Most modern mobile phones with the Android or iOS operating system have powerful hardware, providing the user with the functions of a full-fledged PC, and are also equipped with advanced cameras, which turns them into a real machine for producing amateur photos and videos. Of course, all this simply requires the ability to connect to a TV in order to show your vacation photos and videos to family and friends.
However, not every user knows how to connect their favorite gadget to their home TV. If there are no problems with household players - the connection is made via an HDMI cable, then you cannot plug it into a smartphone. Even with a modern Smart TV (a TV with Internet connectivity and various built-in applications), setting up the ability to transfer content from a smartphone or tablet to the big screen is not so easy.
Which is better: cable or Wi-Fi?
Today, not many people remember that most smartphone models had a not so high-speed Wi-Fi module, and manufacturers, seeing the need to transfer content to TV, equipped their devices with a special video output chip via HDMI.
1. Connection via Micro HDMI
For example, the LG 2X smartphone had a separate Micro HDMI port on the top edge for these purposes and allowed everything that happened on the smartphone screen to be broadcast to the TV in original quality.
2. Connection via MHL
Later, manufacturers of even inexpensive models of smartphones and tablets based on MTK processors began to introduce the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) standard into their devices - allowing them to take a video signal directly from the Micro USB data transfer and charging port. True, this required a special MHL adapter. Thus, the user was able to watch any video content from his smartphone, including photos and videos taken on vacation, as well as play games on the big TV screen.
The downside of this adapter was that in order to transmit the signal, it was necessary to connect a separate 5 V power cable to it in order to amplify the signal transmitted to the large screen. But at the same time, the smartphone did not receive power and was discharged quite quickly. In addition, at the maximum image quality of 1080p, lags are observed during broadcasting.
Currently, there are practically no inexpensive mobile devices - smartphones and tablets supporting MHL technology - on sale. If this function is vital for you, you should choose a device from very old models, including the Galaxy S5.
Some older flagships, for example the Z2 Tablet, implement the MHL 3.0 standard, which allows you to broadcast images from a smartphone to a TV in 4K format (3840x2160 pixels) at a frequency of 30 frames per second. MHL 3.0 is compatible with Blu-Ray audio formats - True HD and DTS HD MA.
Alas, the latest Samsung flagships, starting with the Galaxy S6, do not support the MHL standard.
3. Connection via SlimPort
The main competitor to MHL almost immediately became the SlimPort (Mobility DisplayPort) standard. But it was implemented mainly in devices from LG and Samsung. It provided a higher quality picture, because... the broadcast occurs without signal decoding, which eliminates lags during image transmission. In this case, a special microUSB-HDMI adapter did not need to be connected to a power source. Although the adapter has such a port, it is intended to power the smartphone itself, which is very convenient for long-term demonstrations of video content or games. The maximum image quality transmitted to the TV screen is the same - 1080p.
Among the disadvantages, we note the high quality requirements for the HDMI cable. If you have a cheap one, then noise and even a lack of signal may appear.
This technology has been implemented in devices such as the LG G2, as well as the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 Tablet (2013), and the LG G Pad 8.3 tablet.
It's a shame that the company's modern flagship, equipped with a USB Type-C data port, does not support SlimPort technology and does not have the ability to connect wired to a TV.
4. Wirelessly stream content to TV
Unfortunately, manufacturers did not see any prospects for cable connections and focused on wireless standards for transmitting content to a TV. Its main advantage is that there is no need to fuss with wires - to send photos or videos to a large TV screen, you just need to organize their pairing using the OS via Wi-Fi, either directly or through a home router.
The disadvantages of this connection are: very low quality of the displayed image on the TV screen due to strong compression and the inability to broadcast videos and everything that happens on the smartphone display, for example, broadcasting a game.
However, manufacturers did not completely deprive the user of the ability to watch videos from a smartphone and offered special wireless adapters. Let us immediately note that these devices cannot provide decent display quality for either photos or videos. Artifacts, lags and low resolution - and this is all on modern 4K TVs.
Chromecast 2 TV Whatever one may say, there is currently no alternative to a cable connection if you are interested in high picture quality and the absence of lags. Unless you dump your photo and video materials onto your hard drive and connect it directly to your TV.
So, what is there today for wireless connection to TV?
5. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct technology is implemented on all Smart TVs equipped with a Wi-Fi module. It is also available on most modern smartphones. Its essence is to connect devices to each other without the mediation of an access point. The phone is then recognized by the TV as a multimedia device, not a storage device. To organize a connection, you need to activate Wi-Fi Direct mode on your smartphone and Share mode on your TV. On devices with any OS version, it is located in the wireless connection settings.
With this connection, you can only use the Photo Album application on your smartphone to view photos. You won't be able to watch the videos. The display speed, especially of large images, is very slow.
6. DLNA: a classic for Android
DLNA is one of the most common wireless standards. Most TVs that can connect to wireless networks support it. Users of the Android operating system will need a special application BubbleUPnPso that they can organize the transfer of music and photos from their smartphone to their TV.
The image resolution depends on the receiving device, but in most cases for new TVs it is 1080p.
Unlike Miracast and Airplay (we'll talk about them below), DLNA does not provide universal content display - it only transfers music, photos and some video file formats.
7. Chromecast: simple but expensive streaming
Those who want to wirelessly stream media files from an Android mobile phone to a TV in the easiest way should seek help from Google.
In this case, you are also upgrading your TV device if it did not have a network connection function.
By default, Chromecast adds a large amount of media content to the TV, YouTube and the Chrome browser.
8. Miracast: AirPlay competitor
Android supports Miracast starting from version 4.2, Windows Phone - from version 8.1. This wireless standard originated from Intel's WiDi (Wireless Display) and was intended as a competitor to AirPlay. But Miracast has not yet been able to implement its plans: the delay when broadcasting images from a mobile device to a large screen is too long.
Despite the 1080p resolution, due to a large number of artifacts, the picture on the TV does not look very good. However: many new smart TVs support this standard.
To connect mobile devices to your TV, you will need a special adapter. It comes in both the new Lightning connector and the old 30-pin one.
According to the results of a study by the Panic.com portal, it turned out that the Lightning adapter does not transmit a native image in 1080p format, but converts it from a lower-quality HD.
Because of this, artifacts sometimes appear in the image when transmitting data.
10. Wireless data transfer via AirPlay
The third generation TV set-top box from Apple is currently the most convenient solution for displaying content from an iOS mobile device on a TV.
Connecting an iPhone/iPad to a streaming box is quick and easy, and the image quality is very good thanks to support for 1080p format.
The delay is about half a second, so sometimes you can even play not very busy games.
Of course, it is much more convenient to watch movies, photos and various videos on a big screen, rather than on a 4-5 inch phone. Modern devices allow data transfer, and in different ways. But to do this you need to know how to connect your phone to your TV via WiFi.
The Wi-Fi Direct option is present on almost all devices and it is certainly convenient.
Using this application, any gadgets can connect to each other without using a local network and a router.
To connect your phone to the TV via WiFi, you need to do some manipulations.
- Open the smartphone settings, go to where the Wi-Fi settings are located and activate the Wi-Fi Direct option.
- We do the same in the TV settings. Be sure to make sure that the option is in working order on all connected devices.
- After activating the program on TV, it finds all available devices for connection. Choose the one you need.
- A message appears on the mobile screen asking you to give permission to connect. We launch the desired file on the smartphone and watch how the image is transmitted to the TV screen.
Using Miracast technology
Broadcasting from your phone to your TV can also be done using the Wi-Fi Miracast function. It is based on Direct, but is more modern and has some advantages. For example, it supports the transfer of 3D files, and it also improves the process of transferring large files.
The connection process is exactly the same as described above in the case of Wi-Fi Direct. The option is enabled on both devices - permission to connect is given - the “picture” is transmitted to the TV.
It happens that an Android smartphone supports the function under discussion, but the TV does not. You can cope with this problem using an adapter, which is sold in specialized stores.
Just connect it to the HDMI input on your TV and enjoy watching a movie on the big screen.
Broadcast using YouTube
YouTube is considered one of the most popular sites when it comes to video content. And it’s not at all necessary to constantly watch videos on the small screen of your smartphone, because you can turn on the broadcast on your TV.
- Before you start connecting, be sure to have the YouTube app installed on your phone. If it is not there, then download and run it.
- Open its settings, activate the Watch on TV function. If everything is done correctly, then instructions should appear telling you what to do next, as well as a field for entering a password.
- Turn on the same application on your TV, open its settings and select the option to connect to your phone manually.
- Enter the code that appears on the screen into the field on your smartphone and click “Add.”
- In the list of added devices, select yours, agree to broadcast and watch the video on the TV screen.
Using your phone as a media server
To connect your smartphone to your TV and use it as a media server, you need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and that they support Miracast or DLNA.
- We go to the “Market” on Android, find the DLNA Server application, download it and launch it.
- Open the menu, add a new DLNA Server, give it a name in the appropriate line, enter the name of your home Internet network.
- We go to the Root menu, mark the folder that can be viewed, and save the changes made.
- We return to the main menu of the program, there is now a created media server there, click on “Start” and turn it on.
- We go to the TV settings, open the “Video” section, find the name of the server there, select it. After this, the selected folders for viewing will appear. Launch the required file and look.
Third-party applications for connection
There are also some mobile applications that are necessary when connecting to certain TV models or that work on the principle of mirroring. That is, on the TV screen you can see everything that is displayed on the phone.
- Samsung Smart View. This program is recommended for connecting a smartphone to Samsung Smart TV. It is something like a file manager. In addition, the application can be used as a remote control.
- MirrorOp or iMediaShare. Download one of the proposed programs to your device (you can find them in the Play Market), launch it and follow the instructions indicated on the screen.
Please note that before using applications, connect both devices to the Internet, and to the same network. If your TV does not support wireless technology, purchase an adapter and install it. Also make sure that the connection speed is fast enough to allow video and other files to be transferred normally, otherwise the image on the screen will freeze or not be displayed at all.
There are several ways to connect a smartphone to a TV. Some of them are capable of turning the device into a full-fledged Smart set-top box, others allow you to launch only specific media files. If you don’t know which one is best to use to connect your phone to TV, then we suggest you read the instructions for each of them. In addition, there is a list of their advantages and disadvantages, which will help you make a choice.
What is it for?
After connecting your phone to the TV, you can use all its functionality on the big screen. Simply put, use a smartphone or tablet as a projector that will transfer the image from the mobile device to the TV. This means that you will be able to:- Watch videos, photos, and other media files from your phone;
- Launch games, applications;
- Engage in full-fledged Internet surfing;
- Arrange presentations and demonstrations.
On some TV models (with a built-in Wi-Fi module), after connecting, the phone can be turned into a full-fledged replacement for the remote control. This is convenient when the “native” one is out of order.
Connection via HDMI
The easiest way. Ideally, your smartphone or tablet should have a special mini HDMI connector for direct connection to the TV. If it is not there, then you can use a special microUSB to HDMI adapter or adapter. After that:- Start the TV, in the signal source selection menu (where AV, USB, PC, etc.) select HDMI;
- Connect your mobile device using an HDMI cable or adapter (mini USB - HDMI);
- The image will automatically adjust to the screen resolution (to fully display the picture). If this does not happen, then go to the phone menu and specify the necessary parameters yourself (image frequency, resolution).
Advantages:
Flaws:
Via USB
When you connect your phone to the TV via a USB interface, the mobile device will be used as a flash drive. That is, all actions performed on the smartphone will not be duplicated on the screen (as in the case of a connection via HDMI), but it will be possible to launch and play individual media files.
Connection Guide:
- Take the USB cable (which is used for connecting with the PC and charging) and connect one end to the phone, and insert the other into the USB connector on the TV;
- On your TV, open the Source menu and select USB. Follow the same steps on your mobile device (the window appears automatically).
Advantages:
Flaws:
WiFi connection
The method is only suitable for modern TVs that have a built-in Wi-Fi module and devices based on Android version no lower than version 4.
Connection order:
- On your phone, go to Settings - Wireless & Networks - Wi-Fi. When the list of available networks opens, click on the button that opens the drop-down list and select “Wi-Fi Direct” (if it is not there, then “Advanced settings”);
- The search for available networks to connect via Wi-Fi Direct will begin;
- Now open the menu on the TV and look for the “Network” sub-item (usually opened using a separate key on the remote control). A list of available connection methods will appear here. Similar to the phone, select Wi-Fi Direct;
- It will begin searching for devices available for connection. To connect via TV, select your mobile phone model from the list. You will be prompted to connect, please confirm it.
After a few moments, the smartphone connects to the TV and begins transmitting a signal, duplicating the image (and transmitting sound) from the mobile to the TV.
Advantages:
Flaws:
Conclusion
Only expensive TVs have a Wi-Fi module, and not all phones support Wi-Fi Direct technology. Therefore, its relevance is still a big question. USB connection is the most outdated method. Only those files (audio, photo, video) whose formats are supported by the TV will be played. Because of this, there is a risk that movies or photos downloaded to your smartphone simply will not be played.The simplest and most accessible connection method is via the HDMI interface. Every modern TV and most older models support it. Even if your mobile does not have an HDMI connector, it is much easier to purchase an adapter or adapter. It has a small price, but you will get access to all the functionality, you will be able to play any media files, connect other devices (mouse, keyboard, gamepad), and access the Internet.
If you don’t yet have an access point (router) at home, but you have already acquired a modern TV with the Smart TV function and want to connect your smartphone or tablet to it, then you can use Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows you to connect devices directly.
In this article I will try to write in detail about how to establish connections between two devices using “Direct” technology. I will show the example of an NTS smartphone on Android OS and an LG TV (32LN575U).
If we talk about why they should be connected, there are several options. For example, to control a TV from your phone, using proprietary technology from LG, called TV Remote. I have already written about this technology and how to set everything up. Or to transfer media content from a smartphone to a TV using DLNA technology (I'll write about this later).
We will need:
- Smartphone or tablet with Wi-Fi Direct support. You can look in the settings, where you can manage Wi-Fi networks, etc.
- TV with Wi-Fi Direct support. You can find out about this in the specifications, call the manufacturer’s support, or look in the settings.
Enable Direct on your phone
Go to settings and in the section “Wireless Connections and Networks” click on the “ More" (this is how it is on my HTC One V, your settings may be called differently). Click on WiFi direct, thereby turning it on. We confirm the inclusion by clicking on Ok.
A message will appear indicating that the feature is enabled.
That's it, let's move on to TV.
Launch Wi-Fi Direct on TV (LG)
Go to settings (there is a special button on the remote for this) and go to the tab Net. Then select “Wi-Fi Direct”.
Modern Smart TVs support data transfer and synchronization with Android devices. You can connect using a USB or HDMI cable, or via Wi-Fi. In some cases, the connection does not occur - the problem arises due to incorrect settings of the smartphone or TV. Below are all the connection methods and troubleshooting methods if the TV does not see the phone via USB.
The need to connect a mobile device to a TV arises in many cases:
- View media files, photos or videos on the big screen.
- Synchronize your phone with TV to transfer information.
- Downloading TV firmware update files from a smartphone.
What is needed for connection
In total, you will need three things: the TV itself, an Android device and a Micro USB (USB Type-C) cable for connection; sometimes an MHL adapter may be required. The smartphone usually downloads the drivers required for successful synchronization on its own, but in some cases manual installation will be required.
Connect via USB interface
- Go to your phone settings, open the Developer Options tab. Enable USB debugging mode.
- If the developer section is not available, open the “About device” information and click on the “Kernel version” item for 3-5 seconds. A notification appears that Developer Options are now available.
- Connect the gadget to the TV using a Micro-USB cable. Android will indicate with a notification that the battery charging process has begun.
- On the TV remote control, press the “Source” or “Signal Source” button. Select your Android device.
- Installing drivers and necessary software usually takes no more than a minute. After completing the process, proceed to working with the gadget.
Important! If the drivers are not installed automatically, download them from the manufacturer’s official website and manually transfer them to the TV via a flash drive or Micro SD memory card. Find more detailed information in the instructions.
Connecting using HDMI
Some older tablet models are equipped with a Mini-HDMI connector, but in most cases this interface is not installed on smartphones. Connecting modern gadgets is possible using a Micro-USB – HDMI adapter, it’s called an mhl adapter. This method allows you not only to watch high quality videos (Full HD) on TV, but also to fully transfer files between your mobile device and TV.
- Connect the device to the TV using an HDMI cable. In most cases, you will not need to make any additional settings.
- On the remote, press the "Source" button and select the "HDMI" source. Synchronization usually takes a few seconds.
We use Wi-Fi
Synchronizing via Wi-Fi is not much different from transferring multimedia files via Bluetooth.
- Open the gadget settings and go to the Wi-Fi tab. Tap on the wireless network switch.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, then click on “Advanced options”.
- Go to the “Wi-Fi Direct” tab. This function is used to directly pair Android with other devices.
- Open the Smart-TV menu by pressing the corresponding button. Go to the "Network" section.
Important! On different TV models, the section may have similar, but not identical names.
- Find "Wi-Fi Direct" and turn it on. The scanning will begin, usually taking no more than 5-10 seconds. A list of devices available for pairing will appear. Select your phone and click "Connect". The gadget will be synchronized.
VGA connector for video transmission
Older TV models are not equipped with HDMI and USB connectors. To pair an Android tablet or phone, use an adapter.
- Connect the Micro-USB cable of the device to the VGA adapter. Insert the other end into the connector on your mobile device.
- On the remote, press "Source", then select "VGA" as the source.
- Pairing takes a few seconds. After the operation is completed, use the gadget to broadcast videos or photos to the TV screen.
This technology is rapidly becoming obsolete, so it is now difficult to find similar adapters.
Screen Mirroring Program
Samsung smartphones and TVs support the proprietary Screen Mirroring application, which allows you to duplicate the screen of a mobile gadget on your TV.
Important! The function only works on Samsung phones and TVs.
- Go to your device settings. Click on the "Tablet/Smartphone Visibility" tab.
- Enable the function by pressing the corresponding button.
- Open the notification shade on Samsung. Tap on the “Smart View” screen mirroring application icon.
- On the TV remote, click on “Menu”, then “Screen Mirroring”.
- After a few seconds, the name of your TV will appear on the phone screen. Tap on it to pair. The process usually does not take longer than 10 seconds.
Now the device screen will be duplicated on a large monitor. The function can be used to display files that the TV does not support opening directly.
If the TV does not see the device
There are several main reasons why the phone is not recognized by the TV.
- Using MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode when connecting. In this case, change the mode to PTP or “USB device”.
- The TV does not support the desired file format. Some models do not open MP4 videos, others do not work well with AVI. Find out which formats your TV does not support and convert the video file to one of the available ones.
- The cable used for pairing is damaged. The problem is solved by purchasing a new HDMI or USB cable.
- For a wireless connection, make sure the devices are connected to the same access point (SSID).
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Conclusion
Synchronizing a mobile gadget with a TV is possible using a USB cable, MHL adapter, HDMI or VGA interfaces, as well as wireless methods - WiFi Direct and Screen Mirroring. LG and Samsung TVs support proprietary utilities for transferring files and videos, while older models are connected only with VGA cables. If the TV does not see the device, make sure that the cable is not damaged, debugging is enabled, and PTP mode is used for transmission.
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