1. Chromecast
Google would prefer you use Chromecast to cast your Android screen. It is a simple way to cast, even if your device isn’t Miracast compatible. Your Chromecast works as a bridge between your Android device and your TV. You don’t even need a Wi-Fi connection for the devices to connect. Plug it into your TV’s HDMI port. Tap the Chromecast button and choose your device. If you are not willing to invest in a Chromecast, you can build your own Chromecast using a Raspberry Pi.
2. Cast Directly to Smart TVs
This one won’t work with every device, and you will need a smart TV. Smart TVs already have Wi-Fi capabilities built in, eliminating the need for a bridge device, like Chromecast. For this to work, your Android device must also support Miracast. This is a wireless standard being built into many smart TVs, computers, and Android devices Apple devices not supported yet) to quickly mirror and cast your screen. Compatible Android apps have a cast icon . Press this to cast directly to an available device. Otherwise, on your Android device, go to “Settings -> Display -> Cast” or “Settings -> Connected devices -> Screen sharing.” Select your device to start casting. You may need to leave your screen on while casting. If you didn’t see either option for casting, your Android device might not have this capability, or your specific manufacturer might have a different setting. Consult your manufacturer’s website for “casting” or “Miracast” to find the setting’s location on your device.
3. Roku
If you don’t want to use Chromecast, Roku works similarly. Connect your Roku device to your TV’s HDMI port. Setup screen mirroring on the Roku by going to “Home -> Settings -> System -> Screen Mirroring.” Choose how you want to connect. Then, connect your Android device. You can connect using the same methods as connecting to a smart TV.
4. Connect via HDMI
If you’d prefer a more old-school method, cast your Android screen to your TV or computer by connecting it directly with an HDMI cable. This works best if your Android device has a USB-C port. You’ll then need an HDMI-to-USB-C cable. Otherwise, you’ll have to find an HDMI cable that supports your particular device’s port, which is tricky. Once connected, select the HDMI input on your TV to see your Android screen. You may also have to choose the connection type on your Android device from the prompt that appears.
6. Windows 10 Connect
So far, most of these methods focused specifically on casting your Android screen to a TV. However, you can cast to a Windows 10 PC, too. As long as you have the Anniversary Update, you’ll have the Connect app. Go to the Start menu and type “connect.” Choose the Connect app that appears. Use the same process on your Android device that you use for connecting to a smart TV. In most cases, you’ll need to close the Settings window on your Android device before anything shows up on your computer screen. If you are using Linux, you can cast your Android screen to the Linux desktop, too. A few things to keep in mind with any casting method is you may experience a little bit of lag. This is normal. The best connections occur with Chromecast, smart TVs, and HDMI. If you plan to connect to DLNA-compatible devices, this list includes some of the best DLNA-streaming apps for Android that you should try. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons / Br-278
