How to Connect a Smartphone to a Projector?

By XGIMI Tech - 2021-11

We are well into the digital age, and as such, devices are increasingly smarter today than they were ten years ago. Projectors have not been left behind in this regard, and are better accepted now that manufacturers have thought it wise to incorporate smarter functions. Portable projectors come with built-in batteries, to ensure mobility and portability, and to serve as an alternative power source. Most Android TV projectors allow video streaming, Bluetooth to connect to local devices, and WiFi to connect to the internet.

Projectors that support smartphone connectivity have had greater appeal recently. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect other devices in the home or office to a central point. How to Connect a Smartphone to a Projector? Wired and wireless methods are listed step-by-step in this tutorial.

Part 1. Use Cable to Connect a Smartphone to Projector

Part 2. How to Connect Smartphone to Projector Wirelessly

Part 3. Why Should You Connect Your Phone To Your Projector?

Part 4. XGIMI HORIZON Pro - Supporting Easy Wireless and Wired Connection

Part 5. Conclusion                       

Part 1. Use Cable to Connect a Smartphone to Projector

You can try the following methods for wired connection. 

Method 1. Via HDMI Cable

One of the most common smartphone–projector connections is a wired connection. Most projectors are fitted with an inbuilt HDMI port that allows for smartphones to connect to them, through an HDMI connector to stream the desired content. HDMI connectors are the go-to options when transmitting digital content from a source (your smartphone) to a receiving display (your projector). In this way, you can connect your smarthphone to HDMI projector.

Method 2. Via the USB Type-C connection

Another method is through an HDMI adapter and a USB Type C connection. If your phone has a USB Type-C port, you can check if it supports screen casting video through the HDMI adapter.

1. Check if your phone has a USB Type-C output port. Most new mobile phones, including many Android phones and some newer iPhones, have a USB-C slot.
2. Purchase an HDMI adapter that is compatible with your phone's USB Type C port. You can find these adapters online or at most electronics stores.
3. Connect the HDMI adapter to your phone's USB Type C port.
4. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your projector's HDMI port.
5. Turn on your projector and select the HDMI input source.
6. Your phone's screen should now be displayed on the projector.
7. Depending on your phone's settings, you may need to enable screen mirroring or a similar feature to display content on the projector.

Note: If your phone does not have a USB Type C port, you may need to purchase an adapter that is compatible with your phone's port. Some phones may also require additional settings or apps to enable screen mirroring or display on a projector.

Part 2. How to Connect Smartphone to Projector Wirelessly

Here we introduce three methods for wireless smartphone–to-projector connection, which includes using Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and screen mirroring. However, it needs certain factors, features, and device specifications to become a reality. 

Method 1. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Most XGIMI projectors support connecting smartphone via WiFi and Bluetooth, etc. It might be the most effective and simple way. 

With just Bluetooth, you can easily stream audio content to the projector's speakers, turning it into an external Bluetooth speaker. And if you connect via WiFi and Screen Mirroring as well, it can cast the video content from your phone. Here are five steps to follow:

1. Turn on the projector and enable Bluetooth on both your phone and the projector.
2. Go to "Settings" on your phone and look for "Bluetooth", then search for available devices and select your beamer.
3. Make sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Look for the option to "Cast" or "Screen Mirroring". This may vary depending on your phone model. And select your projector from the list.
5. Once they are connected, you can use a compatible app or software to display content on the projector.

Note: 
1. Some projectors may require you to enter a PIN code to complete the pairing process. The specific steps for connecting via Bluetooth may vary depending on the projector model and smartphone operating system.
2. If your projector doesn't support wireless connectivity, you may need to use an adapter or cable for connection.

Method 2. Chromecast

How to connect a smartphone to a video projector by Chromecast? The device is integral to the Google ecosystem, which also has Android in its ranks, and gives you a one-click streaming option from top apps like Spotify or Netflix. You can also cast mobile device's screen on your projector using the 'Cast Screen' option in the Settings menu.

1. Connect your Chromecast device to your projector's HDMI port.
2. Make sure your Chromecast device and your phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Install the Google Home app on your smartphone if you haven't already.
4. Open the app and select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices.
5. Select "Screen mirroring" from the options menu.
6. Your phone's screen should now be mirrored on the projector via Chromecast.
7. To stop mirroring, simply tap the "Stop mirroring" button in the Google Home app.

Note: Some apps, such as YouTube, may have a built-in Chromecast button that you can use to directly cast content to your projector without mirroring your phone's screen. To use this feature, open the app and tap the Chromecast button. Select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices and the content will be displayed on the projector.

Method 3. "Video Streaming" or "Screen Mirroring"

Projector manufacturers add video streaming or screen mirroring support to their devices. Before buying any beamer device, you need to confirm if it supports wireless screen mirroring. Also, you need to make sure that your device supports applications that allow you to connect to a projector.

1. Make sure your phone and projector are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install a video streaming or screen mirroring app on your phone. There are many apps available for both Android and iOS, including popular options like AirPlay, Miracast, and Google Home.
3. Open the app and select the projector as the display device.
4. Follow the app's instructions to start streaming or mirroring your phone's screen.
5. Depending on the app you're using, you may need to adjust settings such as video quality or screen orientation to optimize the viewing experience.
6. Once connected, you should be able to display content from your phone on the projector, including movies, TV shows, photos, and presentations.
7. To stop streaming or mirroring, simply exit the app or disconnect from the projector within the app.

Note: The specific steps for connecting your phone to a projector through video streaming or screen mirroring may vary depending on the app you're using and the type of projector you have. Make sure to consult the app's instructions or online support resources if you encounter any issues.

Part 3. Why Should You Connect Your Phone To Your Projector?

Connecting your phone to a projector can have several benefits, including:

1. Convenience:

You can enjoy countless benefits by connecting your smartphone to a projector. Portable projectors can be used in various settings and scenarios. If you want to use it on a road trip, for instance, you will most likely be streaming pre-downloaded content, which you can store, to some extent, on your smartphone.

2. Sharing:

If you are in a setting where internet services are down, or if you have a slow connection, you can easily connect your smartphone to your projector to enjoy content already saved on your device. When you want to display files that are not on the internet— like photos and videos of your wedding— you can connect your phone to your projector in seconds.

3. Portability:

Many projectors are small and portable, making them ideal for presentations or entertainment on the go.

4. Enhanced Viewing Experience:

A projector can provide a larger and clearer image than your phone's screen, allowing for a better viewing experience for movies, TV shows, or presentations.

5. Versatility:

Projectors can display a variety of content, including photos, videos, presentations, and even games, making them a versatile tool for both work and play.

Part 4. XGIMI HORIZON Pro - Supporting Easy Wireless and Wired Connection

Smart projectors like the XGIMI HORIZON Pro comes with 2 HDMI ports and other cable connection options. HORIZON Pro and other XGIMI projectors come with official Google Android TV™ systems, giving users full access to all that the Google ecosystem offers. The XGIMI HORIZON Pro goes one step further with the Chromecast built-in feature, allowing users to project their favorite content from any device. Also, XGIMI projectors support displays by screen mirroring apps on Android and iOS devices.

To connect your Android devices to your XGIMI HORIZON Pro, follow these following steps:
● Download and install 'Google Home' from the Google Play Store and connect it to your projector via WiFi.
● From the homepage of Google Home, select the 'screen mirroring' option.

The following steps will help you connect your iOS devices to your projector:
● Download and install the AirScreen app from Google Play Store via the Android TV™ system.
● Launch the AirScreen app on your XGIMI HORIZON Pro.
●Connect via WiFi to any iOS-enabled device (iPhone, iPad, MacBook) and use the Airplay feature to mirror the screen.

The built-in Chromecast feature offered by XGIMI HORIZON Pro is an added advantage that streamlines the screen mirroring process, making it easier to cast all kinds of content from your smartphone to your projector. To use the Chromecast built-in, follow the instructions below:
● Connect your device and the XGIMI projector to the same WiFi network.
● On your device, launch the Chromecast-enabled app, and click on the Chromecast built-in icon.
●Select the correct XGIMI projector and start projecting your favorite content.

For excellent 4K displays and high-quality projecting from your phone, we recommend the XGIMI HORIZON Pro home projector. The HORIZON Pro features Intelligent Screen Adaptation (ISA) technology that helps you save time during setup with autofocus, auto keystone correction, auto screen alignment, and auto obstacle avoidance. The projector also features bright displays, up to 1500 ISO Lumens, supports 4K resolution, and is fitted with the X-VUE 2.0 image engine and MEMC, which sharpen your displays with lifelike resolution.

Part 5. Conclusion

Connecting a smartphone to a projector has numerous advantages, and helps you adapt to any kind of setting. If you are on a camping trip, internet connections can be tricky, so you can easily project your favorite shows and movies from your phone. If you need to project content that is not on the internet like family events, pictures, or saved presentations, a smartphone–projector connection is what you need.

You can easily connect wirelessly through screen mirroring apps or the 'cast screen' feature on your Android or iOS devices. Also, the Chromecast built-in makes it easier to project your desired content straight from your Android device. The XGIMI HORIZON Pro supports screen mirroring and comes with the Chromecast built-in feature.

If you are not a fan of wireless connections, the XGIMI HORIZON Pro comes with 2 HDMI ports that you can use to connect your smartphone to your projector. If your smartphone/device has a USB-C port, you can use a USB Type C cable and an HDMI adapter to connect your device to your home projector.

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