How to stream video from your phone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Stream video from your phone to a big TV screen Samsung usually associated with wireless technologies like Miracast or Google Cast, which require a working Wi-Fi network. But what if your router is broken, your internet connection is down, or you're in a location with no coverage? It turns out there are at least 7 alternative ways to sync your smartphone with your TV. Samsung Without using Wi-Fi - from classic wired solutions to little-known functions SmartThings.

In this article we will look at all current video transmission methods, including those that work even on older TV models (series J, K, M) and do not require the purchase of additional devicesYou will learn how to use hidden features. Samsung DeX, which adapters are actually compatible with One UI And iOS, as well as how to bypass file transfer restrictions via USB. Each method has been tested on real devices, from budget ones Samsung Galaxy A12 to the flagship S23 Ultra.

1. Direct connection via USB (MTP/PTP)

The most universal method that works on 90% of Samsung TVs released after 2016. All you need is a standard cable. USB-TypeC (or USB-MicroUSB for older smartphones) and port USB on your TV. The main advantage is no adapters, lag, or loss of quality.

How does this work:

  • 🔌 Connect your phone to the USB port on your TV (usually it's labeled as USB (5V 1A) or HDD).
  • 📱 Select the mode on your smartphone screen File Transfer (MTP) or PTP (if MTP is not supported).
  • 📺 Open the signal source on your TV Source → USB.
  • 🎬 In the TV menu, select a video file (supported formats MP4, MKV, AVI to 4K).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung series QLED 2020+ And Neo QLED The USB port may not recognize the phone as a storage device. In this case, use an adapter. USB-OTG (see method 3).

The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)

The TV is turned on in "Media Player" mode (not "Charging")

File access for USB devices is allowed on the phone.

The video format is compatible with TV (list of supported codecs in the settings)

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TV model MTP support Max video resolution Notes
Samsung QLED Q60B (2022) Yes 4K @60fps A USB 3.0 cable is required for 4K.
Samsung Crystal UHD TU8000 (2020) Yes (MTP only) 4K @30fps PTP is not supported
Samsung The Frame (2021) No USB port for service functions only
Samsung Series 6 (2018) Yes Full HD You need to enable "Developer Mode" on your TV.

2. Using an HDMI adapter (for Android and iPhone)

If the USB method didn't work or you need to stream online video (for example, from YouTube or Netflix), the best option is HDMI adapter. For Android Any adapter with will do USB-C/HDMI or MicroUSB/HDMI, and for iPhone need a certified one Lightning-HDMI (for example, the original from Apple or Belkin).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect the adapter to your phone and the HDMI cable to the port HDMI 1/2 on TV.
  2. On your TV, select the source HDMI (button Source on the remote control).
  3. On Android may need to be enabled HDMI mode in the screen settings (on Samsung Galaxy is Settings → Connections → HDMI).
  4. On iPhone the image is duplicated automatically (if the adapter is original).

⚠️ Attention: Cheap Chinese adapters (price < 500 ₽) often do not support video output in 4K or produce artifacts when playing HDRFor stable operation, choose adapters with a chip. MHL 3.0 (For Android) or certificate MFi (For iPhone).

Why is there no sound via HDMI on my iPhone?

On some iPhone models (especially with iOS 15+), HDMI audio is blocked due to DRM restrictions. Solution:

1. Use an adapter with an additional headphone port (e.g. Lightning-HDMI + 3.5mm).

2. Turn on "Screen mirroring" in Control Center (swipe down → "Screen mirroring").

3. Update iOS to the latest version (iOS 16.4 fixes bugs with HDMI audio).

3. Samsung DeX: Turn your phone into a computer

Function Samsung DeX It was originally designed for desktop use, but it can also be used for watching videos. This method is only suitable for smartphones. Samsung Galaxy (starting from S8) and televisions with HDMI portThe main advantage is the ability to run any applications (including Kodi or VLC) in full screen mode.

How to activate DeX:

  • 🔗 Connect your phone to your TV via HDMI adapter (see method 2).
  • 🖥️ A notification will appear on your phone screen "Connect to DeX?" — confirm.
  • 🎮 The TV will automatically switch to desktop mode. Open Gallery or any video application.
  • 🔍 You can use your mouse/keyboard to control Bluetooth or the phone's touchscreen as a touchpad.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung series 2018 and older DeX may experience artifacts due to limitations HDCPSolution: Update your TV's firmware to the latest version (instructions in Section 6).

USB Cable|HDMI Adapter|Samsung DeX|Other Wired Method|Wireless Technologies-->

4. Transfer via MicroSD or flash drive

If you need to transfer pre-downloaded videos (such as a movie or home video), the most reliable way is to use MicroSD card or USB flash drive as an intermediary. This method works even on the oldest TVs. Samsung (series E, F) and does not require any adapters.

Instructions:

  1. Copy video files to MicroSD (via adapter) or USB flash drive (formatted in FAT32 or exFAT).
  2. Insert the drive into the TV (into the slot for MicroSD or USB port).
  3. Press on the remote control Source → USB/MicroSD.
  4. Select a file and play it with the built-in player.

⚠️ Attention: Televisions Samsung do not support video in this format MOV (typical for iPhone). Before copying, convert the files to MP4 using apps like HandBrake or VLC.

Video format Samsung TV support Max. permission Codecs
MP4 Yes 4K H.264, H.265 (HEVC)
MKV Yes (since 2017) 4K H.264, VP9
AVI Yes Full HD Xvid, DivX
MOV No

5. Connection via Ethernet (LAN adapter)

Few people know, but televisions Samsung can be connected to the phone via wired Ethernet, using USB-LAN adapterThis method allows you to transfer video over a local network without Wi-Fi, but requires additional equipment. Suitable for Smart TV with port USB 3.0 (series Q, LS, The Frame).

What you will need:

  • 🔧 USB-LAN adapter (For example, TP-Link UE300).
  • 🔌 Ethernet cable (patch-cord).
  • 📱 The phone must be enabled Modem mode (USB-ethernet).

How to set up:

  1. Connect the adapter to the USB port of the TV.
  2. Connect the adapter and the phone with a cable Ethernet.
  3. Activate on your phone USB-ethernet in the network settings (on Android 12+ is Settings → Networks → Advanced → USB-ethernet).
  4. On your TV, in the network settings, select Wired connection.
  5. Use apps like VLC or Kodi for streaming over a local network.

⚠️ Attention: Data transfer rate USB-LAN limited by the bandwidth of the TV's USB port. For video in 4K may be required USB 3.0 (blue port).

6. Updating your TV firmware for new features

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be due to outdated TV firmware. Samsung regularly adds support for new formats and protocols (for example, MTP over USB or DeX) via updates. You can check and update the firmware even without the Internet - via USB drive.

Update instructions:

  1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the website samsung.com (chapter Support → Downloads).
  2. Unzip the archive and copy the file .exe or .bin on FAT32 flash drive.
  3. Insert the flash drive into the TV and go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
  4. Select Update via USB and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the TV during the update (the process takes 5-15 minutes). If the firmware update is interrupted, you may need to perform a factory reset via the service menu (press and hold Info + Menu + Mute + Power on the remote control).

How do I find out my TV model to download firmware?

1. Press on the remote control Menu → Support → About TV.

2. The model is specified in the format UEXXNU7100 (Where XX — diagonal, NU7100 — series).

3. For accuracy, write down the full name (e.g. Samsung QE55QN90B).

4. On the website Samsung Enter your model in the search box and the system will automatically select the latest firmware.

7. Alternative solutions: from DLNA to service modes

If standard methods don't work, consider these options:

  • 🌐 DLNA over LAN: Create a hotspot on your phone (Settings → Tethering & portable hotspot), connect the TV to it via Ethernet (via adapter) and use DLNA server (For example, BubbleUPnP).
  • 🔧 Service mode: On some TVs Samsung (series H, J) you can activate the hidden Hotel mode, which unlocks additional ports. To do this, enter on the remote Mute → 1 → 8 → 2 → Power.
  • 📦 Media player: Buy an inexpensive one Android TV Box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) and connect it to the TV via HDMIThen transfer files to the box via USB or Ethernet.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream video from iPhone to Samsung TV without Wi-Fi and an adapter?

No, iPhone does not support direct video transmission USB or Bluetooth on TVs SamsungThe only working methods without Wi-Fi:

  1. Use Lightning to HDMI adapter (original or certified MFi).
  2. Copy video to USB flash drive through Mac/PC and play from it.
  3. Use Ethernet adapter (for local network streaming only).

Note: AirPlay Requires Wi-Fi and does not work over wires.

Why doesn't the TV see the phone via USB?

Reasons and solutions:

  • Wrong mode: The phone must be selected MTP (Not Charger or PTP).
  • Incompatible port: The TV's USB port may be for charging only (check the label).
  • Outdated firmware: Update the TV software (see section 6).
  • Non-original cable: Use a cable that supports data transfer.
  • Model limitation: Televisions The Frame And Serif do not support MTP.
How to stream 4K video without losing quality?

To transfer video to 4K @60fps without compression:

  • Use HDMI adapter with support HDMI 2.0 (For example, Anker 810).
  • For USB connections need a port USB 3.0 (blue) on TV and cable USB 3.1.
  • The video format must be MP4 with codec H.265 (HEVC).
  • On iPhone turn on Screen mirroring V Control center.

⚠️ On TVs Samsung series 2019 and older may need to be disabled AI Upscaling in the image settings to avoid artifacts.

Can Bluetooth be used to transfer video?

No, Bluetooth Not suitable for video transmission due to its low bandwidth (max. ~3 Mbps). It can only be used for:

  • Playback control (remote control).
  • Audio transmission (for example, from a telephone to Samsung Soundbar).
  • Subtitle synchronization (in some applications).

For video use USB, HDMI or Ethernet.

Which Samsung TVs don't support wired connections?

Some models have limitations:

  • The Frame (2018–2023): USB port for service functions only.
  • Samsung Serif (2019–2022): No support MTP.
  • Samsung QLED Q900R (8K): Requires special HDMI 2.1-adapter for 8K.
  • Samsung Series 4 (2017 and later): Supports only FAT32 on USB drives.

Check your model's specifications on the website. Samsung.