Ways to Connect an Android Phone to a Mini Projector
You can connect any Android phone to any mini projector wirelessly, but your options will depend on the capabilities of your projector. Some projectors have native streaming or screen mirroring built right in, but you’ll usually need an external device like a Chromecast. Some phones also can connect via a physical cable, but that isn’t very common.
Here are your options for connecting an Android phone to a mini projector:
Chromecast: If you have a Chromecast, you can use it to connect your Android phone to any mini projector. These devices are inexpensive enough that Chromecast will usually be the best option, even if you have to buy one. Streaming device: Some streaming devices, like Roku, allow you to stream from your phone. This method is a little less useful, as there’s very little reason to screen mirror from a phone if you already have a Roku hooked up. However, it is an option if you need it. Built-in screen mirroring: This option relies on either built-in streaming or screen-sharing functionality or a projector with an app ecosystem. For example, some projectors let you download and install apps from Google Play. HDMI: This method is straightforward and works well, but it isn’t an option with most phones. Your phone needs to support MHL, HDMI over USB-C, or DP over USB-C.
How to Connect an Android Phone to a Mini Projector With Chromecast
Since Android works so well with Chromecast, the best and easiest way to connect an Android phone to a mini projector is via Chromecast. Chromecast devices are also pretty compact, which makes this hardware a good pairing for most mini projectors. The only thing to keep in mind is that Chromecast requires power via USB, which is something not all mini projectors can provide.
Here’s how to connect an Android phone to a mini projector with Chromecast:
Connect the Chromecast to the projector via HDMI. You may need an adapter if the mini projector uses an HDMI-C port. Plug the Chromecast into power using a USB port on the projector or a USB power adapter. Switch the projector input to HDMI. Set up your Chromecast if you haven’t already done so. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Launch any compatible app, like YouTube or Netflix, and tap the Chromecast icon. Select the Chromecast device connected to your projector. Your content will start streaming from your phone to the projector.
How to Connect an Android Phone to a Mini Projector Without Chromecast
Some projectors can connect wirelessly to your phone without any additional hardware, and some streaming devices also provide that functionality. For example, you can stream from your phone to Roku.
To connect your Android phone to your mini projector using built-in streaming, check with your projector manufacturer to see if they support it. If your projector does have this feature, you’ll typically need to download the manufacturer’s app to your phone and then use that app to stream from your phone to the projector.
Connecting a Phone to a Mini Projector With USB
You may find yourself wondering if you can connect your phone to your mini projector with USB and how you might go about doing that if your phone doesn’t have an HDMI output. Very few phones support HDMI, and even fewer have HDMI ports. The phones that do support HDMI do so in a handful of different ways.
The oldest method phones use to support HDMI is Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), which provides a way to output HDMI over a micro USB port using an adapter. The next option to show up was a standard called HDMI alt mode, which allowed phones and other devices to output HDMI over USB-C. The most recent is DP alt mode, which allows phones and other devices to output a DisplayPort signal over USB-C.
Unfortunately, MHL, HDMI alt mode, and DP alt mode are all relatively rare. Before you invest in a cable or adapter, check to see if your phone supports any of these modes.
Here’s where to look:
MHL: MHL compatible devices HDMI and DP alt mode: Devices that support video over USB-C
If your phone supports MHL, HDMI alt mode, or DP alt mode, you can connect it to a mini projector using a corresponding cable. Just connect one end of the cable to your phone and the other end to your projector, and the phone will output HDMI to the projector just like a laptop.
