).
  • Both your device and TV must be connected to the same WiFi network, and the TV's mirroring feature must be turned on before you try to connect.
  • If the connection fails, restart both devices, move closer to the router, and check that mirroring is not already active on another device.

How to mirror a Samsung phone or tablet

Open Settings on your Samsung phone, then tap Connected devices (or Connections on older models). Look for SmartThings or Screen Sharing. Tap it, then select your TV from the list of available devices. Your phone will ask for permission—tap Start now or Allow. The connection usually completes in 10 to 15 seconds.

Once connected, your phone screen appears on the TV. You can open apps, browse photos, or play videos, and everything displays on the larger screen. To stop mirroring, go back to the same Connected devices menu and tap Disconnect, or straightforward turn off the TV.

If SmartThings does not appear in your settings, your phone may be older or running an older Android version. In that case, use Miracast instead: go to Settings > Display > Screen Mirroring, then select your TV from the list.

How to mirror an iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads use AirPlay, which only works on Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Samsung TV from the list. Enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV screen, then tap Connect.

Your iPhone or iPad screen now appears on the TV. You can use any app, and the mirroring continues until you disconnect. To stop, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

If your TV is older than 2018, AirPlay will not work. You can still use a wired connection: plug a USB-C to HDMI adapter into your iPhone and connect an HDMI cable to the TV, then switch the TV to the correct HDMI input. This method does not require WiFi and works on all Samsung TVs.

How to mirror a Windows computer

On Windows 10 or 11, open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A. Click Project (or Connect on some versions), then select Connect to a wireless display. Your TV should appear in the list within 10 seconds. Click your TV's name to connect.

Windows will send a notification to your TV asking you to confirm the connection. On your TV remote, press the button that says Allow or Accept. The connection completes in 15 to 30 seconds. Your computer screen now appears on the TV.

To disconnect, open the Action Center again, click Project, and select Disconnect. If your TV does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that your TV's mirroring feature is turned on (check your TV's settings under Network or SmartThings).

How to mirror a Mac

Macs can only mirror to Samsung TVs made in 2018 or newer using AirPlay. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your screen, then click Screen Mirroring. Select your Samsung TV from the dropdown menu. A four-digit code will appear on your TV—enter it on your Mac if prompted.

Your Mac screen now appears on the TV. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, click Screen Mirroring, and select Turn Off AirPlay.

If your TV is older than 2018 or does not support AirPlay, you can use an HDMI cable instead. Connect a USB-C to HDMI adapter to your Mac, plug in an HDMI cable, and switch your TV to the correct HDMI input. This wired method works on all Samsung TVs and does not require WiFi.

Common problems and how to fix them

The TV does not appear in the device list. Make sure both your device and TV are connected to the same WiFi network. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. On your device, turn WiFi off and back on. If the TV still does not appear, check your TV's settings to confirm that mirroring is turned on—look under Network, SmartThings, or Wireless depending on your model.

The connection starts but then disconnects. Move your device closer to your WiFi router. If another device is already mirroring to the TV, disconnect it first—most Samsung TVs only allow one active connection at a time. Check that your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings > Support > Software Update.

The screen is laggy or freezes. This usually means your WiFi signal is weak. Move closer to the router or reduce the distance between your device and TV. Close other apps on your device that use WiFi, like streaming services or downloads. If you are mirroring video, lower the video quality if possible.

The TV asks for a PIN or code that you do not have. This happens when the TV's mirroring feature requires a security code. On your TV remote, go to Settings > General > Wireless and look for Miracast or Screen Mirroring. Turn off the PIN requirement, or write down the PIN and use it when connecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair my device with the TV every time I connect?

No. After the first connection, your device remembers the TV. The next time you mirror, the TV appears in your list automatically, and you can connect in one tap. If you have not used the connection in several weeks, you may need to re-enter a PIN or confirm the connection once, but pairing only happens the first time.

Can I mirror to my Samsung TV while someone else is watching cable?

Yes. Mirroring uses a separate input from cable or satellite. Your mirrored screen appears on the TV, but the cable box continues to run in the background. When you disconnect, the TV returns to the cable input automatically.

What if my TV is too old to support mirroring?

If your TV was made before 2016, it does not have built-in mirroring. You can buy a Miracast adapter (a small device that plugs into an HDMI port) for $20 to $50, or use an HDMI cable with a USB-C or Lightning adapter to connect your device directly to the TV.

Can I use mirroring while my TV is in standby mode?

No. Your TV must be turned on and awake before you try to connect. Turn on the TV using the remote or by pressing the power button on the TV itself, then start the mirroring process on your device.

Does mirroring drain my phone battery faster?

Yes, slightly. Mirroring uses WiFi and your phone's processor continuously, so battery drains faster than normal use. If you are mirroring for more than an hour, plug your phone into a charger to avoid running out of battery.