To cast a Galaxy phone to a TV, the primary and most straightforward method is to use the built-in Smart View feature, which wirelessly mirrors your phone's screen to any Miracast-compatible TV, including most Samsung Smart TVs. For a more integrated experience with newer Samsung TVs, you can also use Tap View, or for a desktop-like interface, Samsung DeX.
How to cast your Galaxy phone to TV with Smart View
Smart View is the default wireless screen mirroring feature on Samsung Galaxy phones. It works with most Samsung Smart TVs and other Miracast-compatible Smart TVs or devices. To use it, both your Galaxy phone and the TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open the Quick panel.
- Tap the "Smart View" icon.
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- You may need to enter a PIN displayed on the TV or allow the connection on the TV screen.
Once connected, your phone's screen will be mirrored on the TV. To adjust the aspect ratio for a full-screen view, go to Smart View > More Options (three vertical dots) > Settings > Phone aspect ratio, then select "Full screen on connected device". For older Samsung TVs, you might need to manually enable "Screen Mirroring" in the TV's Input or Network menu before connecting via Smart View. You can also mirror your screen using the SmartThings app by opening the app, selecting your TV, tapping More options (three vertical dots), then "Mirror screen (Smart View)", and selecting "Start now". When using a wireless display adapter, plug it into an available HDMI port on your TV and switch your TV's input to that HDMI port. When using a wireless display adapter, go to Settings > Connections > Screen mirroring or Smart View on your Galaxy phone to connect. Screen mirroring via Wi-Fi Direct requires enabling Wi-Fi Direct on both the TV and the Galaxy phone, then selecting the TV from the list of available devices on the phone. Screen mirroring via Wi-Fi Direct does not limit you to specific apps; you can mirror anything from your phone's display.
Cast with Tap View on newer Samsung TVs
The "Tap View" function, available on 2020 and newer Samsung TVs, offers a quick way to mirror your phone's screen. This method is ideal for instantly sharing a photo or video without navigating menus. To use it, first enable "Tap view, Tap sound" in the SmartThings app settings on your phone. Then, simply tap the back of your Galaxy phone against the TV to initiate the mirroring connection.
Use Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience on TV
Samsung DeX allows you to connect your phone or tablet to a monitor or TV for a desktop-like experience, supporting both wired and wireless connections. This is useful for productivity tasks like editing documents or browsing multiple windows on a large screen. Not all Galaxy phones support HDMI connectivity; check your specific model before purchasing an HDMI cable. Some older TV models may not have an HDMI input port.
Wireless DeX
Wireless DeX is supported on Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 and later, Samsung Smart Monitors, and any other device that supports Miracast screen mirroring. To use it, open the Quick settings menu on your mobile device, tap the "DeX" button, select "DeX on TV or monitor", choose your TV, and tap "Start now".
Wired DeX
For a wired connection, use a DeX cable or a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect your Galaxy phone to the TV's HDMI port. For wired HDMI connection, turn off both your Galaxy phone and your TV before connecting the cable. This provides a stable, low-latency connection ideal for gaming or presentations.
Cast content from apps using Chromecast
Google Cast (Chromecast built-in or a Chromecast device) allows casting content from supported apps like YouTube and Netflix. Unlike full screen mirroring, casting sends specific media from an app to the TV, allowing you to use your phone for other tasks while the content plays. To use it, open a supported app, tap the Cast icon, and select your TV or Chromecast device from the list. When using Chromecast, download and install the Google Home app to set up and control the device. When using Chromecast, open the Google Home app, tap the Menu button, and select 'Cast Screen/Audio' to mirror your phone's screen. Some apps like Netflix may have limitations on casting certain copyrighted content.
Troubleshooting Galaxy phone casting issues
If you encounter problems when casting your phone to a TV, start by ensuring both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. For a seamless Smart View connection, check if the TV's Smart View function is turned on via Settings > General > External Device Manager > Device Connect Manager > Access Notification. If you are using a non-Samsung TV, verify that it supports Miracast screen mirroring, as this is the standard technology Smart View uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast my Galaxy phone to a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, you can cast your Galaxy phone to a non-Samsung TV using Smart View, provided the TV supports Miracast screen mirroring. Many modern smart TVs from brands like LG and Sony include this feature. Alternatively, you can use a Chromecast device or other streaming stick that plugs into the TV's HDMI port.
What is the difference between casting and screen mirroring?
Screen mirroring projects your entire phone display to the TV, showing everything you do on your phone.
Why won't my Galaxy phone find my TV in Smart View?
This is usually a Wi-Fi or TV setting issue. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your TV, check that the Smart View or Screen Mirroring function is enabled, often found in the TV's settings under General > External Device Manager > Device Connect Manager. Restarting both the phone and TV can also resolve the issue.
Can I use my phone while casting to the TV?
It depends on the method. When using full screen mirroring (Smart View), your phone's display is replicated on the TV, so any action on your phone is shown on the TV. When casting content from an app using Chromecast, you can use your phone for other tasks while the video continues to play on the TV.
