How to connect your phone to TV via USB?

Now, of course, few people spend a lot of time watching TV shows - such a pastime has been replaced by the Internet. But everyone sometimes wants to watch their favorite shows on YouTube on the big screen, or watch their favorite movie from their gadget. How then can you connect your phone to your TV via USB? Let's try to figure it out.

When you look at the back of your TV, you'll immediately notice a wide variety of connectors. Each of them has its own purpose, because modern TVs have a huge list of capabilities. We will pay special attention to the USB port. This begs a logical question: if the TV has such a port, does it mean you can connect mobile devices to it using a special cable? This is true.

This is interesting: How to connect an iPhone to a TV?

Connecting to a wide screen may also be required to demonstrate a presentation, vacation photos, or many other media data from your smartphone. And at first glance it may seem that connecting devices to each other is very difficult and almost impossible. It's not like that at all.

The connection process via USB is much easier than via the same WIFI or HDMI. In this case, the user may have a logical question: why not download files from the smartphone to flash memory? Of course, you can always use a flash drive or a removable hard drive, but this is inconvenient - because in this case, the user’s procedure will be as follows:

Download data from your phone to your computer;
Transfer data from your computer to flash memory or hard drive;
Connect to TV and configure flash memory.

As has already become clear, the process of transferring data using a PC takes too much time. Therefore, you can directly use an Android-based gadget - using USB from your phone you can easily play music, images and videos. In this article we will look at the connection process in detail and note some important nuances.

Connection options

To correctly connect, the user needs:

smartphone with Android, iOS, Windows Phone or Chrome OS operating system;
USB cable included when purchasing a smartphone;
TV connector.

There are three options to connect your phone to the TV via a USB cable:

Connection as an electronic medium. Allows you to transfer data, move, rename, and open supported files.
Using a mobile phone as a media console. Used as a player, plays photos, videos.
Using wireless interfaces. Most often this means using a local, remote network.

How to Connect Your Phone to TV Via Chromecast – Method #7

This connection method is suitable for both Apple gadgets and smartphones based on Android OS; any modern plasma panel will be suitable as a monitor. The Chromecast attachment will need to be purchased separately, but its cost is compensated by its functionality, convenience and ease of use.

New technology for wireless data transmission and broadcasting from Google developers. To fully use the functionality, you will need a set-top box that connects to the television panel via an HDMI connector. You will have access to such functions as mirroring from the gadget display to the TV screen, installing and using utilities, broadcasting presentations, slide shows, viewing media files of any type and access to games, which will especially please avid gamers. You can purchase a standard, more budget-friendly version of the set-top box, or you can add a little to the price and get a device with more advanced functionality and support for 4K format.

How to connect the set-top box:

To get started, purchase a Google Chromecast and insert a USB cable into the TV connector (located on the back panel or side).
In the new menu that opens on the TV screen, select switching to the set-top box port (HDMI), after which you need to connect it to an available Wi-Fi network.
Download and install on your mobile device "Google Home" (suitable for Android and iOS devices).
Sign in to your Google account, open the downloaded app, and set it up.
Using the menu in the application, start broadcasting content, select Chromecast from the list of available devices.

Instructions

Step-by-step guide to connect your mobile phone to TV via USB:

Connect both devices with a cable. Make sure they are turned on.
Using your TV remote, press the AV, Input or Source button. Select “SD Card” or “Phone” (depending on the TV menu interface).
In a few seconds, you will have access to your mobile phone files.

Important: many file systems are not supported by the television operating system. For example, a video file in avi cannot be played on most devices.

Advantages of cable connection:

fast response time;
allows you to save battery power;
does not require internet;
ability to charge a smartphone.

Flaws:

most file systems are not supported;
no internet access;
There is no ability to launch applications and games.

So this is a classic option to join TV. The cable is convenient to take with you. The user does not need to think about programs to pair devices. The cost of the cable starts from 150 rubles, depending on the required length.

How to Connect Your Phone to TV Via AirPlay – Method #6

Manufacturers of Apple devices have taken full care of their users by releasing a modern new generation set-top box, Apple TV.

Today, it is rightfully considered one of the most convenient and fastest ways to connect a smartphone to a television panel, which allows owners to display any content from an Apple device. Support for all types of formats ensures high-quality transfer of images and videos to the TV. In addition, you will be able to play games, but not at the highest speeds.

This connection method is available exclusively for devices from the Apple manufacturer; pairing will be possible with any modern plasma panel. The method is considered simple and convenient; owners of Apple gadgets have already used it and appreciated it. Apple has a useful built-in “AirPlay” function, with its help you can connect the device to a TV with an Apple set-top box.

By preferring this method, you will have access to such functions as viewing and playing content online, surfing websites, conducting and creating presentations, and you will also get access to your favorite games on the big screen.

Important! Your task is to check the connection of both devices, which must be assigned to the same wireless network. On an iPhone, go to the main menu, then “control center”, and “screen repeat”. In the new menu, select “Apple TV” from the list.

Connection problems and solutions

The most common problems:

the device is not detected;
the phone does not charge from the TV;
Only viewing photos is available.

If the mobile phone is not detected, then the problem lies in the choice of pairing type. For smartphones running Android and IOS, there is a special function for selecting the connection method.

Instructions for setting up a connection for Android:

After connecting the smartphone, the operating mode will be displayed at the top.
Call up the top menu and click “USB Charging”.

Fig 1. Menu with connection methods

Select "File Transfer".

Fig 2. USB operating modes
Important: support for data transfer is possible from all cell phones on the Android starting from version 6.0.0. Older firmware can only have photo transfer and charging.

Recommendations:

If there is no data transfer option, it is recommended to use the “Camera (PTP)” mode. This will make it possible to view all photos, however, video and audio files will not be viewable.
If a menu with operating methods does not appear, you must first connect the smartphone to a computer or laptop. Then again select the desired operation option and connect your cell phone to the TV.

Connection setup guide for IOS:

When connecting an IOS device or TV directly, it will only charge. In order to use an iPhone or iPad as a storage device, you need to purchase an adapter. Due to the built-in converter, it makes it possible to connect using an AV adapter.
Connect the adapter to the device using the standard cable from the charger. The reverse side of the adapter must be connected using an HDMI cable, which is also connected to the back or side of the TV.
Press the “Source” button on the TV remote control. Select “HDMI number” - depends on the port number.
After a few seconds, the image will be broadcast to the TV screen from the cell phone.

How to Connect Your Phone to TV Via Miracast – Method #2

Using this option, the user will be able to broadcast on the TV screen all processes displayed on the smartphone display. To pair, you need a SMART TV with the Miracast function active. If there is no way out, you can find a way out using a special adapter.

Activate the option on the television panel using the main menu items. Go to the “quick monitor” in the settings of your mobile device, in the list of devices available for connection, find your TV model and click on it. Broadcasting the display image to a large screen will immediately become available.

An adapter with a suitable connector connects to HDMI on the back of the TV. In the listed list of possible sources, you must select this particular type of channel. Then a QR code will open in a new window, after pointing at it, the Play Store menu with the utility necessary for downloading will open on your smartphone.

Reference. You can do without installing additional programs by activating the “wireless monitor” option in the TV main menu settings.

After pairing with the device, you can view any media files, broadcast all processes from the phone display to the TV screen, broadcast and create presentations.

Using connection options via debug

If connection methods using USB do not appear even on the computer, it is recommended to enable debugging mode. To do this, you will need to unlock developer options - this is only possible for Android mobile devices.

Instructions for enabling debugging:

Go through the settings to the “About phone” (“About device”) item.
Click on the line “Build number” / “Model name” 10 times. A notification will appear indicating that developer mode is enabled.

Figure 3. Settings menu and build number

Return to the “Settings” item. Click "Developer Options". Enable debug mode. Try connecting your smartphone to the TV again. Select the desired pairing method.

Fig 4. Activating USB debugging
If after enabling debugging the problem is not resolved, then you need to use third-party programs to change the connection protocol.

Changing the connection mode using programs

You can connect your phone to your TV via USB using special programs. If the device does not show connection methods, you can use third-party software. To do this, you need to install the USB Mass Storage (UMS) program. You can download the application using the Play Market. Supported for Android only.

Guide to changing the connection protocol:

The first step is to enable superuser (root) rights. To do this, you need to enable debugging described above.

Launch the UMS application. Confirm root permissions.

Fig 5. Request for root rights
Wait 15 seconds - the main menu will be displayed - this means that the smartphone supports rooting.
Enable storage mode by clicking on the “Enable USB MASS STORAGE” button. Reconnect the mobile device with the television, then check the functionality.

Fig 6. Activating the phone as a storage device
Important: when you enable superuser rights, failures in the operating system of the device may occur. The problem can only be corrected by flashing the OS.

Connect using MHL

The technology is designed to connect a smartphone to a TV if the first device has a microUSB connector. An MHL cable or adapter is used. Depending on the technology, different “connectors” must be used. So, there are active and passive cables. The adapter is a separate device, which is also relevant in its own situations.

The passive cord contains microUSB and HDMI interfaces at the ends. The first is inserted into the phone, the second into the television port. The phone not only broadcasts, but also charges. Both devices must support MHL. The cable combines USB and HDMI functions at once.
The active cord additionally has a branch with a connector for connecting a power adapter. Can be used when the HDMI ports on the TV do not support MHL. This does not apply to the phone; it should still have support.
The adapter works similarly to an active cable. Externally it looks like a regular adapter in a small case. There are two connectors - for the power adapter and the HDMI cable. The latter must be purchased additionally in order to connect the adapter and the TV.

Many modern mobile devices instead of a microUSB connector have others, for example, USB-type-C. In this case, you will also need to buy an adapter for your phone in addition to the MHL cable. Or connect to a newer type of “USB-C to HDMI” adapter.

Alternative connection options

In addition to the standard cable connection, there are other ways to connect:

use an HDMI cable to set up digital data transfer;
use Wi-Fi to receive wireless transmission and data broadcast.

HDMI Connection Instructions

The first step is to purchase an adapter for your phone and an HDMI cable. Look carefully at the HDMI type. In total, two are used - standard HDMI, as well as micro HDMI, which is much smaller in size.
Connect the device to the adapter, and then use an HDMI cable to connect to the television.
On a cell phone, you need to select the media player mode to switch to a digital data channel.
Using the TV remote, press “Source”. Select "HDMI". After a few seconds, the TV screen will broadcast the image from the cell phone.

Pros of an HDMI connection:

digital connection provides a high-quality picture;
the ability to broadcast the screen and view any data;
easy to learn, connect, does not require much time.

Minuses:

you need to buy additional adapters and cables;
using full functionality requires installing special programs;
low performance with older equipment models.

Guide to connecting using a wireless solution

To provide an Internet connection you will need a Wi-Fi adapter. You can purchase it at any hardware store. The price starts from 550 rubles. You can also use the built-in software solution for your smartphone or TV. For example, using the AllShare program you can connect your phone to a Samsung TV.
Install a Wi-Fi adapter on your TV. Connect to your home network. Make sure your smartphone is using the same network.
Enable the built-in program in the TV settings menu. The application must be downloaded from the Play Market for a mobile device.
Sync your devices. Now you can broadcast the screen and view files.

You can connect your phone to an LG TV via USB using the built-in Smart Share application. To do this, you will also need to connect both devices to your wireless home network, and then enable Smart Share through the TV settings menu. For a cell phone, download the program from the manufacturer’s official website or Google Play. Devices are synchronized similarly to the Samsung example.

Pros of connecting to Wi-Fi:

fast response;
wide functionality;
inexpensive Wi-Fi adapter;
no wires needed.

Minuses:

some TV models do not support Wi-Fi because they do not have built-in pairing programs;
it takes time to understand the programs.

Connection via Wi-Fi Direct

There is a built-in solution that allows you to connect from your smartphone to your TV without using adapters or additional expenses. Today, all well-known brands have this function by default. For the system to work, you need built-in Wi-Fi in the TV and one home network.

Connection instructions:

Go to "Settings". Select "Wireless Networks and Connections" and then "Wi-Fi Direct." Confirm the action to enable the option.
In the main TV settings menu, you must select “Network”. Click on the line “Wi-Fi Direct”. Turn on device search. Select your smartphone.
Confirm pairing of devices. To do this, you just need to click the “Yes” button to approve the connection.

Typically, the Wi-Fi Direct line can be found in the “Wi-Fi” - “Advanced settings” item.

More information on how to connect your phone to TV via Wi-Fi?

TV receiver

In addition to wireless interfaces, there are set-top boxes. This solution is great for those who do not have Wi-Fi. Receivers can be presented as small cards or rectangular boxes. The most common set-top box models run on the Google TV platform. They support most Android smartphones.

Step-by-step operating instructions:

First of all, the user must purchase an adapter. As a rule, this is a micro connector with HDMI support. Modern set-top boxes have all the main connectors.
Connect the receiver to all image sources.
Use the "Source" button to switch to the set-top box.

Typically, set-top boxes have their own control panel. If it is missing, then you can use your cell phone.

How to Connect Your Phone to TV Via DLNA – Method #5

This option for pairing devices will be relevant for any modern TV and mobile device based on Android. For the full functioning of both devices, it is necessary to correctly combine the devices, after which the user will have access to a projection of all the phone’s actions on the TV monitor. We connect the devices correctly and consistently

Where to start connecting?

Connect the TV panel and mobile phone to the same network;
Go to the main menu of the TV, select “DLNA” from the available connection options.
On your device, go to the gallery, open "more" or "additional features" in the images section. Allow access to stream the file, then select an option in the menu to independently select the player or paired device.
Select your TV model from the list of devices provided.

Reference. In order not to bother so much and not look for the necessary items in the menu, you can significantly simplify your task by downloading the appropriate utility from the Play Market. , “BubbleUPnP” is deservedly considered a good and easy-to-use option .