Casting, mirroring or a cable: the best way to get your phone onto the TV

People use these terms as if they mean the same thing. The difference decides how good the picture looks and whether you can still use your phone.

Your three options

• Casting: your phone tells the TV what to play, and the TV gets the video from the internet itself. You can usually keep using your phone while it plays. Look for the cast icon in the app.
• Screen mirroring: the TV copies whatever is on your phone's screen, including notifications. It's handy for photos and apps with no cast button, but your phone has to do the work, so it can lag.
• HDMI cable and adapter: a wired link from your phone to the TV. It doesn't need Wi-Fi, which makes it useful in hotels. Check that your phone supports video output, as not all do.

Which to use

1. Watching a film or series: cast, if the app supports it, or open the same app directly on the TV.
2. Showing photos, or using an app with no cast option: mirror.
3. Poor or no Wi-Fi: use a cable, with the video already downloaded if the app allows it.

If it won't connect

1. Put the phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network. Dual-band routers and guest networks are common culprits.
2. Restart the app, then the TV.
3. Update the app and the TV software.
4. If you get a black screen with sound, the app may be blocking mirroring or cable output to protect its content. Try casting or the TV's own app instead.