Google has made things a little confusing here, as you can use the casting protocol to mirror your phone. Below are the easiest ways to mirror your devices. There are a bunch of third-party mirroring apps available but support is inconsistent. This means you may have to be satisfied with standard or high-definition video (rather than 4K UHD) delivered in a portrait shape on your landscape-shaped TV. Unlike casting, mirroring doesn't really optimise content for a TV screen. But this does mean the original device is still doing all the processing and its screen usually needs to stay on, which can drain the battery. The main advantage of mirroring is that you only need to use a single app to replicate your smartphone – for example, you don't need to worry about whether your TV has YouTube or Netflix in the app store.

Read TVs review What are the pros and cons? How mirroring is handled depends on which protocol you're using, which device you're broadcasting from, and which smart TV or other device is acting as the receiver.

Mirroring is the basic option that simply shows an exact duplicate – visuals and/or sound – of what's on your device. AirPlay: Apple's proprietary streaming protocol only available on its first-party devices.It's broadly supported across Android and iOS. Casting: Google's proprietary streaming protocol that links apps on compatible devices.Mirroring: Describes apps and operating system tools that duplicate your smartphone screen on another device.There are a few casting protocols available but these can vary depending on whether you're an Android or iOS user.Īlthough distinct, these three terms are often used interchangeably. Thankfully you can cast videos, photos and music wirelessly to your TV via your home Wi-Fi network or directly through your phone or tablet. Your smartphone is likely one of the most versatile and entertaining pieces of technology you own, but it's far from the best way to enjoy your favourite movies and shows.

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