Ways to connect a tablet to a TV

Synchronization of the tablet and TV allows you to significantly increase the functionality of this technique. Using the tablet, you can control your TV, run various applications, use the large screen to watch videos, photos, movies.

Is it possible to connect a graphics tablet to a TV?

If you have a tablet, you can use it to broadcast pictures and videos to the big screen – television. In principle, tablets of all brands are capable of this – from the brands Samsung, Lenovo, Acer, Huawei and others. Any tablet has a connector that can be used for a wired connection. All you need is a suitable cable to connect your tablet to your TV. If you have a new, advanced TV with Wi-Fi support, then connecting is even easier – wirelessly. Often, you don’t even have to download special applications, since the manufacturer initially integrates functions in the TV software with Smart TV that allow you to synchronize their work with tablets, mobile phones, and other gadgets.

What do you need to know before connecting?

When choosing a method for pairing a tablet and a TV, take into account the technical characteristics of both devices. All available connection options can be divided into two large groups – wired and wireless. Things to consider when choosing a connection method:

• if the house has an old TV that does not support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – wireless technologies, the tablet cannot be connected without using wires;
• cons of wired pairing – you need to buy additional cables, adapters, the tablet is fixed at a certain distance from the connection point;
• a wired connection is not always capable of broadcasting high-quality video with high resolution.

Wired connection

Use the wires supplied with the TV to connect. Or purchase cords with other connectors for better picture quality. The most common and popular connection options are via HDMI and USB connectors.

HDMI

An HDMI connection is considered the best option for watching video files on a TV screen. This option allows you to transmit a digital signal in maximum quality – you can watch video in 4K resolution. The advantages of connecting via HDMI:

• high quality video;
• high resolution support, including Ultra HD 8K;
• ease of connection.

Minuses:

• not all tablets have an HDMI connector or its mini / micro versions;
• There are times when you need to purchase a special USB adapter.

Connection order:

1. Select the HDMI output on your TV.
2. Connect the tablet and TV using an HDMI cable (and, if necessary, an adapter).
3. Set your tablet to the optimal resolution for the TV picture.

If you connect a keyboard with a mouse to the tablet, you can work by displaying documents, texts, diagrams on a large screen. Accessories will also allow you to comfortably surf the web.

USB

The USB connector can only be used to view content from the tablet. But surfing won’t work. You can only watch videos and listen to audio – if you download files to your tablet in advance. Benefits of connecting via USB:

• for connection, you can use a standard cable for charging, one end of the cable is equipped with a plug for inserting into a standard connector, the other is USB;
• ease of connection;
• no need to buy additional wires or install applications on the tablet;
• the tablet is automatically recharged via USB;
• it is possible to view almost all video formats (the exact list depends on the TV).

Minus – high-quality video transfer, for example, 4K, via USB will not work. How to connect:

1. Connect one end of the cable to the tablet – insert it into the charging port.
2. Install the other end of the cable into the connector on the TV – it can be located on the back panel or on the side.
3. After connecting with a wire, the TV, having detected a new device, offers to make a choice – audio or video files. Mark the desired option, an image of folders and files will appear on the screen – select the one you need and click on it to run.
4. If the TV cannot detect the device, display the files yourself. Select the source on the TV to display the video from the USB device. To do this, go to the settings or use the remote control – it has a Source button. Press this button and select USB. Switch the tablet to signal transmission mode, and if he prompts you to make a choice, the problem is solved. Or manually switch to Data transfer mode.
5. Using the remote control, “rummage through” the folders, view the available files, select the one you need.

Video about connecting devices to TV via USB:

MHL

This technology combines the functions of USB and HDMI interfaces. MHL is a cable that has HDMI on one end and Micro-USB on the other.
The cable can be:

• Passive. There are plugs on both ends of the wire. Suitable if both the tablet and TV support MHL.
• Active. At the end with an HDMI plug, a USB connector is additionally connected. It is needed for an adapter (5V, 1A). Such a cable is needed if the TV does not support MHL.

RCA

An RCA cable is a wire that has a bundle of three plugs at one end – it is also called a “tulip”. All plugs are different colors – white, red and yellow.
Colored plugs are inserted into the connectors of the corresponding colors. They are located behind or on the side. After that, you can watch photos and videos on the screen.
This connection option is good because it can be applied to the oldest TVs. Minus – you need to additionally provide the tablet with energy by connecting the charger. RCA is an outdated analog technology, modern digital technology does not support it.

VGA

VGA is an older technology, but if your TV has one, you can also connect a tablet to it. VGA is used primarily to connect displays to PC connectors, but it can also be used to connect to a tablet.
Before proceeding with the connection, you need to make sure that the TV has a VGA connector. It is usually blue or black. The same color and marking of the plugs on the wire.
Cons of the VGA interface – you need to buy a special HDMI-VGA adapter, since the tablet does not have the required connector. Another disadvantage of the connection is the sound output through a separate channel. VGA only transmits video signals.

Wireless connection

Wireless connection is only suitable for Smart TV. Regardless of the brand, all TVs with this technology are designed to connect wirelessly. The main disadvantage of such a connection is possible interruptions in signal transmission. The quality of wireless communication is affected by the operation of other equipment that propagates electromagnetic waves. This does not affect the quality of the video, but it interferes with playing video games – the image is delayed. The higher the Internet speed, the better the quality of the video, the less likely it is to jerk, delay, slow down.

Wi-Fi broadcasting requires a lot of energy, so while receiving a signal over a wireless connection, the tablet is quickly discharged.

WiFi Direct

WiFi-direct is by far the most common method of wirelessly connecting tablets to Smart TVs. Thanks to the Screen Mirroring function (from Android 4.0), it is possible to transfer video from the tablet to the TV screen.
To start the function, just go to “Settings” and select the desired type of monitor from the drop-down list. WiFi-direct can be used to control Smart TV remotely. When you launch the MediaShare app, the tablet turns into an advanced and ergonomic remote control. Each TV has its own Wi-fi Direct connection algorithm, and the names of the items can vary significantly in different gadgets. The main task is to find the desired setting on the TV and tablet, turn it on and synchronize.

In the settings of new TV models, there is no “Wi-Fi Direct” item. And all wireless connections are made using the built-in Screen Share feature.

In the new TV, you can connect immediately without changing any settings. Almost every modern tablet or smartphone has a screencast feature. You need to look for it in the settings or in quick access. The function may be called “projection”, “broadcast”, “fast monitor”, etc.

WiFi Miracast

Miracast connectivity allows you to connect without a WiFi router. Both devices are connected to each other to duplicate the picture from the tablet. Miracast, although it supports 4K video, does not allow for the comfort of playing on a television screen – the picture always lags somewhere by 1 second. How to start the Miracast function:

1. Turn on WiFi-direct in Smart TV.
2. Go to the “Settings” of the tablet and go to the “Miracast screen mirroring” section.
3. Click on the “Start” button.
4. Select the desired TV model from the drop-down list.
5. After the performed manipulations, an automatic start occurs.

On the latest TVs, you don’t have to open the application – Miracast works in the background and responds to all external connections. All the user has to do is confirm the connection. Video about wirelessly connecting an Android tablet to a TV using Miracast:

air play

This technology only works with Apple devices. Using Airplay, you can connect iPhone and iPad to TVs.
The easiest way to transfer a picture is if the TV has an Apple TV module:

1. Open the Quick Access Toolbar on your iPad/iPhone and tap on Screen Mirroring.
2. Select the desired model from the list of TVs.
3. A 4-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Type it in the corresponding field of the gadget.
4. To stop image transfer via AirPlay, click on the “Stop replay” button.

If the TV does not have an Apple TV module or Smart TV function, the situation becomes more complicated. The first case requires the installation of an appropriate application, such as the free AirScreen. To connect TVs without Smart TV, you will need special equipment, for example, you can use the Apple TV set-top box. Video on connecting a tablet via AirPlay to a Samsung TV:

allshare

This Samsung Link utility is an analogue of Apple. The development belongs to the Korean company Samsung. This is a very simple and fast way to connect.
Procedure:

1. Connect your tablet and TV to the same WiFi network.
2. Launch the Samsung Smart View app on your tablet, you can download it for free from Google Play.
3. When the devices are synchronized, it remains to select the appropriate document using the file manager and place it on the big screen.

The main drawback of AllShare is that there is no mirror repeat function.

Bluetooth

This wireless technology is used infrequently as it does not allow real-time image transmission. Bluetooth is usually used for broadcasting sound – to listen through headphones, as well as for other secondary purposes.
Although there are apps for Android and iOS, streaming video using Bluetooth technology is a bad decision. Because the transmission quality is very low.

What is better to choose?

The choice of the optimal way to connect the tablet to the TV is influenced not so much by the user’s desire as by the capabilities and features of the paired devices. Selection Tips:

• For modern devices, it is better to use wireless synchronization. It does not require any wires, adapters or other additional equipment. At the same time, this connection method opens up more opportunities for users than with a wired connection. A wired connection is justified only if it is impossible to organize a wireless connection. This option has to be used in older TVs and in models without Smart TV that do not have a WiFi module or Bluetooth technology.
• Use appropriate adapters. In the event that the tablet does not provide the ability to connect an HDMI cable.

The best options for connecting a tablet and a TV are currently considered:

• HDMI;
• USB;
• WiFi;
• Miracast;
• RCA or cinch connection.

In each specific case, the user himself determines which connection method would be preferable for him. Naturally, relying on the technical capabilities of their devices.

Before connecting the tablet to the TV, be sure to update the software of both devices – this will prevent possible system errors.

How do I connect my tablet to an identical branded TV?

Many leading manufacturers of TVs and tablets develop and implement special programs that allow devices of this brand to quickly and easily synchronize with each other.

How to connect a Samsung tablet to a Samsung TV using an HDTV adapter?

The South Korean manufacturer is introducing Screen Mirroring into its devices, which allows all Samsungs to quickly connect via wireless communication.

Fast wireless connection between Samsung devices is provided in Galaxy tablets and TV models of the following series: N, M, Q, LS, K, J, F.

Connection order for Android 9.0 models:

1. On the TV remote control, press the Source button and select Screen Mirroring from the connection sources. For models N, M, Q, LS, K skip the first step.
2. On a tablet, expand the quick settings panel and swipe right to go to advanced settings, and select Smart View there.
3. After the manipulations have been done, the tablet will start looking for a suitable TV and display a list of all found devices on the screen. Select the desired option from the list provided.
4. While the tablet is connecting to the TV, the TV may display a message about the connection process – then you will need to confirm permission.
5. After the connection is completed, the tablet’s home screen appears on the TV screen.

In older versions of Android, the connection order may be slightly different from the above. To be able to run the Screen Mirroring function, the tablet must be equipped with a mobile version of Android no lower than six. If one of the paired devices does not support Screen Mirroring, you will have to use Smart View. To connect a gadget of another brand to a Samsung TV, you need to download the application yourself, pre-installed on all new Samsung tablets and smartphones. So, for example, to connect a Huawei tablet to a Samsung TV, just install SmartView on it, which works on both Android and iOS. After launching the application, the TV will be detected automatically. Video on how to connect a tablet to a Samsung/LG TV:

How to connect LG tablet to LG TV?

The second South Korean giant also has its own solution to the problem of pairing devices. To do this, he developed the Screen Share program – this application works with Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct. This software is installed on almost all new LG TVs. To transfer an image from a tablet to a TV:

1. On the remote control, press the Home button.
2. Select Screen Share from the software drop-down list.
3. On the tablet, activate the Miracast / AllShare Cast functionality. After that, the device will start looking for a TV.
4. In the proposed list of devices, select the one you need and click on it.

On a tablet, it is recommended to select a horizontal image and turn off the change in screen orientation so that the picture does not turn over. When connecting LG devices, keep a few things in mind:

• the minimum version on the tablet is Android 4.2., and on the TV it is recommended to update the firmware;
• the manufacturer gives a guarantee for connections only to LG devices, problems may arise when connecting another brand;
• if the connection is interrupted intermittently, you must restart the tablet and reconnect.

To connect a Samsung tablet to an LG TV, use any of the above methods, depending on the technical capabilities of both devices.

Options for connecting a tablet to old TV models

TVs released before 2000 do not support connection via the most popular HDMI interface, especially since they do not have the ability to connect via Wi-Fi. How to connect a tablet to an old TV:

• Through the tulip. This option is suitable even for models with a kinescope. The white plug carries the left audio signal and the mono signal, the red plug carries the right audio signal, and the yellow plug carries the video signal. The plugs are inserted into the ports corresponding in color. If your tablet does not have an RCA connector, buy an HDMI to RCA signal converter. It converts the digital signal to analog. The adapter has two connectors. HDMI is needed here to connect to the tablet, and connect the cable plugs to the TV. On the remote control, select the signal source – it has a separate button.
• Via micro USB. Play the content downloaded to the device on the TV. Streaming video is not possible here. Use a micro USB cable to connect. They usually come with all tablets. After connecting the devices, go to the tablet settings. Select the signal source there. The TV will “see” the tablet as a flash drive. After that, open the folder and start the video.

Why can’t I connect my tablet to my TV?

If the connection fails, not everything is lost, perhaps there are errors somewhere that can be easily fixed. First of all, find out the reason for the lack of connection, and then make adjustments. Algorithm for solving problems when there is no connection:

1. If the connection is wired, check the functionality of the cable. Check if there are any mechanical damages, kinks on it. Check the contacts of the plugs – they may be damaged or just dirty. Try connecting with a different cable. It happens that after a long operation, the plugs become loose. This breaks the contact between the board and the connector. You need to replace the broken part with a new one.
2. Reread the instructions. Perhaps the paired devices are simply incompatible. This is especially true, released many years ago.
3. Check again the correct connection – you may have made a mistake when connecting the plugs.
4. Update your tablet and TV software.

If nothing helps, but you really want / need to connect the tablet to the TV, contact a universal service center that deals with the prompt repair of home appliances. Connection problems often occur with cheap Chinese devices, for example, such as the Digma tablet. Many users are faced with the problem of establishing a stable connection. Even if tablets like Digma can be connected to a TV, they are not capable of providing high-quality video broadcasts. There are a large number of ways to connect a tablet to a TV, but the choice of option depends primarily on the technical features of the devices. You also have to take into account your needs and goals, and almost every user is able to synchronize two devices.