Android TV connection. How to connect an Android phone to a TV: all the ways. How to connect Android to TV - connection settings
Recent events with television in our homeland made us think about alternative options. Who does not know, on New Year's Eve, on the night of December 31 to January 1, almost all Ukrainian TV channels were turned off (this applies only to Ukraine). That is, the channels that usually broadcast all New Year's shows, films, etc. were completely turned off. After a while, providers began to restore access, but in most cases this is the same iptv in the window. All channels are trumpeting to switch to digital, buy tuners and other delights of "modern life". Having rummaged around the bottom of the barrel, I found an old stick on the android, as well as an 8-inch tablet lying idle. Everything would be fine, but due to lack of knowledge and impulse, at one time I bought an HDMI-RCA cable and thought that I was the king of the hill, now I will connect any devices to old TVs ... but it was not there. In general, I had to buy a converter, which in turn made me very happy with the quality and price.
Chose at that time the cheapest and with good reviews. The seller sent the goods the next day by Estonian post. The product, taking into account the holidays, arrived to me in 3 weeks.
The set includes the device itself, a mini-usb cable and instructions, with the indicated operating modes 
The device is made to last. No glue, crevices or plastic pieces. All connectors are firmly attached, and overall the device is pleasant to hold in your hand. 
The device works in one direction (if you need the opposite direction, the seller has such models). Ie I only needed HDMI input and RCA output. There is also a switch between PAL and NTSC formats. 
So, what I needed to connect:
1) The stick itself on the android or any other device that has an HDMI output (mini, macro ... everything can be connected via adapters)
2) HDMI cable. In this case, when connecting the stick, I do not need a cable. But if a tablet is connected, it is definitely needed
3) Adapter for powering the converter (it is not included in the kit and I advise you not to take those that come in sets, they are either completely not working, or low-power) ... you will also need an adapter for powering the stick (included). The converter has no power supply to the connected devices. I took the adapter allegedly for 2A, but in fact there is 0.7-0.8A. This is enough for normal converter operation.
4) RCA cables ... in common people tulips 
I must say right away that people who do not like to bother with commutations, wires ... the option disappears. There will be a lot of cables, but they are easily hidden behind an old TV. The only thing you need is a slightly peeping stick with a keyboard and mouse connected to it (2in1). 
When switching on the device between PAL-NTSC, the device displays it on the TV and shows the resolution. In my case, in PAL mode, the picture is displayed normally, when switching to NTSC, the picture is stretched and the controls go out of frame 
As a result, after watching iptv all day, the converter never crashed or freezes. The heating temperature is within normal limits (for example, the stick heats up much more). Therefore, for this money I consider it an excellent solution to my problem and I can recommend the seller and the product, everything is done with high quality and the price does not bite. Thank you all for your attention
I plan to buy +72 Add to favourites I liked the review +51 +101It's not always convenient to watch photos or movies on a small screen, so the question arises of how to connect Android to a TV. There are special cables (USB, HDMI, RCI with adapters) with which you can enjoy your favorite videos / photos on the big screen. At the same time, there is a wireless option for connecting via WIFI.
Most modern TVs have a very wide range of interfaces, which includes USB. Typically, the latter is located on the back of your TV. To connect your android smartphone or tablet to your TV, you need a standard micro-USB to USB adapter. This cable is usually supplied with the phone. If not, you can purchase a cable from the market.
To connect your android device to your TV via usb, do the following:
Now, with the help of the TV, you can actually inspect the folders and files on your android smartphone. If the phone is not found in the list of available devices, reconnect it, and then try to select another mode, for example, "MTP Media Device" or "PTP Camera".
The highest quality picture and video on your TV can be obtained using an HDMI cable. This technology allows the transmission of multichannel high-definition audio and video with copy protection. Modern TVs necessarily have a similar output, which cannot be said about telephones.
The HDMI connector can only be found in TV boxes on Android or some tablet models, so you will have to buy a special USB to HDMI adapter.
We connect the part and the TV with an HDMI wire. The adapter usually has a micro-USB cable that connects to the phone. Further instructions are similar to the previous method. We find your device directly on TV, and in the file system we select the desired photo or video to launch.
Make sure the file format on your phone is supported by your TV, otherwise you will get a "File not supported" message. In this case, it will be impossible to start it.
For the above method to work, your phone must support Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) technology. However, there is another alternative - SlimPort. There are special adapters that allow you to similarly connect a smartphone or tablet to a TV. This technology is found in some Nexus tablets.
If your TV is not, so to speak, "modern"? Typically, these models are equipped with standard RCA connectors, which require the so-called "tulip". To connect, you need an RCA-HDMI cable and one of the above-described adapters, thanks to which you will connect the phone.
Sound and picture quality will be poor, but now you can use your TV to watch files from your phone. Here you only need to select the source of the image from the "tulips" in the TV settings.
Using Wi-Fi
Wireless data transfer eliminates the need for various wires and adapters. Thanks to Wi-Fi, you can put your phone in another room while navigating the file system from the comfort of your couch.
This allows Wi-Fi Direct. Most TVs have at their disposal Smart-TV, which involves the use of this technology. Also, your android phone or tablet must have this application.
Setting up is somewhat similar to pairing two Bluetooth devices. It includes three simple steps:
- Go to the wireless settings on your tablet or phone, find and launch Wifi Direct.
- In the TV menu, find the Network tab, select Wifi Direct.
- After activating the connection, wait until the end of the automatic setup for both devices.
Now your gadget is synced with your TV, and you can view photos, videos and other files.
If your TV does not support Wifi Direct, you can buy a separate Wi-Fi adapter that supports Miracast. It connects to the HDMI connector of your TV, while allowing you to project the screen of your gadget.
The advantage of this kind of method is that the TV does not need to be able to read various audio and video file formats. You, without any problems navigating through the touch screen of the gadget, will be able to view videos or photos.
Moreover, since Miracast only means broadcasting a picture to the screen, you can easily play any games on your tablet or smartphone. If the device supports HD resolution, the picture will be broadcast in the appropriate quality. The only drawback is the image delay by several tens of milliseconds.
Hello! As promised, I continue to describe how to connect the phone to the TV. In a previous article on this topic, it was already written about some methods, namely, connection. But this can be said to be outdated methods. They were replaced by the MHL and SlimPort formats.
Can I connect my phone to a TV using USB
On the Internet, you may encounter such delusion "To connect a phone to a TV through the MicroUsb port in a mobile device, it is enough to purchase a MicroUsb -HDMI adapter" - This is far from the case. Let's see why.
There really is such an opportunity, but for this your smartphone must have not just USB, but USB with MHL support. And as you can imagine, not all models are exactly like that. Here is a less up-to-date list of MHL-enabled gadgets models.
If you don't go into too much detail, the difference between the ports is as follows. With regular USB you can A) Send / receive data. B) Charge the phone battery. But USB with MHL, in addition to the above functions, is also capable of transmitting an image and sound signal and in high resolution. In fact, this is USB and HDMI in one bottle. But still, this is not HDMI in its pure form, so for a simple connection, the TV must also have an HDMI / MHL port. In the meantime, not all models have such an extension.
But if everything is exactly the same with your equipment, both the mobile device and the TV support MHL, then, as they say, it's in the bag, and you're in chocolate. There is little left to do, you need a cable for connection. This question is not idle, just like that, you can overshoot and the whole point is that there is no single standard among manufacturers, but there is a desire to make money on accessories.
For example, the latest gadgets from Samsung use a USB connector with 11 pins, while others use 5 pins, so check this point when buying or use a 5pin \\ 11pin adapter. And in all other respects it is a normal cable at one end of which is MicroUSB, and at the other HDMI.
So what do we have in pure form? This is probably the most comfortable way to connect gadgets to a TV, monitor, etc. In addition to high-quality images up to 4K (Ultra HD) and eight-channel audio 7.1. synchronization with the remote control takes place, and the phone is charged directly from the TV. The main thing is that both the mobile device and the TV have the HML specification. It remains to connect the cable and switch the TV to the desired mode through the menu for selecting signal sources. No settings required, plug in and enjoy.
Well, what if the mobile device has MHL, and the TV only has regular HDMI. For this case, an adapter is needed.
USB to HDMI or MHL-HDMI adapter
When the smartphone has MHL and the TV only has HDMI - this is exactly the case when such an adapter can come to the rescue. This is not just an adapter, it is an adapter that converts the signal from MHL into one that is understandable for a TV that does not have this extension, that is, a TV with simple HDMI. Today manufacturers offer different options, let's consider some of them.
USBHDMI adapter - This device is active and therefore needs nutrition.
The supply voltage must be connected. For this, we use a standard charger from your device. You will also need a separate HDMIHDMI cable to connect the TV to the adapter.
Usually all such adapters are equipped with 5-pin microUSB connectors, except for adapters manufactured by Samsung, which have 11 pins. They are interchangeable when using a 5 PIN11 PIN adapter. 
In addition, some adapters produced by the above company, for the MHL 2.0 version (MHL 2.0 is the version with increased power supply from the TV to the smartphone) do not need external power, they are powered from the HDMI port, but the mobile device will not be charged, and this is a minus.
Active Cable -Another option to connect your phone via USB / MHL to a TV with HDMI without MHL
In fact, this is the same adapter that needs an external power source, but with a slightly different design. It is made in the form of a one-piece cable with a separate outlet for connecting power, all the electronic filling is in the body of one of the connectors. On the plus side, there is no need for a separate HDMI cable.
In this article, we will only touch on the most common ways to connect a phone to a TV and start with wired connections due to their widespread use.
Connect phone using USB interface
Most modern TVs have USB ports, thereby providing ample opportunities for connecting a variety of USB devices, incl. and smartphones.
With this connection, the smartphone is defined as a USB storage device (i.e., like a regular flash drive), and we get access to video files and image files that are stored on the phone's memory card.
This method is suitable if you only need to display it on the big screen and do not use it for presentations and web surfing.
All smartphones in the kit have a Micro-USB to USB adapter cable that is used for charging and data transfer. To connect, you need to connect 2 devices to each other and, if necessary, indicate that the smartphone will be used in USB storage mode.
The advantages of this method are the availability in view of the widespread use of the USB interface, and the disadvantage is the limited functionality without the ability to display images from the smartphone on the TV screen.
Connect your phone using HDMI interface
This type of connection compensates for the shortcomings of connecting using a USB interface, allowing you to display an image (and not just video files) from a smartphone on a TV display, displaying everything that happens on the smartphone display.
The disadvantage is that not all smartphones have an HDMI interface, so you need to purchase a special adapter or adapter to connect. After connection in the phone, you must select the mode of operation as a media device, and the HDMI interface on the TV.
The advantages of such a connection are the full use of the TV for various tasks, and not just for playing video files on the big screen.
The image is broadcast without delay, which can occur when using a wireless connection, which we will talk about a little later.
The disadvantages of this method include the need for an HDMI interface in the smartphone, or, in its absence, the need to purchase additional adapters or adapters.
Connect your phone using Wi-Fi
Connecting a phone via Wi-Fi compares favorably with the two previous methods, because does not require cables, and the transfer of information is carried out, which is called over the air.
It is worth noting that today many equipment manufacturers are trying to move away from wired data transmission or push it into the background.
To connect devices wirelessly, your TV must have a built-in Wi-Fi module, and one of the programs for controlling the TV must be installed on your phone. All programs are absolutely free and you can easily find them on the AppStore or Google Play.
A connection between a smartphone and a plasma can be made either through a router (router), or directly without the use of third-party devices, using Wi-Fi Direct technology.
When connecting through a router and there are connection problems, you need to make sure that both devices are in the same subnet, the UpnP mode of the router is enabled, and the firewall is configured to allow traffic exchange between devices.
After turning on the TV, we launch the control application on the smartphone, which scans the network for available nodes. When devices are found, we connect.
Important! Setting up a connection using Wi-Fi Direct technology is very similar to the settings for data transfer via Bluetooth, and if you have ever used this technology, you can easily cope with setting up Wi-Fi Direct.
When using Wi-Fi Direct technology, you need to enable this mode first on your smartphone, then on your TV. After turning on Wi-Fi Direct mode, the TV will search for all devices available for connection within the range of the network.
After scanning, you should select our smartphone and complete the connection, confirming the action on both devices.
We connect the smartphone to the TV
In the review, I will tell you about what opportunities your smartphone with an HDMI adapter has.
Wired connection
HDMI
If your smartphone is equipped with a micro- or mini-HDMI port, which is not so common, you are lucky enough to have the simplest wired connection option available - HDMI-HDMI. Of course, if the TV set also has such a connector. In other cases, an adapter adapter is required.
The type of cable shown in the picture can be purchased from any electronics store (they are inexpensive). Besides him, you will not need anything else.
The procedure for connecting TV and phone:
- Turn off both devices (unplug the TV cord from the wall outlet).
- Connect the ends of the cable to the appropriate jacks.
- Turn on TV and smartphone.
- Select HDMI as the source in the TV menu. Then the phone screen will be displayed on TV.
Additionally, in the HDMI options (on the TV), you can specify the resolution and image frequency if problems arise during automatic setup.
HDMI connection is convenient, but has a number of disadvantages. Most annoying is the fast draining of your smartphone battery. This means you have to keep it constantly connected to the charger, which is sometimes impossible (if the ports are close, and the cable of one blocks access to the other). In addition, some older android phones do not transmit all content via HDMI (for example, only pictures in a slideshow) or require additional applications to be installed.
To connect phones without an HDMI connector to this type of port, you can use a micro-USB-HDMI adapter, but better - MHL, which will be discussed below.
MHL
MHL is a more advanced and modern standard for wired connection of mobile gadgets and TV. It is implemented using special cables or converter converters, which are connected at one end to the micro-USB port, and at the other to HDMI. Unlike HDMI-HDMI connection, MHL provides power to the connected device, which is very convenient, as well as better playback quality and faster transfer speed.
There are two types of MHL cables and adapters - passive and active. Active ones require additional power, for which they have another USB port (such an adapter is connected to the TB via USB).
Passive cables are only compatible with devices that both support the MHL standard. It is enough that MHL is supported only by the reproducing side (TV), and the phone is not necessary.
Physical connection of devices via MHL is carried out in the same way as HDMI, so we will not consider it separately.
By the way, gadgets with SuperMHL support will soon appear on the market - the next stage in the development of this technology. The advantages of the novelty are higher video quality (8K resolution, 48 bit color depth, 120 frames per second), support for surround sound and USB Type-C standard. Many smartphones of the latest generation are equipped with ports of this type.
SlimPort
SlimPort is another new technology for combining mobile devices and TV into a coherent system. It works through a special adapter that connects one side to the USB port of the phone, and the other to the HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort or DVI connector of the TV. This, perhaps, is its main difference from MHL.
Other significant differences are clearly not in favor of SlimPort. Firstly, SlimPort does not power the mobile device (although for this there is another micro-USB port on the adapter itself, where you can insert the charger). Secondly, it can only be used on devices that mutually support the technology, and there are not too many of them yet.
Connecting your phone to an old TV
It's good to be the owner of Smart TV - there are plenty of options for connecting a phone to such a device, but what about the owners of old TV boxes? We hasten to reassure you: there are a little less ways to connect to an old TV, but they also exist.
Older devices, as a rule, are equipped with one or two external interfaces, for example, RCA (tulips), VGA, S-Video or SCART. And the phone's output is still the same micro-USB. In some cases, the Jack 3.5 headset port is also used to communicate with the TV, and the 20-pin service connector on the iPhone.
To connect these incompatible devices with each other, you need, of course, adapters. For instance:
- RCA-Jack 3.5.
- VGA-micro-USB.
- S-Video-micro-USB.
- SCART-USB-micro-USB, etc.
Unfortunately, such adapters are difficult to find on the free market - they are practically not in demand. Therefore, if necessary, you will have to look for them in foreign online stores or do it yourself.
Alas, you cannot get a good image when transmitting a video signal through an adapter. In addition, most of them do not support audio transmission.
A more expensive but reasonable alternative to strings is the set-top box. This is a device capable of providing an ordinary TV with Smart functions. One of such consoles has already been mentioned in the article - Apple TV, but besides it there are many others - based on Android systems and familiar Windows.
The set-top box will turn your old TV set into a completely modern computer with a lot of interfaces for connecting peripheral devices. And the problem of connecting to a mobile phone will disappear by itself.
- The question worries many users, because what could be more convenient than a portable smartphone and a huge diagonal TV, combined together. It is enough to set up the connection and the smartphone will act as a media player, and the TV will duplicate everything that happens on the phone. The development of technology could not ignore this issue, so there are ways to perform the procedure quite simply and efficiently.
How to connect a TV via an HDMI smartphone ?
The first and best way to connect your smartphone to your TV with a cable is HDMI. The enormous popularity, ease of use, the ability to maintain the charge of the source, and much more make the method the most preferable.
Today HDMI connectors are used everywhere, the smartphone is also actively cooperating with it. The advantage of this method is:
- Easy to connect, you only need a cable, which is full in any electronics store;
- Allows you to get a continuous picture, which is not always possible to achieve via Wi-Fi;
- The data transfer rate is as fast as possible;
- The smartphone does not lose charge, as it receives power through the cable;
- The data is received in digital format. In practice, this means that maximum image quality is achieved. Sound is transmitted to the TV along with the video signal.
Of course, on the reverse side there is a slight limitation in convenience, since it will not be possible to comfortably play games with the accelerometer when the cable is connected. Also, the length of the cable can chain the user to a certain place, which is not always convenient. Among other things, the cable costs money, albeit a little.
The main condition for connection is that both devices have an HDMI connector and its variations of micro- or mini-HDMI. The connector must be visually visible and described in the instructions.
To create a connection you need:
- Turn off both devices;
- Connect them with a cable;
- Most often, the connection is configured automatically;
- On the smartphone, select the "mirroring" function - this is the duplication of the picture on the TV;
Sometimes you want to show the whole family or company at the same time the photos or videos available on your smartphone, then you can use the device's connection to a regular TV. It doesn't take long, but your guests will be able to enjoy a high-quality image and share pleasant memories with you.
How to do it?
If we talk about how to connect a smartphone to a TV, then it should be noted that previously DLNA technology was used for these purposes, which only allowed transferring photos, videos or music. But now that screen mirroring technology exists, the range of available content has expanded significantly, including games and other applications in high resolution, accompanied by stereo sound.
Connecting a smartphone to a TV at the moment is carried out in various ways, because today the electronics market provides a considerable choice in this area. All the options presented are actively competing with each other. There are specialized wired devices, as well as their wireless counterparts. Some of them involve absolute openness, while others are aimed only at working with certain brands, which must be taken into account when choosing.
Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL)
Connecting a smartphone to a TV can be done using the specified technology. It is currently one of the most widely supported open mirroring standards. MHL is available on most smartphones, tablets and TVs, with the exception of Panasonic branded products.
Its use will require an additional MHL adapter connected to a mobile phone via a traditional USB interface. In addition, the adapter has one for connecting to a TV, as well as an additional micro-USB, which allows you to charge the battery.
Intel Wireless Display (WiDi)
If we talk about how to connect a smartphone to a TV, then it is worth noting that this technology is supported exclusively by Intel laptops with Core I processors - the second and fourth generations based on Windows.
Netgear has developed its own WiFI adapter, which is designed to provide support for the technology when HDMI is available.
Miracast
Understanding how to connect a smartphone to a TV, it is worth saying that this technology combines the best of the two previous ones, and is also characterized by an open standard and wireless communication based on WiFi Direct. However, this standard is still quite new, so not all devices support it, but only top smartphones and TVs from LG, Sony and Panasonic. The latest TV models have begun to be equipped with NFC technology, and it provides an opportunity to initiate screen mirroring technology in the simplest way, by placing the device in close proximity to a tag or a remote control.
Samsung AllShare Cast
Speaking about how to connect a smartphone to a TV, it is necessary to talk about specialized devices. AllShare Cast has the same functionality as the previous one, but at the same time it is an exclusive standard that only works with Sony brand products. In addition, the company has produced a separate HDMI adapter that is compatible with all modern TV brands.
Apple AirPlay
This proprietary technology can be easily used if you use the Apple TV set-top box. With it, you can display an image from an iOS device via wireless communication. Optical audio outputs allow you to connect the device to your home theater system.
The development of the Internet and the connection of TVs to it has brought us into a new era when you can use your smartphone as a remote control. Through the phone, you can select the channel you need to watch, adjust the volume, and also use a more convenient keyboard for surfing the Internet.
So, if you already know how to connect a smartphone to a TV, then you should consider using it for control. This opportunity is most relevant in cases where you want to take advantage of the intellectual capabilities of your gadget. Not all TVs support remote control via smartphones, but more and more models are coming out that are equipped with this feature recently. To know for sure, you should visit the website of the TV manufacturer, where you can read its specifications.
It is worth considering not only the issue of showing the smartphone screen on the TV, but also how to establish a connection between these devices to obtain remote control capabilities.
First of all, you need a wireless home network through which your gadgets will communicate. If you do not have a router that supports this function, you can purchase one from a specialist retailer. You should now connect your TV to your home network using a wireless or wired connection. With a cable connection, problems usually arise, since you just need to plug the cable into a special connector.
Using Wi-Fi requires an installation procedure. Next, you need to go through the network settings menu. First, there is a step-by-step installation in the TV menu, after which the home wireless network that was previously installed is selected. Next, you need to enter a password to enter, after which everything will be ready to work. You must now download the Remote App for your smartphone. The choice of one or another application depends on the brand of the TV. For example, you need to connect your smartphone to an LG TV, then you should find this particular brand in the list.
Before you start using your phone for control, you need to pair it with the TV. To do this, you need to open the application, and then clearly follow the instructions. Now you can use the new features.
There are also certain restrictions. Most importantly, most TVs lack Wake-On-LAN functionality. This means that it is not possible to turn on the TV from a smartphone.
There are several ways to connect your smartphone to your TV. Some of them are able to turn the device into a full-fledged Smart set-top box, while others allow you to run only specific media files. If you do not know with the help of which of them it is better to connect the phone to the TV, then we suggest that you read the instructions for each of them. In addition - a list of their advantages and disadvantages, which will help you make your choice.
What is it for?
After connecting your phone to the TV, you can use all of its functionality on the big screen. Simply put - to use a smartphone or tablet as a projector that will transmit the image from the mobile device to the TV. This means that it will be possible to:- Watch videos, photos, other media files from your phone;
- Run games, applications;
- Be engaged in full-fledged Internet surfing;
- Arrange presentations and demos.
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" is out of order.
HDMI connection
The easiest way. Ideally, a smartphone or tablet should have a dedicated mini HDMI connector for direct connection to a TV. If not, then you can use a special adapter from microUSB to HDMI or an adapter. Thereafter:- Start the TV, in the source selection menu (where AV, USB, PC, etc.) select HDMI;
- Connect a mobile device using an HDMI cable or adapter (mini USB - HDMI);
- The image will automatically adjust to the screen resolution (for full picture display). If this did not happen, then go to the phone menu and specify the necessary parameters yourself (image frequency, resolution).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Via USB
When you connect your phone to a TV via USB, 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 connecting via HDMI), but it will be possible to launch and play individual media files.
Connection Guide:
- Take a USB cable (which is used for connecting with a PC and charging) and connect one end of it to the phone, and insert the other into the USB connector on the TV;
- On the TV, open the Source menu and select USB. Perform similar actions on your mobile device (the window appears automatically).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Wi-Fi connection
The method is suitable only for modern TVs with a built-in Wi-Fi module and devices based on Android not lower than the fourth version.
Connection procedure:
- On your phone, go to Settings - Wireless & networks - Wi-Fi. When the list of available networks opens, click on the button calling the drop-down list and select "Wi-Fi Direct" (if it is not there, then "Additional settings");
- It will search for available networks for connection via Wi-Fi Direct;
- Now on the TV, open the menu 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;
- The search will begin for available devices to connect. To connect via TV, select your mobile phone model from the list. It will have a connection request, confirm it.
After a few moments, the smartphone connects to the TV and starts transmitting a signal, duplicating the image (and transmitting sound) from the mobile to the TV.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Conclusion
Only expensive TVs have a Wi-Fi module, and besides, not all phones support Wi-Fi Direct technology. Therefore, its relevance is still a big question. USB connection is the most obsolete method. Only those files (audio, photo, video) that are supported by the TV will be played. Because of this, there is a risk that movies or photos downloaded to the smartphone will simply not be played.The easiest and most affordable connection method is via the HDMI interface. It is supported by every modern TV and most of the older models. Even if your mobile device 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 can play any media files, connect other devices (mouse, keyboard, gamepad), go online.
Now, the idea of \u200b\u200bconnecting a smartphone to a TV is nothing new. As a result, there are several ways to connect your Android phone to a TV, some of which are easier than others. We have a basic rundown of each method here, as well as their pros and cons. Let's take a look at them.
Wire methods: MHL and Slimport
Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) was the first real standard set for connecting an Android device to a TV. It uses your phone's built-in USB port as well as a special cable that converts the display output to a format readable on a TV. In other words: it's a USB to HDMI cable.
There are two different types of MHL cables: active and passive. Active cables are the most common type. They work with just about any TV because they do the actual conversion, but they need an additional power supply (usually in the form of a built-in full-size USB plug) to do so. Passive cables do not perform any conversion. Instead, they are designed for use with an MHL-enabled TV, which is becoming more and more unusual. Passive cables do not require a separate power supply.
Slimport works in much the same way. The big difference with Slimport is that besides HDMI, it can also output to DVI, VGA and DisplayPort. However, despite the added flexibility in choosing the port type, Slimport works in much the same way as MHL.
The biggest problem with these wired options is support. What was once standard on most smartphones, both MHL and Slimport, is becoming increasingly difficult to find on both TVs and smartphones. For example, the last two Google phones (Nexus 6P / 5X and Pixel / XL) are both non-standard, like the last few Samsung Galaxy phones. The same goes for TVs, although even if your TV doesn't have direct MHL or Slimport support, you can still use an active cable to work.
The problem actually lies with your phone. If you're looking for a way to directly connect your smartphone to your TV, you'll need to learn a little. Some manufacturers like LG and HTC still include MHL and / or Slimport on their phones.
Also, you need to make sure you have the correct cable. Make sure that 1) your phone supports a direct connection to the TV, and 2) you are using the correct cable.
In truth, these wired standards are going out of style with the increasing availability of good wireless methods.
Wireless methods: Miracast and Google Cast
Let's be honest here: This is 2018 and no one likes to deal with wires or cables, especially for crossover connections. If you can connect your smartphone to your TV without even getting up from the couch, why not?
The good news is that there are several different types of connections that enable just that: Google Cast and Miracast. Like MHL and Slimport, they are two tools for the same action.
The main difference between these wireless technologies and their wired counterparts - aside from wires - is that instead of mirroring your phone's entire screen to your TV (that's all MHL and Slimport can do), you can choose what to display. For example, you can play YouTube on your TV and still use your smartphone for other purposes - it actually just becomes an expensive remote control.
The biggest drawback is latency. If you plan on playing your phone's games on the big screen, there will definitely be some lag behind what is happening on the phone and what you see on the TV. Because of this, we do not recommend using wireless connections for gaming. Instead, connect via wire.
Of the two technologies, Miracast is the older. It was developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance as a way to play HDMI over Wi-Fi. While Miracast originally required a TV to have built-in Miracast support, many dongles are now available for you to add to any TV.
The biggest problem with Miracast has to do with Digital Rights Management (DRM). Not all Miracast dongles are created equal, so you may or may not be able to stream things like YouTube to every TV.
Google Cast, which was originally called Chromecast, is the easiest to use of all the standards discussed in this article. It is supported by almost all Android devices, has all the features you need to stream DRM-protected content, and generally just works.
App support for Android users is also better than Miracast. This makes it incredibly easy to not only watch YouTube or other movies, but also share images, home videos and even presentations when the need arises.
Regardless of which application or wireless standard you are using to transmit the image, the actual process is very simple: just click the broadcast button in the upper corner of the supported application. I am using YouTube in the screenshot below, but the icon is always the same.
Here, just select your device.
When it comes down to it, it's hard not to recommend Google Cast as the easiest and most efficient way to connect your Android phone to your TV. You can get a Chromecast and enjoy the easiest to use and most versatile Android phone connection.
