> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vizio-com-setup.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Screen Mirroring on Vizio Smart TV – Cast Your Screen
> Mirror your phone, tablet, or laptop screen to your Vizio Smart TV using the SmartCast app, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast built-in wireless display.
Screen mirroring lets you display exactly what's on your phone, tablet, or computer screen on your Vizio Smart TV — wirelessly, in real time. Whether you want to share vacation photos with family, present a slideshow from your laptop, play a mobile game on the big screen, or stream video from an app that doesn't have a dedicated TV version, screen mirroring makes it possible. Vizio Smart TVs support multiple mirroring methods, so no matter what device you're using — iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows PC — there's a straightforward option that works for you.
Both your source device (phone, tablet, or computer) and your Vizio Smart TV must be connected to the **same WiFi network** for any screen mirroring method to work. If they're on different networks — including one being on a guest network — mirroring will fail or the TV won't appear in the device list.
## Screen Mirroring Methods
Vizio Smart TVs support four primary screen mirroring technologies. Choose the one that matches your device.
**Best for: Android phones, iPhones, and tablets**
The VIZIO SmartCast mobile app supports screen casting and content mirroring directly from your smartphone to your Vizio TV. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, connect it to your TV on the same WiFi, and use the Cast feature to send content from your phone to the big screen.
This method works well for casting specific content (like a video or photo gallery) and for controlling your TV from your phone. It's the recommended starting point for most users because it works on both iOS and Android.
**Best for: iPhone, iPad, and Mac users**
AirPlay 2 is Apple's wireless streaming protocol, supported on newer Vizio Smart TV models. With AirPlay 2, you can mirror your entire iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to your TV, or stream specific content like photos, videos, and music directly from Apple apps without needing to download any additional app on your phone.
AirPlay 2 is built into iOS and macOS, so if your Vizio TV supports it, you can start mirroring from Control Center in seconds.
**Best for: Android phones and Chrome browser on laptop**
Every SmartCast TV includes Chromecast built-in — there's no dongle or external device required. You can cast specific content from any Chromecast-enabled app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, etc.) directly to your TV using the Cast icon in the app. You can also mirror your entire Android screen or cast a Chrome browser tab from a Windows or Mac laptop.
**Best for: HDMI-compatible devices**
Some Vizio TV models support WirelessHD, a wireless HDMI alternative that transmits full 1080p video and audio without cables. This is typically used with laptops and desktop computers. Check your TV's specifications or the documentation at [vizio.com/setup](https://www.vizio.com/setup) to confirm if your model includes this feature.
## Mirror with the SmartCast App
The SmartCast mobile app is the most universally compatible mirroring option for Vizio TVs, working on both iPhone and Android. Follow these steps to cast your screen.
On your phone, open the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for **VIZIO SmartCast**. Download and install the free app. This app serves as both a TV remote and a casting tool.
Before opening the app, confirm that your phone and your Vizio TV are connected to the same home WiFi network. Go to your phone's settings and check the WiFi name. On your TV, press **Menu → Network** to verify the connection. They must match exactly — even the same router but different bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) can sometimes cause detection issues.
Launch the VIZIO SmartCast app on your phone. Sign in with your Vizio account. The app will automatically scan for Vizio TVs on your network and display them. Tap your TV's name to connect. If prompted, confirm the connection on your TV screen by pressing **OK** on your remote.
Once connected, look for the **Cast** icon (a screen with a WiFi symbol in the corner) within the app. Depending on the version of the app, this may appear in the bottom navigation bar or within specific content sections. Tap it to initiate screen sharing.
Choose what you want to display on your TV. You can mirror your entire phone screen, share a specific photo album, or cast video content you're playing within the app. Your TV's display will update in real time to show whatever is on your phone screen.
## AirPlay 2 – Mirror from Apple Devices
AirPlay 2 is the fastest and most seamless way to mirror your Apple device to a compatible Vizio Smart TV. No app download is needed — it's built into iOS 12+, iPadOS 13+, and macOS Mojave and later.
AirPlay 2 is only available on select Vizio SmartCast TV models (generally 2019 and newer). To check if your TV supports AirPlay 2, press **Menu → Help → System Information** and look for AirPlay in the feature list, or check your model's specifications at [vizio.com/setup](https://www.vizio.com/setup).
Ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is connected to the same WiFi network as your Vizio TV. AirPlay 2 discovers devices on the local network, so this step is essential.
On your TV remote, press **Menu** and navigate to **Extras** or **SmartCast Settings**. Find the **AirPlay** option and make sure it is set to **On**. If you don't see this option, your TV model may not support AirPlay 2.
On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones with a home button) to open **Control Center**.
In Control Center, tap the **Screen Mirroring** button (two overlapping rectangles). iOS will scan for nearby AirPlay 2-compatible devices and display a list. Wait a moment for your Vizio TV to appear.
Tap your Vizio TV's name in the Screen Mirroring list. If your TV requires an AirPlay code, a 4-digit code will appear on the TV screen — enter that code on your iPhone when prompted. Your iPhone screen will now appear on the TV in real time.
On a Mac, click the **Control Center** icon in the menu bar, then click **Screen Mirroring**. Select your Vizio TV from the list. Alternatively, you can use the AirPlay icon that appears in the menu bar when a compatible display is detected.
## Enable Screen Mirroring on Your TV
Before your Vizio TV can accept incoming screen mirror connections from any device, make sure screen mirroring is enabled in the TV's settings.
1. Press the **Menu** button on your Vizio remote.
2. Navigate to **Extras** (on some models this may be labeled **SmartCast**, **Network**, or **System**).
3. Look for **SmartCast** or **Screen Mirroring** in the settings list and ensure it is turned **On**.
4. For **AirPlay**, look for an **AirPlay** entry in the same Extras menu and confirm it is enabled.
5. Press **Back** or **Exit** to save your settings and return to the home screen.
If you don't see these options in your Extras menu, check whether your TV has a pending firmware update. Go to **Menu → System → Check for Updates** and install any available updates — newer firmware versions sometimes add mirroring features that weren't present before.
## Troubleshooting Screen Mirroring
If your screen mirroring connection isn't working, use the following checklist to identify and fix the problem.
The most common cause is a network mismatch. Double-check that your phone and TV are on the **exact same WiFi network and band**. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names, make sure both devices are using the same one. Also confirm that screen mirroring is enabled in your TV's Extras menu, as described in the section above.
Some content is protected by HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection) and cannot be mirrored due to DRM restrictions. This commonly affects rented or purchased movies from iTunes, Amazon, and similar platforms. Try casting a non-DRM source like photos, a website, or YouTube to confirm the connection itself is working.
Poor WiFi signal causes lag and stuttering during screen mirroring. Move your phone closer to your WiFi router, or move the router closer to your TV. Switch to the 5 GHz band if available — it's faster and less prone to interference. Closing unused apps on your phone can also help free up processing power for a smoother stream.
If the connection drops unexpectedly or behaves erratically, close the SmartCast app completely on your phone, wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. On the TV, you can also do a quick restart by pressing **Menu → System → Reset & Admin → Soft Power Cycle**. Re-establish the connection after both devices have fully restarted.
Outdated firmware is a known cause of screen mirroring failures, especially with newer iOS or Android versions. On your Vizio remote, press **Menu → System → Check for Updates**. Install any available updates and restart your TV before trying again.
Screen mirroring on your Vizio Smart TV is a powerful and flexible feature that turns your television into an extension of your mobile device or laptop. Whether you're sharing photos, casting a presentation, or streaming content from an app not yet on SmartCast, these methods give you multiple ways to get your content on the big screen quickly and wirelessly.