Projectors provide a convenient way to do presentations, play games, or watch movies from Android smartphones. However, connecting your device to the projector depends on two connection options, Wireless and Hardwired.
So, how do we establish a connection between either of the two options? Well, let’s find out.
How to Connect Android to Projector: Hardwired Connection
Hardwired connection normally involves the use of cables and adapters. To connect Android to a projector using this type of connection, you need to understand that there are two types of support options:
- HDMI
- MHL
- High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI): It requires a mini HDMI cable to facilitate a direct connection between the Android device and the projector’s HDMI port.
- Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL): You need to get an HDMI adapter in case your Android device relies on MHL support. Connect the Android to the adapter and then connect the adapter to the projector’s HDMI port.
Whether you have a device that supports HDMI or MHL, here is how to establish a hardwired connection.
Step 1: Identify the connection options offered by the projector: USB, VGA, Or HDMI
Some projectors are made with the standard USB port. However, modern projectors are designed with at least an HDMI port.
USB connection is the easiest since you simply need to connect the projector and the Android device using a cable. HDMIs also utilize wired connections. However, if your projector is an older model, search for the VGA port and find the applicable adapters to facilitate the connection.
Related: Best HDMI-Enabled Projectors Under 200
Step 2: Analyze Your Phone’s Capabilities
The type of android device determines the connection process. The latest smartphones, especially those made by Samsung, offer adapter support that allows you to directly send data from your phone to the HDMI port connected to the projector via the USB port.
However, phones that rely on MHL support require an extra adapter to create an HDMI connection.
Step 3: Connect Everything
If you have the right USB cable or found the right MHL adapters, everything is set up for connection. Just check the projector’s port to ensure that you have the correct port for input. In case the devices fail to establish a connection, restart them while the cables are still connected.
How to Connect Android to Projector: Wireless Connection
The hardwired connection has proved to be fast and effective; however, it also leads to clutter. If you are also looking for convenience that comes with portability, you should consider a wireless connection.
But you need to be prepared to deal with latency or reduced speeds. On the other hand, it’s still beneficial when you are mounting the projector high on the wall. So, you don’t have to worry about cable management. You can do wireless connection in the form:
Miracast: Connecting an android phone wirelessly using Miracast
Miracast is an essential type of technology that helps people wirelessly share content from a screen to a projector or from one screen to another.
The good thing is that the latest projectors and Android devices all support Miracast. But in case your projector doesn’t support Miracast, you can always get a Miracast video adapter to facilitate this process. First, you need to attach the video adapter to the projector’s HDMI port then connect it to the projector.
Related: Best Miracast-enabled projectors under 500
Chromecast: Connecting your android phone wirelessly using Chromecast
It’s the second alternative for wireless connection. Chromecast is a device you can use to plug into your TV’s or projector’s HDMI port. It’s usually powered by a USB cable.
When it comes to wireless connection, Chromecast is a safe bet since you can conveniently send a video from an Android device to it (since it is connected to the projector) wirelessly.
Wireless App: The fastest way to connect an android phone to a projector
If you have a modern projector with an inbuilt wireless application, then the process can be straightforward and easy. This is so far the most uncomplicated way to create a wireless connection. Note that some brands such as Panasonic are innovative, and they have projectors with apps that offer connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Hardwired and wireless connections are the two main ways that you can use to connect Android to a projector. If you have a projector and want to watch a movie, play a game, or do a presentation from your Android device, then you can simply use a cable, application, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
