Why Use Usb To Connect Phones Tablets And TVs
With the ease and prevalence of casting to mirror a phone screen wirelessly, you might be curious why you should use a USB to TV connection for your phone.
If you hook a phone to your TV with a hardwired connection, you benefit from a low-latency signal.
For instance, if you plan to mirror your phone to a television for gaming, you’ll want a USB connection rather than a wireless configuration. This vastly reduces lag. The same goes for watching movies on a TV over a USB cable from the phone.
Plus, for situations where you lack Wi-Fi or have a weak wireless signal, you’ll need a wired connection instead.
To connect your phone or tablet to a TV, you can use one of the following methods:
How you connect your phone to the TV depends on your specific device and operating system. Although all methods are similar, the process differs for connecting an iPhone versus an Android device.
Similarly, your connection method varies depending on your needs. Simply viewing photos on a compatible television requires your charging cable and mobile device. But for screen mirroring, you’ll need a USB adapter.
Note that for USB connections between a phone and TV, the model of TV shouldn’t matter, however. The steps below outlining how to connect your phone to a TV apply to Samsung, LG, and many other manufacturers. Better still, the same steps can be used to connect a phone to non-smart TV.
How To Connect With An Adapter Or Cable
In case you don’t have a Chromecast-compatible device, then you can connect your TV with your smartphone by using an HDMI adapter or cable to connect your phone to your TV and mirror your screen.
It is one of the most reliable methods to connect your smartphone with your TV. Most TVs come with an HDMI port which can be used to transfer audio and video files from a single source. Since your phone doesnt have an HDMI port you will need an adapter that can connect your phone with your TV.
USB connector
Most smartphones come with a USB connector and charging cables, which easily let you connect your laptop and power adapters. Smart TVs also have a USB port, through which you can connect your smartphone and easily transfer all your files, data, videos, etc.
DLNA applications
DLNA applications are an excellent way to connect your Smart TV to a mobile phone connection. You will need to connect your phone to your TV through an internet connection. In case you have a smart TV, it will mostly support DLNA. This is a form of streaming media and allows you to stream all kinds of files from your smartphone to your TV. The method also allows you to stream data from other devices like a tablet or a laptop. You can also stream your TV and any gaming console with DLNA. LocalCasts and AllCast are some Android apps that allow you to connect your TV with other devices.
Screen Mirror Using A Dex Cable Or Hdmi Cable
Note: The Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy A, and Galaxy J series do not support HDMI output.
If you can’t connect your phone or tablet to a TV wirelessly, you can still screen mirror using a DeX cable or a USB-C to HDMI cable. Just connect the cable to your TV. On some models, it may start screen mirroring automatically. Other times, you may need to swipe down from the top of your device’s screen to open the Notification panel. Then, tap the Samsung DeX notification that says “Tap here to switch to screen mirroring.” Now select the correct source on your TV and whatever is displayed on your phone will appear on the TV.
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Connect To The TV With Airplay
On Apple devices, youll be able to use AirPlay: Apples proprietary technology for casting audio and video wirelessly.
Naturally, AirPlay is designed to work between Apple devices only, but if youre sending content from the best iPhone or the best iPad to your Apple TV, AirPlay will have you sorted. If both devices are connected to the same WiFi network, theyll automatically detect each other, and youll be able to select the AirPlay connection in your phones settings, the same way you would with Bluetooth for connecting to the best wireless headphones.
Connecting Phone To TV Using Usb With Mhl
MHL is one of the most common solutions for connecting a phone to a HDMI TV with a micro-USB cable. This technology allows MHL-compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets to connect to televisions and projectors.
You can browse a list of MHL-enabled devices on the official MHL website.
To use Mobile High-Definition Link, you will need
- MHL-enabled phone
- USB to HDMI MHL adapter or cable
Although this is the general setup, the specific cable you’ll need varies. Google MHL cable to find a list of compatible cables.
To connect your phone to a TV using a USB cable and MHL, first hook up your phone via an MHL adapter. The adapter will require power either from a USB port on the cable or an external source.
Although MHL initially required a power connection, MHL 2.0 makes this non-essential. Still, since MHL does draw power from the mobile device, it’s wise to connect a power cable.
Next, connect your phone to your television with the MHL cable. After that, you should see your phone screen on your TV it’s plug-and-play.
Overall, Mobile High-Definition Link is one of the best solutions for connecting an Android phone to a TV using a USB cable.
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Big Screen Big Entertainment
Your phone keeps you connected with all of the latest media. And with these 3 different methods to choose from, you can find a quick and easy way to enjoy that media from the comfort of your own TV. Want to discover other ways that technology can improve your day? Visit Verizons accessory page to browse the different gadgets and gears that fit right into your connected life.
*AirPlay is compatible with the second-generation Apple TV or later. AirPlay Mirroring is available with iPhone 4s or later, iPad Pro, iPad , iPad Air or later, iPad mini or later, and iPod touch . AirPlay 2 may require a software update to existing speakers or new hardware depending on speaker manufacturer.
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How Do I Pair My Phone With My TV
Depending on your phone, there are a few different ways to connect your phone to your TV. One of the easiest is to purchase a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which connects your phone directly to the television. Then, you can plug an HDMI cable into the TV. When youre done, the TV will display your Android screen. If youre using an iPhone, you can connect it to the TV with a Lightning cable.
Fortunately, you dont have to purchase a separate cable. Most new televisions are equipped with USB ports, which make it easy to connect a phone to the TV. After youve found a USB port, you can turn your phone into a media device, allowing it to play content on your TV. If your television doesnt have a USB port, you can use a TV that doesnt have one.
You can also use your phone to connect to your TV. Some televisions dont have Bluetooth support, so youll need to use a different cable to connect to your TV. If youre using an Android device, youll need an HDMI to USB cable to connect your phone to your TV. You can also connect your smartphone to your TV by using an Android TV Box or Google Chromecast.
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Hdmi Connector On Older Phones
A few years ago, several Android phones and tablets shipped with a physical HDMI-out port. These devices included the Sony Xperia S, LG Optimus 2x, LG Optimus 3D P920 , Acer Iconia A1, and others.
Should you have one of these old devices, you’ll need a special HDMI cable. These have a standard Type-A connector at one end and a suitable connector at the other. This might be Type D , Type-C , or the standard Type-A.
The problem with these phones, however, is their age. You won’t be able to enjoy the latest versions of Android with older hardware, and by extension, the safety and stability of security updates.
How To Mirror Your Smartphone Or Tablet On Your TV
You can access the whole of the web and tons of streaming services right from your phone or tablet, but sometimes that content deserves to be seen on the biggest screen in your home – your TV. How can you mirror from a phone or tablet to a TV, you ask? If you have the right gear, it’s surprisingly easy. We’ll walk you through all of the options, whether you own an iPhone, an Android device, or a computer.
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How To Connect The Phone To A TV Wirelessly
There are three possible ways to connect your Android smartphone to a TV wirelessly. You can either use a Google Chromecast, Android TV Box that supports MiraCast or a Smart TV that supports MiraCast or has a built-in Chromecast.
You also need to ensure that youre phone and TV are connected to the same network for it to work.
What Is Screen Mirroring
Screen Mirroring is a feature in most smartphones that allows you to wirelessly cast the phones content on another device screen, mostly a TV or an external monitor. It is useful in situations where you want to showcase photos, play games, and watch movies on the big screen.
Smart TVs have the screen mirroring functionality built-in whereas for older TVs, you will need a media stick or a media player for the screen mirroring to work. Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Roku are some of the most popular media streaming devices that support screen mirroring.
There are mainly two prerequisites required for casting your smartphone to a Smart TV. First, make sure both your smartphone and TV should be connected to the same WiFi network. Secondly, your smart TV should have chromecast built in or/and you should have a streaming device that supports screen mirroring.
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Connect Your Android Phone To Your TV Using Dlna App
This is our last method of how to connect your Android phone to your TV wirelessly. You can also find out more about other methods.
A DLNA app helps users to stream media files from their Android phones to their TVs. Note that you can only stream files without Digital Rights Management. Read more here. This applies to videos that are DRM protected.
With this method, you need to connect your TV and Android phone to the same Wi-Fi.
To enable the DLNA feature on your Android phone, follow the steps below
- Tap the Apps Key from the Home screen of your Android.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Share and Connect
- Click the Menu Key once again.
- Go to Settings.
Your Roku TV Is Not Allowing Network Access
Its also possible to turn off network access from within your Roku TV. This keeps your Roku TV protected from attacks from any other local devices, but it stops your Roku app from connecting to your Roku TV.
To allow your Roku TV to accept network connections:
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How To Connect Your Android Phone To Your TV
How you connect your Android phone to your TV depends both on what brand of phone and TV you own. Android phones can connect wirelessly to recent-model TVs if they are on the same WiFi network and support the same WiFi-based standards. Here’s how it works for the most popular brands:
You may also be able to connect your Android phone to your TV with an HDMI cable. Most recent-model Android phones have USB-C ports, and some of these phones’ USB-C ports support HDMI out. Called HDMI Alt mode, you’ll find this feature on select models from some manufacturers. For instance, most recent Samsung Galaxy S and Note phones support HDMI out as well as recent LG V and G series , OnePlus phones , and recent Sony Xperia phones . Check with your phone manufacturer to see if your smartphone supports HDMI output.
How To Mirror Your Android Phone To Your TV With A Roku
You can also mirror an Android phone to a TV with a Roku. No matter the content you want to send from your Android phone to your TV, Roku can help you establish the connection wirelessly.
You must check to see whether your Roku supports screen mirroring before you establish the connection. The good news is that most of the latest Roku models support screen mirroring.
You must also check if your Android supports screen mirroring as well. Most Android devices model 4.4.2 or later support screen mirroring.
Here is how to mirror an Android phone to a TV with Roku:
- Ensure Roku is running properly with updates installed.
- Locate the screen mirroring feature and enable or click on it- the screen mirroring feature is located under Settings.
- Click on Media Output.
- Select the Roku device you want to mirror to.
Its that simple.
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Connect With An Adapter Or Cable
If you don’t have a Chromecast-compatible device, use an HDMI cable and adapter to connect your phone to your TV and mirror what’s on your screen. You have a few different options here, and which one you choose will depend on the type of display you’re connecting to, how long, andmost importantlywhether or not you’ll need to charge your phone while doing it.
The simplest option is a USB-C to HDMI adapter. If your phone has a USB-C port, you can plug this adapter in to your phone, plug an HDMI cable in to the adapter, and then connect the cable to the TV. Your phone will need to support HDMI Alt Mode, which allows mobile devices to output video.
Keep in mind that this method will take up your charging port on your phone, so if you plan to mirror content to your TV on a regular basis, you will eat up your battery. In this case, you may prefer to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter that includes a charging port. You can then charge the phone while screen mirroring.
If you have an older Micro USB-style port, you will need a micro USB to HDMI adapter. With this method, your phone will need to support a different protocol called MHL. If you have a supported phone, hook it up to the adapter, then attach an HDMI cable and connect it to a TV.
Connecting A Phone To TV Using Usb Slimport
If you have an older phone, you might connect your phone to a TV with a SlimPort cable. While similar to MHL, SlimPort offers different outputs, but uses the micro-USB connection.
Whereas MHL is limited to HDMI, SlimPort outputs to HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and VGA. This makes it better suited to a variety of displays, including older monitors and TVs with no digital inputs.
Unlike MHL, SlimPort does not draw power from mobile devices.
You’ll need the following to connect a phone to your TV using a SlimPort adapter:
- A micro-USB SlimPort cable or adapter
- Appropriate video cable for your display
Begin by plugging the SlimPort adapter into your phone. Then, attach the SlimPort adapter to your display using the proper cable. You should then be able to view your phone’s screen on a TV. Like MHL, it’s plug-and-play.
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How Do I Connect My Device To My Samsung TV
To connect your smartphone, tablet, or TV to your TV, you need to make sure theyre on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Phone or Tablet app and select the Devices option. Click the Connected devices tab and then click Add a device. You can also select the TV in the list and choose it as your remote control. After your devices are connected, you can choose the screen mirroring mode and start mirroring your devices screen.
To pair your phone with your Samsung TV, first turn on the device you want to connect to the TV. You can do this by navigating to the Connection Guide. In this section, select the category you want to pair with the TV. If you have multiple Bluetooth devices, you can select the first one you want. Then, refresh the list to choose the other devices. Once youve selected your Bluetooth device, you can go back to the Connection Guide.
After launching the App, navigate to the Connection Guide. Once youre there, choose the device you want to connect to. You may have to refresh the list if you need to. Highlight the device you want to connect. Then, press the Pair and Connect button. Then, the device will be connected to the Samsung TV. Youll be able to use the device to watch content on your TV as well as browse the internet.
How To Connect Your iPhone To Your TV
The easiest way to connect your iPhone to your TV is to do it wirelessly. To do that, you’ll need a TV that supports the most recent version of AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Most TV manufacturers started building AirPlay 2 into their products in 2018 or 2019. You can check for your model on Apple’s list of AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and streaming devices.
To use AirPlay:
If you have an older TV that doesn’t support AirPlay or need to plug your iPhone directly into a TV, you can purchase a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Once you connect your iPhone using the adapter to your TVs HDMI port, you’ll be able to see whatever is on your iPhone’s screen on your TV. Some apps will only display vertically. However, apps like Netflix support screen rotation so you can fill the screen.
I’ve been using and recommend Apple’s Lightning to HDMI adapter, which has a power passthrough port to keep your iPhone charged. You’ll find it for under $50 on Amazon.
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