If you’re trying to mirror your phone, tablet, or computer screen to a Samsung Smart TV and it suddenly stops working—or refuses to connect in the first place—you’re not alone. Screen mirroring issues with Samsung TVs are more common than you might think. The good news is that most of the issues can be traced to simple oversights or misconfigured settings. Below, you’ll find a detailed and easy-to-follow guide to troubleshoot and fix screen mirroring not working on Samsung or other Smart TVs.
Understanding Screen Mirroring
Before jumping into fixes, it’s helpful to understand what screen mirroring is. Screen mirroring enables you to display the content of your device (such as a smartphone or a computer) directly onto your TV screen. It works either through a wired connection (like HDMI) or wirelessly using standards like Miracast, AirPlay, or Chromecast.
Samsung Smart TVs, for instance, come with Smart View and SmartThings features that allow seamless wireless streaming. However, problems can arise when there are compatibility issues, outdated software, or network-related glitches.
Common Causes of Screen Mirroring Issues
Here are some of the most common reasons why screen mirroring may not function properly:
- Your devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Smart TV or mobile device has outdated firmware.
- Screen mirroring is disabled on the television.
- There are device compatibility issues (e.g., iPhone not working with Miracast).
- Interference from other wireless devices.
Now, let’s move on to the fixes you can try.
Fix #1: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
This might sound obvious, but your source device and Smart TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Many users unknowingly have their TV and phone on different networks—such as a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band—or their mobile device is using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
Steps:
- On your TV, navigate to Settings > General > Network > Network Status.
- Note the connected Wi-Fi network.
- On your mobile or computer, check your Wi-Fi via the settings menu and match both networks.
Fix #2: Restart Both Devices
It’s a classic IT fix for a reason. Restarting both your Smart TV and the device you’re trying to mirror clears caches and resolves basic glitches that might interfere with the mirroring connection.
How to do it:
- Turn off your TV and unplug it for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Restart your smartphone, tablet, or computer by turning it off and on again.
Fix #3: Enable Screen Mirroring on Samsung TV
Samsung TVs usually have screen mirroring enabled by default, but in some cases, especially after software updates or resets, it might be disabled.
Steps to enable:
- Press the Source button on your Samsung TV remote control.
- Select Screen Mirroring or Mirroring.
- On mobile, go to settings and select Smart View or Screen Cast.
Once selected, your TV should show up on the list of available devices for mirroring on your phone or computer.
Fix #4: Update Software/Firmware
Old or outdated software on either your TV or connecting device can cause failed mirror attempts. Keeping your devices updated is crucial.
To update your Samsung TV:
- Go to Settings > Support > Software Update.
- Select Update Now.
To update your mobile device:
- Visit Settings > Software Update for Android.
- On iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Fix #5: Use SmartThings App Instead
If you’re using a Samsung smartphone, the best—and most reliable—method is through Samsung’s SmartThings app. It’s designed to work flawlessly with Samsung appliances and TVs.
Steps:
- Download the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and tap Add Device.
- Select your Samsung TV. Make sure both devices are on the same network.
- Tap Mirror Screen (Smart View).
Fix #6: Check for Compatibility Issues
Not all devices use the same screen mirroring protocols. For example:
- iPhones and iPads use Apple’s AirPlay 2.
- Most Android phones use Miracast.
- Chromebooks and Google devices use Google Cast (Chromecast).
If you’re using an Apple product, ensure your Samsung TV supports AirPlay 2 (most models after 2018 do). Enable it by going to:
Settings > General > Apple AirPlay Settings > Turn AirPlay ON
If your device uses Chromecast, you may need to connect a separate Chromecast dongle to your TV unless your TV has Chromecast built-in (common in Android TVs, not Samsung TVs).
Fix #7: Disable Bluetooth Temporarily
Though it’s less common, Bluetooth can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if both your mobile device and the TV are trying to connect over the same antenna setup. Try turning off Bluetooth on both devices to see if this resolves the connection issue.
How to do it:
- On mobile: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Toggle OFF.
- On Samsung TV: Navigate to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Input Device Manager > Bluetooth Device List > Unpair or disable.
Fix #8: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If none of the above methods work, it may be time to consider a factory reset. This should only be used as a last resort, as it will reset all preferences and installed apps.
To factory reset your Samsung TV:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Enter your PIN (default is 0000).
- Select Reset.
After the reset, follow the initial setup steps and try screen mirroring again.
What to Do If Issues Persist
If you’ve tried all the above and still face screen mirroring issues, the problem may be hardware-related or involve complex networking problems. Consider the following next steps:
- Contact Samsung Support for assistance tailored to your TV model.
- Use a physical HDMI adapter like a USB-C to HDMI cable for direct mirroring.
- Try a third-party screen mirroring app available on app stores.
Final Words
Screen mirroring issues can be frustrating, particularly when you rely on this feature for presentations, streaming media, or displaying photos to your family. Fortunately, most problems stem from simple setting conflicts or outdated software—both of which are easily resolved. By methodically working through the solutions above, you can bring screen mirroring back to life on your Samsung Smart TV without the need for specialized technical help.
Always ensure that your firmware is up