How to Cast a Phone or Tablet to a TV: Step-by-Step Guide
Casting means sending what’s on your phone or tablet up onto the television, so everyone can see it on the big screen. It’s wonderful for showing the grandchildren’s photos, watching a video, or putting a show you found on your tablet onto the lounge TV.
It sounds technical, but it’s usually just one tap once everything’s on the same Wi-Fi. The exact method depends on whether you have an Apple device or an Android one. Here’s both. If you are choosing a new television too, our guide to the best smart TVs for seniors is a good place to start.
Quick answer
Make sure your phone or tablet and your TV are on the same home Wi-Fi. In an app like YouTube or Netflix, tap the small cast icon, a little screen with curved lines in the corner, and choose your TV from the list. The show then plays on the TV. Apple devices use AirPlay and Android devices use Cast, but the idea is the same.
First, the one thing that must be true
Your phone or tablet and your TV both need to be on the same home Wi-Fi network. This is how they find each other. If your TV isn’t connected yet, our guide on how to connect a smart TV to Wi-Fi sorts that first. If you only want to do this occasionally and your TV can’t cast, a small streaming device adds the feature.
Casting from an Android phone or tablet
1. Open the app you want to watch
Open YouTube, Netflix, ABC iview or whichever app the video is in. Find the show or clip you’d like on the big screen, but you needn’t press play yet.
2. Tap the cast icon
Look for a small icon that looks like a screen with three curved lines in one corner, like a little Wi-Fi signal. It’s usually near the top of the app. Tap it.
3. Choose your TV
A short list of nearby screens appears. Tap the name of your TV. After a moment the show jumps up onto the television, and your phone becomes the remote, so you can pause and adjust the volume from your chair.
Casting from an iPhone or iPad
Apple devices use a feature called AirPlay, which works with Apple TV boxes and many newer televisions. In an app, tap the AirPlay icon, a rectangle with a small triangle at the bottom, and choose your TV. To show everything on your screen, not just one app, open the Control Centre by swiping down from the top corner, tap Screen Mirroring, and pick your TV. Photos, videos and websites then appear on the big screen exactly as they look on your device.
If you can’t see your TV in the list
- Check the TV and your device are on the same Wi-Fi, not one on Wi-Fi and one on mobile data.
- Make sure the TV is switched on and not in standby.
- An older TV may not support casting. A small streaming device adds it.
- Restarting the app, or turning Wi-Fi off and on on your device, often refreshes the list.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: casting to a TV
What does casting actually do?
It sends what’s on your phone or tablet up onto the TV screen, so you can watch or show it on the big screen instead of the small one.
Does my phone need to stay on?
For most apps the TV plays the video itself once you’ve cast it, so you can use your phone for other things. For screen mirroring, the phone needs to stay on.
Will this use up my mobile data?
No, as long as your phone is on home Wi-Fi. Casting works over Wi-Fi, not your mobile data.
Can I cast my photos to show the family?
Yes. On an iPhone or iPad use Screen Mirroring, and on Android open your photos app and tap the cast icon. The pictures appear on the TV.
My old TV has no cast option. Can I still do it?
Yes, with a small streaming device plugged into the TV. It adds casting and the streaming apps to almost any television.
