How to Connect a Samsung TV to an Android Phone via Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

Modern televisions Samsung and smartphones on Android support wireless synchronization Wi-Fi, which allows you to stream videos, photos, or even mirror your phone's screen to a larger screen wirelessly. However, many users encounter issues: the TV doesn't detect the phone, the connection constantly drops, or the picture lags. In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods—from the standard Wi-Fi Direct to proprietary technologies Smart View And Miracast, and we'll also tell you how to fix common errors.

It is important to understand that the connection method depends on the TV model and version AndroidFor example, old ones Samsung Smart TV 2015-2017 may not be supported Miracast, and the new flagships of the series QLED Require a mandatory firmware update for stable operation. We've taken these nuances into account and compiled universal instructions that will work for most devices.

1. Preparing devices: what to check before connecting

Before attempting to connect your phone and TV, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements:

  • 📺 Samsung TV must support Wi-Fi Direct, Screen Mirroring or Smart ViewThis is relevant for models 2013 and newer (series F, H, J, K, MU, Q, LS, AU, CU).
  • 📱 Android smartphone should work on version 5.0 Lollipop and above. For Miracast may be required Android 6.0+.
  • 🔄 Both devices must be connected to one Wi-Fi network (for some methods) or be within range of each other (up to 10 meters).
  • 🔋 Phone battery charge - not less than 30%, otherwise the system may block the broadcast to save power.

If your TV was released before 2013, check support DLNA — is an outdated protocol, but it still works for transferring media files (not the screen!). For models 2020 and newer (For example, QN90B or CU8000) advanced features like Tap View - bring your phone close to the TV for instant connection.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with the operating system Tizen (all models since 2015) may require manual firmware update via menu Settings → Support → Software UpdateWithout the current version, some functions Screen Mirroring will not work.
TV model Supported protocols Minimum Android version
Samsung F/J/H (2013–2015) Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA 4.4 KitKat
Samsung K/MU (2016–2018) Wi-Fi Direct, Smart View, Miracast 5.0 Lollipop
Samsung Q/RU (2019–2021) Smart View, Tap View, AirPlay 2 6.0 Marshmallow
Samsung QN/CU (2022–2026) Smart View, Wi-Fi 6, Google Cast 8.0 Oreo
📊 What Samsung TV do you have?
Until 2015
2016–2018
2019–2021
2022 and newer
Don't know

2. Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct - a universal solution for all models

Wi-Fi Direct Wireless LAN is a technology that allows devices to connect directly without a router. It works even if you don't have home Wi-Fi, but the data transfer speed may be lower than when connected through a router.

Instructions for TVs Samsung:

  1. Press the button on the TV remote control Source (or Input).
  2. Select Screen Mirroring (on older models - Wi-Fi Direct).
  3. Open it on your phone Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (on Samsung Galaxy the path may differ: Settings → Connections → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct).
  4. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV (for example, Samsung-65QN90B).
  5. Confirm the connection on both devices.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, try:

  • 🔄 Restart both devices.
  • 📶 Make sure your phone is turned on visibility mode for Wi-Fi Direct (in some firmware versions it turns off automatically after 2 minutes).
  • 🔧 Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
⚠️ Attention: On phones Xiaomi, Huawei or OnePlus menu Wi-Fi Direct may be called differently: WLAN Direct, Fast transfer or MiracastIf you can't find the item, use the search in the settings.

☑️ Check before connecting via Wi-Fi Direct

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3. Method 2: Smart View – Samsung’s proprietary technology

Smart View - this is an application from Samsung, which allows you to not only mirror your screen but also control your TV from your phone (like a remote). It's pre-installed on all smartphones. Galaxy (starting from S6) and is available for download in Google Play for other brands.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Install the application SmartThings (it replaced Smart View in new versions) from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and tap Add a device (icon +).
  3. Select TV and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will automatically find your Samsung TV on local network.
  4. Once connected, click Broadcast your screen (or Screen Mirroring).

Advantages Smart View:

  • 🎮 Ability to use the phone as game controller for games on TV.
  • 📁 View files from your phone on TV without transferring (photos, videos, music).
  • 🔊 Control volume and channels from your smartphone screen.

If the app doesn't find your TV:

  • 🔌 Make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest!).
  • 📱 Update SmartThings to the latest version.
  • 🔧 Turn on the function on your TV Remote control: Settings → General → External devices → Remote control.

4. Method 3: Miracast – screen mirroring without lags

Miracast - is a wireless image transmission standard supported by almost all modern TVs Samsung (starting from 2016) and phones on Android 6.0+Unlike Wi-Fi Direct, it is optimized for screen streaming with minimal latency, which is important for games or videos.

How to connect:

  1. Open on your TV Settings → General → External devices → Screen Mirroring.
  2. Open it on your phone Settings → Display → Screencasting (on Samsung Galaxy path: Settings → Connections → Screencasting).
  3. Select your TV from the list.
  4. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

Peculiarities Miracast:

  • 🎮 Supports game mode with a delay of up to 30 ms (on new models) QLED).
  • 🔊 Transmits sound along with the image (unlike some analogues).
  • 📶 Requires stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal to work without lags.
⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung Galaxy S22+ and newer function Miracast may conflict with DeX (Desktop mode). If the broadcast does not start, turn it off DeX in the settings.
What to do if Miracast is not working?

If your TV doesn't support Miracast (older models), use an adapter Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port. They emulate Miracast and allow you to mirror your screen to any TV.

5. Method 4: Google Cast (Chromecast) - for streaming content

If you don't need to duplicate full screen, but only broadcast video from YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos, use Google CastThis method works on all TVs. Samsung With 2018 (and on older ones, if you connect Chromecast separately).

Instructions:

  1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube).
  3. Click on the icon Cast (Wi-Fi screen icon in the upper right corner).
  4. Select your TV from the list.

Applications that support Google Cast:

  • 🎬 YouTube, Netflix, Disney+
  • 🎵 Spotify, Google Music
  • 📷 Google Photos, Gallery (on Samsung)

If the icon Cast not active:

  • 🔄 Reconnect your TV to Wi-Fi.
  • 📱 Update the app you're trying to stream from.
  • 🔧 Turn on the TV Google Play Services (if supported): Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Enable.

6. Method 5: USB cable (Wi-Fi alternative)

If wireless methods don't work (for example, due to a weak Wi-Fi signal), you can connect your phone to your TV via USB cableThis method is suitable for viewing photos/videos, but not for screen mirroring.

What you will need:

  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C or Micro-USB (depending on the phone connector).
  • 📺 TV Samsung with port USB (supports MTP or PTP).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to the TV using a cable.
  2. On your phone, select the mode File transfer (or MTP) in the connection notification.
  3. Open on your TV Source → USB.
  4. Select files to play.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Does not support screen sharing (media files only).
  • ❌ Not all video formats are played (for example, .mkv may not open).
  • ⚡ The phone will drain faster due to the simultaneous transfer of data and the screen being on.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with a proper connection, problems can still arise. We've compiled a list of the most common errors and how to fix them:

Error Cause Solution
The TV is not visible in the list of devices Disabled Screen Mirroring on TV Turn it on Settings → General → External devices
The connection is broken after 10-30 seconds Weak Wi-Fi signal or interference Switch to range 5 GHz or bring the devices closer
Sound is transmitted, but the image is not. Conflict with DeX or Game Mode Disable these modes in your phone settings.
Lags and slowdowns during broadcasting Slow Wi-Fi speed or high network load Disconnect other devices from the network or use Wi-Fi Direct
Application Smart View gives an error Outdated TV firmware Update your TV software via Settings → Support → Software Update

If none of the methods work, check:

  • 🔧 Firewall settings on the router (sometimes it blocks Wi-Fi Direct).
  • 📱 Developer mode on the phone: if enabled Do not save actions, the broadcast may not start.
  • 📺 Resetting Smart Hub on TV: Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset Smart Hub.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Android 13+ (For example, Samsung One UI 5.1) function Screen Mirroring may conflict with Link to WindowsDisable PC sync before connecting to TV.

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each connection method has its pros and cons. The choice depends on your needs:

  • 🎥 To view movies/photos: Google Cast or Smart View.
  • 🎮 For games: Miracast (minimal lags) or USB cable (if the game supports gamepad).
  • 📱 To duplicate your screen: Wi-Fi Direct or Smart View.
  • 🔌 If Wi-Fi is unstable: USB cable or HDMI adapter.

On Samsung TVs from 2023–2026 (QN90C, CU7000 series and later), we recommend using Smart View with Wi-Fi 6 protocol, which ensures stable streaming in uncompressed 4K resolution.

If you frequently stream content, consider purchasing Google Chromecast 4K or Nvidia Shield TV — these devices support all modern protocols and operate more reliably than built-in TV modules.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect an iPhone to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but not all methods work. For iPhone available:

  • AirPlay 2 (on TVs Samsung 2018 and newer).
  • Google Cast (through apps like YouTube).
  • HDMI adapter (For example, Lightning to HDMI).

Wi-Fi Direct And Smart View are not supported on iPhone.

Why does the video slow down when broadcasting, but the sound is fine?

This problem is related to:

  • Low Wi-Fi speed (less than 50 Mbps).
  • Network overload (many devices connected to the router).
  • Video codecs (eg HEVC may not be supported by your TV).

Solution: Switch to Wi-Fi Direct or reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings Smart View.

How to connect a phone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

There are three options:

  1. Wi-Fi Direct (does not require a router).
  2. USB cable (for media files only).
  3. HDMI adapter (For example, USB-C to HDMI for screen duplication).

For Miracast And Smart View Wi-Fi is required.

The TV says "Device not supported." What should I do?

This error occurs if:

  • The phone is too old (for example, Android 4.4 and below).
  • The TV is not updated (firmware required).
  • The mode is on Game Mode or DeX on the phone.

Solution: Update the software on your TV and phone, then restart both devices.

Is it possible to control a TV with a phone as a remote control?

Yes, for this:

  1. Install the application SmartThings.
  2. Connect your TV to the app (as in method 3).
  3. Use the virtual remote control in the section Remote control.

The function works even if the phone is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network (via the cloud) Samsung).

📖 Read also

How to connect your phone to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi: YouTube Full instructions: How to stream YouTube from your phone to your Samsung Smart TV via Wi-Fi. Setting up Screen How to connect your phone to a TV without Wi-Fi: 5 working methods Don't have a router? Learn how to mirror your smartphone's screen to your TV without Wi-Fi via HDMI, USB, DLNA, and Chrome. Samsung UE32D6100SW: Wi-Fi connection and setup Step-by-step instructions: how to connect a Samsung UE32D6100SW TV to Wi-Fi. Troubleshooting router issues. How to watch TV via Wi-Fi on LG: A complete guide Learn how to watch TV via Wi-Fi on your LG Smart TV. Configure DLNA, Miracast, and IPTV for your LG Smart TV. How to connect ZaLA to your TV via Wi-Fi – step-by-step instructions A detailed guide on setting up a wireless connection between ZaLA speakers and your TV via Wi-Fi. Compatibility How to Mirror an iPhone to a TV via Wi-Fi: Complete Instructions A detailed guide: how to broadcast your iPhone screen to a Smart TV via AirPlay, DLNA, and third-party apps.