Wireless Screen Mirroring: Android Screen Casting to TV Without Chromecast

Chromecast is the first thing that comes to mind when someone talks about casting.

After all, it’s the most convenient way to watch content from your smartphone on a smart TV.

But what if you don’t have Chromecast?

How does Android cast screen to TV without Chromecast?

In this article, we will introduce several ways to achieve that. All of these methods are safe, tried, and tested.

So, let’s dive in! 

But, first, let’s clear a common confusion. 

Casting VS Mirroring: What’s the Difference? 

Casting and mirroring are often interchangeably used terms.

Essentially, they refer to two different methods of displaying content from one device to another.

Casting refers to wirelessly transmitting audio or video content from one device to another, like a smartphone to a TV.

In this case, the content is sent from the source device to the target device, which displays the content. For instance, you’re casting a video stream with the help of an app. In this case, only content from that app will be reflected on the other device. 

Mirroring, on the other hand, refers to the process of replicating the screen of one device onto another device.

This means that everything that appears on the screen of the source device will also appear on the target device’s screen. Mirroring is commonly used to display a computer screen on a larger TV or projector.

To keep things simple, we will be using these terms interchangeably. 

In Nef Hack’s Youtube video, he went to explore 5 different methods to screen mirror your Android phone to your TV for free.

Screen mirroring is a great way to share your mobile device’s content with others or to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on a bigger screen.

And the best part is, you don’t need any fancy equipment or expensive software to do it.

So whether you want to watch videos, browse photos or play games on your TV, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, let’s watch this video!

Does My Android Phone Support Casting? 

Determining whether your Android device supports Casting can be challenging due to the extensive list of manufacturers producing Android devices, each with various models.

Generally, if your device is operating on Android version 10.0 or later (excluding Google-branded devices running OS 6.0 or later, like Google Nexus or Pixel), it will likely support Casting.

However, manufacturers may use their unique branded term to describe this feature.

Here’s a list of common words different brands use instead: 

• Smart View
• Quick Connect
• SmartShare
• AllShare Cast
• Screen Mirroring
• Wireless display
• Display mirroring
• HTC Connect
• Screencasting

Android Cast Screen To TV Without Chromecast

Method 1: Miracast (or Android Native Casting)

Miracast is a wireless display technology allowing users to stream audio and video content from one device to another over WiFi.

Miracast is similar to Google’s Chromecast and Apple’s AirPlay.

Still, it is an open standard that can be used by any device manufacturer running Android 4.2 or higher. 

Miracast technology establishes a direct WiFi connection between the source device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and the display device, such as a TV or monitor. This allows the content to be streamed in real time, with low latency and high quality. Miracast can support up to 1080p high-definition video and 5.1 surround sound audio.

Steps to Cast Your Android Device to a TV using Miracast

1. Turn On Cast feature on your TV if it’s not already enabled
2. Swipe down the quick access menu from the top of your smartphone. 
3. Locate the Cast feature and turn it on (different mobile manufacturers use different names for this feature. For instance, Samsung calls it “Smart View”)
4. Make sure your Smart TV and smartphone are connected to the same WiFi network
5. Select your TV from the list of connected devices and press the Start button. 
6. You can set up a PIN if you’re casting for the first time. 

Advantages:

1. Miracast eliminates cables and wires, allowing you to stream audio and video content wirelessly from your device to a larger display. 
2. Because it’s wireless, you can use Miracast to stream content from your device to any display that supports the standard. This can include TVs, monitors, projectors, and other devices.
3. Miracast is an open standard that any device manufacturer can use. This has made it a widely-compatible solution for wireless display.

Disadvantages:

1. Streaming over a wireless connection can sometimes result in quality issues, including lower resolution or choppy video. 
2. Miracast requires a strong WiFi connection. If the devices are too far apart or have too many obstacles, you may experience latency issues.
3. Like HDMI, Miracast does not charge your device while you’re casting content. 

Method 2: MHL Technology

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is a technology that allows you to connect your mobile devices to a larger display, like a TV or monitor, using a wired connection.

MHL was developed by a consortium of companies, including Nokia, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba, and was first introduced in 2010.

MHL technology uses a low pin-count interface that transmits high-definition video and audio signals between the mobile device and the TV or monitor. MHL cables have a standard HDMI connector on one end, plugging into the TV or monitor, and a micro-USB or USB Type-C connector on the other, plugging into the mobile device.

Step-by-Step Process to Connect an MHL Device to a TV with An MHL cable

• Connect the cable’s smaller end (USB-c) to your device. 
• Connect the cable’s larger end (HDMI) to the TV’s HDMI port. 
• Turn On both devices
• Switch the TV’s source input to that particular HDMI port. 
• In your TV’s settings, locate Auto Input Change (MHL) and turn it ON
• (This will enable the TV to automatically switch to the MHL input whenever it detects an MHL device.)
• That’s all. You’re all set. 

Note: If you’re on a Samsung device, exit the DeX mode and switch back to Screen Mirroring. 

Note 2: If your TV does not have an MHL, you can connect the two to an MHL to an HDMI adapter. 

Advantages:

1. MHL supports up to 1080p high-definition video and surround sound audio
2. MHL cables are designed to charge the mobile device while casting. So you can watch movies or play games longer without worrying about the battery running out.
3. MHL requires only a cable to connect the mobile device to the TV or monitor.

Disadvantages:

1. Not all mobile devices support MHL technology. So, you may need to purchase an MHL adapter to use it.
2. MHL requires a wired connection between the mobile device and the TV or monitor. It can be limiting in terms of mobility and flexibility.
3. Not all Smart TVs support MHL. 

Method 3: HMDI Cable connectivity

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital audio/video interface. Unlike MHL, designed only to connect a phone to a TV or computer, HDMI allows connectivity between two devices.

For instance, you can use an HDMI cable to connect two monitors, a monitor with a media device, or even a smartphone to a TV. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Screen Casting Using an HDMI Cable

Before you begin, you need USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the two devices. Here’s how to proceed after that: 

• Plug the USB-C adapter into your phone’s USB-C port. 
• Plug the HDMI cable’s one end into the HDMI port of your adapter. 
• Connect the HDMI cable’s other end to your TV’s HDMI port
• Change the source input in your TV’s settings to that particular HDMI port. 

Advantages:

1. High-quality video and audio: HDMI supports high-definition video and audio, which means that the content displayed on the larger screen will have the same quality as the content on the Android device.
2. Simple setup: HDMI requires only a single cable to connect the Android device to the TV or monitor, which makes the setup process straightforward.
3. Large compatibility: Most modern Android devices support HDMI output, a widely compatible solution for casting your device to larger displays.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited device mobility: As HDMI requires a physical connection, the mobile device must be close to the TV or monitor, limiting mobility and flexibility.
2. Battery consumption: In some cases, the mobile device’s battery may be consumed faster when using HDMI cable connectivity.
3. No charging while casting: Unlike MHL technology, HDMI does not charge the mobile device while casting, so you may need to keep it charged beforehand for extended use.

Method 4: Use A Casting App to Cast Screen to the TV

You can use Android screen mirroring apps like AllCast, AirDroid, or VNC Viewer to cast a screen to a TV without Chromecast. Here’s how to do that: 

• Make sure your smartphone and TV are on the same WiFi.  
• Download and install the app from Google Play Store. For this tutorial, we will be using AllCast to mirror the screen.  
• Launch the app
• Go to “Devices.” It will be on the menu bar at the bottom. It will show all the nearby devices connected with WiFi Direct. 
• Select your TV

Advantages:

1. Using a casting app to cast your screen on TV is very convenient. You don’t need to purchase any additional hardware. 
2. Most casting apps are easy to set up and use and don’t require technical expertise.
3. Casting apps are often compatible with various devices, including TVs, streaming boxes, and gaming consoles.

Disadvantages:

1. Casting over a wireless connection can sometimes result in quality issues, including lower resolution or choppy video.
2. Some casting apps may have limitations, such as only being able to cast certain types of content or only being compatible with certain devices.
3. If your TV is too far from your WiFi router or there are too many obstacles, you may experience connectivity issues. 

Method 5: Third-Party Streaming Devices

Most third-party streaming devices like Firestick and Roku Streaming Stick also support the casting feature. You can use them to cast the screen to the TV without Chromecast. Here’s how to do that: 

Below steps can be different on your device. We’re using Firestick for this tutorial, so follow these steps: 

• Connect your devices to the same WiFi network.
• On Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can access the Casting feature by pressing and holding the Home button on your Firestick remote for 3 seconds. 
• Select Mirroring option
• You will start seeing the Display Mirroring screen
• Go to Settings on your Smartphone
• Enable the Cast or Screen Mirroring option. 
• You will see a list of available devices in the connected devices section. 
• Tap on Fire Stick Name
• Tap Start Now to Casting. 

Note: If you’re using Roku Streaming Stick, you can access the Casting feature by following this navigation path: Settings > Systems > Mirroring. The rest of the steps on a smartphone will be similar to Firestick. 

Final Thoughts

This concludes our discussion on how to cast your Android screen to a TV without Chromecast.

We covered all the possible ways you can do so.

If you’re on Android 4.2 or higher, using the built-in Cast feature (which uses Miracast) is the easiest way.

If your device doesn’t offer this feature, you can go for alternative technologies like MHL or HDMI cable.

You can also use third-party apps or streaming devices like Firestick to achieve screen casting.

Regardless of your chosen method, you’re sure to have a wonderful streaming experience on the big screen.

Good luck!