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How to Connect Phone to TV with USB – Getting Started
Smartphones are convenient for accessing content on the go, yet they fall short when experiencing media on a larger display like a smart TV. Whether you wish to view something on a bigger screen or share it with others, smartphones are equipped with features such as gaming, music playback, and video streaming, matching the computing capability of a PC in a pocket-sized device. This includes connecting them to a secondary display, such as your television.
Although Android and iOS users have numerous wired and wireless options for connecting their smartphones to smart TVs, this article focuses on connecting smartphones to TVs via USB.
Why Connect My Smartphone to a TV via USB?
Connecting your smartphone to a smart TV via USB is beneficial for gaming, as it reduces the lag experienced with wireless setups. It’s also useful when Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable, necessitating a wired connection for internet access. Furthermore, a USB connection allows you to display selected images, stream high-resolution videos, or simply enjoy content on a larger screen.
Android Smartphones
Use a USB Cable
If your TV has a USB port, you can connect your smartphone using a USB cable. Instead of charging your phone, tap on your notification area to switch the protocol from ‘charging’ to ‘file transfer.’ This method is suitable for viewing files or images on a compatible TV, as it allows for file transfer to your TV.
Use a USB Adapter
This method is suitable for mirroring your phone’s display on your TV. You’ll need an HDMI USB adapter or cable. An HDMI to USB adapter is the best option because you can connect the adapter to your Android phone, then connect an HDMI cable to your TV and begin streaming. Ensure your phone supports HDMI Alt Mode before attempting this method. Also, consider whether your Android phone has a micro USB or USB Type-C port.
Use an MHL USB Adapter
The MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) protocol enables compatible phones to connect to a smart TV. This setup requires an HDMI cable, an MHL-compatible smartphone, a power cable, a smart TV with an HDMI output, and a USB to HDMI MHL adapter.
1. Connect your MHL-compatible smartphone to the HDMI MHL adapter, then connect an HDMI cable.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to your smart TV.
3. The adapter has a charging port to keep your smartphone charged as you stream.
iPhone
Use a USB Lightning Cable
The iPhone process is similar to Android, but you’ll need a lightning cable, which varies depending on your iPhone model.
1. Connect the lightning cable to your iPhone and the other end to your TV.
2. Change the usage protocol from ‘charging’ to ‘file transfer.’
You can now view files or photos from your iPhone on a compatible TV.
Use a USB Lightning Adapter
For video streaming from your iPhone, use a Lightning to HDMI or VGA adapter, depending on your TV’s port.
1. Connect the adapter to your smartphone and then connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to your TV and begin streaming.
Many third-party cables do not support streaming content from platforms like Netflix and Prime Video due to the lack of HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which prevents content piracy.
Final Thought
In summary, connecting your smartphone to a TV via USB varies depending on the type of smartphone and TV input, but it is manageable once you understand the necessary steps and equipment.
See Also
How to Cast Oculus Quest 2 to TV
How to Connect Nintendo Switch to TV