Whether you want to watch a movie or show a PowerPoint presentation, it can be quite handy to connect your Android smartphone or tablet to a projector. The amount of options you have depends on the projector you use. Each projector has different ports and features. Let’s take a look at the most common options.
Wireless App
First and foremost, check to see if your projector has an app that can be used with it. This is by far, the most pain free solution if it’s possible. Brand name projectors like Panasonic may have apps that allow you to connect via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network and project a screenshot of what’s on your Android. If you can’t find an app on the Google Play website, have a look at the website of the company that made your projector or the documentation.
Option 1 – Chromecast
This option is a safe bet to work with most Android devices. Whether you are looking to watch movies or mirror the Android screen to your projector, Google Chromecast is an excellent option. The Chromecast device attaches directly to the HDMI port on a projector where you can send video from your Android to it via a Wi-Fi network (required).
Option 2 – Miracast
Many newer Android devices and projectors support Miracast. If your Android device supports Miracast, but your projector doesn’t, you can purchase a Miracast video adapter that attaches to the HDMI port on the projector. Miracast allows you to mirror anything on your Android device.
Option 3 – Hard-wired Connection
If a wireless solution won’t work for you, the next best thing is to get a hard-wired connection. Your Android device will need to support some type of hard-wired video connection. Many do not. The two most common connections are MHL or HDMI.
- HDMI
If your device has a Mini-HDMI port (which is rare), 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 Note8 may support a USB-C to HDMI adapter. - MHL
If your Android device supports MHL, you can connect an MHL to HDMI adapter to the device, then connect it to the HDMI port on the projector.
Note: Make sure if you buy an adapter, it supports to exact version (2.0, 3.0, etc.) of MHL required for your device.
If your projector doesn’t have an HDMI port, then you will likely need to use a VGA port. There are MHL to VGA and Mini-HDMI adapters available, but be careful about which one you buy. Many of them are not reliable. For best results, search for one that is specifically made for your model of phone or search the comments on product pages to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
We have covered the best solutions on how to connect an Android to a projector. If you have any questions about specific devices or want to share your own experience with this type of set up, please leave a message in the Comments section below.
Alexis says
I have my samsung j7 but i cannot connect it to my projector.. merlin is the name of my projector.. but when i connect an iphone it connect.. everytime i coonect my samsung it says that i should download samsung switch on my mac os x devices hoe can i download it if it is a projector
Jeff Barton says
I’ve an S9 which I connect to my projector using a hdmi adaptor… Only problem is that the picture fills less than half the screen… I’ve tried adjusting the pic settings on projector but it makes no difference… Not sure whether it’s the adaptor or the phone itself.. Any thoughts people?
Dave Baker says
Played my Samsung S8 to a 15 year old projector using a usbc to hdmi lead.
The hdmi connected to a hdmi … vga converter cable, plug in and play for sure., but no direct audio.
The vga connector needs an audio port to speakers, a modern, new, projector would carry in built speakers. and away you go.
A lot of phones DO NOT support live video replay, check if yours does before you spend the money would be my advice.
The Samsung S8 and S9 do support live video direct to TV, projector, and so on.
Jeff Daugherty says
I had gotten a Artic projector last Christmas and just hadn’t had time to mess with it. I can get the picture to show against the wall but I can’t get any videos or individual pictures to show themselves against the wall. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please let me know. Thanx
Rengith.B says
Can I connect my SAMSUNG TAB A TO HDMI PROJECTOR USING HDMI CABLE..,.
pabitra says
I have moto g5s plus mobile , how connect to mini led projector .. plz Any help
Julie says
Does your projector have to be connected to the internet when mirroring devices such as a phone? We are looking for a projector for a conference room at our church. We do not have wifi, but would like to be able to display items from phones and ipads.
Mitch Bartlett says
The easiest for me has been the Samsung Galaxy S8 or Note8. They work with almost anything.
mohamed says
I want to buy a mobile phone to connect it to a projector which phone is suitable?
Eddie says
Where are the answers to the above questions?
Peter Jancik says
Hi,
I have Panasonic PT-LB55NTE projector and I would like it to connect with my smartphone samsung galaxy S7, Is it possible? Thanks Peter
Charlie Lindstrom says
If my Android phone does not support MHL (my phone still uses a Micro-USB connector) is there any way to hardwire connect into a projector? The projector only has USB, HDMI, & VGA inputs. Your article did give me a wireless option using the Chromecast. I didn’t even think about plugging my Chromecast in it. However I was hoping to have an option to project when I am somewhere that does not have internet access. That was the whole point of me buying this projector. I also verified my phone does not support Miracast. It is a Motorola Moto G5S Plus (XT1806). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Rastislav Michalica says
Hi,
I intend to buy Huawei Mediapad m3 wifi 8,4. I can’t find anywhere a reliable information whether the above mentioned tablet supports MHL or not. If not, are there any other solutions to display it on a projector via hard-wire connection? I am a teacher and such an information is essential for me.
Many thanks for your time
Best Regards
Rastislav
Genie says
How do I switch to the projector using the hard wired option?