Connect and cast your phone to the TV: this is how it works

Today, the smartphone is our constant companion – for photos, movies, music, games, or presentations. But sometimes, the small screen just isn’t enough. The good news: you can easily connect your phone to the TV – and enjoy content in a large and convenient format. There are various options for doing this, depending on whether you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, a Smart TV, a Fire TV Stick, or a traditional TV. Whether wireless or with a cable – here’s how it works.

11.07.2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes

Connect my phone to your TV

The connection between smartphone and TV is now faster and easier than it used to be. Which method is right for you depends on your phone model, the TV, and your technical setup.

Connect Android phone to your Smart TV

If you want to connect an Android phone to a Smart TV, there are several options available – most of them wireless.

The easiest way is with Samsung phones, which offer the “Smart View” feature. This lets you mirror your screen without needing to install an additional app. Activate Smart View in the quick settings and select your TV from the list. Within seconds, your screen will appear on the TV.

Alternatively, you can use the Google Home app to pair your Android device with a TV that supports Google Chromecast or has Chromecast built-in. In the app, look for the “Cast device” or “Cast screen” option.

For users of other brands, there’s also the option to connect the phone via Miracast – a wireless technology supported by many TVs (e.g., LG or Panasonic).

Connect iPhone to your TV

Even if you have an iPhone, you can connect your phone to the TV using AirPlay. Many newer Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, or Philips already support AirPlay directly. Simply open the Control Center on your iPhone, tap “Screen Mirroring” and select your TV.

If your TV doesn’t support AirPlay, an Apple TV is the best solution. It allows you to easily pair your iPhone with the TV: you can either mirror the screen or stream specific content like photos or videos.

The safe option: How to connect your phone via cable

Not everyone has a Smart TV or stable Wi-Fi. In such cases, connecting via cable is a proven alternative – it’s stable, reliable, and often very quick to set up.

Connect Android via HDMI

Most Android smartphones can be connected to the TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Once the cable is plugged in, the signal is usually detected automatically. The important thing is that your phone supports what’s known as “HDMI Alt Mode” – this applies to many newer models, especially from Samsung, Huawei, or OnePlus.

Connect iPhone via adapter

For the iPhone, you need Apple’s official Lightning Digital AV Adapter to connect your phone to the TV via HDMI. This adapter transmits both video and audio to the TV – a reliable solution, especially when you’re on the go or offline.

A big advantage of this method: you don’t need Wi-Fi, apps, or complicated settings. Just plug in and start.

Phone meets Fire TV – this is how your TV becomes smart

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is used in many households in Switzerland – and offers a convenient way to connect your phone to the TV.

Android phone with Fire TV Stick

If you have an Android device, you can activate the “Display Mirroring” function on the Fire TV Stick. To do this, go to Settings > Sounds & Display > Enable Display Mirroring on the stick. Then, on your phone, use “Smart View” or “Cast screen” to search for available devices and select the Fire TV Stick.

Connect iPhone to Fire TV Stick

For iPhones, a small workaround is needed: download the AirScreen app on the Fire TV Stick. This makes the stick compatible with AirPlay, allowing you to mirror your iPhone as usual. To do this, open the Control Center, tap “Screen Mirroring” and select “AirScreen”.

Note: both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise the transmission won’t work.

No Wi-Fi? No problem! How to connect your smartphone anyway

You want to connect your smartphone to the Smart TV but don’t have Wi-Fi? There are solutions for that too – both via cable and wirelessly.

Many modern TVs support Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast. With these, you can establish a direct connection between your phone and TV – completely without a router. Android devices automatically detect such TVs as soon as you activate “Screen sharing”.

Alternatively, the connection also works via mobile hotspot: create a hotspot with your phone and connect the TV to it. Then you can stream content without relying on a fixed Wi-Fi network.

For iPhones, an HDMI connection is usually the simplest solution in this case.

Everything at a glance: phone content on the big screen

Sometimes you don’t just want to stream a video but see your entire phone screen on the TV – including apps, presentations, or games. This is called screen mirroring.

Advantages of screen mirroring to your TV

Mirroring shows exactly what’s happening on your phone – in real time and on a big screen. Ideal for presentations, gaming, or browsing together. The technology has different names depending on the manufacturer:

• With Samsung: Smart View
• With LG: Screen Share
• With Apple: AirPlay
• With Fire TV: Display Mirroring
  
  

Every TV is different: Here’s how it still works

Samsung

Samsung offers its own app, SmartThings, which simplifies the connection between phone and TV. This works especially well with Galaxy devices – within seconds, the smartphone appears on the big screen.

LG

LG Smart TVs support both Miracast for Android devices and AirPlay for iPhones. In addition, LG offers the ThinQ app, which allows you to control many functions directly from your phone.

Durabase

Durabase TVs, which are commonly available in Switzerland through discount retailers, usually offer basic ports like HDMI and USB. Wireless transmissions may not be possible depending on the model. In this case, it’s worth connecting a Fire TV Stick or Chromecast to upgrade with more features.

Connection problems? Here’s how to fix them in no time

Even though technology is now highly advanced – minor issues can still occur.

Common issues

• TV not found: Check whether both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network or if Wi-Fi Direct has been activated.
• Picture is transmitted but no sound: Make sure your adapter also supports audio – not every HDMI dongle transmits sound.
• Connection drops or stutters: This may be due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection. Restarting or using a cable connection can help.
• AirPlay doesn’t work: Make sure your TV is AirPlay-compatible and running the latest version.
  
  

Quick & Clear: Your path from smartphone to TV

The connection between phone and TV has never been as flexible and versatile as it is today. Whether you want to connect a Samsung phone to the TV, mirror your iPhone on the screen, use a Fire TV Stick, or connect your device without Wi-Fi – there’s a suitable method for every situation.

The best approach is to consider what technology you have available: Smart TV, HDMI, Fire TV, Chromecast, or just USB? Then choose the method that’s easiest for you. This way, you can enjoy photos, videos, apps, and games on the big screen – all from the comfort of your sofa.