Casting sends video, photos, apps, or your entire phone screen to the TV over Wi-Fi. The best method depends on your phone and what your TV supports: Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV, AirPlay, Roku, Fire TV, or another built-in casting system.
Before buying extra hardware, check your TV. Many smart TVs from the last several years already support AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, or both.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if you want to show your phone screen on a TV, play a video from your phone on the big screen, or cast from a streaming app. Your phone and TV usually need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Use Chromecast, Google TV, or Android TV casting
This is the most common method for Android phones and many iPhone apps.
- Connect the phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open an app that supports casting, such as YouTube, Netflix, or another major streaming app.
- Tap the Cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner.
- Choose your TV from the device list.
- To mirror the whole Android screen, open Quick Settings and choose Cast, Screen Cast, or Smart View on Samsung phones.
This method works when the TV has Chromecast built in, runs Google TV or Android TV, or has a Chromecast connected to HDMI.
Use AirPlay from an iPhone
AirPlay is Apple’s built-in casting and mirroring system. It works with Apple TV and many newer Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and other smart TVs that support AirPlay 2.
- Make sure the iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Center on the iPhone.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your TV from the list.
- For a single video, use the AirPlay icon inside supported apps such as Photos or Apple TV instead of mirroring the entire screen.
AirPlay usually feels smoother than generic mirroring apps because it is built into iOS and supported directly by compatible TVs.
Add a streaming device to an older TV
If the TV has no built-in casting, plug in a streaming device.
- Connect a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick, or Apple TV to an open HDMI port.
- Switch the TV to that HDMI input.
- Follow the on-screen setup and connect the device to Wi-Fi.
- Use the casting or mirroring method supported by that device.
This is often the cleanest fix for older TVs. It adds modern casting support without relying on outdated smart TV software.
Fix lag, stutter, or black screens
Casting a single app is usually smoother than mirroring your whole phone because the TV plays the stream directly. Use the app’s Cast or AirPlay button when available.
If casting stutters or disconnects, keep the phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi band, move the router closer, and reduce heavy network use. If a video shows as a black screen on the TV while playing on the phone, the app may block general screen mirroring for DRM-protected content. Use that app’s built-in casting button instead.
Sources
- Apple Support – Use AirPlay to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen (2025)
- Google Support – Cast Content to Your TV (2025)
- Google Chromecast Help – Set Up and Use Chromecast Built-in (2025)