How To Connect Phone To Projector

Do you want to stream a movie from your phone via a projector? How about displaying a PowerPoint presentation? No matter the case, it’s always useful to know that you can connect your smartphone or tablet to a projector. However, connecting your device to a projector depends on several factors.

Are you trying to connect an iPhone to a projector? Or, are you trying to connect an Android phone a projector? You can connect to a projector wirelessly. Also, you can connect a projector to your phone via a USB attachment. You can use a mobile to projector cable. Connection capabilities also depend on the projector’s brand to which you want to connect. Let’s take you through the various methods.

How to Connect Android to Projector

If you own an Android smartphone, like the Samsung S7, you can easily connect to different projectors from brands like Philips or Panasonic. The easiest method is via a wireless connection app. Many manufacturers now create an app for smartphones. Here’s what to do:

Wireless App

Firstly,  a check to see if your projector has an app that can be used. This is by far, the most hassle-free solutionBrand For example, Panasonic has an app that lets you connect via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. So, browse the Google Play Store or your projector’s manual for info. If no app is available, connect via Chromecast.

Connect to Projector via Chromecast

Here’s an option that works with almost any Android device. Google Chromcast allows you to project your Android screen any projector. How? Google Chromecast attaches directly to the HDMI port on a projector. It acts as the connector. Once attached, you can stream your Android’s screen to it via a Wi-Fi network.

Connecting Google Chromecast To Pico Projector

Connect to Projector via Miracast or Video Adapter

For those of you with newer projectors and Android devices, Miracast is another option to connect your Android to projectors. And, luckily, for older devices,  you can use a Miracast video adapter. It works similarly to the Chromecast device above. Miracast lets you mirror anything on your Android device.

Miracast Demo Using Google Android Tablet and Epson Projector

Hard-wired Connection

Now for the wired options. However, to proceed, your Android device must support a hard-wired video connection. Many do not. The two most common connections are MHL or HDMI.

• HDMI

  There are devices with a Mini-HDMI port (which is rare). Hence, you can use a Mini-HDMI cable to connect between an HDMI port on the device and the standard HDMI port on the projector. Some devices like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 offer support for a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

• MHL

  Also, Android devices that support MHL can connect an MHL to HDMI adapter to the device, then connect it to the HDMI port on the projector. IMPORTANT! Make sure if you buy an adapter, it supports to exact version (2.0, 3.0, etc.) of MHL required for your device.

How to Connect Smartphone to TV or Projector Using MHL

To find out if your specific Android device supports any of the above, a quick Google search or scan of the device manual can help determine compatibility. A Google search is the fastest of the two methods. Those are the best and most efficient methods to connect an Android smartphone or tablet to a projector.

How to Connect an iPhone to a Projector

For iPhone users, connecting your iPhone to different projectors also depends on a few factors. According to Apple, you need the correct adapter to mirror content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on a secondary display. Here are the available adaptors:

For iOS devices with Lightning connectors

• Lightning Digital AV Adapter (A1438)
• Lightning to VGA Adapter (A1439)

For iOS devices with 30-pin Dock connectors

• Apple 30-pin Digital AV Adapter (2nd gen) (A1422)
• Apple 30-pin to VGA Adapter (A1368)

Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to a Projector:

• Plug your Digital AV or VGA adapter into the charging port on the bottom of your iOS device.
• Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to your adapter.
• Connect the other end of your HDMI or VGA cable to your secondary display (TV, monitor, or projector).
• Turn on your secondary display.
• If necessary, switch to the correct video source on your secondary display. If you need help, use your display’s manual.