Samsung TVs work with Chromecast, but the method depends on your TV model and whether you have a Chromecast device

Most Samsung TVs made after 2018 have built-in Chromecast, meaning you can cast directly from your phone or computer without buying a separate device. Older Samsung models need a Chromecast dongle or device plugged into an HDMI port. The casting process itself is the same either way: you open an app on your phone or computer, tap the cast button, select your TV, and the content appears on screen.

The speed and reliability of casting depend on your WiFi connection and whether your phone and TV are on the same network. If casting fails, the problem is usually a network issue rather than a hardware problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TVs from 2018 onward have Chromecast built in; older models need a Chromecast device plugged into HDMI.
  • Your phone, computer, and TV must all be connected to the same WiFi network for casting to work.
  • The cast button appears in most streaming apps and in your phone's quick settings menu.
  • If your TV does not show up when you tap cast, restart your TV and phone, then check that both are on the same WiFi network.

Check whether your Samsung TV has built-in Chromecast

Look at your TV's model year and settings. Samsung TVs from 2018 and newer typically include Chromecast. To confirm, go to your TV's settings menu, look for "About TV" or "System Information," and search for any mention of Chromecast or Google Cast.

If your TV is older than 2018 or does not mention Chromecast in the settings, you will need to buy a Chromecast device. Google sells the Chromecast (standard version) and Chromecast with Google TV. Both work with Samsung TVs. Plug whichever device you choose into an available HDMI port on the back or side of your TV, then power it on.

Connect your phone and TV to the same WiFi network

Casting only works when your phone (or computer) and your TV are connected to the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and note the network name. Then go to your TV's settings, select WiFi or Network, and connect to that same network. Enter the password if prompted.

If your home has a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network with the same name, connect both your phone and TV to the same band. Most phones and TVs default to 2.4 GHz, so this is usually not an issue, but if casting fails, check that both devices are on the same band.

Cast from your phone using the cast button in an app

Open any app that supports Chromecast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and most other streaming apps have cast built in. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner. It usually appears in the top right or bottom right of the app.

Tap the cast icon. A list of available devices appears. Select your Samsung TV by name. The app will connect to your TV within a few seconds, and the content will start playing on your TV screen. You can now control playback from your phone.

If the cast icon does not appear, the app may not support Chromecast. Check the app's help section or try a different app to test whether casting works on your TV.

Cast from your phone's quick settings menu

You can also cast your entire phone screen to your TV, not just individual apps. On Android, swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full quick settings menu. Look for "Cast" or "Screen Cast." Tap it, then select your Samsung TV from the list.

On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring," then select your TV. Note that iPhones require AirPlay, which works on Samsung TVs only if they have AirPlay built in (most newer models do). If Screen Mirroring does not appear on your iPhone, your TV may not support AirPlay.

Cast from a computer or laptop

On Windows, right-click the Windows logo in the taskbar, select "System," then "Display," then "Multiple Displays," and choose "Connect to a wireless display." Select your Samsung TV from the list. On Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right, select "Screen Mirroring," and choose your TV.

You can also cast from a web browser. In Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast," and choose your TV. Then select the tab or window you want to cast, or cast your entire desktop.

Troubleshoot when your TV does not appear in the cast list

If your TV does not show up when you tap cast, restart both your phone and TV. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your phone. Then try casting again.

Check that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Open your phone's WiFi settings and your TV's network settings side by side to confirm they show the same network name. If your TV is connected to a guest network or a different band, move it to the main network.

If your TV still does not appear, restart your WiFi router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. This usually takes two to three minutes. Once the router is back online, try casting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chromecast device if my Samsung TV is new?

No. Samsung TVs from 2018 onward have Chromecast built in. You can cast directly from your phone or computer without buying anything. Older Samsung TVs need a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.

Can I cast from an iPhone to a Samsung TV?

Yes, if your Samsung TV supports AirPlay. Most Samsung TVs made after 2018 have AirPlay built in. Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your TV. If Screen Mirroring does not appear, your TV does not support AirPlay.

Why does casting keep stopping or buffering?

This usually means your WiFi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move closer to your router, or restart your router and try again. If you have many devices on your network, disconnect a few and try casting once more.

Can I cast while using my phone for something else?

Yes. Once casting starts, you can use your phone normally. The content continues playing on your TV. You can even lock your phone and the cast will keep going.

What if my Samsung TV is not showing the cast icon in apps?

The app may not support Chromecast. Try a different app like YouTube or Netflix to test whether casting works on your TV. If those apps work, the problem is with the specific app, not your TV.