Connecting your Android to an HDMI input may sound like a challenge that requires another cable and a headache. Fortunately, there are also wireless opportunities that allow you to connect an Android to the TV.
Why Connect Android to the TV?
Connecting your Android device to a TV allows you to screen mirror. Screen mirroring broadcasts your Android screen onto the TV screen, making it easier to share photos, stream videos, scroll through social media apps or play games on a bigger screen. It can also be used as a tool for presentations in a business or school setting.
How to Connect Using an HDMI Cable
Wired connections are an easy and reliable way to connect an Android to an HDMI input on the TV. Commonly used cables include: Mini/mirco HDMI to HDMI cable and USB to HDMI cable. Choosing a cable depends on your device. Mini or micro HDMI cables are more likely to be compatible with older Android devices while a USB to HDMI cable is more likely to support newer Android devices. By plugging the smaller end into your device and the HDMI end into your TV, you can screen share without needing an Internet connection or dealing with buffering because of a bad signal. Keep in mind that you will be limited by the length of your cable and will need to maintain the connection in order to seamlessly screen mirror.
How to Connect Android to TV Wirelessly
Wireless connections are a popular option for screen mirroring because you have the freedom to move around. In order to wirelessly connect an Android to the TV, you’ll need the following three things:
- A Miracast enabled Android device. Most Android 4.2 or later devices already have Miracast built in.
- A Miracast enabled TV or a wireless display adapter that supports Miracast.
- An open HDMI input on your TV.
A wireless display adapter or dongle is a small device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. Your Android is able to communicate with the Miracast-enabled adapter wirelessly to screen mirror. To begin screen mirroring, follow these steps:
- Connect the wireless display adapter into your TV’s open HDMI port and into a power outlet.
- Change the input source on your TV to the appropriate HDMI input.
- In the settings menu of your Android, open the “wireless display” application.
- Select your adapter from the list of available devices.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish set up.
Note that all adapters are different and have various set up requirements. For adapters that require Wi-Fi, be sure that your Android and adapter are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also refer to your adapter’s user manual for specific set up instructions.