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Screen Mirroring for iPhone, Samsung, and Other Devices: A Step-by-Step Guide
Screen mirroring lets you cast your phone's display on a bigger screen, like your TV. It's perfect for sharing photos or videos with family and friends, giving presentations, or enjoying your favorite apps on a larger scale. Keep reading this step-by-step guide to learn how to screen mirror, no matter what type of device you have—iPhone, Samsung, or another brand.
Mirror Your iPhone with AirPlay (or an Adapter!)
1. AirPlay (for Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible Smart TVs)
AirPlay is Apple's proprietary wireless technology that allows you to stream content from apps and mirror your entire screen to compatible devices. It’s simple, cable-free, and delivers high-quality audio and video. To get started:
- Connect: Make sure your iPhone and TV (or Apple TV) are on the same WiFi network.
- Find AirPlay: Open the app with the content you want to share.
- Tap the AirPlay button (a TV icon).
- In some apps (like Photos), you might need to tap another button (like Share) first, then tap AirPlay.
- Choose your TV: Select your TV or Apple TV from the list.
To mirror your entire screen:
- Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone X or later) or up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 or earlier).
- Mirror: Tap the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two overlapping rectangles) and choose your TV.
- Tip: You can find more instructions on how to use AirPlay on Apple's website.
2. Lightning Digital AV Adapter (for TVs without AirPlay)
If your TV doesn't have AirPlay, don't worry! You can still share your iPhone display using a Lightning Digital AV Adapter (₱3,390.00) and an HDMI cable.
- Connect: Plug the adapter into your iPhone's charging port.
- Connect HDMI: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the adapter and the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV.
- Change Input: Use your TV remote to switch the input source to the HDMI port.
Note: You can buy a Lightning Digital AV Adapter from the Apple Store Online or stores like Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, and iStudio. Then, use GCash for convenient and cashless transactions.
Share Your Samsung Screen with Built-In Cast Features
1. Built-in Cast Feature (for Chromecast-enabled TVs or Chromecast Devices)
This is typically found within specific apps (like YouTube and Netflix) and allows you to cast its content to your TV. You control the playback on your phone, but the video or audio plays on the TV.
- Connect: Make sure your phone and TV (or Chromecast device) are on the same WiFi network.
- Cast:
- For Chromecast built-in TVs: Open a compatible app and tap the cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves).
- For Chromecast devices: Plug it into your TV's HDMI port. Set up your Chromecast using the Google Home app first. Then, open a compatible app and tap the icon.
- Choose your TV: Select your TV (or Chromecast device) from the list.
2. Smart View (for Smart TVs)
Many Samsung TVs have a built-in feature called Smart View, which lets you mirror your phone's screen onto your TV.
- Settings: Look for "Smart View" in your phone's Quick Settings panel.
- Enable: Turn it on and select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Tip: If you encounter problems, double-check your WiFi connection or restart your devices. Samsung Philippines’ support website also has a video tutorial on using Smart View.
3. Miracast (for Miracast-supported TVs)
If your TV and phone support Miracast, you can mirror your screen wirelessly, even without WiFi. Sometimes, Miracast is branded differently depending on the manufacturer (e.g. Samsung AllShare Cast or LG SmartShare).
- Enable: Turn on Miracast in your TV's settings.
- Cast: On your phone, go to Settings > Display > Cast (or similar) and choose your TV. If your TV doesn’t show up, head to the three dots on your phone that denote “More” and enable “Wireless Display.”
- Tip: If your phone doesn’t support Miracast, you can easily download the app.
Screen Mirror Other Devices
1. Check for built-in mirroring options.
- Settings: Check your phone's settings for built-in screen mirroring features in your connection and sharing settings. Here are a few examples:
- Huawei: Look for "MirrorShare" or "Wireless Projection."
- Oppo: Check for "Screen Cast" or "Wireless Display."
- Vivo: You might find it under "Smart Mirroring" or "Cast."
- Xiaomi: Look for "Cast" or "Wireless display."
- Enable: Turn on the feature and select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Tip: If you can't find the option, consult your phone's user manual or tutorials on YouTube for specific instructions.
2. Try third-party apps or devices.
While smart TVs have built-in mirroring capabilities, they vary by brand. Samsung Smart TVs use their proprietary Smart View, while many other brands, like LG and Sony, may support Miracast. If your TV doesn't support either or you have a non-smart TV, don't worry! Use a streaming device like Chromecast, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV Stick, which plugs into your TV's HDMI port and works with various phones.
If your phone doesn't have a built-in mirroring feature or you're having trouble with it, you can try third-party apps. Some popular options include:
- Google Home: For casting to Chromecast devices
- LocalCast: A versatile app for casting to various devices, including Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV
- AllCast: Similar to LocalCast, offers compatibility with different streaming devices
- Reflector 4: A versatile app that mirrors your phone screen to various devices, including computers and TVs.
- AirBeamTV: Specifically designed for screen mirroring to smart TVs and offers a wide range of compatible brands
Fix Issues with These Troubleshooting Tips!
Having trouble? Try these easy fixes.
- Restart your phone and TV, and make sure both devices are connected to the same strong WiFi, like GFiber postpaid or GFiber prepaid.
- Make sure your software is up to date.
- Double-check your TV's screen mirroring compatibility.
- Still no luck? Try a different method from this guide.
Whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or another device, screen mirroring is easy with this guide. To improve your experience, consider upgrading to the latest smartphone and pair it with a postpaid plan. That way, you can share your screen with friends and family while enjoying unlimited access to your favorite content. Happy viewing!