
Imagine capturing the most amazing video with your phone.
And you want to share it with your friends…
So you try to mirror your phone onto your Samsung TV.
Only to get errors.
Well, fret not. Your friends won’t have to wait long.
Because there are easy fixes for that.
Keep reading to discover:
- 9 effective fixes if screen mirroring isn’t working on your Samsung TV.
- 1 easy way to mirror your device’s screen to Samsung TV without WiFi.
- The ideal distance between your devices for screen mirroring to work properly.
- And a lot more…
Why is screen mirroring not working on my Samsung TV?
Screen mirroring isn’t working on your Samsung TV because of network issues. There’s likely a problem with your WiFi connection. Also, your other device may be too far from the TV. The ideal distance for screen mirroring is around 30 feet or less. Or, your SmartThings app’s possibly out of date.
Screen mirroring not working on Samsung TV: 9 fixes
#1: Ensure that your TV’s screen mirroring feature is on
Samsung’s screen mirroring feature has been around for over a decade now.
So you can easily do it even if your TV’s relatively old.
But to use this feature, ensure that you enable it first.
On older models, you’ll just have to press the Source button on your remote. And then select Screen Mirroring.
You may also try pressing Menu on your remote instead. Then go to Network. And toggle the Screen Mirroring option on.
For the latest Samsung TV models, here’s how to enable screen mirroring:
- Click the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings and select it.
- Select General.
- Select Network.
- Select External Device Manager.
- Click Device Connection Manager.
- Select Device List.
- Allow all devices to connect.
Your Samsung TV should now be ready to connect to another device for mirroring.
#2: Check if you’ve accidentally blocked the other device
You may not have noticed it.
But it’s possible that during the screen mirroring setup…
You’ve accidentally denied access to your other device.
That’s fine. We’re all guilty of pressing the wrong button sometimes.
And it’s easy to fix.
In fact, there are several ways to resolve this quickly. It’ll depend on your Samsung TV model.
How to allow other devices to connect on E, F, H Models (2012 to 2014)
- Press the Menu button on your remote.
- Scroll down to Network and select it.
- Click the AllShare Settings option.
- Select Content Sharing.
- Highlight the denied device.
- Then select Allow.
How to allow other devices to connect on J and K Models (2015 to 2016)
- Click the Home button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select Network.
- Go to Multimedia Device Manager.
- Click Allow beside your other device.
How to allow other devices to connect on M, N, R Models (2017 to 2022)
- From the home page, go to Settings.
- Click General.
- Scroll down and select Network.
- Click External Device Manager.
- Select Device Connection Manager.
- Click Device List.
- Click the denied device and select Allow.
For a visual guide on allowing or denying devices to connect to a Samsung TV…
Check out this video:
#3: Resolve all network connection issues
There are multiple ways to do screen mirroring on a Samsung TV:
- Via Tap View.
- Airplay for Apple devices.
- Using the SmartThings app.
- Through the Smart View app.
But in all 4 methods…
One common requirement is that all of your devices should connect to the same WiFi network.
So if screen mirroring isn’t working…
Check if your Samsung TV and other device are under the same network.
It’s possible that your Samsung TV’s connected to WiFi. While your phone’s using cellular data.
And that’s why you can’t connect.
In addition, your WiFi should also be stable.
If you’re experiencing an unsteady connection, it’s best to do a power cycle.
Just restart your router and modem by unplugging them from the outlet. And then power them back on after around half a minute.
And if that didn’t fix your WiFi issue…
You may try to reset your Samsung TV’s WiFi connection through these steps:
- Click your Samsung remote’s Home button.
- Scroll to the left and select Settings.
- Select General.
- Click the Network option.
- Select Reset Network.
This will disconnect your TV from your WiFi.
You may reconnect by opening the Network Settings under the Network menu. Then select your home WiFi. And type in your password.
Afterward, you may try to mirror your screen again.
#4: Power cycle your devices

It’s also possible that your devices are glitching. That’s why screen mirroring isn’t working.
And the fastest way to resolve that…
Power cycle.
Just like restarting your modem and router…
It’d also help to restart your Samsung TV. As well as the other device you’re trying to pair it with.
Moreover, power cycling works well on Samsung TVs. That’s because it resets the TV’s main board. And it helps drain any residual electrical charge that may cause glitches.
Here’s how to power cycle your Samsung TV:
- While the TV’s on, unplug it from the power outlet.
- Press the TV’s power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the TV back into the outlet.
As for your other device…
If it’s a smartphone, just power it off. And turn it back on. Also with a 30-second interval.
And if it’s a laptop, you may simply click the Restart option.
#5: Bring your other device closer to your Samsung TV
Screen mirroring also won’t work if your devices are too far apart.
The proper distance is within 30 feet (10 meters). Which is actually more than enough for a small room.
Now if you can move even closer, then it’s much better. You should have an easier time connecting your device to the TV.
But at the very least…
Ensure that you’re inside the ideal distance for screen mirroring.
#6: Install updates for the SmartThings app
The most common way to screen mirror on Samsung TVs is via the SmartThings app.
This is Samsung’s main hub for controlling various smart home devices.
And if this is also what you’re using for screen mirroring…
It’s important to keep it up to date.
As with most apps, certain versions of SmartThings can also have bugs. And installing the latest updates is what resolves them.
How to update SmartThings on iOS
- Open the App Store.
- Search for the SmartThings app.
- If you see an Update button beside the app, click it.
How to update SmartThings on Android
- Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Look for the SmartThings app.
- Click the Update button.
After updating the app, check if you’re now able to mirror your screen.
How to mirror your screen using the SmartThings app
Step #1: Open the SmartThings app on your phone.
Step #2: Tap the Add icon. The one with the plus sign.
Step #3: Select Add Device.
Step #4: Click the Scan button. Your phone should start scanning for devices to connect to.
Step #5: Select your Samsung TV once your phone finds it. This should connect your TV to your phone.
Step #6: After connecting, tap your Samsung TV again. And select More Options.
Step #7: Select Mirror Screen.
You should now be able to see your phone screen on your Samsung TV.
The steps are also the same for laptop users.
#7: Ensure that your Samsung TV has the latest updates
Just as important as updating the SmartThings app is keeping your Samsung TV up to date.
Especially since a TV software issue can also prevent you from screen mirroring.
With Samsung, you may choose to receive updates automatically. Or do it manually. Either way should be fine.
How to automatically receive updates
- Click Home on your Samsung remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select Support.
- Scroll down and click Software Update.
- Select Automatic.
How to manually install updates
- Press the remote’s Home button.
- Go to Settings.
- Click Support.
- Select Software Updates.
- If you see an Update Now button, click it.
It normally takes several minutes to update a Samsung TV. See to it that you keep your TV on throughout the entire process.
Your TV should automatically restart after successfully installing updates.
#8: Update your other device’s software

Still on the topic of updating…
You should also install updates for the device you’re trying to mirror.
This is crucial if you’re using other apps for screen mirroring to your Samsung TV.
For instance, if you’re an iPhone user…
You’re likely using Airplay.
And sometimes, it won’t work due to an outdated iOS. So check for available updates. And install them if there are any.
How to update iOS
- Tap the Settings icon.
- Select General.
- Select Software Update.
- If there are available updates, click Download and Install.
Likewise, updating’s also crucial for Android phones.
How to update Android
- Tap Settings.
- Click the About Phone option.
- Select Check for Updates.
- Click the Update button if you see one.
Note: You might not see an Update button on some Android phones. But you’ll see an Install Now or Install System Software button instead.
#9: Use an HDMI cable
Did you know that you can also do screen mirroring using an HDMI cable?
Yes, it’s actually possible. And it doesn’t even require an internet connection.
It’s a great alternative if you’re having WiFi problems. Or app issues.
For this method, laptop users only need an HDMI cable.
But you’ll need an adapter if you use a phone.
You’ll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter if you have an iPhone.
For Android users, a USB C to HDMI adapter should work.
Here are the steps to do screen mirroring through HDMI:
Step #1: Connect the HDMI adapter to your phone.
If you’re using a laptop, just plug one end of the HDMI directly into your device. Then proceed to Step #3.
Step #2: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI adapter.
Step #3: Plug the other HDMI end into your Samsung TV’s port.
Step #4: Change your Samsung TV’s input to the HDMI port you’re using. Otherwise, you might see a No Signal error.
That’s it! Your device should now appear on your TV screen.
Bonus: Contact Samsung for support
Are you still not able to mirror your device to your Samsung TV?
Well, if none of the fixes worked, it’s likely a hardware issue.
Your Samsung TV’s WiFi module may be defective. There’s also likely a problem with the TV’s main board.
And that’s why you should get in touch with Samsung’s support team.
You may call them at 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).
They’re available from 8 AM to 12 AM EST. 7 days a week.