How To Use Projector With A Phone
If you want to know how to use a projector with your phone, this article is for you. There are plenty of ways to project your phone screen onto any surface. And different hardware setups can be used as well. Choosing the right design for your needs is a necessity. Meanwhile, you can choose between wired and wireless projection methods.
WIRED PROJECTION METHODS
Wired projection methods allow you to project your device’s screen onto a surface or screen with a cable. This great option will enable you to use a much better projector if needed. Wired projection can be accomplished using an HDMI, VGA, DVI, or composite cable. Most of these cables are fairly inexpensive and can be used on virtually any modern-day smartphone and portable device.
Find a way to cover the reflective surface (e.g., A box or other container), which will allow you to project your device’s screen onto any surface.
METHOD 1: HDMI to HDMI
Android phones usually have a micro HDMI port, and projectors typically have an HDMI port. Follow these steps to do so:
Buy a micro HDMI to HDMI cable. Connect the HDMI cable to your phone’s projector and the other end. The HDMI port is usually located at the bottom of your device. Open your Gallery app, and swipe to the left until you find ‘Display.’ Then, select Mirroring. This should project your device if the projection is not at its optimal size, like the double arrow in the bottom right corner of your phone to switch between small and large display sizes. You can also adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the screen.
METHOD 2: USB-C to USB-C
Using a USB-C to USB-C cable with projectors and a USB-C port allows you to conveniently mirror your phone on the screen. The method is reliable because it works with virtually all smartphones that support Type-C ports. Steps on how to use a projector with a phone with a USB-C to USB-C cable:
Plug the USB-C to USB-C cable into the projector and one of your phone’s Type-C ports. Open your Gallery app, and swipe to the left until you find ‘Display.’ Then, select Mirroring if the projection is not at its optimal size, like the double arrow in the bottom right corner of your phone to switch between small and large display sizes.
METHOD 3: Using an HDMI to VGA/DVI Dongle
You can use a VGA or DVI (digital video interface) dongle if your projector is an older version with no HDMI port. Usually, this step is unnecessary, as most modern projectors have HDMI ports. Anyway, if you want to do this, here’s what you need:
An HDMI to VGA/DVI dongle for your phone. A VGA cable with a male end plugs into the HDMI port on the dongle, and a female lot plugs into the projector. Make sure they work together with your device.
The following steps will help you do this:
Connect the HDMI cable to the dongle. Connect your phone’s VGA/DVI cable to the dongle’s VGA port. Plug in the dongle and projector. Turn the projector’s power on. On your phone, go to Settings> Display> Wired> Project. You can now see your phone’s display on the projector. Furthermore, you may adjust the size of the projection on your phone to make it fit the screen if needed.
METHOD 4: MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link)
Mobile High-Definition Link, or MHL, is a standard developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association for television accessories and devices. It can use to connect mobile devices to televisions. Since this method works selectively, you need special equipment and cables. They also work with some televisions but not with all of them.
To use this method with your device, ensure that both devices are connected to the same network. Then, follow these steps:
Your phone must be mirroring (swipe down on a slippery surface). Then, connect the MHL cable to the projector and your phone. Connect the other end of the MHL cable to your TV. Please turn on your TV and switch it to the correct HDMI port. That’s all you need for your phone and projector to work together. Moreover, double-tap the status bar at the bottom right corner of your phone and select Mirroring.
WIRELESS PROJECTION METHODS
Wireless projection allows you to project your device’s screen onto a surface or screen without wires. This method is the best way to project your phone onto any surface, and it usually gives you a slightly better image than the wired option. Wireless projection can be accomplished using a Miracast receiver, transmitter, or an HDMI sender.
These two options allow you to use your phone on any screen. Good enough, the wireless projection of smartphones offers greater flexibility and security. Wireless point is often used by people with multiple devices that need to be projected on the same surface.
METHOD 1: Miracast
Miracast is another method you can use on your android phone with a projector. You can project anything from your phone o the screen via a miracast-supported projector. These devices usually work with phones that have OLED displays. It is a wireless method similar to the Wi-Fi direct projection method. Miracast is the most widely used wireless method.
To use this method with your device, ensure that the router you are connected to works with Miracast. Then, follow these steps:
Connect a miracast compatible display (such as an OLED television) to your phone via a miracast adaptor and a cable that supports Miracast. Put your phone into mirroring mode (swipe down on an OLED surface).
If you cannot find the setting, go to Settings> Display> Wired> Project. Then, select your phone’s name from the list, and it should connect to the projector. Additionally, double-tap the status bar at the bottom right corner of your phone and select Mirroring.
METHOD 2: AirPlay
The significant advantage, you do not need any special equipment other than your device and the projector. To use this method, follow these steps:
Make sure devices are connected to the same network. Turn on airplay mirroring via your phone’s Settings> Display> Wired> Project. Select your phone’s name from the list, and it should connect to the projector. If not, disconnect and reconnect the phone.
Moreover, double-tap the status bar at the bottom right corner of your phone and select Mirroring. Airplay works with both ios and Android devices.
METHOD 3: Chromecast
The Chromecast is an old device that works with a smartphone o cast it to a connected device. Chromecast works with ios and Android devices. It also supports Wi-Fi checks and saves cast speed. However, you cannot use the Chromecast with a projector. This is because your phone needs to be connected to the Internet for it to work.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Connect a Chromecast dongle (there are different types depending on your device) to your phone and place it on your old home theater system. Please turn on the dongle and switch it to mirroring mode via your phone’s settings menu. Connect the two devices via wireless Internet. Please turn on the dongle and connect it to your home theater system. Turn on your Wi-Fi and turn on the dongle as well. Ensure you are linked to the same network as your smartphone.
METHOD 3: Wi-Fi direct
The advantage of this method is that you do not need any special equipment. Wi-Fi direct is a wireless transmission method that allows your devices to communicate wirelessly through Wi-Fi. In this method, you cannot access your phone with android OS without the need to download a third-party app.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Connect both devices to the same network. Go to your phone’s settings and select Wi-Fi> Advanced options. Then, select the “Wi-Fi Direct” tab and “Allow” at the bottom of the window. You need an app that supports Wi-Fi direct projection to connect your phone to projectors. Something else, Wi-Fi natural can only be used with Android OS 4.2, and if you are using devices lower than this, they will not work.
Conclusion
The choice should be yours with all these methods of using a projector with a phone. You can choose whichever way you prefer depending on what you want to achieve. All the methods mentioned above are excellent and reliable for projecting a smartphone on a larger screen. Nobody has only one way that works for them all the time. The best thing about these methods is that they are easy to use and can be applied to different devices.
