Connecting your phone to a TV without an HDMI cord can be a little tricky, but it’s still possible.
Fortunately, with technology growing as fast as it is, we’ve got several different and equally inexpensive ways to connect your phone to your TV without needing an HDMI cord.
Let’s look at the other options you have and check out some of the best ways to hook up your phone to a TV. We’ll look at the options you have below, then go in-depth to tell you how to do it.
- Use Miracast to cast your phone screen to your TV.
- Use Chromecast to stream from your phone.
- Mirror your screen with Android Screen Mirroring.
- Use Apple TV with your iPhone or iPad.
This article will explain the differences between the methods mentioned above.
I’ll also answer why connecting your phone to your TV can be beneficial, if you can do it with just a USB cable, how to watch movies from your phone without HDMI, and why you might need an HDMI cord.
Wireless Options for Connecting Your Phone to Your TV
There are four great options for connecting your phone to your TV without an HDMI cord that will work depending on the device you own:
1. Use Miracast to Cast Your Phone Screen to your TV
Miracast is a great way to wirelessly connect your phone to your TV. Despite being wireless, you don’t lose any quality when streaming content this way.
While Miracast is starting to see use in some newer TV sets, you may need to purchase an additional device that can translate the wireless signal into something your TV can understand.
If you’re looking for a cheap way to wirelessly connect your phone to your TV, Miracast is the best option currently available.
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2. Use Chromecast to Stream From Your Phone
Google’s Chromecast is an interesting way to connect your phone (and other devices) to your TV.
Chromecast has limited functionality as a streaming device, as you’re required to use the Chromecast app on your phone.
However, the device is limited to a resolution of just 720p. Chromecast can be a little inconsistent as well, as its Wi-Fi connection has been known to get a little finicky from time to time.
Chromecast also requires that you use your phone or tablet as a remote control, meaning you can’t turn on the TV and Chromecast with your phone.
Despite its limitations, the low price tag makes this a great low-budget option for streaming content to your TV.
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3. Mirror Your Screen With Android Screen Mirroring
Android devices have the option to mirror your screen to a larger device.
Here’s how to use it:
- Ensure both your TV and your Android phone are on the same network.
- Go into your phone’s Settings.
- Go to Cast Screen.
- Select Chromecast.
- Select your TV.
While this method isn’t necessarily the best for watching movies or TV, it’s a great way to share content from your phone to a larger screen.
4. Use Apple TV With Your iPhone or iPad
If you’re already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, Apple TV may be the best choice for connecting your iOS device to your TV.
What makes Apple TV unique is that you can stream video directly from your iOS device to the Apple TV, meaning you don’t have to rely on a third-party application.
In addition, thanks to AirPlay Mirroring, you can stream your display from your iOS device directly to the Apple TV, with no configuration required.
AirPlay Mirroring has been known to cause slight lag (or “latency issues,” as Apple likes to call it), but if you don’t mind the occasional dropped frame, Apple TV is one of the best options for streaming your phone or tablet to your TV.
Can You Connect a Phone to the TV With Just a USB?
You can connect your phone to a TV using USB Type-C. The USB-C video output works by converting MHL over USB-C, so keep in mind that you’ll need a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
This type of adapter is among the most inexpensive and widely available on the market – you can check one out here (Affiliate Link)
Androids, iPhones, and even Windows Phone devices can all use USB-C to HDMI adapters as it’s a universal standard.
How Can I Watch Movies from My Android Phone on My TV without HDMI?
You can watch movies from your Android phone on your TV without HDMI by streaming from an app. Options that let you do that include Miracast, Chromecast, Android cast, and Apple TV like mentioned above.
Miracast is a wireless connection that allows you to watch movies. Chromecast works by using your Smartphone as the controller, which means that you can’t watch movies directly from your phone to the TV.
You’ll need to hook up Chromecast to your TV set first, then use your phone as a controller.
Why Should I Connect My Phone to My TV?
There are tons of reasons why you’d want to connect your phone to your TV.
You should connect your phone to your TV if you want to watch something on the bigger screen wirelessly.
If you have friends or family who want to watch something on your phone on a bigger screen, it’s a great way to share your videos and photos without the need for plugging in an HDMI cord.
Watching Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services on your TV is also a great experience, especially if you have a smart TV that doesn’t have all the apps you use or if you don’t have a smart TV.
If you don’t have a smart TV and your non-smart TV’s software doesn’t support streaming services, it can be nice to connect your phone, so you can use the apps.
If you love watching YouTube videos, for example, this is a great way to get that content on the big screen.
When You Might Need an HDMI Cord
If you have a smart TV that supports streaming services, you might not need to buy an HDMI cord.
You can log in to services like Netflix or Hulu on your TV directly. However, if you have an older non-smart TV that doesn’t support these apps, it can be very helpful to buy an HDMI cord, especially if you want to use the device for gaming.
HDMI cords are inexpensive, so this isn’t a big investment, and it’ll give you complete access to all your favorite apps.
Depending on your Internet speed, HDMI cords might be faster than other options. Keep that in mind the next time you want to watch a movie on your TV, and it lags.
Wrapping Up
There are multiple ways of connecting your phone to a TV without an HDMI cable. These include Chromecast, AirPlay Mirroring via Apple TV, and Miracast.
Each has its pros and cons, but they will all provide you with the ability to watch movies, TV shows, and other content on your large screen TV wirelessly.
If you need more tips and tricks for optimizing your mobile apps, make sure to check out my guide on how to prevent Discord from launching at start-up.