How to connect a smartphone to a TV

The possibilities of modern technology make you believe in miracles. If earlier connecting a computer to a TV seemed like something fantastic, now you can connect even the most ordinary smartphone to a TV. This is quite natural, because smartphones at the moment are not very different from computers either in functionality or performance, which allows these mobile devices to take over some of the functions performed by PCs.

Why do you need to connect your smartphone to your TV?

A smartphone connected to a TV can perform many tasks. With it, you can display videos, photos or other images and view them on your TV display. You can also run various types of presentations and graphics. And, of course, the smartphone retains the ability to run games and applications, which allows you to enjoy the latest in the mobile gaming industry on the big screen.

Ways to connect a smartphone to a TV

For many users, connecting a smartphone to a TV screen seems complicated, but this is nothing more than a misconception. This article presents three main ways to synchronize your mobile device with your TV.

• HDMI;
• Wi-Fi;
• USB.

Each method should be described in more detail.

Via HDMI

Switching using an HDMI cable is the easiest way to connect two devices. The best option would be to have a mini HDMI connector on your mobile device or tablet. Using this port, you can connect your phone directly to the TV without adapters. If such a connector is not provided on your mobile device, you should use an adapter. Below you will find simple instructions for connecting your phone to TV:

1. Connect the HDMI to micro USB adapter to your smartphone. The HDMI port of the adapter should be connected to a similar cable. The other end of the cable should be connected to the corresponding connector on the back of the TV.
2. Once the two devices are connected, you should proceed to setting up the TV. First you need to call up the signal selection menu. This is done by pressing the Input button on the remote control. After that, you need to find the HDMI connector and select it.
3. The image from the smartphone screen should appear on the TV display. The system will automatically select the required resolution. If this does not happen and the image is distorted, you should make the adjustment yourself.

The connection is complete, all images from the smartphone screen will automatically appear on the TV device. With this technology, the user can watch movies or enjoy games on the TV screen.

Connection via Wi-Fi

In the case where it is not possible to use an HDMI-micro USB cable to duplicate the smartphone screen on a TV, it is possible to connect via Wi-Fi wireless networks.

REFERENCE! This method can be used by Android users no lower than version 4 and iPhone users no lower than 4S.

To connect two devices via Wi-Fi connection, the user needs to do the following:

1. On your smartphone, you need to go to the “Settings”—“Wireless Networks”—“Wi-Fi” menu. After that, a list of devices that can be connected will appear. Then you need to call up an additional list and find the “Wi-Fi Direct” option. This option can also be located in the “Advanced Settings” section.
2. After enabling this function, the search for devices for switching will automatically begin.
3. The next step is to set up the TV. You need to take the remote control and select the “Network” section in the menu, and then select the “Wi-Fi Direct” option.
4. The TV will then start searching for devices to connect. From the proposed list of devices, you need to select the smartphone with which you want to connect. The phone will then prompt you to do so. After confirming it, the user will establish a connection.

After these steps, the connection between the phone and the TV will be established, and the user will be able to watch movies or launch applications on the big screen.

The main advantage of this connection is the absence of wires, which makes use more comfortable. However, this feature can significantly reduce the battery level on your mobile device.

Using USB

This method differs from the others in that in this case the broadcast from the smartphone screen will not be transmitted to the TV. When connecting via USB, the TV will see the mobile device only as a memory storage device. It is impossible to launch applications and use the mobile Internet when connected via USB, but you can open and play any media files stored on the device’s memory. Here are a few simple steps that will allow you to connect your mobile phone and TV:

1. First you need to take a standard USB cable that comes with any phone and connect your smartphone and TV device with it.
2. Then, on the TV, open the “Signal Sources” menu and select the USB port as the source. At the same time, a corresponding context menu will appear on the phone, in which you should select the “Use as a storage device” item.

REFERENCE! Menu names and sub-headings may vary depending on model.

After these steps, the TV will be able to use all the files stored on the smartphone.

How to connect a smartphone to a specific TV

Many TVs have unique connection methods, so the connection process may vary between models. For example, TV devices from LG have a special Smart Share program, which makes it easier to switch between devices. For such a connection, it is enough to set up regular Wi-Fi and connect both TV and smartphone to this network. After that, launch Smart Share and follow the instructions inside the application. Samsung's AllShare software works similarly.