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TV & casting

Cast your phone or tablet to a TV

Choose Google Cast, AirPlay or supported screen mirroring, then fix the usual “TV not found” problems.

Prepared for Brisbane DailyChecked

Desk researched using manufacturer and official guidance. Menu names vary by model and software; use Settings search or the model’s manual if the labels differ.

Expanded with a worked example and success checks on 29 October 2026.

Casting diagram: phone and compatible TV on the same home network.
Brisbane Daily explanatory illustration. Menu labels and features vary by device. View full-size illustration ↗

Check compatibility first

Look up the exact TV model and its supported features. Google Cast, Apple AirPlay and Samsung Smart View/Miracast are different systems, not interchangeable labels. An app may support one method but not another. For most home setups, connect the phone and TV to the same trusted Wi-Fi network; use TV networking if the TV is offline.

Use Google Cast from a supported app

  1. Connect both devices to the same home network and open a Cast-enabled app on the phone or tablet.
  2. Tap its Cast icon (a rectangle with radio waves in a corner), then select your TV or streaming device.
  3. Choose content to play. To finish, open the Cast control and choose Stop casting or Disconnect.

Official details: Google: cast from supported apps ↗

Use AirPlay from iPhone or iPad

  1. Check that the TV or connected Apple TV supports AirPlay and has it enabled. Join the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. For a supported video, use the app’s AirPlay control. For screen mirroring, open Control Centre → Screen Mirroring and select the display.
  3. Enter the code shown on the TV only into your device’s matching prompt. Stop from the AirPlay or Screen Mirroring control when finished.

Official details: Apple: AirPlay and screen mirroring ↗

Screen mirroring is different from app casting

Mirroring shows your screen and can expose messages or notifications. Close private content first. Samsung Smart View requires a compatible display; a TV having Google Cast does not by itself prove Smart View support. Some streaming services block mirroring or require their own TV app. If you see a black picture, use the service’s supported casting feature or its official TV app instead of trying to bypass restrictions.

Official details: Samsung: screen mirroring and Smart View ↗

If a hotel network will not cooperate

Guest networks can prevent devices from finding each other. Ask the venue what is supported; do not alter its router settings. A compatible cable or your own streaming device may be an alternative, but verify the phone’s video-output support and TV input first. Sign out of personal accounts before leaving a shared TV. See travel security.

Know what a successful cast looks like

If an app casts correctly but full-screen mirroring fails, you have learned that the app method works; you do not need to reset the TV. Use the supported app method where possible. For an unavailable streaming app, see TV apps and sign-in.

  1. Check the TV name before connecting, especially in a shared building.
  2. Play a short, non-private item and test both picture and sound.
  3. Stop casting and confirm the TV no longer follows the phone or app.

Common problems & fixes

TV not found

Check the same network name, TV power and compatible casting method. Guest Wi-Fi or a VPN can affect discovery. Restart the app and devices; keep the home network secured.

Picture but no sound

Check TV volume, mute and selected sound output, including soundbars or Bluetooth headphones.

Video buffers or disconnects

Try a short video near the router, update the app and use Ethernet for the TV if supported. If only one service fails, check that service’s status.

Getting more help

What information should I give support?

Give the device model, software version, exact error text and the checks you have already tried. Explain whether the issue affects one app, one device or several. Remove personal information from screenshots. Never share a password, recovery code or one-time sign-in code.

What if my menus look different?

Use Settings search for the feature name and check the official instructions for the exact model. Do not choose a reset option just because it is the closest label you can find. If you still need help, contact the site owner with the guide title and the unclear step.

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