Modern televisions Samsung with function Smart TV allow you to stream video from YouTube directly to a big screen without unnecessary wires. But what if the app is malfunctioning and you don't have an HDMI cable handy? In this article, we'll explore all the possible methods. wireless YouTube connection to Samsung TV — from standard functions to hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions.
You will learn how to set up a broadcast through SmartThings, Screen Mirroring, Google Cast and even using a smartphone as a remote control. We'll also tell you why sometimes YouTube does not start on older models Samsung and how to fix it. All methods have been tested on TVs of the series QLED, Crystal UHD And The Frame (2018–2026).
If your TV does not support Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastDon't rush to buy adapters—in 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved by adjusting your router settings or updating the firmware. Below you'll find step-by-step instructions with screenshots (interface descriptions) and a compatibility table of methods for different models. Samsung.
1. Connect via the built-in YouTube app on Samsung TV
The most obvious way is to use native YouTube app, pre-installed on the TV. It is available on all models. Samsung Smart TV starting from 2016 (series KU, MU, NU and newer). If the application is missing, it can be downloaded from Samsung App Store.
To start YouTube directly:
- Click the button
Home(Home) on the remote control. - Go to the section
Apps(Appendices). - Find the icon YouTube (red rectangle with a white play button).
- Select a video and start watching.
If the application does not open or gives an error "No internet connection", check:
- 🔌 Connecting to Wi-Fi: go to
Settings → General → Network → Open network settingsand make sure that the TV is connected to the same network as your smartphone/tablet. - 🔄 Updating the application: V
Samsung App Storefind YouTube and pressRefresh. - 📅 Date and time: Incorrect settings may block access to Google services. Check them in
Settings → General → Date and Time.
On TVs Samsung 2015 and older (series JU, HU) built-in application YouTube may not be supported. In this case, use the alternative methods in the following sections.
2. Broadcast from your phone via Screen Mirroring (Miracast)
Screen Mirroring (or Screen mirroring) allows you to duplicate your smartphone screen on your TV using technology MiracastThis method works for everyone. Samsung Smart TV With 2013 and is supported by most Android devices (starting from Android 4.2) And iPhone (through AirPlay for models 2018+).
To turn on Screen Mirroring:
- On TV:
Settings → General → External devices → Screen Mirroring(orScreen mirroring). - On smartphone:
- For Android:
Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring(orScreencasting). - For iPhone: swipe down to call
Control center→Screen mirroring.
- For Android:
Once connected, open YouTube On your phone, the video will be streamed to your TV. Please note:
- 📶 Delay can reach 1–2 seconds (depending on the router model).
- 🔋 Battery charge The smartphone's battery will be used up faster.
- 🎮 Control Only possible from a phone (TV remote control does not work).
Why can't Screen Mirroring find my TV?
Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not to different 2.4/5 GHz bands!). If using guest Wi-Fi or VPN, disable them. Also check if your router supports it. multicast (required for Miracast).
⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (For example, Q60B)Screen Mirroringmay conflict withGoogle CastIf the broadcast is interrupted, turn it off.Chromecastin the TV settings.
3. Using Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)
Televisions Samsung 2020 and newer (series QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame) support built-in Google Cast - a technology similar to ChromecastIt allows you to "send" videos from YouTube to your TV directly from your mobile app or browser.
How does this work:
- Make sure your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app YouTube on the phone.
- Click on the icon
Broadcast(rectangle with Wi-Fi signal in the upper right corner of the video). - Select your TV Samsung from the list.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎥 No delay (the video is streamed directly, not duplicated on the screen).
- 📱 The phone can be used for other tasks (for example, chats).
- 🔊 Playback controls It is possible to do this either from your phone or from your TV remote control.
If the button Broadcast inactive:
- Update the application YouTube on the phone.
- Check if it is enabled
Google Castin the TV settings:Settings → General → External Devices → Google Cast Settings. - Reboot your router (sometimes UPnP blocks device detection).
☑️ Test before broadcasting via Google Cast
4. Connect via Samsung SmartThings (for new models)
Samsung SmartThings — is an ecosystem for managing smart devices, including TVs. It can be used for more than just streaming YouTube, but also use your phone as a remote control, set up voice control, and even automate the TV's turn-on schedule.
To connect YouTube through SmartThings:
- Download the app Samsung SmartThings on smartphone (Android or iOS).
- Register or log in to your account Samsung.
- Click
Add a device(+) and selectTV. - Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your TV with the app.
- Once connected, open the tab
Media→YouTube.
Features of the method:
- 🔄 Synchronizing accounts: if you are logged in SmartThings And YouTube under one account Google, your viewing history and subscriptions will be preserved.
- 🎤 Voice control: you can say
"Okay, Google, play YouTube on my TV."(required) Google Assistant). - 📊 Usage statistics: V SmartThings Displays viewing time and popular channels.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2019 and older media streaming function via SmartThings may be limited. In this case, useScreen MirroringorGoogle Cast.
If your TV doesn't support SmartThings but you have a Samsung smartphone (Galaxy S8 series and later), try Quick Share: it lets you quickly share YouTube video links directly to your TV without any additional setup.
5. Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, you can use DLNA (media streaming technology) or third-party applications like LocalCast or BubbleUPnPThese methods are suitable for older models. Samsung (to 2017), where there is no built-in YouTube or Google Cast.
Method 1: DLNA via a router
- Connect an external hard drive or flash drive with video to the router (port USB).
- Download video from YouTube to disk (for example, through 4K Video Downloader).
- Open on your TV
Sources → Devices → [Your router name].
Method 2: LocalCast App
- Install LocalCast on smartphone (Android or iOS).
- Open the video in YouTube, click
Share→LocalCast. - Select a TV Samsung from the list DLNA devices.
| Method | Compatible Samsung models | Is a smartphone required? | Video delay | Broadcast quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in YouTube app | 2016–2026 (all Smart TVs) | No | Absent | Up to 4K HDR |
| Screen Mirroring (Miracast) | 2013–2026 (all) | Yes | 1–2 seconds | Up to 1080p |
| Google Cast | 2020–2026 (QLED, Crystal UHD) | Yes | Minimum | Up to 4K |
| Samsung SmartThings | 2018–2026 | Yes | Absent | Up to 4K |
| DLNA / LocalCast | 2012–2026 (all) | Yes | 2-5 seconds | Up to 1080p |
For maximum quality we recommend using Google Cast or built-in YouTube appIf the TV is older 2017, the best option is Screen Mirroring or LocalCast.
6. Troubleshooting: YouTube won't connect or is slow
If the video is on YouTube If your stream is interrupted, not loading, or constantly dropping out, please check the following:
Wi-Fi issues:
- 📡 Signal strength: The TV should be no further than 10 meters from the router. Use repeater or Mesh system to enhance the signal.
- 🔄 Wi-Fi range:
5 GHzfaster, but less stable over long distances. For 4K streaming, it's better to use5 GHz, for Full HD -2.4 GHz. - 🚫 Network congestion: Disable other devices that are downloading files (torrents, updates).
Problems with TV:
- 🔄 Firmware update:
Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now. - 🧹 Reset settings:
Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset(does not remove applications). - 🔌 Reboot: Unplug the TV from the power outlet for 1 minute, then plug it back in.
Problems with YouTube account:
- 🔑 Authorization: Log out of your account and log back in to the app YouTube on TV.
- 🛡️ Restrictions: If the video does not play, check if the video is turned on
Limited viewing modein profile settings Google.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with firmware Tizen 4.0 and below (2018 and older) may not be supported VP9 codec, which is why the video is in resolution4KorHDRdoes not play. In this case, please use priorityFull HD (1080p).
7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The connection method you choose depends on your TV model, whether you have a smartphone, and your streaming quality requirements. Here are some quick recommendations:
- 📺 For new TVs (2020–2026): use Google Cast or built-in YouTube app - these are the most stable and fastest methods.
- 📱 If you need control from a smartphone: Screen Mirroring or SmartThings (for owners Galaxy).
- 🖥️ For older models (before 2017): DLNA or LocalCast (video download required).
- 🎮 For gamers or streamers: Google Cast (minimal delay) or HDMI adapter (if stability is critical).
If you watch often YouTube on TV, we recommend:
- Create a separate account Google for TV (to avoid mixing up viewing history).
- Tune
Autoplayin the settings YouTube on TV for convenience. - Use Google Assistant for voice search of videos (available on models 2019+).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
My 2015 Samsung TV can't find the YouTube app in the store. What should I do?
On TVs 2015 and older (series JU, HU) built-in YouTube may be absent. Solutions:
- Use
Screen Mirroringfrom a smartphone. - Connect Amazon Fire Stick or Android TV-box to the port
HDMI. - Update your TV firmware manually via USB (instructions on the website) Samsung).
Why does YouTube video slow down even though the internet is fast?
The reasons may be different:
- Codecs: Old TVs do not support
VP9(needed)H.264). Try it in the settings. YouTube limit quality to1080p. - Wi-Fi: even at high speed ping may be unstable. Connect the TV to the router with a cable.
LAN(if possible). - Background processes: Close all apps on your TV
Settings → Applications → Running applications.
Is it possible to connect YouTube to a Samsung TV without a smartphone?
Yes, if:
- There is on TV built-in YouTube app (2016 and newer).
- You are using computer with a browser Chrome for broadcasting via
Google Cast(needed) Chromecast or built-in support on TV). - Do you have remote control with microphone (models 2018+) - you can search for videos by voice.
If none of this is available, you will have to use a smartphone or buy Android TV box.
How to enable subtitles on YouTube on a Samsung TV?
The methods depend on the connection method:
- Built-in application: while watching, press
Upon the remote control →Subtitles→ select language. - Screen Mirroring: subtitles are turned on in the smartphone app YouTube (icon
CC). - Google Cast: subtitle control is available both from your phone and from your TV remote control.
Why is there no sound when connected via Screen Mirroring?
The problem is typical for Miracast. Check:
- On TV:
Settings → Sound → Sound Output→ selectTV speakers. - On your smartphone: in the settings
Screen Mirroringdisable the optionVideo only(if any). - Restart both devices.
If the sound still doesn't appear, try Google Cast - it transmits audio more stably.