Some Android phones have this feature built right into your quick actions section. If you don’t have a cast option there, like I don’t, then you can thankfully download an app from the Google Play Store that functions the same way. Either way, streaming your Android screen on a Windows, Mac, and Linux is quick and painless.
Streaming without Wires on Windows 10
There’s more than one way to stream your Android screen on Windows 10, but this first option is free and doesn’t need any additional wires. This makes use of the new Connect app in the anniversary edition of Windows 10. Note: If your version of Windows is not up-to-date, this will not work as intended.
Step 1:
If you haven’t done it already on your own, or if Windows hasn’t automatically done this for you; update your PC. I mentioned this already, but if you haven’t updated your OS, then you won’t have the Connect app functioning, which means this option doesn’t work. If you don’t want to update your Windows, you’re better off skipping this option and trying a different one. If you don’t know how to update your PC on Windows 10, try:
Pressing the Start MenuIn the search bar, search for “windows update.”Click either Windows Update Settings or Check for updates to proceed.
From there, you can update your PC.
Step 2:
Next, let’s make sure your Android device can Cast from your quick access menu. To access your quick access menu, swipe down from your notifications bar. As an example, here’s a shot of my screen. Unfortunately, I don’t have a convenient cast button, which means I need to download a secondary app to make use of Screen Casting. If you have a Cast button, skip to Step 4 to continue. If you do not have a Cast button, please continue to Step 3 for more instructions.
Step 3:
If you’re up the Cast stream without a paddle like I am, you need to download one if you want to paddle your way to anywhere. The app is called Google Cast, and it’s thankfully free. The download isn’t any bigger than 7MB, and once it’s done, you can open the app and use the Casting feature from the app instead of your quick access menu.
Step 4:
Before continuing, make sure wireless services are enabled. If your phone can’t communicate, your Android can’t stream anything to your PC, even if it’s running Windows 10. If you have a Cast Button in your quick access menu, tap it, and then go to More Settings from your casting options. Now turn to your PC to continue with the process from there. If you are casting using Google Cast, open the app and make sure both your Android and Windows 10 PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi connection. After that, tap the three horizontal bars in the top left to open a new menu. Tap Cast screen / audio, and then tap CAST SCREEN / AUDIO on the next screen after that. Once you’ve done that, turn to your PC.
Step 5:
On your PC, search through your apps until you find the Connect app, and then click or tap it to open the app. From here, just wait until your PC detects your phone to continue. If your Android is not detected, please try closing the connect app and reopening it to start the search process again.
Step 6:
After your connection establishes, you can start to stream your Android on your Windows 10 PC with ease. Your screen will appear in your Connect app window as soon as your connection is established. If this is the first time you are streaming TO your PC from your Android, you may need to turn on sharing in the Connect Settings. Look for a link that says Projecting to this PC. Turn on the option Windows PCs and phones can Project to this PC when you say it is OK. If this method didn’t work for you, there’s one more to try, but requires a wired connection, and additional purchases.
Stream Your Screen with a OTG Cable / Micro/Mini HDMI
This option is arguable much easier than using Window 10’s Connect app, and comes with the added bonus of working with almost any version of Windows. The only problem is that you’ll need a OTG cable, possibly a Micro/Mini HDMI, a OTG Adapter, and a USB mouse. This is a tall order if you don’t have any of these requirements, but each one is a good Android investment, and is inexpensive piece by piece. Where to Buy What You Need Since there’s a lot you need to buy if you don’t have it already, and some pieces you don’t need depending on your Android; you need to find and sort everything required. You can determine what you need by answering one question: Does your Android have Mini/Micro HDMI support? If you answer to this is anything but a confident “Yes!” then you need to buy: One MHL to HDMI Adapter (or a converter that we’ll get into later), a USB Mouse that works with your Android device, and a HDMI cable that connects to your PC monitor’s HDMI Input. If you’re using a laptop that doesn’t have HDMI Input, or just HDMI Output (HDMI Output will not perform the same function), you will need an extra adapter on top of this. If your answer to this question actually is a “Yes!” then all you need is a Micro/Mini HDMI cable, an OTG cable, a USB mouse, and an extra adapter if your PC setup does not have HDMI Input access available. This all comes together for a large laundry list, but thankfully you can find all of this on one digital storefront. Below are my recommendations for each device type, but you can always purchase your own. Once you have everything you need, you can finally stream your Android screen to your Windows 10 PC.
Step 1:
For any of this to work, USB Debugging need to be enabled. Without USB Debugging, your phone won’t be detected while trying to connect. If your USB Debugging is currently disabled, you can enable it in your Developer Options. If you currently don’t have developer access, you can enable it if you:
Go to yourGo to About phone.
Scroll down to your Build number.Tap your Build number until you receive a message.
Congratulations, you’re now a developer, and can enable and disable USB Debugging whenever you want!
Step 2:
Step 2 and Step 3 will only apply if you have Micro / Mini HDMI capability with your Android.
First, find your Micro/Mini HDMI port, and connect your Android to your PC monitor using your Micro/Mini HDMI cable. If you’re using a laptop, you’ll just connect the cable directly into either your laptop, or your adapter. This requires both connected devices to be powered on and functioning properly.
Step 3:
Next, connect your OTG cable to your Android’s micro USB port. With the cable connected, plug in your USB mouse and wait for the connection to register. Once everything has lined up properly, you should see your Android screen displayed on your monitor or laptop. You can control your Android as normal, or use the attached mouse to control everything. You’re now streaming your Android to your Windows 10 PC, or at least your monitor if you’re not using a laptop.
Step 4:
Since your Android doesn’t have a Micro/Mini HDMI cable, you need an adapter or a converter like the one I linked above. Thankfully, the converter will also act as your OTG cable, so make sure you have your converter, USB mouse, and HDMI cable ready.
Step 5:
With a converter box, the setup becomes much easier since you don’t have as many wires springing from your phone. The setup will look a little like this: With both your monitor/laptop and Android device turned on, connect the converter to your Android. One after another, connect your HDMI cable from the converter, to your monitor/laptop. You’ll know it’s connected once you see your Android screen on the display. Next, so you don’t have to control your stream with a touchscreen, connect your USB mouse to the converter. You can now move a pointer around and click as if you’re tapping the screen. Just like that, you’re streaming your Android screen to your Windows 10 PC. While this method seems much harder than the first, at least initially, I think it’s the easier of the two, and I recommend it if you have some of the required tech already on hand.
How to Stream Your Android Screen on a Mac
Now that we have seen how to connect devices to a Windows operating system, let’s look at the other operating environments available on the market. Another dominant player in this area is the Mac operating system. You can enjoy various benefits, like watching your favorite movie or Korean dramas, after streaming your android screen on a Mac. There is also a great opportunity for you to browse photos, videos or watch anything you want on your Android phone on a bigger screen. If you want to mirror or stream your Android screen on a Mac, you can do it using the methods given below. Just like in Windows, here are various detailed steps on how to do it on Mac.
How to Stream Your Android Screen on a Mac Using X-mirage
X-mirage is actually an AirPlay server that is originally for iOS. But now, it allows Android phones to be mirrored as well. You can also record everything that is on the screen with just a click. First, you need to install X-mirage on your Mac. Once you have installed it, you can easily display your Android screen on the Mac. After the previous update, Android mirroring to PC is supported, which is very beneficial for Android users. Only the Android devices which have compatibility with the Google Cast are supported. Use the following steps to stream your Android screen on a Mac using X-mirage. These steps are simple, so it is easy to understand and follow.
Step 1:
Download and install X-mirage on your Mac using this link. Ensure that both your Android device and Mac use a similar Wi-Fi network.
Step 2:
In your Android device, from the top, swipe down to display the Quick Settings panel. Now tap the button which is labeled Screen Cast.
Step 3:
There will be a list of Chromecast devices that will be displayed on your network. After that, choose your Mac.
Step 4:
Now, your Android screen will be displayed on the Mac. Nothing left to do other than just enjoy your favorite TV shows or movies.
How to Stream Your Android Screen on a Mac Using Reflector
Reflector is excellent software, especially for screen mirroring and media streaming. It is entirely wireless but very powerful. You can use this software for sharing and recording your device. This software would integrate with all the reputed streaming devices such as Apple and Chromecast for screen mirroring. Go through the following steps to stream your Android screen on a Mac using Reflector.
Step 1:
It is entirely free to download Reflector on your Mac using this link. After downloading, launch the software. Then, connect Mac and Android using the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2:
Just like the instruction above, go to the Quick Settings panel on your Android device. Choose the “Screen Cast” option. Other devices would have different names, like Smart View on Samsung, so try to select the cast or view option.
Step 3:
Now, on the screen mirror, you will be able to see all the available wireless devices. From the list, choose your Mac.
Step 4:
Now, you can successfully mirror your Android screen on Mac. Everything that you see on the Android device will be displayed on the Mac.
How to Stream Your Android Screen on a Mac Using LetsView
LetsView is another great tool that I would recommend to stream your Android screen on Mac. This screen mirroring tool is entirely wireless which has excellent compatibility with various platforms such as Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. The interface is straightforward to use. Without the connection issue, you can easily do the mirroring and casting. Now, go through the following steps for streaming your Android screen on Mac.
Step 1:
Download and install LetsView on your Mac using this link. Using the same internet connection, connect both the Mac and Android.
Step 2:
Launch both the Mac and Android app, find the Screen Cast option and wait until the Android recognizes the Mac. After it is recognized, choose your Mac’s name, and the mirroring will be started.
Step 3:
There is also another alternate method for connecting your Android to Mac. You can use the pin code and scan the QR code, which you would see on the interface of Mac’s LetsView.
Step 4:
After you are connected, you can easily mirror your Android screen to the Mac.
How to Stream Your Android Screen on Linux
Linux is very much a customizable, royalty-free, and open-source operating system. If you are using Linux and want to mirror your android screen on it, I recommend you go through the following methods. Here are easy steps to help you mirror your Android device effortlessly. Many companies prefer Linux over Windows because most of the tasks can be done efficiently, and it is simple to use. Also, the maintenance of Linux is easy, has high stability and security because the operating system is excellent and gets regular updates. Here are two methods to mirror your Android screen on Linux.
How to Wirelessly Stream Your Android Screen on Linux
If you want to wirelessly mirror your Android screen on Linux, you can do it by using this method. To implement this, we would be using the app called Screen Cast. This app is pretty much easy to use. Make sure you use the same network for Android and your system for streaming the Android screen wirelessly.
Step 1:
Download and install the Screen Cast Android app. After you install it, open the app. Once the app is launched, click the “Start” button, which you will see on the screen.
Step 2:
On the confirmation screen, click “Start Now.” Now, type the URL that is displayed on the screen in any browser. Once you input the URL, the screencasting will start.
Step 3:
Congrats! Now everything that is on the Android would be displayed on the Linux screen too. You don’t have to change the image quality, and you can also protect the connection with a password.
How to Mirror Your Android Screen on Linux Using USB
If you are not able to use the same network or cast your Android screen wirelessly, you can get it done if you connect the Android screen using USB. Before you start this process, make sure you enable the developer option and USB debugging mode. Go through the following steps to mirror your Android screen on Linux using USB.
Step 1:
Access developer options, scroll down and tap the button on “USB Debugging Mode” for enabling USB debugging.
Step 2:
Once you enable the debugging mode, access the Chrome browser. Now install the Vysor Chrome application, which helps control your Android device from the desktop without root access.
Step 3:
Once it is installed, connect the Android device using USB and open the Vysor app. Then, enter the URL: chrome://apps in the Chrome address bar. You will see “Find Devices”; just click it.
Step 4:
Now Vysor will show all the Android devices that are attached. Select your device by tapping the select button.
Step 5:
A message would appear whether you want to permit the connection on the Android device. Once you see that, choose the “OK” button.
Step 6:
After you allow the connection, the Vysor Android app will be installed. Once the installation is over, you will be able to mirror your Android screen to Linux. You also have options to select the casting quality and resolution.
Conclusion
I hope you liked this article which discussed all the best methods to stream your Android screen on Windows, Mac, and Linux. All these methods are well explained with all steps that are easy to understand and implement. Also, the screenshots that I added can help you follow every step. Did you have any problems with either method? Leave a question down below if you need help!
