Modern smartphones such as Huawei P20 LiteWhile laptops have powerful displays, viewing content on a large screen often requires streaming images to a TV. This might be necessary for sharing photos with friends, watching high-definition movies, or even giving presentations. Fortunately, wireless data transfer technology allows this to be done without the need for unnecessary wires, using only your home network. Wi-Fi.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available ways to connect your device to a smart TV. We'll also explore the built-in features of the app. EMUI, third-party applications, and media transfer standards. It's important to understand that connection quality directly depends on the stability of your local network and supported protocols.
Before you begin setup, make sure both devices—your smartphone and TV—are connected to the same access point. This is a fundamental requirement for most mirroring technologies to work. If your router broadcasts on 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, try to use the same band. 5 GHz to minimize delays.
Preparing equipment and network
The first step is to check compatibility and perform basic network setup. Your Huawei P20 Lite supports standards Miracast And DLNA, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern Smart TVs. However, if your TV isn't smart, you'll need additional hardware.
You need to ensure that the software on both devices is updated to the latest available version. Manufacturers frequently release patches to fix communication protocol errors. Go to your smartphone's settings and check the system updates section.
⚠️ Note: If your router is configured with Client Isolation, smartphones and TVs will not see each other on the network. This feature must be disabled in the router settings.
For stable transmission of high-definition video Wi-Fi channel bandwidth must be at least 20 MbpsAt lower speeds, image artifacts or audio desynchronization may occur.
☑️ Check before connection
Using the built-in Wireless Projector function
In the shell EMUI, installed on Huawei P20 Lite, there is a built-in screencasting tool. It implements the protocol Miracast, which allows you to broadcast images in real time without the delays typical for streaming video.
To activate this feature, pull down the notification shade and look for the "Wireless Projector" or "Projection" icon. If the icon isn't in the quick access menu, go to the menu. Settings → Device Connections → Wireless ProjectorOnce turned on, the phone will begin searching for available displays.
You also need to activate the signal reception mode on your TV. This feature may have different names depending on the brand: Screen Mirroring, Smart View, Cast or simply "Broadcast". This item is usually found in the signal sources menu (Source or the button with a square and an arrow on the remote control).
Once the TV appears in the list on your smartphone screen, tap it to pair. The process takes a few seconds, after which the phone's image will be fully displayed on the big screen. In this mode, the phone acts as a touchpad if you enable the option.
Stream media via DLNA and the Video app
If your goal is not screen mirroring, but viewing video files or photos stored in memory Huawei P20 Lite, it is better to use technology DLNAIt allows the TV to decode video on its own, offloading the smartphone's processor.
Huawei's built-in Video or Gallery apps have a screen sharing feature. Open the desired file and tap the icon. TV or "Cast" in the corner of the player. The phone will prompt you to select a playback device from the list of available devices on the network.
This method is convenient because once playback starts, you can minimize the app or even lock your phone—the video will continue playing on your TV. However, you'll have to return to the smartphone app each time you want to rewind or select a file.
- 📺 Supports video playback in resolution up to 4K (depending on TV).
- 🔋 Saves smartphone battery life compared to full mirroring.
- 📂 Allows you to stream photos, music, and video files.
- ⛔ Not suitable for demonstrating browser interfaces or games.
It's worth noting that some video formats may not be supported by the TV's built-in player. In such cases, you'll need to use third-party media player apps with DLNA support.
Connection via remote control apps and third-party software
Built-in tools don't always work perfectly, especially if your TV doesn't natively support Miracast. In such cases, apps from the store come to the rescue. AppGallery or Google Play (if Google services are installed).
A popular solution is the app TV Assistant or similar products from TV manufacturers (for example, LG TV Plus, Samsung SmartThings). They allow you not only to broadcast the screen, but also to control the TV as a remote control. Installing such software on Huawei P20 Lite takes a couple of minutes.
Another option is to use aggregator apps such as Web Video CasterThey allow you to open a video in your phone's browser and forward the link to your TV. The TV then downloads the stream itself, ensuring high picture quality.
Why can't my phone see the TV?
Often, the problem lies with antivirus software or a firewall on the router, which blocks local device discovery ports. Incompatibility with DLNA protocol versions may also be the cause.
When using third-party software, it's important to grant the necessary permissions to access the local network. Without them, the app simply won't be able to find your TV in the list of available devices.
Solution and connection problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter difficulties. The most common issue is that the phone doesn't detect the TV. In 90% of cases, this is resolved by reconnecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Check whether one of the devices is using a guest network.
The second common issue is low frame rates and choppy video. This indicates a congested Wi-Fi channel. If there are many neighboring networks nearby, the signal may be unstable.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't see the TV. | Different Wi-Fi networks | Connect both devices to one router |
| Black screen with sound | DRM content protection | Use cable methods for paid content |
| Severe delay | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move the router closer or switch to 5 GHz |
| There is no sound on the TV | Incorrect audio output | In the projector settings, select "Sound through TV" |
If there is a picture but no sound, check your Bluetooth settings. Sometimes Huawei P20 Lite Automatically connects to wireless headphones, capturing the audio stream. Disable Bluetooth while broadcasting.
Alternative methods: HDMI and USB-C
If a wireless connection doesn't provide the desired results or you require maximum quality without compression, wired options are worth considering. Huawei P20 Lite equipped with a port USB Type-C, but it is important to know its limitations.
Unfortunately, this smartphone model does not support video output via the USB-C port (MHL or DisplayPort Alt Mode technology). This means that standard USB-C to HDMI adapters will not work. A wired connection will require a special adapter that supports this technology. DisplayLink.
DisplayLink adapters act like external graphics cards, processing images in software. They connect via USB but require a special driver. DisplayLink Presenter to your smartphone. After installing the driver and connecting the adapter, the phone will recognize the TV as a second monitor.
⚠️ Important: When purchasing a USB-C to HDMI adapter, make sure the description clearly states DisplayLink support. Regular charging or data cables P20 Lite The image will not be displayed on TV.
This method is ideal for gaming, where every millisecond of response is crucial, or for working with documents. However, it requires additional hardware and a USB port on the TV to power the adapter.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect the Huawei P20 Lite to an old TV without Smart TV?
Yes, but only by purchasing an additional device, such as a Google Chromecast, Apple TV (via third-party apps), or an Android set-top box. These devices plug into the HDMI port of an old TV and create an access point for streaming from your phone.
Why is the image quality on TV low when streaming YouTube from my phone?
Most likely, the video is being streamed using DLNA, and the TV can't decode the original stream, or the Wi-Fi speed isn't sufficient for the high bitrate. Try playing the video directly through the YouTube app on the TV, using your phone only as a remote.
Does connecting to a TV affect the speed of a smartphone?
Active screen mirroring increases the load on the processor and battery, which can cause the case to heat up and slightly reduce performance in demanding games. When streaming only video (DLNA), the impact is minimal.
Does Wi-Fi Direct streaming work?
Yes, the Miracast technology used in the Wireless Projector is based on Wi-Fi Direct. This allows for a direct connection between your phone and TV without a router, provided the TV supports this feature.