If you’d rather see videos and images from your Android device on a larger screen, cast your Android screen to your TV or PC. Depending on your Android device, you may be able to cast wirelessly. If not, there is another option.
1. Cast Via Chromecast Devices
Google would prefer you use a Chromecast device to cast Android to TV. It is a simple way to cast, even if your device isn’t Miracast (a wireless technology for sharing content) compatible. Your Chromecast works as a bridge between your Android device and your TV. You don’t even need a Wi-Fi network connection for the devices to connect: just plug it in to your TV’s HDMI port, tap the Chromecast button, and choose your device. The same process works with smart TVs with Chromecast built in.
Please note that the classic Chromecast dongle is being discontinued and replaced by the Google TV Streamer. Casting will work similarly, but the connection is likely better, thanks to the updated technology.
If you have the Google Home app, open it on your Android device. Select Devices, then select any compatible device with a screen. Tap Cast my screen. You may need to grant permission the first time. Tap Stop mirroring when you’re done. This works with Google TVs, Chromecast devices, and Google Nest displays.
2. Cast Directly to Smart TVs
This one won’t work with every device, and you will need a smart TV. Smart TVs already have Wi-Fi capabilities built in, eliminating the need for a bridge device, like Chromecast.
For this to work, your Android device must also support Miracast. This is a wireless standard being built in to many smart TVs, computers, and Android devices to quickly mirror and cast your screen. Apple devices, including TVs, only support AirPlay.
Compatible Android apps have a cast icon. Press this to cast directly to an available device. For instance, if you’re watching YouTube, look for the cast icon in the top right of the video.
Otherwise, on your Android device, go to Settings -> Display -> Cast or Settings -> Connected devices -> Screen sharing or Smart View. Select your device to start casting. You may need to leave your screen on. Depending on your device, you may also be able to tap the casting or screen sharing option from the pull-down notification tray. I’m using a Samsung Galaxy S23+ for reference.
If you didn’t see either option for casting, your Android device might not have this capability, or your specific manufacturer might have a different setting. Consult your manufacturer’s website for “casting” or “Miracast” to find where this setting is on your device.
3. Cast With Roku
If you don’t want to use Chromecast, Roku works similarly. Connect your Roku device to your TV’s HDMI port. Set up screen mirroring on the Roku by going to Home -> Settings -> System -> Screen Mirroring. Choose how you want to connect.
Then, connect your Android device. You can connect using the same methods as you would to connect to a smart TV. You should see a prompt on your Android device to connect to Roku and vice versa.
4. Connect via HDMI
If you’d prefer a more old-school method, or wireless casting isn’t an option, cast your Android phone screen to your TV or computer by connecting it directly with an HDMI cable. This works best if your Android device has a USB-C port, requiring you to use an HDMI-to-USB-C cable. Otherwise, you’ll have to find an HDMI cable that supports your particular device’s port, which is tricky.
Once connected, select the HDMI input on your TV to see your Android screen. You may also have to choose the connection type on your Android device from the prompt that appears.
5. Cast to an Amazon Fire Stick
For most Android streamers, there are three main options: Chromecast, Roku, and Fire Stick. If you prefer to use an Amazon Fire Stick, the process to cast your Android screen to a TV is similar to the other two devices. Once the Fire Stick is plugged in to your TV, select the Fire Stick from your Android device by turning on the casting option in the Android settings or notification tray.
6. Cast Directly to a Windows PC
So far, most of these methods focused specifically on casting your Android screen to a TV. However, you can cast to a Windows PC, too.
For Windows 11 users, go to Start -> Settings -> System -> Projecting to this PC. Look for Add the “Wireless Display” optional feature to this PC, and select Optional Features. Select View Feature next to Add an optional feature. Search for wireless display, select this result, and choose Next -> Install.
Once installed, click the back arrow in the top left. Select your settings, and you’re ready to start accepting casting requests from your Android device. Click Launch the Wireless Display app to project to this PC.
Turn on your casting setting on your Android device, and choose your PC.
For Windows 10 users, you’ll need the Anniversary Update and the Connect app, which is part of the update. Go to the Start menu, type “connect,” and choose the Connect app that appears. Use the same process on your Android device that you use for connecting to a smart TV. In most cases, you’ll need to close the Settings window on your Android device before anything shows up on your computer screen.
If you are using Linux, you can cast your Android screen to the Linux desktop. You can also use AirDroid to cast to Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn my phone screen off when casting?
No. Since you’re mirroring the screen to your TV, whatever is displayed on the screen shows on your TV. If it’s a black screen, that’s all you’ll see.
How can I improve the display quality when casting my Android screen to TV?
If things look blurry or small when casting, start by changing the resolution in the app you’re trying to view or on the TV itself. The idea is to match the resolution between your Android device and TV as closely as possible. Also, landscape mode offers the clearest image on larger TV screens.
Why is my content buffering while casting?
High-quality content may buffer when trying to transmit over Wi-Fi between devices. Buffering’s also an issue when you have too many devices all trying to use the same connection at once. Using a wired connection may eliminate buffering issues.
A few things to keep in mind with any casting method is that you may experience a little bit of lag. This is normal. If you plan to connect to DLNA-compatible devices, try one of the best DLNA-streaming apps for Android.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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