How to enable Miracast on Android: simple instructions for dummies

Miracast standard functionality

Using the Miracast standard, you can wirelessly mirror the display of your phone or PC to a TV (projector, monitor). The image from your phone's screen will be accurately transferred to your TV, which allows you to conveniently view previously captured photos and videos. At the same time, using Miracast with fast games is not very convenient - the picture will lag behind what is happening on the screen.

The standard allows you to transfer images from a smartphone or tablet to your TV

Miracast is based on the Wi-Fi Direct standard, which allows you to connect secure connections between devices without using a router. The technology has a shell independent of the manufacturer of a particular device that natively supports video streaming up to 1080p and 5.1 surround sound. The established connection is encrypted using WPA2 technology, allowing you to transmit secure video of the Blu-ray and Netflix level.

The peer-to-peer nature of the Miracast connection means that mirroring can be done securely without an Internet connection. Apps and content are streamed directly from your device, rather than through an internet service like the Google Chromecast alternative.

Content streamed directly to your TV

For companies, Miracast can make video conferencing, slide shows, and group product design easier. For home use, the technology is known to offer a great way to stream videos and photos to your TV. We'll tell you how to enable it.

Advantages and disadvantages

Miracast Display technology has positive and negative characteristics that will be interesting for everyone to study. Let's start with the good stuff:

• no need to use a separate Wi-Fi network;
• maintaining high quality video files;
• excellent data transfer speed;
• organizing an internal network without using a router;
• no need to install and use special applications;
• transfer of 3D video files. Full HD;
• presence in most devices;
• easy setup and intuitive interface.

Along with these advantages there are negative points:

• lack of ability to transmit data in Ultra HD, which is explained by the maximum expansion value at 1952x1200;
• There are often problems when establishing a connection between a TV and a mobile device;
• normal operation is only possible with the H. 264 codec;
• a slight delay of a fraction of a second, which is critical only for games, but it does not interfere with watching videos, presentations and photos.

In general, Miracast technology is recognized as the best way to connect mobile gadgets to the Android operating system. This function is actively used in business and at home.

What is needed to enable Miracast technology

For Miracast to work, it is necessary that your base (smartphone, tablet, computer) and end device (TV) support this technology. This applies to both hardware and software levels.

Only early versions of the Android OS support Miracast.
You can find out whether your device supports Miracast by studying its technical specifications on the manufacturer’s website.

Instructions for PC with Windows 10 OS

First, you need to activate Miracast on your TV. Depending on the TV model, you will need to press the “Home” or “Smart” button. In the application menu that opens, select “Screen Share”.

Select the "Screen Share" option

Next you will need to do the following:

1. In Windows 10, screen mirroring is located in the Quick Settings section of the Action Center. Click the frame (bubble) icon on the very right side of the taskbar to launch Action Center;
2. Then click there on the “Connect” button at the bottom of the screen; Click on "Connect" in Notification Center
3. The menu that opens will display a list of available Miracast display devices. Click on the desired device to begin the connection process. Click on the found TV to connect

Depending on your device, you may need to enter a PIN code to ensure connection security.

After a while, your TV will either mirror your computer screen or act as an extended monitor. Selecting the Project option in the Windows 10 connection menu (press Win+P) allows you to choose between mirroring, extending the monitor, and turning off the PC's main display.

Select your preferred projection option

This may be useful: How to transfer Windows 10 to another drive (HDD, SSD).

Transferring images to TV via Wi-Fi

To transfer images to your TV using a wireless connection, you need to install a special program for Android.

The software is called “Screen Cast”, which can be downloaded from the play market. The application for displaying files on the screen of a television device has extensive functionality; the main task is to duplicate data from the cell phone screen to a large TV monitor.

The key condition is that the cell phone and TV must be connected to Wi-Fi. Accordingly, to do this you need to connect the devices to the router. If necessary, create a new point. Check if the TV has a browser.

When the program for Android has been downloaded, on your cell phone, to duplicate the TV screen, you need to launch the software and click on “Start”. A window opens in front of the user, select “Start Now”. To activate automatically, put “agree” opposite the line “Don't Show Again”.

Open your browser and go to the page using the link provided by the software. It is important to specify the combination of numbers and the port address. For convenience, use the keyboard for screens. When the transition takes place, all data from the gadget will be presented on the screen of the television device.

The application is easy to use, so there should not be any problems. If desired, the user can make his own changes to the parameters. It should be remembered that the position and quality of the screen cannot be changed.

There is also a security setting option. If necessary, the function of setting a password for broadcasting is available. To do this, you need to click on the image better known as a “sandwich” (3 horizontal lines), then click on “Settings” and tap on this menu.

Then you need to check the box next to “Required password for viewing screen cast”. In auto mode, you will be prompted for a password each time you connect.

By clicking, the user activates the automatic setting of a security password. If necessary, each user can change it according to their own preferences, but it is recommended to leave the preset parameters. Since passwords are generated in a chaotic way.

After this, to gain access to view the photo on your Android device, you will need to enter a combination of numbers and letters. When the user enters the password correctly, the cell phone desktop will immediately appear on the television device.

How to enable Miracast on Android phones

First you need to activate Miracast on your TV. Depending on the TV model, you will need to press the “Home” or “Smart” button. In the application menu that opens, select “Screen Share”.

So you have an old Android phone that still supports Miracast.

The connection procedure here is as follows:

1. Go to the "Settings" menu;
2. Click on “Screen” there;
3. Next, select Wireless Display (Cast). On some phones this option is located in “Additional features”; Go to the specified path
4. At the top of the page that opens, set Wireless Display to ON. A search for nearby Miracast devices will start;
5. After some time, the name of your Miracast-enabled TV will appear; Tap on the found device
6. Click on it and your device will connect. Alternatively, you may be prompted to enter a PIN code on your Miracast-enabled TV. Once connected to the adapter, the phone screen will be reflected on your TV.

On other phone models, to activate the connection you will need to go to “Settings”. There, select “Wireless Networks”, then tap on “More”, and activate “Play To”.

Click on the "PlayTo" option

Your TV will be found, tap on it to connect.

This will also come in handy: how to watch videos from your phone on TV.

Possible problems

In most cases, the Miracast Display function works flawlessly. Some users complain about connection difficulties due to the fact that the mobile device does not see the TV in the list of available objects for connection. Problems of this nature can be solved in several ways:

• in some cases, updating drivers and firmware helps;
• You can also hard reset your TV;
• reconnection often resolves the problem;
• In the case of the first connection, rebooting one of the devices involved in synchronization may help.

Owners of TVs purchased before the creation of Miracast cannot take advantage of its benefits, since the TV does not support this feature. A solution to this problem has been found in the form of small devices that connect to the TV. External Miracast Display adapters are connected via an HDMI port. They are equipped with full functionality that is necessary to wirelessly connect a TV to mobile devices. The cost of such devices is more than affordable; they are produced by many companies, so purchasing such an adapter will not be a problem for anyone. After connecting the device to the TV, you need to select the HDMI port as the signal source - and you can easily use all the possibilities that Miracast Display technology offers.

For information on how to connect your smartphone to your TV via Miracast, see below.