The fastest way to share your screen on a Samsung TV
The method you use depends on what device you are sharing from and whether your TV and phone or computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Samsung TVs support screen mirroring through built-in wireless protocols, and most phones and computers can connect without downloading anything extra. The TV does the heavy lifting — it receives the signal and displays what your device shows.
Start by checking your TV model year. Samsung TVs made after 2016 have mirroring built in. Older models may need a separate device like a Chromecast or Fire Stick. If your TV is newer, turn it on, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, and follow the steps for your device type below.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs use a feature called SmartThings or Miracast to receive screen mirroring, and both your TV and the device you are sharing from must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- iPhones and iPads use AirPlay, which works on Samsung TVs made after 2019 that have AirPlay built in; older Samsung TVs do not support AirPlay natively.
- Android phones and Windows computers use Miracast or SmartThings, which you start from your device's settings or quick menu, not from the TV.
- If your TV does not have mirroring built in or your device type is not supported, a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Roku device plugged into an HDMI port will add mirroring to any TV.
- Mirroring works best when your TV and device are within 30 feet of your router and no other devices are downloading large files.
Screen mirroring from an Android phone or tablet
Open your phone's Settings app and look for a section called Display, Connected Devices, or Cast. The exact name varies by phone maker and Android version. Tap the option for Cast, Screen Mirroring, or Wireless Display.
Your phone will scan for available devices. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list by its model name or the name you gave it in the TV's settings. Tap the TV name. Your phone will ask for permission to start mirroring — confirm it. Your phone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds.
While mirroring, your phone's battery drains faster than normal. Keep your phone plugged in if you plan to mirror for more than an hour. To stop mirroring, go back to the Cast menu on your phone and tap Disconnect, or press the back button and close the Cast app.
Screen mirroring from a Windows computer
On Windows 10 or 11, open the Settings app and go to System, then Display. Scroll down and look for a section called "Multiple displays" or "Cast to a device." Click the option to cast to a device or open the Connect app from your Start menu.
Windows will show a list of nearby devices. Click your Samsung TV. Windows will send a pairing request to the TV — you may see a prompt on the TV asking you to allow the connection. Select Allow on the TV remote. Your computer screen will then mirror to the TV.
If your computer does not find the TV, make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and the TV is turned on. Restart the Cast app on your computer and try again. Some older Windows computers do not support wireless mirroring; if you see no option to cast, your computer may need a USB adapter or an HDMI cable instead.
Screen mirroring from an iPhone or iPad
iPhones and iPads use a protocol called AirPlay. Samsung TVs made in 2019 or later have AirPlay built in, but older Samsung models do not support it. Check your TV's model year in the Settings app on the TV itself — go to Support or About This TV.
If your TV supports AirPlay, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone or iPad to open Control Center. Look for an icon labeled AirPlay or Screen Mirroring. Tap it and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your screen will appear on the TV within seconds.
If your TV does not support AirPlay, you will need a separate device. A Chromecast with Google TV, an Apple TV, or an AirPlay-compatible receiver plugged into your TV's HDMI port will let you mirror from your iPhone. These devices cost between $30 and $150 depending on the model.
Troubleshooting when your TV does not appear in the device list
The most common reason a TV does not show up is that it is on a different Wi-Fi network than your phone or computer. Check your TV's network settings by going to Settings on the TV remote, then Network or Wi-Fi, and confirm it is connected to the same network your phone is using. Your phone's Wi-Fi name should match the TV's Wi-Fi name.
If both devices are on the same network, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the TV restarts, restart your phone or computer as well. Once both are back on, try the mirroring steps again.
If the TV still does not appear, check whether your TV model supports mirroring. Samsung TVs older than 2016 do not have mirroring built in. You can add mirroring to any TV by plugging a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Roku device into an HDMI port on the back of the TV. These devices have their own mirroring features and work with most phones and computers.
What to do if mirroring is slow or keeps disconnecting
Mirroring uses your Wi-Fi network to send video and audio from your device to the TV. If your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded, mirroring will lag or drop. Move your phone or computer closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. If you have other devices downloading large files — like a computer backing up to the cloud or a tablet streaming video — pause those downloads while you mirror.
If your TV is far from your router, consider moving the router or using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in that room. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause of mirroring problems.
Some TVs have a setting that limits how many devices can mirror at once. If multiple people are trying to mirror to the same TV, only one connection will work. Disconnect other devices and try again. You can also check your TV's mirroring settings by going to Settings on the TV remote, then looking for an option called SmartThings, Miracast, or Screen Mirroring, and making sure it is turned on.
Using a separate device if your TV does not support mirroring
If your TV is older or does not have mirroring built in, you can add the feature with a separate device. A Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 to $50 and works with Android phones, iPhones, Windows computers, and Macs. Plug it into an HDMI port on the back of your TV, connect it to Wi-Fi, and you can mirror from any of those devices.
A Fire Stick costs $30 to $55 and works with Android phones, Windows computers, and Fire tablets. It also plugs into HDMI and connects to Wi-Fi. An Apple TV costs $100 to $200 and is the best choice if you have multiple iPhones or iPads in your home, though it also works with Macs and some Android devices.
All three devices are straightforward to set up: plug them in, connect to Wi-Fi using the on-screen menu, and then use your phone or computer to start mirroring. They are worth the cost if your TV does not have mirroring built in or if you want a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi mirroring provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for screen mirroring or read an app?
No. Mirroring is built into Samsung TVs and most phones and computers. You do not need to read anything or pay a subscription. If you use a separate device like a Chromecast, you pay once for the device itself, but there is no monthly fee.
Can I mirror while using my phone for other things?
Yes, but it depends on the device. On Android, you can use your phone while mirroring — the screen shows on the TV and your phone at the same time. On iPhone, your phone screen mirrors exactly what is on the TV, so you cannot use your phone for other tasks while mirroring. You can stop mirroring, use your phone, and start mirroring again whenever you want.
What if my TV is on a different Wi-Fi network than my phone?
Mirroring will not work. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your TV's network settings and connect it to the same Wi-Fi your phone is using. If you have a guest network on your router, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network.
Can I mirror from my laptop to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
Not wirelessly. You can use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop directly to the TV, or use a separate device like a Chromecast that connects to Wi-Fi. Some newer laptops support wireless mirroring over Miracast, but it still requires both devices to be on the same network.
Why does my screen mirroring stop after a few minutes?
Your phone or computer may have gone to sleep or your Wi-Fi connection dropped. Check that your device is still awake and connected to Wi-Fi. If mirroring keeps stopping, move your device closer to your router or restart both your TV and your phone. If the problem continues, your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak — consider moving your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.