How to connect to a TV from a Samsung phone without Wi-Fi: all the methods with photos and videos

Do you want to stream video from Samsung Galaxy Want to connect to a big screen, but there's no Wi-Fi at home and your mobile data is limited? Or is your router broken and the movie has already started? There are at least five ways to connect your smartphone to a TV without a Wi-Fi network—and most of them don't even require any special skills. In this article, we'll explore all current methods (including rare ones), we'll compare them in terms of speed, picture quality, and compatibility with different TV models, and we'll also tell you how to avoid common errors.

The main difference between our guide and other online instructions is that there are no abstract tips like "check your cables." We've described everything in detail. every step taking into account the nuances of firmware Samsung (from Galaxy S8 to S24 Ultra) and televisions (from Samsung Crystal UHD to the old ones LED monitors with VGA). Plus you will find a unique compatibility chart for cables and adapters, which is not published even in official manuals.

Spoiler: the most universal method is HDMI adapter (works on 98% of TVs), but if you have a modern Galaxy S22/S23 and TV with USB-C, you can do without adapters altogether. And for TV owners Samsung 2018-2023 has a life hack with Screen Mirroring over a Local Network (yes, it's not exactly "no Wi-Fi", but it doesn't use up any traffic!).

1. Connecting via HDMI: The most reliable way

If you need stable connection with a resolution of up to 4K@60Hz and minimal lag (ideal for games or movies), An HDMI adapter is the best choice. This method works on all phones. Samsung with port USB-C (starting from Galaxy S8) and any TVs with a connector HDMI (even Released 10 years ago).

You will need:

  • 🔌 USB-C to HDMI Adapter (For Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 Any with support will do DisplayPort Alt Mode).
  • 📺 HDMI cable (better version 2.0 or higher for 4K).
  • Charger (The phone will drain quickly when transferring video).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect the adapter to the port USB-C smartphone.
  2. Connect the adapter and TV HDMI cable (the port on TV is usually signed HDMI 1/2/ARC).
  3. Press the button on the TV remote control Source (or Input) and select the appropriate one HDMI port.
  4. A notification will appear on your phone about connecting to an external display - confirm it.
  5. If the image does not appear, go to Settings → Connections → HDMI and select the display mode.

DisplayPort Alt Mode support in the adapter|HDMI cable version 2.0+|HDMI port on TV is working (check on another device)|Keep connected mode enabled on the phone-->

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Samsung (for example, series QLED Q60B) When connected via HDMI, there may be no sound. Solution: In the phone settings, select Settings → Sound → HDMI Audio Output.

2. USB-C → USB-C: Direct connection for new models

If you have telephone Samsung Galaxy S22/S23/S24 or newer And TV with a port USB-C (For example, Samsung The Frame 2023 or QN90C), you can do without adapters! This method transmits both video and audio through a single cable, with a resolution of up to 4K@30Hz.

What you need:

  • 📱 Phone Samsung With USB 3.2 Gen 1 or newer (check the model specifications).
  • 📺 TV with a port USB-C (usually marked as HDMI/USB-C).
  • 🔗 Cable USB-C → USB-C with support DisplayPort (For example, Anker 310 or Belkin UltraHD).

How to connect:

  1. Connect the phone and TV with a cable.
  2. On your TV remote, select the signal source - this is usually an option USB-C or Mobile.
  3. An option will appear in the notification bar on your phone. USB: File Transfer - click on it and select Image transmission (HDMI).
  4. If the image does not appear, go to Settings → Connections → USB and turn it on DeX (desktop mode).
What is DeX mode?

DeX (Desktop Experience) is a Samsung feature that transforms your phone's interface into a full-fledged desktop, just like on a PC. In this mode, you can open multiple windows and use a mouse and keyboard (if connected via Bluetooth). DeX isn't necessary for simple video viewing, but it's useful if you want to work on documents on a larger screen.

⚠️ Attention: Not all cables USB-C → USB-C Support video streaming! Cheap charging cables won't work. Look for the label on the packaging. DisplayPort Alt Mode or 4K Video.

Phone model USB-C Support → USB-C Max. permission Do I need DeX?
Galaxy S24 Ultra Yes 4K@60Hz No
Galaxy S23/S22 Yes 4K@30Hz Optional
Galaxy A54/A73 Yes (only 1080p) FHD@30Hz Yes
Galaxy S10/S20 No (adapter needed)

3. Miracast (Screen Mirroring): Wireless streaming without a router

If you don't have cables but you do have Miracast-enabled TV (almost everything Samsung Smart TV since 2016), you can share your screen straight through the air — without a router or mobile internet. The technology creates direct connection between the phone and TV, like Bluetooth, but for video.

How to enable:

  1. On TV:
    • Open Settings → General → Network Settings → Screen Mirroring.
    • Select Begin or Turn on.
  • On the phone Samsung:
    • Pull down the notification panel and find the icon Smart View (or Screen Mirroring).
    • Select your TV from the list.
    • Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

    ⚠️ Attention: Miracast is unstable on phones with Android 12+ Due to Google restrictions, if the connection is interrupted, try:

    • 🔄 Restart your phone and TV.
    • 📱 Enable and disable developer mode USB debugging (sometimes it gets in the way).
    • 📺 Disable power saving in TV settings Eco mode.
    📊 Which connection method do you use most often?
    Via HDMI
    Via USB-C
    Miracast (Screen Mirroring)
    DLNA (Smart View)
    Another

    🔹 Pros of Miracast: no wires, works at a distance of up to 10 meters.

    🔹 Cons: There may be lags when watching videos in 4K, not all applications support audio transmission (for example, Netflix may block playback).

    4. DLNA (Smart View): for viewing photos and videos without screen mirroring

    If you don't need to duplicate the entire phone screen, but only to convey photos, videos or music, use DLNAThis protocol allows you to “send” a file to a TV via a local network, even if Wi-Fi is disabled, but the phone and TV are connected to the same access point (for example, via mobile hotspot phone).

    How to set up:

    1. On TV:
      • Go to Settings → General → External devices → Playback devices.
      • Enable the option DLNA or AllShare (on older models).
  • On the phone:
    • Open Gallery or Music, select the file.
    • Click Share → Smart View.
    • Select your TV from the list.

    ⚠️ Attention: DLNA is not supported DRM-protected content (for example, films from Disney+ or Kinionpoisk HD). There may also be problems with formats. .mkv or .flac — TV simply won't see them.

    🔹 Life hack: If the TV does not see the phone, check if the option is enabled on the TV Automatically update the device listOn some models Samsung It must be activated manually in the network settings.

    5. MHL adapter: for older phones and TVs

    If you have telephone Samsung until 2018 (for example, Galaxy S7 or Note 5) or TV without Smart functions (only with HDMI), will help you MHL adapterThis is a technology that allows video and audio to be transmitted over Micro-USB (or USB-C on new models) on HDMI.

    What you need to buy:

    • 🔌 MHL adapter (For example, Samsung EH-MG950 For Micro-USB or Anker USB-C to HDMI for new phones).
    • Charging 5V/2A (MHL consumes a lot of power, the phone will be discharged in 20 minutes without power).

    How to connect:

    1. Insert the adapter into the phone port.
    2. Connect HDMI cable to the adapter and TV.
    3. Connect the charger to the adapter (required!).
    4. On TV, select the desired one HDMI input.
    5. If the image does not appear, go to Settings → Display → HDMI on the phone.

    ⚠️ Attention: MHL is not supported on phones. Samsung newer Galaxy S9 (exception - some models of the series Galaxy A 2019). Before purchasing an adapter, check compatibility on the website. MHL Consortium.

    Why does MHL require charging?

    MHL adapters not only transmit video but also consume a lot of power to convert the signal. Without external power, the phone may overheat or shut down. Some adapters (for example, for Galaxy Note 4) even block video transmission if the charger is not connected.

    6. Alternative Methods: When Nothing Works

    If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

    📌 Chromecast without Wi-Fi (Guest Mode):

    • Connect Google Chromecast to the TV.
    • Turn it on Guest Mode (in Chromecast settings).
    • On the phone in the app Google Home select Devices → Configure → Guest Mode.
    • Connect to Chromecast directly (without a router).

    ⚠️ Does not work on all Chromecast models and requires Android 10+.

    📌 USB drive:

    • Copy the files to the flash drive.
    • Insert it in USB port TV.
    • Open the media player on your TV and select the file.

    🔹 Suitable for photos/videos, but not for streaming or gaming.

    📌 Analog output (3.5 mm → RCA):

    • If the TV doesn't have HDMI, but there is RCA (tulips), use an adapter 3.5 mm Jack → RCA.
    • The quality will be low (480p), but the sound will be transmitted.

    Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

    Way Quality Delay Complexity Suitable for
    HDMI adapter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4K@60Hz) No ⚙️ Easy Movies, games, presentations
    USB-C → USB-C ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4K@30Hz) No ⚙️ Easy Modern phones and TV
    Miracast ⭐⭐⭐ (1080p@60Hz) Yes (1–2 sec) ⚙️⚙️ Average View videos, photos
    DLNA ⭐⭐ (1080p) Eat ⚙️ Easy Photos, music, local videos
    MHL ⭐⭐⭐ (1080p@30Hz) No ⚙️⚙️⚙️ It's difficult Old phones and TVs

    🔹 Conclusion: For maximum quality, choose HDMI or USB-CFor a temporary solution - MiracastIf the phone is old - MHL.

    Common problems and their solutions

    🔸 The TV doesn't see the phone:

    • 🔄 Restart both devices.
    • 🔌 Check the cable/adapter on another device.
    • 📱 Turn on your phone USB debugging (in developer settings).

    🔸 No sound:

    • On the phone in Settings → Sound select HDMI output.
    • On your TV, check if the sound is muted in the settings. HDMI.
    • If you use Netflix or YouTube, check the sound settings in the application itself.

    🔸 Lag when watching videos:

    • 📶 When using Miracast, reduce the video resolution to 720p.
    • 🔋 Close background apps on your phone.
    • 📵 Turn off Energy saving in the phone settings.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect a Samsung to a TV without cables and Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but only if the TV supports it. Miracast (wireless mirroring). In this case, the phone and TV create a direct connection without a router. However, for stable operation, the distance between the devices should be no more than 5 meters, and the phone must have wireless mirroring enabled. Airplane mode (to avoid interference from the mobile network).

    Why does the TV say "Unsupported format" when connected via HDMI?

    This error occurs in three cases:

    1. You are using uncertified cable (for example, cheap Chinese HDMI 1.4 instead of 2.0).
    2. The phone is trying to transmit 4K@60Hz, and the TV only supports 4K@30Hz (check the specifications of your TV model).
    3. The mode is on HDR on the phone, but the TV does not support it (turn off HDR in the display settings).

    Solution: Try a different cable or manually set the resolution 1080p in the HDMI settings on your phone.

    How to connect Samsung to TV via USB (not HDMI)?

    Through standard USB-A Video transfer is not possible—this port is only for charging and file transfer. However, there are two workarounds:

    1. USB-OTG + MHL adapter: If the TV has USB port with support MHL (rare), you can use an adapter Micro-USB/USB-C → USB + HDMI.
    2. USB drive: Copy the files to a flash drive and insert it into the TV. This won't mirror your screen, though; it'll only allow you to view media files.
    Is it possible to play games from a phone to a TV without lag?

    Critical for games minimal delay. Best options:

    • 🎮 HDMI adapter (delay ~10 ms).
    • 🎮 USB-C → USB-C (delay ~15 ms).
    • Miracast/DLNA (100+ ms latency - not suitable for shooters or racing games).

    For PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty It is recommended to use gamepad (For example, Xbox Controller via Bluetooth) and HDMI to display the image.

    Why does my phone get so hot after connecting to a TV?

    Heating is normal when transmitting video, but if the phone overheats (above 45°C), check:

    • 🔥 Do you use original adapter (cheap Chinese adapters often do not have overheating protection).
    • 🔋 Is it enabled? charger (without it, the load on the processor is higher).
    • 📱 Are background applications (especially games or Facebook, which load the processor).

    If nothing helps, reduce the output resolution to 1080p or use cooling pad for the phone.