How to Cast Video from Phone to TV [Android and iPhone]

In today's digital age, our phones are filled with personal videos, photos, and streaming apps, but sharing those moments on the big screen adds a special touch. Whether you're showing vacation photos, binge-watching Netflix, or sharing videos, casting from your phone to TV is simpler than ever. Let's explore how to cast video from phone to TV for a bigger, more immersive experience.

How to Play Videos from iPhone to TV

Apple devices use AirPlay to stream videos wirelessly between AirPlay-compatible devices, so once your TV supports AirPlay, you can easily mirror videos. If you encounter compatibility issues, consider using a third-party app like PigeonCast. Alternatively, if there's no stable wireless network, you can always use an HDMI cable for a reliable wired connection.

Way 1. Use AirPlay to Apple TV or Smart TV

AirPlay is the simplest and most seamless way to stream video from your iPhone to an Apple TV or any AirPlay-compatible TV. Here's how to play video on TV from phone:

Step 1. Ensure your TV supports AirPlay 2 (common in 2019+ Samsung, LG, Sony models) or you have an Apple TV connected.

Step 2. Connect both the iPhone and the TV to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3. Go to the TV Settings > General/Connection/Network > AirPlay Settings and turn AirPlay on.

Step 4. On your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring in the Control Center menu.

Step 5. Choose your TV from the available list to connect and enter the PIN code if prompted.

Step 6. Your content should now begin streaming on the TV. You can use your iPhone to control playback (pause, play, skip, etc.).

Way 2. Use PigeonCast on Android TV

How to play video from phone to TV? If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you can use a third-party app like PigeonCast, available for tvOS, Android TV, and more. This free app lets you stream a variety of content, including YouTube videos, photos, music, and apps, from your phone to any screen.

Step 1. Download PigeonCast on your Android TV from Google Play and iPhone from the App Store.

Step 2. Ensure that both your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3. Open the PigeonCast app, tap Select device on your iPhone to select your TV from the available list. Or you can scan the QR code on the television screen to build the connection.

Step 4. Enter the onscreen code to finish the pairing process, and then tap Screen Mirror to start your mirroring activities.

Step 5. Your iPhone's screen will be mirrored on your TV, allowing you to open and stream the video you want to watch.

Way 3. Use an HDMI Cable

How to stream video from phone to TV? For a wired connection, use an HDMI cable and the appropriate adapter (Lightning to HDMI for iPhones with a Lightning port, or USB-C to HDMI for newer models). Simply connect your phone to the TV, and you'll have a stable, Wi-Fi-free connection to stream videos.

Step 1. Plug the HDMI adapter into your iPhone's charging port.

Step 2. Connect the other end of the adapter to your TV's HDMI port using an HDMI cable.

Step 3. Select the correct HDMI channel on your TV.

Step 4. Your iPhone's screen should now be mirrored to your TV, and you can play videos as usual.

How to Play Videos from Android to TV

Similarly, for Android devices, you can cast videos to your TV wirelessly using Chromecast or Miracast, or via a wired HDMI connection. These methods make it easy to mirror content and stream videos with minimal effort. Read on to learn how to play videos from phone to TV:

Way 1. Use Miracast to TV

Miracast serves as Android's universal screen mirroring standard, creating a direct connection between your phone and TV similar to how a wired HDMI cable functions, but without the physical tether. This wireless display technology works with most modern smart TVs and doesn't require a third-party dongle. Let's check how to get video to play on TV from phone:

Step 1. Activate Screen Mirroring or Miracast in your TV's settings (often found in Network, Display, or Connection settings)

Step 2. On your Android, swipe down twice to open Quick Settings and tap Smart View, Cast, or Screen Mirroring (varies by manufacturer).

Step 3. Choose your television from the list of available devices and approve the connection request if one appears on your TV screen.

Step 4. Once connected, your entire Android screen now displays on your TV, and you can then open your video.

Way 2. Use Chromecast with TV

How to play video from phone on smart TV? Chromecast is one of the easiest and most popular ways to stream content from your Android phone to your TV. It supports a wide range of streaming services and lets you cast directly from apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.

Step 1. Plug the Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port and power it on.

Step 2. Download the Google Home app on your Android phone and set up the Chromecast device.

Step 3. Make sure both your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 4. Launch any casting-compatible app (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, etc.)

Step 5. Look for the rectangular Cast symbol with Wi-Fi waves in the corner.

Step 6. Select your Chromecast device from the available list to start casting.

Way 3. Use an HDMI Cable

How to play a video from my phone on my TV? How to play a video from my phone on my TV? For the most reliable and high-quality video experience, a direct HDMI connection is the gold standard. This method eliminates potential wireless issues, delivering crisp audio and video with zero latency.

Step 1. Purchase a USB-C to HDMI or Micro-USB to HDMI MHL adapter.

Step 2. Plug the adapter into your phone, then connect an HDMI cable between the adapter and your TV.

Step 3. Use your TV remote to select the correct HDMI source.

Step 4. Your Android phone will be mirrored on your TV, and you can play videos directly from your device.

Wrapping Up

How to play a video from phone on TV? Casting videos from your phone to your TV is easy and can be done wirelessly with options like AirPlay, Chromecast, or Miracast, or through a wired HDMI connection. Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, each method allows you to enjoy videos on a larger screen with minimal hassle. If you encounter any compatibility issues, consider using PigeonCast to bridge the gap.

How to Cast Video from Phone to TV FAQ

How to play video from Samsung phone on TV?

To play a video from your Samsung phone on a TV, you can use one of these methods:

• Chromecast: Open the video on your phone, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast-enabled TV.
• Miracast: On your TV, enable screen mirroring, then go to your Samsung phone's settings, select Smart View, and choose your TV.
• Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your Samsung phone to the TV with an HDMI cable.

How to cast video from phone to TV using Chromecast?

To cast video from your phone to your TV using Chromecast, follow these simple steps:

1. Plug the Chromecast device into your TV and ensure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
2. Open the app with the video you want to cast (such as YouTube, Netflix, or a media player) on your phone.
3. Look for the Cast icon (usually a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) in the video player or the app. It's typically found in the top right or near video controls.
4. Tap the Cast icon, and a list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast device or TV from the list.
5. Once connected, the video will start playing on your TV, and you can control playback from your phone, including pausing, skipping, or adjusting the volume.

How to cast video from phone to TV wirelessly?

To cast video from your phone to your TV wirelessly, you can use one of these common methods:

• Use Chromecast (for Android and iPhone)
• Use AirPlay (for iPhone to Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV)
• Use Miracast (for Android to Miracast-compatible TV)
• Use PigeonCast (for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and TVs)

How to cast video from phone to TV without WiFi?

If you don't have Wi-Fi, use a USB cable or an HDMI adapter to connect your phone directly to your TV. This is a great option for stable, reliable video streaming without relying on a wireless network.

How to cast video from phone to TV with subtitles?

Subtitles will typically appear on the TV when casting through supported apps (like Netflix, YouTube, and others). However, for videos in local players, like VLC, you might need to manually load subtitle files (.srt or .sub) in the app.

How to cast video from phone to TV without Chromecast?

If you want to cast a video from your phone to your TV without using Chromecast, you can use the following alternatives:

• Use AirPlay
• Use an HDMI cable
• Use a smart TV's built-in casting feature
• Use a third-party app, such as PigeonCast