Connecting Android to TV. USB connection

Is a big or small screen better? For a home, of course, a large one has many advantages! It’s more pleasant to watch movies or videos, show your own videos and photos to family and friends, and, of course, play games. At the same time, the tablet turns into a kind of touchscreen remote control that is convenient to operate.

Therefore, if you have a tablet and modern TV, sooner or later you will think about combining them and getting additional benefits.

Wired connection

The most obvious connection method is to use a cable (this is how we connect media players, DVD and Blu-ray players, hard disks). Modern tablets and TVs allow several options for connecting with wires.

Let's look at the most obvious ones:

USB

If your tablet supports regular storage mode, you can simply connect it with a cable to the USB port of your TV. In this case, the TV will open it just like a regular flash drive or HDD. You can scroll through folders, open files, rewind videos using the TV remote control.

Unfortunately, this is not possible on devices with and above. Connecting as a drive there is replaced by an MTP connection. As a result, when you connect such a tablet or smartphone to the TV via USB, you suddenly find that the device is not recognized. Or the TV sees the folder structure, but does not recognize any files in them. This is all the more annoying because, for example, with Windows Phone there is no such problem.

This occurs even in the “ecosystem” of a single manufacturer. We tried a similar connection with an LG G Pad 8.3 tablet (Android 4.4) and an LG TV; The TV could not detect the tablet at all. To check, we connected an LG G2 smartphone (Android 5.0.2) to the TV: the device was recognized. The TV was able to read the folder structure, but all of them were displayed as empty. Therefore, if you use modern model tablet, proceed to the next step.

MHL/HDMI/SLIMPORT

There are several wired options connecting the tablet to the TV. They operate on the same principle: the port of the Android device turns into a standard video output and is interfaced with the HDMI input of the TV. This method has no alternative if your TV has an HDMI input, but is not equipped with a USB port (this occurs in models of the last decade).

Today there are several implementations of this approach:

  • Micro HDMI or Mini HDMI. Tablets are equipped with this output quite rarely (examples: Acer Iconia Tab A500 or Enot J141). In fact, the connection is no different from connecting a media player or DVD. Connect the cable to the tablet port and input
    TV; All. Now everything that happens on the tablet display is displayed on the TV screen. You can freely control the tablet, play videos on it, show photos, play games, and everything you do will be automatically broadcast on the TV screen.
  • MHL. Its main difference is that instead of a separate HDMI port, a standard connector is used for video output Micro USB. To connect you need a special adapter or cable. Otherwise it is fully HDMI compliant.
  • SlimPort. In terms of use, it is completely similar to MHL: using a cable or adapter, you connect your Android device to the HDMI port of your TV (DisplayPort is also supported, but this is rare for TVs).

Each of these standards allows you to display video on a TV screen in high quality(up to 4K) and multi-channel audio. All you need to know to connect is the specific video output standard of your device. The only inconvenience is that you will have to acquire the appropriate adapter or cable (SlimPort or MHL).

Wireless connection

DLNA

Looks much more attractive these days wireless connections. If your tablet and TV are connected to the same local network, it is tempting to use DLNA technology to pair them. Modern TVs usually do not need additional devices and have built-in DLNA function. For older models not intended for a network environment, the media player can become the DLNA center, game console or Android stick().

The easiest way to install DLNA server to your smartphone (if it is not already installed by default). Modern Android devices already have DLNA support built-in.

To enable it, you need:

  • Open Settings
  • In the “Networks” tab, find the item “ General access and connection"
  • In this section, find and open the “Media server” item
  • Check the box “Content access mode”
  • Determine the type of content for public access (Photo, Video and Music are available)

After this, your tablet will work as a DLNA server, and the media files hosted on it will be available on the TV. If UPnP mode is not yet enabled on your router, then you need to enable it (look for instructions specifically for your router model). When your TV recognizes the DLNA server you activated on your tablet, you will need to allow connection to it.

After this, your tablet will appear in the list of inputs as a drive. From the TV you will have direct access to the photos, videos and audio files located on it (if you have opened access to them).

However, use local network not necessary. Today, tablets are increasingly equipped Miracast technology, which allows you to directly connect to your TV via Wi-Fi without using third-party devices.

By turning on Miracast on your TV and tablet, you can display the image from the tablet display on your TV. For example, to play games or surf the Internet, you will need this mode.

When demon wired connection your tablet will consume energy for communication and video streaming, and will not be recharged from a cable (as with a wired connection). Therefore, whichever way wireless connection Whatever you choose, keep an eye on the charge and, if possible, put the tablet on charge.

If you are the owner of a device with operating system Android, then you can broadcast the image to the big screen by connecting the device to the TV. This feature is sure to appeal to movie, music and game lovers. Some methods help transmit information almost instantly, others with a slight delay. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Connecting to TV via USB

Connecting via USB assumes that the TV has this connector and a simple built-in player.

Modern TVs have all the necessary connectors to connect a mobile device

The USB cable that comes with all Android devices is suitable for connection.

Can be used as microUSB cable, and miniUSB.

  1. Connect the cable provided with your device and the TV.
  2. A window will appear on the device screen, select the option “Connect as external storage" The built-in file manager or player will open on your TV.
  3. Launch media files from your mobile device.

This is the simplest method, but at the same time the least functional. The TV treats the phone only as a flash drive. The method is suitable if you need to watch a movie downloaded to your smartphone, listen to music, etc.

Using Wi-Fi

The most convenient way to connect your phone to your TV is via Wi-Fi. Firstly, there is no need for wires; the device can be located in another room. Secondly, the scope of application of the smartphone is expanding.

Important! The TV must have Wi-Fi adapter. If you don't have one, you can purchase it separately and connect it via an HDMI port.

The connection is made using the Miracast standard, which allows you to duplicate images from the device screen to the TV screen.

There are also third-party programs.

Miracast

Miracast - standard wireless transmission multimedia signal approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance on September 19, 2012. To connect, both your TV and mobile device must have this technology.


In this mode, you can watch photos or videos, scroll through pages on the Internet, read books, listen to music. However, there is a slight delay in updating the TV image. For example, after opening a menu on the phone, it will appear on the screen only after half a second. Therefore, using Miracast you will not be able to comfortably play dynamic games, except perhaps in turn-based strategies or logic puzzles. But for everything else this type of connection is suitable.

How to connect your Android device to your TV using Miracast - video

Streambels

Streambels is a third-party application from Clockworkmod. The operating principle is different from Miracast: the device screen is not duplicated. In the program, you can listen to music, view photos or videos, and then, by pressing one button, play the file on your TV.

To set up the connection, just select the TV you want to connect to

Setting up the connection is easy. The Streambels application itself will prompt you to select the TV you want to connect to. Once the connection is established, you can start using the program.

WiDi

There is also a technology from Intel called Wireless Display (WiDi). It was initially developed as an analogue of Miracast, and later became compatible with it (starting with version 3.5).

The characteristics of Intel WiDi are close to those of Miracast: FullHD video and 5.1-channel surround audio.

The technology is not much different from Miracast; moreover, it is rarely used on mobile devices. It is mainly supported by Intel laptops.

AirPlay

AirPlay is an Apple development designed for the company's own devices. Therefore, phones and tablets running Android OS cannot use all its functions. However, with the help third party applications you can play music.

The PlayTo AppleTV Roku GTV & DLNA app lets you play music on both Apple TV and AirPlay-enabled audio systems.

But you can’t do anything other than play music from an Android device via AirPlay. Apple is jealous of its products and does not allow competitors to use their developments.

Via HDMI

HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface (from English multimedia interface high resolution), was the first standard to allow handheld devices to connect to television screens. When smartphones and tablets began to develop rapidly, engineers came up with the microHDMI and miniHDMI standards.

The HDMI standard is being developed and improved by three companies at once: Sony, Philips and Hitachi. Its first version allowed transmission of Full HD video at 60 Hz, as well as 8-channel audio at 192 kHz. The maximum throughput was 4.9 Gbit per second. On this moment latest version HDMI standard (HDMI 2.0) is capable of transmitting images in Ultra HD format with a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels at a speed of 60 fps (frames per second), as well as Full HD in 3D format. HDMI 2.0 allows for 24-channel audio with a sampling rate of 1536 kHz. And the total throughput is 18 Gbit per second.

Connecting via HDMI is no more difficult than connecting via USB.

  1. Connect the HDMI ports of the TV and Android device with a wire, the setup will happen automatically.
  2. If suddenly the image is not broadcast, then go to the settings menu on the TV, find the HDMI item and select the image from your smartphone or tablet as input data.

The HDMI standard is widely used. All modern TVs support it, which allows you to connect a mobile device running on any operating system to them.

How to connect your tablet to your TV using HDMI - video

MHL

HDMI, despite its obvious advantages, was inconvenient for mobile devices, as it required an additional micro- or mini-HDMI port. Or an adapter from microUSB to HDMI was needed, but in this case the user was deprived of the ability to simultaneously use USB. The problem was solved with the advent of MHL (Mobile High-Defination Link), developed by Toshiba and Sony. MHL combines USB and HDMI functions.


The microUSB-HDMI adapter of the MHL standard has a microUSB port required for external power supply

The MHL 3.0 specification allows you to transmit video in Ultra HD resolution with a frequency of 30 Hz, 7.1-channel audio with support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, and also charge devices with a power of up to 10 watts.

In addition to the adapter, there is also an MHL cord, at one end of which there is an HDMI plug and at the other - microUSB. The MHL cord is more convenient to use since there is no need for separate wires.

But MHL has one drawback: it takes up the USB port of the device, so it is impossible to connect other devices at the same time. For example, you won’t be able to connect an external hard drive with movies to your phone and watch them on the TV screen.

SlimPort

SlimPort is a development by Analogix. The specification of the standard is similar to MHL: the ability to transmit Ultra HD images and 7.1-channel sound. The differences lie in more subtle details:

  • firstly, SlimPort functions as a USB hub; third-party devices, for example, an external hard drive, can be connected directly to SlimPort;
  • secondly, it does not require external power.
SlimPort connects a mobile device to the TV and simultaneously functions as a USB hub

It would seem that SlimPort is more convenient than MHL, especially since there are variations not only microUSB-HDMI, but also microUSB-DisplayPort or microUSB-VGA. But the standard is not so widespread, very few devices support it (Nexus).

Connection via "tulip"

“Tulip”, otherwise RCA, is the name given to three wires transmitting an analog signal. This connection method is used for old, non-digital TVs that have long gone out of sale. However, such models have been preserved to this day in many families.

This is interesting! The name RCA comes from the name of the Radio Corporation of America, which introduced this type of connector for connecting phonographs to amplifiers in the 1940s. Then the RCA standard began to be used in all audio and video receivers. It was actively used until 2000, when digital devices replaced analog ones.

With this connection method, you should not count on good quality images and sound. However, this way you can connect Android to any TV. To establish a connection, you will need an HDMI-RCA adapter, as well as an HDMI-HDMI cord.

  1. Connect one end of the cord to the mobile device, the other to the adapter.
  2. Connect three plugs to the corresponding color ports: yellow for video, white and red for audio.
  3. Repeat the steps described for connecting via HDMI.

How to connect an Android smartphone to an old TV via a “tulip” - video

Connecting a phone to the vehicle's on-board system

You can connect a smartphone or tablet not only to your home TV, but also to the screen of your car’s on-board computer.


Automobile concerns have been producing car models equipped with on-board computers for many years. You can expand their functionality using a mobile device

At the moment, there are two standards with which you can connect Android to the on-board system: Mirrorlink and Google Android Auto.

Mirrorlink can be used on any platform and operating system. The connection is made using a USB cable, the setup is automatic. The on-board computer screen either duplicates the image from the device, or opens specially adapted applications that can be controlled on the computer itself (using touch screen, buttons on the steering wheel or on the panel).


Mirrorlink technology is supported by everyone mobile devices

Android Auto is analogue of Apple CarPlay, however, is used for devices with Android based. It connects via USB and is not much different from Mirrorlink, but makes it possible to control the on-board computer using voice commands without being distracted from the road. In addition, Google Android Auto has more customized applications. However, not many cars support this interface.


Google Android Auto has good functionality, but not many cars support its interface

Currently, all of the above methods Android connections to TV have their drawbacks. Thus, Wi-Fi technology does not have enough power; a second delay in the image prevents it from being fully used for watching videos. The HDMI standard, despite all its advantages, is inconvenient due to a wired connection. We can only hope that manufacturers will find a way to improve existing technologies and make life easier for their users.

Watching videos and playing games on a smartphone is not very convenient. Few people know that in one click it is possible to connect your phone to a TV and enjoy your favorite movie or TV series on the big screen. This can be done using several methods, each of which will be described below.

Method 1: via HDMI

This method is the simplest, but at the same time effective. Ideally, a smartphone should have an HDMI port, but modern phones practically do not have it. Therefore, an adapter comes to the rescue. You can buy it at a regular electronics store.
Now you need to do the following:

  • Connect the cable to your smartphone, then to your TV.
  • In the settings, select the HDMI signal source.
  • Usually the TV automatically adjusts the screen resolution, but if this does not happen, then set the desired parameter through the phone menu.

Now the image from the smartphone will be duplicated on the big screen. For more comfortable use, you can connect a mouse or keyboard. To connect using HDMI you will need this connector on your smartphone or an adapter. Therefore, consider connecting via Wi-Fi or USB.

Method 2: via USB

IN this method the connection will be made through a standard cable that is used to charge a smartphone. Unlike the previous method, here it will not be possible to display the image from the phone to the TV. But it becomes possible to enter the device’s file system and launch any media files. For this:

  • Connect your smartphone and TV using a USB cable.
  • In the TV settings, select “Signal source”, where set “USB”.
  • A window will automatically appear on your smartphone asking you to connect it as a USB drive. Click OK.

Now everything is available on the TV screen file system phone. Please note that various archives and text files will not open. You can only view videos, photos and music.

Method 3: via WIFI

This method is only relevant for modern TVs that support wireless technology. Thanks to this, you can control your phone from a distance and completely without any cables.
It's easy to check your TV for a WIFI module. If the TV has a Smart TV function, it means that WIFI Direct is also available. There is nothing to say about phones. Every smartphone has built-in Wi-Fi by default.
Below are step-by-step instructions that will help you connect your phone to your TV:

  • Go to settings.
  • Go to the " Wireless network" or "WIFI".
  • Then select the "Advanced Settings" section. It may also have a different name. For example, “Additional functions”.
  • Here, find the “Wi-Fi Direct” item.
  • Now go to the TV settings, where you also activate this wireless technology.
  • The search for devices should begin. If everything is done correctly, your smartphone model will appear in the list. Click on it.

Within a few seconds, the image from the smartphone display will appear on the TV screen. Now you can launch any application and it will be displayed on the TV. Main advantages this method is the complete absence of wires, as well as the presence of free connectors. Disadvantages include increased battery consumption and some delays in image display.

Conclusion and video

Thus, after reading this material, you can easily connect your phone to the TV. The most convenient connection is via WIFI, but you can choose the best method for yourself. Follow the instructions carefully and no problems will arise!
In the video below we will look at others possible ways connecting an Android smartphone to a TV.

IN this material we decided to consider one fairly common question, namely, how to connect Android to a TV via USB port. Many users have heard that this way you can view photos and videos from your smartphone on your TV. But not everyone knows how this is done.

In order to connect an Android smartphone or tablet to a TV via a USB port, you need a minimum of equipment. Firstly, you must have a modern TV with at least one USB port, as well as a built-in media player that can work with a connected Android smartphone. In addition, you need a USB-MicroUSB cable to connect your Android device to your TV. And of course you need the Android device itself. Next we present to your attention step by step instructions by connecting Android to TV via USB.

Step No. 1. Connect your Android device and TV using a USB-MicroUSB cable.

First you need to physically connect your Android to your TV. To do this, stick USB cable to any USB port on the TV, then connect this cable to an Android device. This procedure is as simple as possible and should not cause any difficulties, since you have done this many times when connecting your smartphone to a computer.

Step #2: Go to the media player on your TV.

Next, you need to go to the media player on your TV and look at the list of connected devices. For example, if you have an LG TV, then you need to go to “SmartTV – SmartShare – Connected devices”. Your Android smartphone should appear in the list of connected devices.

Try opening your smartphone. If you have access to files on your smartphone and can view them using your TV, then everything is great. At this point, connecting Android to the TV can be considered complete.

But, most likely, you will just see empty folders or the device will not be detected by the TV at all. In this case, you need to change the connection mode in the Android settings.

Step No. 3. Change the mode of connecting the Android device to the TV.

If after completing the previous step nothing works for you, then you need to change the connection method. To do this, open the top curtain on Android and click on the connection notification.

After this, a window will appear with ways to connect your Android device. Here you need to select the connection method “Camera (PTP)”.

After this, you need to try again to open the Android device through the media player on the TV. Most likely, everything will work fine now.