How to Cast to Android TV from Your Phone

Casting lets you start something on your phone and watch it on the TV — a video, a holiday photo album, or your entire screen. Android TV has casting built in, so there is nothing extra to buy. Here is how to cast to Android TV from your phone, and what to do when it won't connect.

Before you start

Two things matter: your phone and your Android TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the app you're casting from needs to support casting (most major video and music apps do). If you're setting up a new device first, see our Android TV setup guide.

Cast a video or song from an app

• Open a cast-enabled app on your phone (a video or music app).
• Start playing something, then tap the Cast icon (a small screen with waves in the corner).
• Choose your Android TV from the list.
• Playback jumps to the TV — your phone becomes the remote, so you can pause, skip and adjust volume from it.

Cast your entire phone screen

To mirror everything on your phone — apps, photos, even games:

• On most Android phones, open Quick Settings and tap Cast (sometimes called Screen Cast or Smart View).
• Select your Android TV.
• Whatever is on your phone now appears on the TV until you stop casting.

Screen mirroring is perfect for showing photos, presentations or an app that doesn't have its own cast button.

When casting won't connect

• TV not appearing: confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi (not a separate guest network).
• Cast icon missing: that app may not support casting — try screen mirroring instead.
• Connection drops: a weak signal is usually to blame; move closer to the router or use a mesh point. Persistent stutter? See how to fix buffering on Android TV.
• Still stuck: restart the phone, the TV and the router — it clears most casting glitches.

Casting vs a dedicated app

Casting is great for quick, occasional viewing. For anything you watch regularly — live TV, sports, a film every night — a proper app installed directly on the TV is smoother and doesn't tie up your phone. Our beginner's guide explains the difference.

Frequently asked questions

How do I cast to Android TV from my phone?

Open a cast-enabled app, tap the Cast icon and select your Android TV — both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I mirror my whole phone screen?

Yes. Open Quick Settings on your phone, tap Cast (or Smart View) and choose your TV to mirror everything.

Why won't my phone find the TV?

Almost always because they're on different Wi-Fi networks. Put both on the same network and try again.

Skip the casting, get the app

For everyday live TV, sports and movies, a dedicated app beats casting. LionTV runs directly on Android TV — no activation code, no set-top box. See the plans.