09/18/2019 for beginners | mobile devices | programs
Not all owners of modern Smart TV and Android smartphones or tablets know that it is possible to transfer images from the phone to the TV via Wi-Fi using Miracast technology. There are other ways, for example, using an MHL cable or Chromecast (a separate device that connects to the HDMI port of the TV and receives the image via Wi-Fi) or using DLNA when connected to the same network.
This instruction provides details on how to use the ability to broadcast images and sound from your Android phone 9, 8, 7 and earlier to a TV that supports Miracast (Screen Mirroring) technology. At the same time, despite the fact that the connection is made via Wi-FI, a router at home is not required, at least for direct transmission, which is discussed in the first part of the guide. You may also be interested in: How to use an Android and iOS phone as a TV remote.
- Check and enable broadcast support on Android
- How to enable screen sharing via Miracast on Samsung, LG, Sony and Philips TVs
- Transfer images from Android phone to TV via Wi-Fi
- How to transfer an image from a phone to a TV - video instructions
- Additional options for transferring video from your phone to your TV
What is Miracast
Essentially, this is a wireless interface, and in more detail, it is a kind of communication channel that replaces the function of an HDMI cable. In other words, the function implements wireless communication between TV, computer or laptop monitors and tablet, netbook or smartphone monitors. That is, everything that happens on the screen of a smartphone or tablet can be duplicated on a TV, PC monitor, or laptop.
Miracast has its own synchronization package and does not require the use of any additional devices. Unless to provide this function to a computer, a special Miracast receiver may be needed.
This connection has the following advantages:
- high-speed image transmission, resolution up to 1920×1200 FullHD;
- Wi-Fi standard IEEE 802.11n is used, providing data transfer speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s;
- high level of own synchronization;
- ability to transmit 3D video;
- simple interface with full automation of all settings;
- compatibility of all Miracast standard devices.
But even if the TV or monitor does not have such a function, it can be installed by connecting a special inexpensive Miracast adapter via the HDMI connector. You don't need any accessories for your tablet or smartphone. All Apple devices support this feature. For Android, it is enough for the smartphone to have the “Wireless Screen” option in the “Display” section in “Settings”.
Risks
Of course, there is a small chance that something will go wrong. But it's tiny. However, all users should be warned that the image quality transmitted via a wireless connection is not comparable to the full HDMI digital format. If you want to watch movies or play games this way, then know that it won’t work. The fact is that Wi-Fi cannot yet provide an ultra-wide channel for transmitting all data in uncompressed form. Before being transmitted over the air, the data is compressed and in this form ends up on a wireless display. And this is fraught with slowdowns and low picture quality. You can still view photos, but high-definition video will not be available in this mode.
How to find out if your TV supports Miracast
If the TV was made after 2012, then most likely it has this function. This type of connection is now installed in almost all LCD TVs. A detailed description of how to use this service is set out in the technical documentation that came with the TV. You can also find out about its presence by checking it directly on the TV receiver itself.
Brand TVs Philips, LG, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba or Hitachi and others have their own types of interfaces. Therefore, to find out about the presence of this function, you need to read the operating instructions or try to look for it in the menu yourself:
- turn on the “Smart” or “Home” button with the remote control; it may simply have a house on it;
- in the HDMI-2 section, look for “Screen Share”;
- configure your smartphone or tablet.
As a last resort, you will have to study the Internet through a search engine.
In domestic models or similar ones, it is located in the “Settings” option in the “Network connections” section. Can be represented by a globe icon. There should be an option with the word Miracast. If it is missing, then most likely the manufacturers saved money on this and an adapter is needed to implement it.
How to set up Miracast on Android: conclusions
So, the instructions on how to set up Miracast on Android are very simple. You need to turn it on on your TV, on your smartphone and select the TV from the list. The technology works great, and problems are resolved just as easily. If the TV does not support the function, just install an external adapter. If the signal is slow, you can move the devices closer to each other. Sometimes, to connect or speed up, you need to restart your phone and TV and connect them after that.
I am very pleased with the technology and recommend it to everyone I know. Miracast turns your Android smartphone into a real media center. To do this, you need to figure out the connection once, after which it can be used everywhere.
Setting up Miracast
After this mode is enabled on the TV, you need to connect and the system itself will be able to coordinate both devices. From a smartphone or tablet running Android OS, you can connect by going to Settings / Display / Wireless screen / Miracast. On some models Settings / Wireless networks / More / Play To.
You can connect from an iPhone or Android device by turning on Wi-Fi. Go to Settings / Other networks. Here you need to find and launch the Screen Mirroring application. The name of the TV or device to which you want to connect should appear on the screen of the device being matched. The system usually does not ask for any passwords.
IMPORTANT! When broadcasting from a smartphone or tablet for a long time, you need to ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged. And if it is convenient, connect a charger to it.
Setting up Miracast reception on a laptop or PC
Laptops usually all contain Wi-Fi modules, modern motherboards also usually have built-in Wi-Fi. But even if this module is not available, you can use a portable Miracast receiver connected via a USB connector. But, if the devices have Windows 7 or lower OS installed, it is not possible to harmonize them.
Other versions, Windows 8, 8.1, 10, can support the described function. To quickly determine it, you need to open the search engine in the “Taskbar” and insert the word Miracast. You will then be presented with the option to "Project to this computer". After turning it on, a window with parameters will open, indicating whether the device supports this connection or not. If supported, you can enable it.
The name of your computer will be displayed on the opposite device after enabling the necessary modes described above.
Next you will have to work with the interface of the mobile device and Wi-Fi adapter
Everything about the adapter is simple, there is just one big button in the center, it switches modes, what do you need? Android or Apple devices on iOS. When you switch, the prompts and platform symbols change on the screen. The Android or Apple symbols appear in the lower left corner.
Changing screens when switching platforms
The rest of the settings take place on the smartphone itself.
Prompts on the TV screen tell you what to do next on your smartphone, and also display the connection status. The chain symbol turns green when everything is ready.
However, since smartphones are different, the connection process will be slightly different from what the tips advise. I will describe how to do this using the example of Honor 4 C and Honor 5 C.
What to do if you have problems with Miracast
The reason why the TV refuses to make a connection is a module malfunction or the lack of the necessary driver. The problem with the driver is easily solved if the TV is connected to the Internet, for example, via Wi-Fi. Then in the Miracast section you need to launch the Upgrade application. The system itself will download and install the necessary software; you just need to follow the proposed algorithm.
The main reasons why it is impossible to establish a connection:
- absence or incompatibility of this function in any of the devices;
- lack of necessary driver;
- “old” OS that does not have the appropriate software;
- malfunction of any of the modules.
Problems connecting to a computer
The computer must have an OS version of at least Windows 8 installed. An indispensable condition must be the presence of a Wi-Fi module, and the driver that comes with the laptop or motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi must be installed. It can also be downloaded, but only directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Missing the required driver or installing a driver from other sources may cause the OS to give a negative response. Although the PC can support this function if you update the video card driver software directly from the manufacturer's website.
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Connecting smartphones and tablets
In the case of mobile devices, the connection to the wireless display will have to be made exclusively using DLNA. There is simply no other option. Although the iPhone has a proprietary AirPort option, it requires Apple's proprietary display. As usual with Yabloko. So, we will not consider this possibility. Connecting your Android or iOS smartphone to your TV using DLNA is very simple. Just launch the appropriate application on the device and select a connection using DLNA in the TV settings. Then everything will happen by itself.
It is worth noting that the possibility of such a connection is available on almost all devices. Unless you have some ancient Android 2.3. “Wireless display” with “Android” works quite adequately. However, surfing the Internet is inconvenient due to the presence of a touch screen. But you can view photos and videos as much as you like. Playing with this connection won't work either. But you can communicate via Skype or some other VOIP application. There are no restrictions on this.
How to connect broadcast to HONOR 5C - two ways
Honor 5 C is a more advanced model, so to connect you just need to open the “top curtain” and find the “broadcast” button. See explanatory photos.
Looking for the “Broadcast” icon
Click “Broadcast” – wait and confirm the connection.
MONTOVIEW-97D86A is our device identified by the smartphone, as soon as this message appears (lower photo on the left), click on it and wait for the connection to end.
Confirm and wait for the devices to be fully connected
You will see that everything worked out as soon as the smartphone screen completely begins to be displayed on the TV. For full-size video images, hold your smartphone horizontally. This was one way of connecting, there is also another, here it is.
Connection via the “Settings” option
Click the “Settings” icon, then select “Management” then “MirrorShare”
Connection via the “Settings” option
After this, the smartphone finds the device, select it. We are waiting for full connection and admiring the big screen.
Finishing the connection to the TV
Don't forget to turn off the broadcast after you finish watching.
