The fastest way to get video from your phone to your TV

Samsung phones connect to Samsung TVs through SmartThings, a built-in app that lets you cast video, photos, and your entire phone screen wirelessly. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open SmartThings on your phone, tap the TV you want to connect to, and select either "Mirror" to show your whole screen or "Cast" to send just a video or photo app. The TV displays what you choose within a few seconds.

If you don't see your TV listed in SmartThings, make sure your TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Restart the SmartThings app on your phone and try again. Most Samsung TVs made after 2016 support this feature, though older models may need a software update.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings is the easiest method for Samsung-to-Samsung connections and works over Wi-Fi without extra hardware.
  • Both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for SmartThings to find and connect to your TV.
  • You can mirror your entire phone screen or cast just a single app like YouTube or Netflix.
  • If SmartThings doesn't work, check that your TV is powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and running the latest software.
  • HDMI cables and USB-C adapters work as backup options if wireless casting fails.

Using SmartThings to cast from your Samsung phone

SmartThings comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel, then look for "SmartThings" or "Cast" (the exact name varies by phone model and Android version). Tap it, and your phone will search for nearby Samsung TVs on your network.

When your TV appears in the list, tap it to connect. A prompt may appear on your TV asking you to confirm the connection—select "Allow" or "Yes" on the TV remote. Once connected, you can choose "Mirror" to show everything on your phone screen, or open a video app like YouTube, Netflix, or Samsung TV Plus and tap the cast icon within that app to send just that content to the TV.

The connection stays active until you disconnect. To stop casting, go back to SmartThings and tap "Disconnect," or straightforward turn off the TV. Casting uses very little battery on your phone, so you can keep using your phone for other tasks while video plays on the TV.

Troubleshooting when your TV doesn't appear

If your Samsung TV isn't showing up in SmartThings, the most common cause is that your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network as your TV. You can find your TV's network name in the TV's settings under Network or Wi-Fi.

Restart both devices: turn off your TV completely for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. On your phone, close SmartThings entirely and reopen it. If your TV is very old (before 2016), it may not support SmartThings casting—check your TV's manual or Samsung's support site to confirm your model is compatible.

If you've updated your phone's Android version recently, your TV's software may be out of date. On your TV remote, go to Settings, then Support or About, and look for a Software Update option. Let the update finish completely before trying SmartThings again.

Casting individual apps instead of your whole screen

Casting a single app uses less bandwidth and battery than mirroring your entire phone screen. Open the app you want to watch—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, or any other video service—and look for a cast icon, usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Tap it and select your TV from the list.

Once you tap your TV, the video will start playing there, and you can lock your phone or switch to another app without interrupting playback. This is especially useful if you want to browse the internet or check messages while someone else watches TV. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect."

Using an HDMI cable as a backup

If wireless casting isn't working and you need to connect right away, a wired connection is more reliable. Samsung phones don't have HDMI ports, so you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called an HDMI converter). Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into any HDMI port on your TV.

Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Your phone screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. This method works on any TV with an HDMI port, not just Samsung models, and doesn't depend on Wi-Fi. The downside is that your phone will be tethered to the TV by cable, and the phone will charge slowly or not at all while connected.

USB-C to HDMI adapters cost between $15 and $40 and are widely available online and in electronics stores. Make sure the adapter supports video output, not just charging—the product listing should say "HDMI" or "video" clearly.

Casting from streaming apps built into Samsung TVs

Many Samsung TVs have apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ already installed. Instead of casting from your phone, you can open these apps directly on the TV and sign in with your account. This is often faster than casting and doesn't use your phone's battery at all.

To do this, pick up your TV remote, press the Home button, and look for the app you want. If it's already there, select it and sign in. If it's not installed, go to the TV's app store (usually called "Samsung TV Plus" or "Apps") and search for the app you need. read and install it, then sign in with the same account you use on your phone.

Once you're signed in on the TV, your watch history and recommendations will sync across devices. This is the most convenient option if you watch the same services regularly, because you won't have to cast every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for SmartThings to cast to my TV?

No. SmartThings is free and comes built into your Samsung phone and TV. You don't need a subscription or account to use basic casting. Some advanced SmartThings features require a paid subscription, but casting video is not one of them.

Can I cast to a non-Samsung TV?

SmartThings only works with Samsung TVs. If you have a different brand, you can use Google Cast (if your TV supports it), AirPlay (for Apple devices), or a wired HDMI connection. Check your TV's manual to see which casting methods it supports.

Why does my video keep stopping or buffering when I cast?

Buffering usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your phone and TV closer to your router, or check if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. If the problem continues, try casting a single app instead of mirroring your whole screen, which uses less data.

Can I use my phone while casting video to the TV?

Yes, if you're casting a single app. The video will keep playing on the TV while you use your phone for other things. If you're mirroring your entire screen, anything you do on your phone will also show on the TV.

What if my Samsung TV is too old for SmartThings?

Older Samsung TVs without SmartThings support can still connect via HDMI cable using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This works reliably on any TV with an HDMI port, regardless of age or brand.