How to mirror an Android device on your TV – CNET

Broadcasting your Android device’s screen on a nearby television is useful when you want to share a video, play a game or show off some photos from a recent trip. 

Google built screen mirroring, referred to by Google as Casting, into Android starting with Android 4.4.2 — which was released back in 2013, so your current Android devices should all have Casting built in and ready to go. At one point, Google was updating a support page with devices that supported the feature, but the company stopped updating it around the time Samsung released the Galaxy S7. In other words, if you have an Android device that was built in the last three or four years, you should be fine. 

In addition to an Android device running Android 4.4.2 or newer, you’ll need a Chromecast or a Chromecast-compatible device.

So how does one go about casting the screen of an Android device to a TV? It’s quite simple, actually.

Before you begin, make sure your Android device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. Then, swipe down from the top of your Android device’s display to reveal the Quick Settings pane. 

Look for a button labeled Cast. (If it’s not there, tap on the pencil icon to edit your Quick Settings pane and add it.)

Tap the Cast button and then select the device you want to use. All of your Chromecast devices, including any Google Home speakers for streaming audio, will show up on the list. Select your TV, and then a second or two later your screen will show up on the TV. 

Anything you do on your phone will be mirrored on the TV until you turn off Casting via a notification that’s displayed as long as you’re casting.

First published July 9, 2014.
Update, Jan. 29, 2019: Reflects the current process.