How to Connect Your Phone to a Samsung TV

The fastest way depends on what you want to do

Samsung TVs connect to phones through three main routes: screen mirroring (which shows your phone's entire display), SmartThings (Samsung's control app), or casting (which sends specific apps like YouTube or Netflix). Screen mirroring works with both Android and iPhone but requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. SmartThings is fastest for controlling the TV itself — volume, inputs, apps — but only works with Android. Casting individual apps works on both phone types and is the most reliable for streaming video or music.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to mirror everything on your phone, control the TV remotely, or just send a single app to the screen. Most people use screen mirroring first because it's the most visible option, but casting a single app is often more stable for actual watching.

Key Takeaways

Screen mirroring shows your entire phone display on the TV and works with iPhone or Android, but both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
SmartThings is the fastest way to control your Samsung TV remotely from an Android phone, including volume and app switching.
Casting individual apps like YouTube or Netflix is more stable than mirroring your whole phone and works on both iPhone and Android.
If your TV is older than 2016, it may not support wireless connection and will need an HDMI cable or a separate streaming device instead.

Screen mirroring from Android phones

Open your phone's settings and go to Display or Connected devices, then look for Cast, Screen Share, or Wireless Display — the exact name varies by phone maker. Tap it and your phone will search for nearby devices. Your Samsung TV should appear in the list by its model name or whatever you named it in settings. Tap the TV name and wait 10 to 15 seconds for the connection to establish. Your phone screen will then appear on the TV.

If the TV doesn't appear, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings to confirm they're connected to the same router. If they're on different networks — for example, if your phone is on a guest network — they won't see each other. Restart both devices if the TV still doesn't show up after checking the network.

Once mirrored, your phone's screen will lag slightly behind your actual touches, and battery will drain faster. If you're planning to watch for more than an hour, plug your phone in. To stop mirroring, open the cast menu again and tap Disconnect.

Screen mirroring from iPhones

iPhone mirroring works differently because Apple uses AirPlay instead of the Android casting standard. Most Samsung TVs made after 2018 support AirPlay, but you'll need to turn it on first. On your TV remote, go to Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is set to On. Then on your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Samsung TV from the list.

If your Samsung TV is older than 2018 or doesn't show AirPlay in settings, it doesn't support iPhone mirroring natively. In that case, you can buy a separate device like an Apple TV or a third-party AirPlay receiver, or use an HDMI cable with an adapter instead. Some newer Samsung TVs also support AirPlay through a software update, so check your TV's settings menu under About to see if an update is available.

Using SmartThings to control your TV from Android

SmartThings is Samsung's official remote app and is the fastest way to control your TV from an Android phone without mirroring. Download SmartThings from the Google Play Store, open it, and tap the plus icon to add a device. Select TV and choose your Samsung TV from the list. The app will prompt you to confirm the connection on your TV screen — a code will appear on the TV, and you'll enter it in the app to pair them.

Once paired, SmartThings acts as a full remote: you can change the volume, switch inputs, open apps, and navigate menus without mirroring your phone screen. This is much faster than screen mirroring for everyday TV control and uses almost no battery. You can also use SmartThings to turn the TV on and off from anywhere in your home, not just when you're in the same room.

SmartThings does not work with iPhone. If you have an iPhone and want a remote app, check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to see if your model has its own remote app, or use the physical remote that came with the TV.

Casting individual apps to your TV

Casting sends a single app — like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify — directly to your TV without mirroring your entire phone. On Android, open the app you want to cast, look for a Cast icon (usually three curved lines in the top-right corner), tap it, and select your Samsung TV. On iPhone, open the app, look for an AirPlay icon, and select your TV. The app will then play on your TV while your phone screen returns to normal, and you can use your phone for other things without interrupting playback.

Casting is more stable than screen mirroring because it sends only the video or audio stream, not your entire phone display. It also uses less battery and doesn't lag. Most major streaming apps — YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Hulu — support casting on both Android and iPhone. If an app doesn't show a cast icon, it doesn't support the feature and you'll need to use screen mirroring instead.

To stop casting, open the app again and tap the cast icon, then select Disconnect. The content will stop playing on your TV and return to your phone.

Connecting older Samsung TVs or troubleshooting connection problems

Samsung TVs made before 2016 may not support wireless casting at all. Check your TV's model number — usually on the back or in the settings menu under About — and search the model online to see if it lists wireless casting as a feature. If your TV doesn't support it, you have two options: connect a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick via HDMI, or use an HDMI cable with an adapter to connect your phone directly to the TV.

If your TV supports wireless casting but your phone won't connect, try these steps in order: restart both devices, forget the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnect to it, restart your router, and check that your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings > Support > Software Update. If the TV is more than three years old and won't update, a software limitation may prevent connection, and a streaming device will be your best option.

If mirroring works but the picture is choppy or keeps disconnecting, move your phone closer to the TV and router, or switch to casting a single app instead of mirroring your whole screen. Mirroring uses more bandwidth and is more sensitive to Wi-Fi interference than casting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on Wi-Fi to connect my phone to my Samsung TV?

Yes, both your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless connection. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can connect with an HDMI cable and an adapter instead, but this requires your phone to be physically plugged in at all times.

Can I use my phone as a remote after I stop mirroring?

Yes, if you're using SmartThings on Android or the TV's own remote app on iPhone. These apps work as remotes even when you're not mirroring. If you're using screen mirroring, you can stop mirroring and then open SmartThings or the remote app separately to keep controlling the TV.

Why does my phone keep disconnecting from the TV?

Disconnections usually happen because your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your phone is switching between networks. Move closer to your router, restart your router, or try casting a single app instead of mirroring your whole screen. Casting is more stable because it uses less bandwidth.

Will connecting my phone to my TV drain my phone's battery?

Yes, both mirroring and casting use extra battery. Mirroring drains battery faster than casting because it's sending your entire screen. If you're going to watch for more than an hour, plug your phone in or use casting instead of mirroring.

What if my iPhone won't connect to my Samsung TV?

Make sure your TV is 2018 or newer and has AirPlay turned on in Settings > General > AirPlay and HomeKit. If your TV is older or doesn't have this option, it doesn't support iPhone mirroring. You can use casting for individual apps like YouTube or Netflix instead, or connect an Apple TV device via HDMI.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.