How to Screen Mirror to a Samsung TV

The fastest way to mirror your phone or computer to a Samsung TV

Screen mirroring to a Samsung TV works through SmartThings on newer models, or through Miracast and AirPlay on compatible devices. The method depends on what you're mirroring from — an Android phone, iPhone, Windows PC, or Mac — and which Samsung TV model you own. Most Samsung TVs made after 2016 support at least one mirroring standard, though the steps differ slightly between them.

The simplest route is usually the TV's built-in SmartThings app, which works with Android phones and some Windows devices without needing a separate app read. If your TV doesn't have SmartThings or you're using an iPhone, Miracast or AirPlay are the next options. All three methods are wireless and don't require an HDMI cable.

Key Takeaways

Samsung TVs use SmartThings, Miracast, or AirPlay depending on the model and source device, and you can check which standard your TV supports in the manual or settings menu.
Android phones connect most easily through SmartThings by opening the Quick Settings panel, tapping "Smart View," and selecting your TV from the list.
iPhones require AirPlay, which appears in Control Center on iOS 11 and later, and only works if your TV is on the same Wi-Fi network.
Windows PCs use the built-in "Connect" app or Miracast, found in Settings under System, and work best on TVs made after 2016.
If mirroring fails, restart both the TV and your device, check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network, and verify that screen mirroring is enabled in the TV's settings.

Mirroring from an Android phone using SmartThings

Open the Quick Settings panel on your Android phone by swiping down from the top of the screen twice. Look for "Smart View" or "Screen Mirroring" — the exact name varies by phone manufacturer and Android version. Tap it, and your phone will scan for nearby devices.

Select your Samsung TV from the list that appears. Your phone will send a connection request to the TV; on the TV screen, you may see a prompt asking you to confirm. Accept it, and your phone's display will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The connection stays active until you swipe down and tap "Smart View" again to disconnect.

If "Smart View" doesn't appear in your Quick Settings, swipe down once more to access the full settings panel, or check your phone's Settings menu under Display or Connected Devices. Some Android phones label the feature differently — Samsung phones call it "Smart View," while others may call it "Screen Mirroring" or "Wireless Display."

Mirroring from an iPhone using AirPlay

Open Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier). Tap "Screen Mirroring" and wait for your TV to appear in the list. Your Samsung TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone for it to show up.

Select your TV's name, and if prompted, enter the AirPlay code that appears on your TV screen. Your iPhone's display will mirror to the TV within a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring."

AirPlay works on Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPlay is enabled in your TV's settings — this is usually under Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit.

Mirroring from a Windows PC

On Windows 10 or 11, open the Action Center by pressing Windows key + A, then click "Connect." Your PC will scan for nearby devices. Select your Samsung TV from the list, and your display will begin mirroring.

If "Connect" doesn't appear, your TV may not support Miracast, or the feature may be disabled. As an alternative, open Settings, go to System > Display > Multiple Displays, and look for "Connect to a wireless display." Click it and select your TV. This method works on Windows 10 and 11 with TVs that support Miracast.

Both your PC and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't appear after 30 seconds, restart both devices and try again. Some older Samsung TVs require you to enable Miracast in the TV's settings first — check under Settings > Network > Miracast or Screen Mirroring.

Mirroring from a Mac

Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac's menu bar, then click "Screen Mirroring." A list of available devices will appear. Select your Samsung TV, and your Mac's display will mirror to the TV within a few seconds.

Your Mac must be running macOS 12.1 or later, and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later support AirPlay on Mac. If your TV doesn't appear, check that AirPlay is enabled in the TV's settings under Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit.

To stop mirroring, click the Control Center icon again, click "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring." You can also disconnect by unplugging the TV or turning it off, though this is less graceful than using the menu.

What to do if your TV doesn't appear or mirroring fails

The most common cause is that your device and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your TV's network settings by going to Settings > General > Network and confirming it's connected to your home Wi-Fi. On your phone or computer, verify you're connected to the same network.

Restart both your TV and your device. Turn off the TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your phone or computer, toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. Then try mirroring again. If mirroring still doesn't work, check that screen mirroring is enabled in your TV's settings — this is usually under Settings > Connection or Settings > Network > Miracast.

If your TV is very old (before 2016), it may not support any wireless mirroring standard. Check your TV's manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number to confirm which standards it supports. For older TVs, an HDMI cable or a separate streaming device like a Chromecast or Fire Stick may be your only option.

Choosing between SmartThings, Miracast, and AirPlay

SmartThings is the easiest option if you have an Android phone and a Samsung TV made after 2016, because both devices are designed to work together. The connection is usually faster and more stable than Miracast. However, SmartThings only works with Android and some Windows devices — it doesn't work with iPhones or Macs.

Miracast is a universal standard that works across Android, Windows, and some Samsung TVs, but it's slower to connect and sometimes drops the connection. It's a good fallback if SmartThings isn't available. AirPlay is the standard for Apple devices and works reliably on newer Samsung TVs, but only if your TV supports it — check your manual to be sure.

If you own multiple types of devices, your TV may support all three standards. In that case, use SmartThings for Android phones, AirPlay for iPhones and Macs, and Miracast or SmartThings for Windows PCs. This gives you the fastest and most stable connection for each device type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read an app to mirror to my Samsung TV?

No. SmartThings, Miracast, and AirPlay are built into Samsung TVs and most phones and computers. You don't need to read anything. If your TV is very old, you may need to check the manual to confirm it supports one of these standards, but the feature itself is built in.

Can I mirror to my Samsung TV if it's not on Wi-Fi?

No. All wireless mirroring methods require both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to use an HDMI cable or a separate streaming device. Some Samsung TVs have an Ethernet port; connecting the TV to your router with an Ethernet cable may work as an alternative, though Wi-Fi is more common.

Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?

This usually happens if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, if your TV or device is too far from the router, or if another device is using a lot of bandwidth. Move closer to the router, restart both devices, and try again. If it keeps disconnecting, your Wi-Fi network may be overloaded — try turning off other devices that are using the network.

Can I mirror just one app instead of my whole screen?

No. Screen mirroring shows your entire display, not individual apps. If you want to send just one app to your TV, use a streaming service like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify, which have built-in casting buttons that don't require screen mirroring. These apps send content directly to your TV without mirroring your whole screen.

Does screen mirroring work if my TV is in a different room?

Only if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and within range of your router. If your Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach the other room, mirroring won't work. You can extend your Wi-Fi range with a mesh router or Wi-Fi extender, or use an HDMI cable if the devices are close enough.

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.