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Smart TV and smartphone (Image via TechFirstNow)
When you wirelessly project what's shown on your Android phone's screen to a bigger display such as your television, it creates numerous opportunities to enjoy streaming media, interactive games, web surfing and other online activities while relaxing on the couch.
Whether you use the built-in screen mirroring feature via Miracast or install a third-party mirroring app, wirelessly projecting what's on your phone to the big screen is a handy trick you can use when it is needed. In this guide, we will explore both the Miracast option included on many newer Android devices, as well as popular app available on the Google Play Store.
1. Using Built-in Screen Mirroring
Many Android phones available now come with the built-in ability to Mirroring their screen onto another display straight out of the box, thanks to a wireless projection standard called Miracast.
Often, leveraging a phone's Miracast functionality is among the most straightforward ways to transmit what's shown on the device to a larger television, as it seamlessly manages streaming in the background without much active effort from the user.
Steps to Enable Screen Mirroring
1. First thing first, swipe down from the top of your phone. This will pull down those handy quick settings tiles.
2. Now scan the quick settings until you see one called something like "Smart View" or just "Cast". Don't worry, the name can vary a bit depending on your phone.
3. Once you find it, press on it. This turn on the screen mirroring function.
4. Next, your TV should pop up in the list of nearby devices. Just select its name so your phone knows where to beam the picture.
5. Within a few seconds, the magic should happen and your screen will mirror wirelessly to the TV.
Note - It tends to work best if your phone and TV are made by the same brand. That way they're really in sync.
2. Mirroring with Third-Party Apps
Now sometimes built-in screen mirroring just won't cut it, like if your TV doesn't have Miracast capabilities. Or maybe you want more polished features. That's no problem though - there are plenty of great third-party apps for screen mirroring on the Google Play Store.
Steps to Use Mirroring Apps
1. First head to the Google Play Store and download a quality mirroring app, like Google Home.
2. Once that app is installed, open it up and follow the onboarding instructions. It'll walk you through connecting to your TV or streaming device.
4. After they're paired, you'll be ready to start casting. Try mirroring your full screen for a full view of your phone on the TV.
Troubleshooting Tips
If casting your phone to the TV is acting up then there are some things you can try:
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Be certain that both your phone and television are connected to the same wireless Internet network. Having both devices linked to the same Wi-Fi signal is essential for ensuring a reliable interactive connection between the two.
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Try restarting the mirroring flow. Turn it off and then right back on to see if a fresh session helps.
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Make sure all devices have the latest software. Check if your phone, TV, and any apps need firmware or app updates available.
Once you complete some straightforward initial preparation and customization steps, you will be ready to begin wirelessly broadcasting what is shown on your Android device's screen to any television or monitor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different built-in mirroring features and third-party apps to determine the best casting solution for your specific devices.
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