Casting vs. Mirroring: What Is the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they work differently.
- Casting: sends a specific piece of content (a video, a photo, a YouTube video) to the TV. Your phone acts as a remote control. The TV plays the content on its own — you can even put your phone away.
- Mirroring: shows exactly what is on your phone's screen on the TV in real time. Everything you do on your phone appears on the TV. This is useful for showing photos, browsing, or sharing anything on your screen.
Tip: For watching videos, casting is usually better because it uses less battery and the video quality is higher. For showing photos or demonstrating something, mirroring is more practical.
Method 1: AirPlay (iPhone to Apple TV or Compatible Smart TV)
AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming technology. It works with Apple TV and many Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs.
- 1Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 2On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center.
- 3Tap Screen Mirroring (the rectangle with a triangle icon).
- 4Your TV should appear in the list. Tap its name.
- 5If prompted, enter the AirPlay code shown on your TV screen.
- 6Your iPhone screen will now appear on the TV.
Tip: To cast a specific video (like a YouTube video) rather than mirror your whole screen, look for the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle) within the app and tap it.
Method 2: Chromecast (Android or iPhone to a Chromecast-Enabled TV)
Chromecast is built into many smart TVs and is also available as a separate device. It works with both Android and iPhone.
- 1Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- 2Open the Google Home app on your phone (download it from the App Store or Google Play if needed).
- 3Tap your Chromecast device or TV in the app.
- 4Tap Cast my screen (for mirroring) or use the cast icon within a supported app like YouTube or Netflix.
- 5Your screen or content will appear on the TV.
Method 3: Screen Mirroring on Android (Samsung, LG, and Others)
Most Android phones have a built-in screen mirroring feature that works with compatible smart TVs.
- 1On your Android phone, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
- 2Look for Smart View, Screen Mirror, Cast, or a similar option (the name varies by phone brand).
- 3Tap it. Your phone will search for nearby TVs.
- 4Tap your TV's name when it appears.
- 5Your phone screen will appear on the TV.
Tip: On Samsung phones, the feature is called Smart View. On other Android phones, it may be called Cast, Screen Cast, or Wireless Display.
Method 4: Using a Cable (HDMI Adapter)
If wireless methods are not working or your TV does not support them, you can connect your phone to the TV with a cable.
- For iPhone: use a Lightning to HDMI adapter or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (depending on your iPhone model), then connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV.
- For Android: use a USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable.
- Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote.
- Your phone screen will appear on the TV automatically.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If It Does Not Work
If your phone and TV are not connecting, try these steps.
- Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network — this is the most common reason casting fails.
- Restart both your phone and your TV.
- Check that your TV's software is up to date (look in the TV's settings for a software update option).
- If using AirPlay, make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV (look in the TV's settings under AirPlay or Apple AirPlay).
- Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router — a weak signal can cause connection problems.