By: The BitMar Team.
Image Source: Bing Image Creator.
Mirroring (also; known, as: wirelessly displaying) your smartphone, tablet, or computer – on a TV, projector, or monitor – can be a great way to wirelessly display content; on a larger screen. Whether you want to watch a video, show, or movie; show off photos, from a recent vacation; or play a game... mirroring your device can make the experience more enjoyable.
As the name implies... "screen mirroring" displays your device's screen – exactly as on the phone/tablet – on your larger screen device (usually, a TV.) This means, that: everything that you see, on your device's screen, will be displayed on your larger screen device.
We strongly recommend using your smartphone, for mirroring. Why use your smartphone, for mirroring? Simple: Because it is very portable, it is – most likely – always with you, and you can now control playback, and volume, through your phone—no more having to depend (only) on your TV remote: No more having to replace batteries. No more having to look for that infernal TV remote, whenever your pet/s – or the kid/s – lose it. In other words: Whenever you connect your phone, to your TV set, it replaces your Cable box, and/or streaming stick/box. This way, you will never have to replace/buy another one. Additionally; most mid-range, and higher-end, phones can provide much better image quality; than most streaming players/sticks/boxes.
There are a few different ways to mirror your devices, to your TV; depending on the devices that you may have. Here are a few of the most common methods:
Android Devices (Google Cast/Chromecast):
Most TVs (now) come with built-in Google Cast connectivity. Nevertheless, a Chromecast device is a (physical) streaming device – that (also) uses Google Cast technology – which you can plug, into your TV's HDMI port (if your TV/monitor/display/projector does not have wireless connectivity capabilities.) Once your Google Cast/Chromecast-enabled TV (or monitor/display) is on, you can mirror your screen, from a compatible Android device. Some Samsung phones have a proprietary "Smart View" mirroring system.
There are two ways of mirroring your Android devices:
1. Quick Settings Panel (Faster, But Not Universally Supported):
- Swipe down, from the top edge of your device's home screen. - Swipe down, again, if you do not see the full settings list. - Locate, and tap, the "Screen Cast" button (or "Smart View," on Samsung devices.) - Choose your desired mirroring device. - Tap "Start Now," on the following dialogue. - Mirroring begins; repeat steps 1-3, and tap "Disconnect," to end mirroring.
Google Home App (Slower, But More Compatible):
2. Download, and open, the Google Home app; if you do not have it. - Select the device to which you want to mirror, and tap it. - Tap "Cast my screen," on the following screen. - Tap "Cast screen," on the next dialogue. - Tap "Start Now," on the final dialogue. - Mirroring begins; repeat steps 1-2, and tap "Stop mirroring," to end mirroring.
Apple Devices (AirPlay):
If you have an Apple device... you can use AirPlay; to mirror your screen, to a compatible TV. AirPlay is a built-in feature of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. To use AirPlay, simply open the Control Center, on your device, and tap the Screen Mirroring icon. Then, select your TV; from the list of available devices. Your larger-screen (AirPlay-enabled) device must be on, and ready to connect.
1. Mirroring Your iPhone, or iPad (AirPlay 2 – or Later – Only):
- Turn on your TV (skip, if AirPlay 2 compatible.) - Turn on your AirPlay 2 compatible streaming device (if applicable.) - Access Control Center, on your iPhone (swipe down, from top-right corner; for iPhone X, or later. Swipe up, from bottom; for earlier models.) - Tap the Screen Mirroring button (the two interlocking rectangles.) - Choose your AirPlay-compatible device, from the list. - Mirroring starts, automatically. - Repeat steps 3-5, to stop mirroring.
2. Mirroring; from a Mac, or MacBook (AirPlay 2 – or Later – Only):
- Click the Control Center icon (the two toggle switches) in the top-right corner of your desktop. - Click "Screen Mirroring." - Choose the AirPlay 2 device to which you want to mirror.
3. Enabling AirPlay 2, on Various Devices:
Roku: Ensure that your Roku, and Apple device, are on the same Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > Set AirPlay, to: "On."
Google TV/Android TV: Press Input select button, on your remote. Choose AirPlay. Then, select: AirPlay & HomeKit settings, and ensure that AirPlay is set, to: "On."
Vizio SmartCast TV: The AirPlay icon should be visible, on the SmartCast Home screen. If not; go to Extras menu, select AirPlay, and make sure it is on.
Samsung Smart TV: Go to Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > Set AirPlay, to: "On."
LG TV: Go to Home Dashboard, select AirPlay, from available cards, and ensure that it is on.
Windows, and Linux, Devices (Miracast):
Miracast is a screen mirroring standard, that: is supported by some TVs, and mobile devices. To use Miracast, open the Settings app, on your Windows/Linux device; and seek a "Cast," or "Screen Mirroring," option. Then; select your TV, from the list of available devices.
LG Screen Share:
If you have an LG smartphone, or tablet; and an LG Smart TV... you can use LG Screen Share, to mirror your screen. LG Screen Share, is: a built-in feature of LG devices. To use LG Screen Share... open the Settings app, on your device; and seek a "Screen Share," or "Cast," option. Then; select your TV, from the list of available devices.
Conclusion, and Notes:
Keep in mind, that: this guide offers a basic overview of mirroring your devices. However; specific steps may vary, depending on your devices. Therefore; consult your user manual/s, if needed.
In addition to the methods that are listed above... there are a number of third-party apps, that can be used; to mirror your device, to your TV. These apps can be a good option; if your TV, or mobile device, does not support a built-in mirroring method.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when mirroring your device, to your TV:
1. The quality of the mirrored image may vary; depending on the devices that you are using, and the strength of your Wi-Fi signal.
2. Some apps may not support mirroring.
3. You may need to enable screen mirroring; in the settings of your source device (smartphone, Tablet, or computer), and on your receiver device (TV, Projector, or Monitor.)
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