What is the name of the TV set-top box that allows you to access the Internet via Wi-Fi from your phone?

Do you want to connect your old TV to the internet, but it doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi? Or do you need to stream content from your smartphone to the big screen without the hassle of wires? There's a solution—special set-top boxes-adapters, which convert the signal from a smartphone into a format understandable to TV. But what is the correct name for this device, and what options are available on the market?

In this article, we will look at all types of adapters for connecting a TV to the Internet via a smartphone: from simple ones Wi-Fi dongles to full-fledged TV boxes with support Miracast, DLNA And Google CastYou'll learn how they differ, how to set up a connection in 5 minutes, and which models are best to choose in 2026—from budget ones Xiaomi Mi TV Stick to premium solutions from Apple And NVIDIA.

We'll also answer the key question: is it possible to get by without a set-top box, using only a smartphone and standard TV functions? Spoiler: in 80% of cases, yes—but with limitations in image quality and connection stability.

1. What is the correct name for a set-top box for TV via Wi-Fi from a phone?

There is no single name for such devices on the market—they are called differently depending on their functionality:

• 📶 Wi-Fi adapter for TV - a simple device that plugs into a port HDMI or USB, which adds wireless networking support to the TV. Examples: Asus Wi-Fi Adapter, TP-Link TL-WN823N.
• 📺 TV box — a full-fledged console with its own processor, OS (usually Android TV) and support for streaming services. Examples: Xiaomi Mi Box S, NVIDIA Shield TV.
• 🔄 Miracast/DLNA adapter — a device for mirroring a smartphone screen to a TV without an internet connection. Examples: Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, ScreenBeam Mini2.
• 📱 MHL/Slimport adapter - an outdated type of adapter for connecting a smartphone to a TV via USB/Micro-USB (relevant for older models Samsung And Sony).

If your goal is - Internet access via telephone (for example, to distribute mobile traffic on TV), then either Wi-Fi adapter, or TV box with access point support. For simple screen mirroring, it's enough Miracast adapter.

Important! Not all TVs support external adapters. Before purchasing, please check:

• 🔌 Availability of a free port HDMI (for TV boxes) or USB (for Wi-Fi dongles).
• 📋 Protocol compatibility Miracast (for Android) or AirPlay (for iPhone).
• 🔄 Possibility of connection to access point mode (if you plan to share the Internet from your phone).

2. TOP 5 devices for connecting TV to the Internet via phone

We analyzed the 2026 market and selected the best devices for various needs—from budget solutions to premium set-top boxes. All models support smartphone connectivity (as an internet source or for streaming).

For most users, the best choice is Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or AnyCast M2 PlusIf you have iPhone, then it's better to consider Apple TV (despite the price). For occasional use, a budget one will suffice. TP-Link Archer T2U Plus.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect your TV to the Internet via your phone

Let's consider a universal connection method using TV box (for example Xiaomi Mi TV Stick) and a smartphone in access point mode.

Connect the TV box to the port HDMI TV|

Enable hotspot mode on your smartphone (Settings → Network → Tethering)|

Connect your TV box to your phone's Wi-Fi network|

Start streaming via Google Cast or Miracast-->

Step 1: Preparing the TV and set-top box

1. Connect the TV box to the port HDMI on TV.
2. Connect the power adapter (usually included).
3. Turn on your TV and select the signal source. HDMI (button Source or Input on the remote control).

Step 2: Setting up a hotspot on your phone

• 📱 On Android: go to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi HotspotSet the network name and password.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Tethering and enable the option.

Step 3: Connecting the TV box to your phone

1. On the TV box screen, select the Wi-Fi network created by your phone.
2. Enter your password (if set).
3. Wait until you connect to the Internet (the network icon will appear in the upper right corner).

Step 4. Content Transmission

Now you can:

• 🎬 Stream videos from YouTube, Netflix directly through the apps on the TV box.
• 🔄 Mirror your phone screen via Google Cast (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone).
• 📁 Transfer files via DLNA (for example, through an application BubbleUPnP).

What should I do if my TV box won't connect to my phone's hotspot?

1. Restart both devices.

2. Check that mobile Internet is enabled on your phone (if you are distributing 4G/5G).

3. Make sure that the password is entered correctly (sometimes changing the password to a simpler one helps).

4. Update your TV box firmware via Settings → System → Software Update.

5. If the problem persists, reset the TV box to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).

4. Is it possible to do without a set-top box? Alternative methods

You don't always need to buy an additional device. Here 3 ways Connect your TV to the Internet via your phone without a set-top box:

• 📲 Screen Mirroring (Miracast/AirPlay)
  

  Modern TVs (released after 2018) support wireless screen mirroring. Android this is called Miracast, on iPhone — AirPlaySimply enable the feature on your phone and select TV from the list of available devices.

  ⚠️ Attention: With this connection the picture quality will be worsethan via HDMI - lags and artifacts are possible, especially when watching video in 4K.

• 🔌 Connection via USB (MTP/PTP)
  

  If the TV has a port USB with support MTP or PTPYou can connect your phone with a cable and stream media files (photos, videos, music) through the TV's built-in player. There will be no internet connection, but the files will still be displayed.

• 🌐 Using Chromecast built into TV
  

  Many models Sony Bravia, LG WebOS And Samsung Tizen have built-in support Google CastIt is enough for the phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network (even if it is a smartphone hotspot).

The advantage of these methods is no need to buy a console. Flaws:

• ❌ Low streaming quality (especially on older TVs).
• ❌ Limited functionality (no access to applications like on Android TV).
• ❌ The phone battery drains quickly (when distributing Wi-Fi).

5. Common problems and their solutions

When connecting a TV to the internet via a phone, users encounter common errors. We've compiled a list TOP 5 problems and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods helped, check:

• 🔧 Firmware updates TV and set-top box (via Settings → System).
• 📶 Signal quality — try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.
• 🔌 Cables and ports - sometimes the problem is in the physical connection (for example, oxidized contacts HDMI).

6. Which connection method should I choose? Comparing options

To determine the optimal solution, we will evaluate 4 criteria: cost, image quality, ease of setup and functionality.

Conclusions:

• 💰 Budget-friendly and simple → Built-in Miracast/AirPlay or USB.
• 🎮 Maximum functions → TV box (For example, NVIDIA Shield (for gamers).
• 🌐 Internet only → Wi-Fi adapter (if the TV does not support Smart TV).

7. Security: Risks of connecting TV via phone

Connecting your TV to the internet via your smartphone creates several vulnerabilities, which few people think about:

• 🔓 Open access point
  

  If you don't set a password for Wi-Fi sharing on your phone, strangers can connect to your network. This can lead to data leakage (for example, if you're logging into your TV accounts).

  ⚠️ Attention: Always use complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters) for the access point. Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.

• 🕵️ Traffic interception
  

  When transmitting data over Wi-Fi (especially in public places), hackers can intercept your traffic. For example, if you enter passwords for services on your TV.

• 📱 Battery drain and phone overheating
  

  Constantly sharing Wi-Fi puts a significant strain on your smartphone. This can lead to:

  • Rapid battery discharge (up to 50% in an hour).
  • Processor overheating (risk of failures).
  • Slowing down the phone.

How to protect yourself?

• 🔒 Use WPA3 to encrypt the access point (in the phone settings).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus on your TV box (for example, Malwarebytes for Android TV).
• 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger while sharing Wi-Fi.
• 🌐 For sensitive data (banks, mail) use VPN on the phone.

If you often connect your TV to the Internet via your phone, consider an alternative - separate router with a guest network. It's safer and more convenient.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to connect an old TV (2010) to the Internet via a phone?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• If the TV has a port HDMI - any will do TV box or Miracast adapter.
• If only USB - needed Wi-Fi adapter with support RNDIS (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N, but requires manual configuration).
• If there are no ports, the only option left is composite (RCA) adapter, but the quality will be very low.

For TVs older than 10 years, it is better to consider buying a new one. Smart TV - it's cheaper than assembling a system from adapters.

❓ Which TV box is best for iPhone?

For owners iPhone optimal options:

1. Apple TV 4K - better compatibility with AirPlay, but expensive.
2. NVIDIA Shield TV - supports AirPlay After the update, powerful for gaming.
3. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick - a budget option, but AirPlay works with lags.

If you only need streaming from iPhone, take it Apple TVFor games and Android apps - Shield TV.

❓ Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

Problem with sound when Miracast arises due to:

• Codec incompatibilities (for example, TV does not support AAC).
• Errors in TV settings (wrong sound source selected).
• Conflict with Bluetooth headset (disable it on your phone).

Solution:

1. Restart your phone and TV.
2. In your TV settings, select HDMI ARC or PCM as a sound source.
3. Try a different streaming app (eg. LocalCast instead of the built-in Miracast).

❓ How much data is used when connecting to TV via phone?

Traffic consumption depends on the video quality:

• 480p (SD) — ~700 MB/hour.
• 720p (HD) — ~1.5 GB/hour.
• 1080p (Full HD) — ~3 GB/hour.
• 4K (UHD) — ~7–10 GB/hour.

If you have a limited plan, it's better to:

• Reduce the video quality in the application settings (for example, in YouTube or Netflix).
• Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile Internet.
• Disable autoplay in the background.

❓ Is it possible to play mobile games on TV via phone?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🎮 Cloud gaming (For example, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW) - works well if you have fast internet (50+ Mbps).
• 📱 Screen mirroring - lags are possible (depending on the game and phone).
• 🖥️ TV box with emulators - can be installed RetroArch or PPSSPP on the console and play with a gamepad.

For comfortable play:

• Use TV box with a powerful processor (for example, NVIDIA Shield).
• Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth.
• Play via cloud services—they're optimized for streaming.