To stream ESPN from phone to TV, use the official AirPlay feature on an iPhone or iPad, or the Cast feature on an Android or iPhone with a Chromecast. These two methods are the only paths ESPN documents for sending live sports from your phone to a television screen.
The 2 official ways to stream ESPN from a phone to TV
ESPN supports two official methods for streaming content from a mobile device to a TV: AirPlay for iPhone and iPad users, and casting to a Chromecast for both iOS and Android devices. Both methods require your phone and TV or streaming device to be on the same Wi‑Fi network. Note that you cannot use AirPlay or Cast at the same time as a StreamCenter session; if you connect to either, StreamCenter disconnects automatically. ESPN says the Cast or AirPlay button is accessed through the device management button in the ESPN mobile app header or in the video player.
Stream ESPN from an iPhone or iPad with AirPlay
AirPlay lets you mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, or stream directly from the ESPN player. Follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi‑Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
- Open Control Center:
- On iPhone X or later, or iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, swipe down from the upper-right corner.
- On iPhone 8 or earlier, or iOS 11 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge.
- Tap Screen Mirroring to mirror your entire screen, or tap the AirPlay icon in the ESPN video player to stream directly from the app.
- Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- If a passcode appears on the TV, enter it on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple's AirPlay page supports iPhone X or later, iPad with iPadOS 13 or later, iPhone 8 or earlier, and iOS 11 or earlier with the Control Center gesture it documents.
Stream ESPN from an Android or iPhone with Chromecast
Casting to a Chromecast works from both Android and iOS devices. The ESPN app handles the streaming directly, so your phone screen does not need to stay on. Here is how:
- Connect your phone to the same Wi‑Fi network as your Chromecast device.
- Open the ESPN app and tap the video you want to watch.
- Tap the Cast icon at the top of the player window.
- Choose your Chromecast from the list.
What to do if ESPN won't stream to your TV
If casting or AirPlay fails, ESPN recommends two troubleshooting steps. First, fully close the ESPN app and restart it. Second, power cycle both your phone and your TV or streaming device by turning them off, waiting a few seconds, and turning them back on. This clears temporary connection issues between the devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to stream ESPN to my TV?
Yes. To access live and on-demand content on ESPN, you need an active subscription. This can be a standalone service like ESPN+ or a cable or satellite package that includes ESPN channels.
Can I use an HDMI cable to stream ESPN from my phone to my TV?
While some phones support HDMI output with an adapter, it is not a method ESPN recommends or supports for its app.
Can I stream ESPN from my phone to a smart TV without additional devices?
Yes, if your smart TV supports AirPlay and you have an iPhone or iPad, you can stream directly without extra hardware. For Android users, a Chromecast is still required unless the TV has built-in Chromecast support.
Is there a way to cast a phone to an Amazon Fire Stick TV for ESPN?
The official supported methods are AirPlay to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, and casting to a Chromecast. If you are interested in casting apps to a TV using other devices, check that device’s own documentation for compatibility with the ESPN app.
Does screen mirroring work the same as casting for ESPN?
No. Screen mirroring (like AirPlay Mirroring) shows your entire phone screen on the TV, while casting (using the Cast icon in the ESPN app) sends the video stream directly to the TV, allowing you to use your phone for other tasks. ESPN’s recommended approach is to use the Cast or AirPlay icon inside the video player rather than mirroring the whole screen.
