Phone-to-TV Casting Helper
Show your phone screen or stream video to your TV — using casting, mirroring, or an adapter.
Casting can be confusing because phones, TVs, apps, and streaming devices all use different words. Let's keep it simple and check the basics first.
What Casting Means
Before You Start
Before You Start Checklist
0/6Common Casting Methods
Cast icon in a streaming app
Open an app like YouTube or Netflix. Look for the cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner). Tap it and select your TV.
✓ Works on most Android phones and iPhones with compatible apps.
AirPlay (Apple)
On an iPhone/iPad, swipe to Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV.
✓ Works with Apple TV and many modern Samsung, LG, and Vizio TVs.
Smart TV built-in casting
Many Android TVs and Chromecast-enabled TVs can receive casts directly. Look for a cast icon in the app.
✓ Works with Google/Android TV and Chromecast-enabled TVs.
Streaming device (Chromecast, Fire Stick, Roku)
A small device plugged into your TV's HDMI port enables casting from apps and phones.
✓ Works across many TVs and phones depending on the streaming device.
HDMI adapter (cable connection)
Use a Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter to connect phone directly to TV with a cable.
✓ Works when Wi-Fi methods fail. Does not require Wi-Fi or same network.
Common Problems
TV not showing up in cast list
Make sure phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi. Try restarting both.
Phone is on a different Wi-Fi or guest network
Switch your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
App does not have a cast icon
Not all apps support casting. Try using the TV's built-in app instead.
TV needs a software update
Check the TV settings for updates. Outdated firmware can block casting.
Casting worked before but stopped
Restart router, phone, and TV. Often solves temporary connection issues.
Wrong HDMI input selected on TV
Use the TV remote to switch to the correct HDMI input number.