The fastest way to connect: Samsung SmartThings
The easiest path is Samsung SmartThings, the built-in app on most Samsung phones and TVs made in the last five years. Open SmartThings on your phone, tap the plus icon to add a device, select your TV from the list, and follow the on-screen prompts. Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The whole process takes about two minutes.
Once connected, you can mirror your phone's screen, send photos and videos directly to your TV, or use your phone as a remote control. SmartThings also lets you cast individual apps — like YouTube or Netflix — without mirroring your entire screen, which uses less battery and lets you keep using your phone for other things.
If SmartThings doesn't find your TV, make sure both devices are powered on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and that your TV's Wi-Fi is enabled in its settings menu. Restart both devices and try again.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung SmartThings is the simplest method and works on most Samsung phones and TVs from the last five years without needing extra cables or apps.
- Screen mirroring copies everything on your phone to your TV, while casting individual apps lets you use your phone for other tasks at the same time.
- Both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your TV's Wi-Fi setting must be turned on in its menu.
- If SmartThings doesn't work, try restarting both devices, checking your Wi-Fi connection, and looking for a manual pairing code on your TV's screen.
- Older Samsung TVs may need a separate app like SmartThings or Samsung TV Plus, or a physical connection using an HDMI adapter.
Using screen mirroring instead of SmartThings
If you prefer not to use SmartThings, most Samsung phones support screen mirroring through a feature called Miracast. Pull down your phone's quick settings menu, look for "Screen Sharing," "Smart View," or "Wireless Display," and tap it. Your phone will search for nearby devices. Select your TV when it appears, and your phone's screen will display on the TV within seconds.
Screen mirroring copies everything — your home screen, notifications, messages — so your TV shows exactly what you see. This is useful for presentations, showing photos, or playing games, but it drains your phone's battery faster than casting a single app. You also cannot use your phone for other tasks while mirroring without your TV showing those actions.
Some older Samsung TVs may not support Miracast. If your TV does not appear in the list, check your TV's settings menu for a "Screen Mirroring" or "Wireless Display" option and make sure it is turned on.
Casting individual apps to your TV
Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos have their own cast buttons built in. Look for a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner — that is the cast button. Tap it, select your Samsung TV, and the app will send its content to your TV while your phone remains free to use for texting, browsing, or other apps.
Casting uses less battery than screen mirroring and keeps your personal notifications and messages off the TV screen. Most streaming apps support casting by default, but some older or smaller apps may not. If you do not see a cast button in an app, that app does not support casting.
Your phone and TV must still be on the same Wi-Fi network. If the cast button appears but your TV does not show up, restart both devices and check that your TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
Connecting with an HDMI adapter if Wi-Fi is not available
If your Wi-Fi is down or your TV does not support wireless connection, you can use a physical cable. Buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (or Micro USB to HDMI if you have an older Samsung phone), plug it into your phone's charging port, connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TV, and switch your TV to the correct HDMI input. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV immediately.
This method works on nearly all Samsung phones and TVs, regardless of age or model. The downside is that your phone stays tethered to the TV by cable, and you cannot charge your phone while using it unless you buy a more expensive adapter with a charging port built in.
Adapters cost between $15 and $40 depending on the brand and whether they include charging. Check your phone's charging port type before buying — newer Samsung phones use USB-C, while older models use Micro USB.
Troubleshooting when your devices will not connect
If your phone and TV are not finding each other, start with the basics: restart both devices, check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and confirm that your TV's Wi-Fi and screen mirroring settings are turned on. Look in your TV's settings menu under "Network" or "Wireless" to verify the Wi-Fi is active.
If they still will not connect, forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnect to it. Go to your phone's Settings, find Wi-Fi, tap and hold your network name, select "Forget," then reconnect by entering your password again. This clears out any connection problems between your phone and your router.
For SmartThings specifically, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If your TV is very old (more than seven years), it may not support wireless connection at all — check your TV's manual or model number on Samsung's website to confirm what features it has.
Comparing your connection options
| Method | Setup Time | What You See on TV | Battery Drain | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartThings | 2 minutes (first time only) | Full screen or single app | Low to medium | Everyday use, remote control |
| Screen Mirroring | 10 seconds | Everything on your phone | High | Presentations, photos, games |
| App Casting | 5 seconds | Only the app content | Low | Streaming video and music |
| HDMI Adapter | 1 minute | Everything on your phone | None (phone plugged in) | No Wi-Fi, older TVs |
Using your phone as a remote after connecting
Once you connect through SmartThings, your phone becomes a remote control for your TV. Open SmartThings, tap your TV, and you will see buttons to change the volume, switch inputs, and navigate menus. You can also search for shows and movies directly from your phone and send them to your TV.
This remote feature works even if you are not actively mirroring or casting — your phone just needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. It is faster than hunting for a physical remote and works from anywhere in your home as long as your Wi-Fi reaches that far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to connect my phone to my TV?
No. SmartThings, screen mirroring, and casting all work with just a Wi-Fi connection. You do not need to sign in to anything or create an account. If you want to use advanced SmartThings features like scheduling or automations, you can create a free Samsung account, but basic connection and casting work without one.
Can I connect my Samsung phone to a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, through screen mirroring or casting. Most modern TVs from other brands support Miracast or have their own casting systems. Look for a screen mirroring or cast option in your TV's menu, or check your TV's manual. App casting (YouTube, Netflix) works on almost any smart TV regardless of brand.
Why does my TV not appear in SmartThings?
Your TV is either not on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, its Wi-Fi is turned off, or it is too old to support SmartThings. Check your TV's network settings to confirm it is connected to Wi-Fi. If your TV is more than seven years old, it may not support wireless connection — use an HDMI adapter instead.
Will connecting my phone to my TV slow down my Wi-Fi?
No. Casting and mirroring use your Wi-Fi connection, but they do not significantly slow down other devices on your network. If your Wi-Fi is already slow, streaming video may stutter, but the connection itself does not cause slowness.
Can I use my phone while casting to my TV?
It depends on the method. With app casting, yes — your phone is free to use for other tasks. With screen mirroring, anything you do on your phone appears on your TV, so your privacy is limited. With SmartThings, you can use your phone as a remote without mirroring your screen.