Streaming Video from Your Phone to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi: All the Ways to Stream Video in 2026

Wirelessly stream video from your phone to your big screen TV Samsung — a convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies, photos, or games without the hassle of wires. However, not all users know that you don't need to buy additional adapters or cables to enjoy this: simply use your smartphone's built-in features and Smart TVDepending on the TV model and phone operating system, several methods are available, from the standard Screen Mirroring to specialized applications like SmartThings.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of broadcasting content Wi-Fi, including nuances for devices on Android And iOSYou'll learn how to set up a connection in 2 minutes, what errors most often occur during connection, and how to fix them without calling a technician. And if your TV Samsung Released before 2018 - We will warn you about possible limitations and offer workarounds.

1. Preparing your phone and TV for wireless broadcasting

Before you begin setup, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. For stable video transmission over Wi-Fi important:

  • 📶 One Wi-Fi network: The phone and TV must be connected to the same router. Using a guest network or different frequency bands (2.4/5 GHz) may result in connection interruptions.
  • 🔄 Updated software: on TV Samsung The latest firmware version must be installed (checked in Settings → Support → Software Update). Update apps on your phone SmartThings or Google Home.
  • 📱 Device compatibility: For Screen Mirroring on Android version 5.0+ is required iPhone — iOS 12+. TVs Samsung 2016 and newer supported Miracast And DLNA.

If your TV was released before 2016, check for the feature. AllShare (analogue DLNA) in the menu. 2012–2015 models may require an external adapter. Miracast (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).

⚠️ AttentionOn TVs Samsung series J (2015–2016) and older function Screen Mirroring may not work reliably with phones Xiaomi And Huawei due to a protocol conflict. In this case, use the app SmartThings.
📊 What phone do you have?
Android
iPhone
Another smartphone
Tablet

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring (Smart View) - a universal method for Android

Screen Mirroring (or Smart View on TVs Samsung) is a built-in feature that mirrors your phone's screen on your TV in real time. It works on most devices. Android (starting with version 5.0) and does not require installation of additional applications.

To activate the broadcast:

  1. On TV Samsung open the menu Source (button Source on the remote control) and select Screen Mirroring.
  2. On your phone, pull down the notification panel and find the item Transfer to screen, Smart View or Wireless Display (the name depends on the manufacturer).
  3. From the list of available devices, select your TV model (for example, UE55KU6000).
  4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Once successfully connected, your phone's screen will be displayed on your TV with minimal delay (up to 1-2 seconds). This method is suitable for watching videos, running presentations, or playing games, but keep in mind:

  • 🎮 Lag in games: for dynamic games (for example, shooters) it is better to use Game Mode on TV or wired connection.
  • 🔋 Battery consumption: Constantly casting your screen increases power consumption by 20-30%. Connect your phone to a charger.
  • 📶 Image quality: When the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the resolution may automatically decrease to 720p.

One Wi-Fi for phone and TV|Updated software on both devices|VPN and power saving mode disabled|Phone charged at least 30%-->

3. Method 2: SmartThings app – official solution from Samsung

Application SmartThings — is a universal tool for managing devices Samsung, including TVs. It allows you to not only mirror your screen, but also control your TV from your phone, adjust the sound, and even turn it on/off remotely.

Setup instructions:

  1. Download SmartThings from Google Play or App Store and register (you can do this through your account) Samsung or Google).
  2. Click Add a device (+) and select a category TV.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find your TV on the network. If this doesn't happen, enter the TV's IP address manually (you can find it in Settings → Network → Network Status).
  4. Once connected, select Screencasting or Submit content for video transmission.

SmartThings supports not only screen mirroring but also streaming individual files (videos, photos, music) without displaying the phone interface. This is convenient if you want to watch a movie in high definition without losing quality due to compression. Screen Mirroring.

Function Screen Mirroring SmartThings
Supported OS Android 5.0+, iOS 12+ Android 6.0+, iOS 13+
Image lag 1–2 seconds 0.5–1 second
Max. permission 1080p (depending on TV model) 4K (via file streaming)
Additional features Screen mirroring only TV control, file transfer, voice assistant
⚠️ AttentionOn TVs Samsung With Tizen version 4.0 and below (released before 2019) application SmartThings may not support screen casting. In this case, use Screen Mirroring or DLNA.

4. Method 3: DLNA – video transfer without screen mirroring

Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows you to stream media files from your phone to your TV. Samsung Without displaying the smartphone interface, this is ideal for watching movies, photo albums, or listening to music, as it doesn't put a strain on the phone's processor.

For use DLNA:

  1. Make sure your TV is turned on. DLNA (on the menu Settings → General → External devices → Device connection settings → Remote device management).
  2. Install a media server application on your phone, for example:
    • BubbleUPnP (Android)
    • iMediaShare (iOS/Android)
    • VLC (supports DLNA in the latest versions)
  • In the application, select the file to broadcast and specify the TV Samsung as an output device.
  • Advantages DLNA:

    • 🎬 Without loss of quality: the video is broadcast in its original resolution (up to 4K, if TV supports it).
    • 📱 Low load on the phone: After running the file, the phone can be locked or used for other tasks.
    • 🔌 No connection to the on-screen interface: TV displays only content, without notifications or taskbar.

    On TVs Samsung 2020 and newer function DLNA may be hidden under the name Device Connect or Media Share. If you don't find the option, check the user manual for your model.

    What video formats does DLNA support on Samsung TV?

    DLNA on Samsung TVs supports most popular formats, but there are limitations:

    - Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (up to 1080p), AVI, MOV (with limitations).

    - Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC.

    - Photo: JPEG, PNG, BMP.

    4K content may require conversion to MP4 with H.265 (HEVC) codec.

    5. Method 4: Google Cast (Chromecast) for Android and iOS

    If your TV Samsung supports Google TV or you have an external one connected Chromecast, you can use technology Google Cast for video streaming. This method works with both Android, and with iOS, and supports most streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+).

    How to set up:

    1. Make sure that Chromecast (or built-in Google Cast on TV) is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the phone.
    2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube) and find the icon Cast (📺) in the upper right corner.
    3. Select your TV Samsung from the list of devices.
    4. Launch the video - it will start playing on the TV, and you can use your phone as a remote control.

    List of applications that support Google Cast:

    • 🎥 YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video
    • 🎵 Spotify, Google Play Music
    • 📱 Google Photos, Chrome (for tab streaming)
    ⚠️ AttentionOn TVs Samsung With Tizen built-in support Google Cast appeared only in 2021 and newer models (series QLED And Neo QLED). Older TVs will require an external Chromecast or Android TV-box.

    6. Method 5: AirPlay for iPhone (only for new Samsung TV models)

    Owners iPhone or iPad can stream video to TV Samsung through AirPlay - technology from Apple, similar Google CastHowever, this feature is only available on TV. Samsung 2018 and newer (series QLED, Frame, Serif and others).

    Step-by-step instructions:

    1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. Activate on TV AirPlay on the menu Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.
    3. On iPhone open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner) and press Screen mirroring.
    4. Select your TV Samsung from the list.
    5. To broadcast a single video (without screen mirroring), click the icon AirPlay in supported applications (for example, in Apple TV+ or Photo).

    Restrictions AirPlay on Samsung TV:

    • 🍎 iOS/macOS only: does not work with Android or Windows.
    • 🔒 DRM protection: some videos from iTunes or Apple TV+ may not be broadcast due to copyright restrictions.
    • 📺 TV models: not supported on TVs Samsung series J, K And M (until 2018).

    7. Troubleshooting: Why isn't the broadcast working?

    If the video is not streaming or the connection keeps dropping, check the following:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The TV does not appear in the list of devices Different Wi-Fi networks or disabled Screen Mirroring Connect both devices to the same router, check the TV settings
    The video is slow or choppy. Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion Reconnect to the 5 GHz network and disconnect other devices from the router.
    No sound during broadcast A different audio source (e.g. Bluetooth headphones) is selected on the phone. Turn off all Bluetooth devices and check the volume on your TV.
    The SmartThings app can't find the TV. Outdated TV firmware or firewall blocking Update your TV software and temporarily disable the firewall on your router.

    If none of the methods work, try:

    • 🔄 Reboot the router and devices: sometimes a simple reboot helps.
    • 📱 Reset network settings on the phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi settings).
    • 🛠️ Use alternative applications: ApowerMirror, TeamViewer QuickSupport or Roku (if there is a supported device).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some routers (especially with firmware from the provider) the function AP Isolation blocks communication between devices on the local network. Disable it in your router settings (Wireless Mode → Advanced Settings).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about streaming video to Samsung TV

    Is it possible to stream video from your phone to a Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but this will require either Wi-Fi Direct connection (if TV supports it), or HDMI adapter (For example, USB-C to HDMI (For modern smartphones). Wi-Fi Direct works similarly to regular broadcasting, but creates a direct network between the phone and TV without a router. However, data transfer speeds will be lower and latency will be higher.

    Why does the video have black bars on the sides when using Screen Mirroring?

    This is related to aspect ratio mismatch phone and TV screens. Most smartphones have a resolution 19.5:9 or 20:9, and televisions - 16:9To remove stripes:

    1. Turn on the TV mode Fit to screen (Settings → Image → Screen Size).
    2. Or change the aspect ratio in the settings Screen Mirroring on your phone (if supported).
    How to mirror your iPhone screen to an older Samsung TV (pre-2018)?

    For TVs Samsung released before 2018 AirPlay not supported. Alternative options:

    • Use external adapter: Apple TV, Roku Streaming Stick or Fire TV Stick (with support AirPlay).
    • Install on TV media server application (For example, Plex or Kodi) and download files via DLNA.
    • Connect HDMI adapter (For example, Lightning Digital AV Adapter for iPhone).
    Is it possible to stream games from your phone to TV without lag?

    Low latency (less than 50 ms) is critical for gaming, especially shooters and racing games. To achieve this:

    • Use wired connection through HDMI adapter (delay ~10–20 ms).
    • If only via Wi-Fi, select 5 GHz mode and place the router closer to the TV.
    • Activate Game Mode on TV (Settings → General → Game Mode).

    Screen Mirroring And SmartThings provide a latency of ~100–200 ms, which is unacceptable for competitions, but suitable for casual games.

    How to stream YouTube videos to Samsung TV without a Chromecast?

    There are several ways:

    1. Built-in YouTube app: Open it on your TV and sign in to your account – your viewing history and subscriptions will be synced.
    2. SmartThings: in the application, select Submit content → YouTube and specify the video.
    3. DLNA: use the app BubbleUPnP to send a link to a video.
    4. Link via browser: open YouTube in the TV browser (Samsung Internet) and enter the video URL.