Cast to TV from iPhone: Android Tips & Tricks

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into specifics, it's essential to understand the different technologies involved in casting your phone to a TV. Here are the key players:

• AirPlay: Exclusive to Apple devices, AirPlay allows streaming media from your iPhone or iPad to any device that supports it, including Apple TV and some smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
• Chromecast: Developed by Google, Chromecast is a popular choice for Android devices. It supports a wide range of apps and can be used with both built-in TV support and a separate streaming device.
• Miracast: Also known as Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast is another wireless casting technology supported by some Android devices and Windows PCs. It's often labeled as "Smart View" on Samsung phones and "Ready For" on Motorola devices.

Casting with AirPlay

If you're using an iPhone, you can easily cast your screen to an Apple TV or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. Here’s how:

1. Ensure Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your iPhone and the target device (Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Control Center: On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner for devices with Face ID or swipe up from the bottom of the screen for devices with a Home button.
3. Tap Screen Mirroring: In the Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles).
4. Select Your TV: Choose your TV from the list of available devices.
5. Enter Passcode: If prompted, enter the AirPlay passcode displayed on your TV to confirm the connection.

To stop screen mirroring, simply go back to the Control Center and tap Stop Mirroring.

Casting with Chromecast

For Android users, Chromecast is a versatile and widely supported option. Here’s how to use it:

1. Ensure Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your Android device and the Chromecast device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a Streaming App: Open a video streaming app like YouTube, Netflix, or Paramount Plus.
3. Tap the Cast Icon: Inside the app, tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with three wavy lines).
4. Select Your Chromecast: Choose your Chromecast device from the list of available devices.
5. Start Casting: Your video will begin playing on your TV.

Chromecast also supports screen mirroring using the Google Home app. You can set up a Screen Cast shortcut in the quick settings drop-down panel for faster access.

Casting with Miracast

Miracast is another wireless casting technology supported by some Android devices and Windows PCs. Here’s how to use it:

1. Ensure Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your Android device and the target device (smart TV or display) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Check Device Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports Miracast. Samsung phones often label this feature as "Smart View," while Motorola phones label it as "Ready For."
3. Open Settings: Go to your device's settings and look for the Screen Mirroring or Smart View option.
4. Select Your TV: Choose your TV or display from the list of available devices.
5. Start Mirroring: Your screen will begin mirroring on your TV.

Miracast also supports connecting via a USB-C to HDMI cable, which can be particularly useful for data-intensive activities.

Using Third-Party Apps

While built-in features like AirPlay and Chromecast are convenient, third-party apps can offer additional flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of devices. Here are some popular options:

AirDroid Cast TV

AirDroid Cast TV is a versatile app that supports both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to mirror your screen to an Android TV. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install the App: Download and install the AirDroid Cast TV app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect Devices: Ensure both your iPhone and Android TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open Control Center: On your iPhone, open the Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
4. Select AirDroid Cast TV: Choose AirDroid Cast TV from the list of available devices.
5. Accept Request: If prompted, accept the request on your Android TV to start mirroring.

AirDroid Cast TV is a reliable tool for casting your iPhone screen to an Android TV, making it an excellent alternative when built-in features are not available.

AirScreen

AirScreen is another popular third-party app that allows you to stream your favorite shows from your Android device to a big screen. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install the App: Download and install the AirScreen app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect Devices: Ensure both your Android device and the target device (smart TV or display) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open AirScreen: Launch the AirScreen app on your Android device.
4. Select Your TV: Choose your TV or display from the list of available devices.
5. Start Mirroring: Your screen will begin mirroring on your TV.

AirScreen offers fine-tuning options for playback settings, making it an excellent alternative to Chromecast if you want to save money and time.

AirPlayMirror

AirPlayMirror is a receiver app for Apple's AirPlay mirroring and casting, allowing Android devices to mirror an Apple device's screen. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install the App: Download and install the AirPlayMirror app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect Devices: Ensure both your Apple device and the target Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open Control Center: On your Apple device, open the Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
4. Select AirPlayMirror: Choose AirPlayMirror from the list of available devices.
5. Accept Request: If prompted, accept the request on your Android device to start mirroring.

AirPlayMirror supports mirroring an Apple device's screen, playing audio or videos, or playing YouTube video links over the local network.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While casting your phone to a TV is generally straightforward, there are some common issues you might encounter:

No Devices Found

If you're unable to find your TV or device in the list of available devices, ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restarting both devices can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.

AirPlay Not Working

If AirPlay is not working, check if your TV supports AirPlay 2. Some older TVs might only support the original AirPlay, which may not be compatible with newer iOS devices. You can also try using a third-party app like AirDroid Cast TV as an alternative.

Chromecast Not Working

If Chromecast is not working, ensure that both your device and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restarting both devices can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. Also, check if the app you're using supports Chromecast casting.

Casting your iPhone or Android device to a TV is a convenient way to enhance your viewing experience. Whether you're using built-in features like AirPlay or Chromecast or third-party apps like AirDroid Cast TV, there are numerous options available to suit different needs and devices. By understanding the basics of each technology and troubleshooting common issues, you can seamlessly stream media from your phone to your TV, making it easier to share photos, videos, and apps with friends and family.