To cast from a Samsung phone to a TV, use the built-in Smart View feature or the SmartThings app, both of which mirror your phone's screen wirelessly to a compatible TV. This guide covers the exact steps for casting your phone to a TV, plus app-based casting and troubleshooting, so you can get your content on the big screen quickly.
Before you cast from a Samsung phone to a TV
Before you start, confirm that your Samsung phone and your TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Samsung’s official support pages state that this is required for both Smart View and SmartThings mirroring to work. Additionally, Smart View is supported on all Samsung Smart TVs, so if you own one, you can use this method without needing extra hardware.
Cast your screen with Smart View
Smart View is the primary, built-in method for wirelessly mirroring your Samsung phone’s screen. It works with Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 4.3 or above and with devices that support Miracast wireless display technology.
- Swipe down from the top right of your phone’s screen to open the Quick settings panel.
- Tap the Smart View icon.
- Select your TV from the list of Available devices.
- Tap Start now if prompted.
- If your TV asks for permission, choose ALLOW on the TV or enter the PIN shown on the TV screen.
Once connected, your phone’s screen will appear on the TV. This method is ideal for showing photos, playing mobile games, or navigating any app on a larger display. If you don’t see the Smart View icon, open Settings > Connected Devices > Smart View, then choose the TV and allow the connection.
Cast your screen with the SmartThings app
If you prefer not to use the Quick settings tile, the SmartThings app offers an alternative wireless method. This is useful when you want to manage multiple smart devices from one place.
- Open the SmartThings app on your Samsung phone.
- Add your TV if it isn’t already listed, or select it from the list of devices.
- On the TV’s page, tap More options (the three vertical dots).
- Tap Mirror screen (Smart View).
- If required, approve access on the TV.
This method uses the same underlying Smart View technology but provides a different entry point, which can be handy if the Quick Settings tile is missing or you’re already using SmartThings.
Cast from apps like YouTube or Netflix
For streaming services, you don’t need to mirror your entire screen. Instead, use the Cast icon inside the app itself. This works with Chromecast-compatible streaming apps and is generally more efficient, as it lets your phone handle other tasks while the video plays on the TV. The Cast feature is supported on devices running Android 8.0 or later for Google Home app controls.
- Connect both your phone and your TV or Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Sign into the same account on the TV and phone if the app requires it.
- Open the content you want to watch.
- Tap the app’s Cast icon (the location can vary by app and phone orientation).
- Select your TV or Chromecast device from the list.
This approach is best for watching movies and shows from services like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, as it streams directly to the TV rather than duplicating your phone’s display.
What if wireless casting isn't working?
If you run into issues, start by checking for a PIN or ALLOW prompt on the TV. Some TVs require confirmation before mirroring begins, and missing this step is a common cause of connection failures. Also, note that the exact menu name can vary by phone model and region, you might see Smart View, Screen Mirroring, or Quick Connect in your Quick settings panel. Samsung’s older Ireland guidance says some models may show Screen Mirroring, Smart View, or Quick Connect in Quick settings, depending on the device. On some Samsung TVs manufactured from 2016 onward, screen mirroring is automatically enabled, but other models may require you to turn it on in the TV menu under Settings > Connection > Screen Mirroring. Samsung’s German TV support page says many TVs manufactured from 2016 onward have screen mirroring automatically enabled, while some other models require enabling it in the TV menu under Einstellungen > Verbindung > Screen Mirroring.
If wireless casting still fails, a wired connection is a reliable fallback. You can use a DeX cable or a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect your phone directly to the TV. This method bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and provides a stable, high-quality mirroring experience, though it does require a physical cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from a Samsung phone to a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, if the TV supports Miracast wireless display technology or is Chromecast-compatible. Smart View can also connect to a Chromecast device plugged into any TV with an HDMI port.
Why doesn't my TV show up in Smart View?
First, confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are, try restarting both the phone and the TV. Some TVs require screen mirroring to be enabled in their settings menu before they appear as available devices.
Does casting drain my phone's battery quickly?
Screen mirroring with Smart View uses more power than standard video playback because it continuously transmits your display. App-based casting with the Cast icon is generally more battery-efficient, as the TV handles the streaming directly.
Can I use my phone for other tasks while casting?
Yes, with app-based casting, you can use your phone for other tasks without interrupting the video. With full screen mirroring via Smart View, your phone’s screen is duplicated on the TV, so any action you take will be visible on the TV as well.
