Last Updated on June 21, 2022
The Amazon FireStick is now perhaps the most recognizable of all available streaming devices that allow you to access your favorite content in the form of movies, TV shows, and music.
Whilst it does not produce any content of its own, it provides a channel through which to view content from many of the big providers such as Netflix and Prime.
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How to cast from your Android device to your FireStick
1. Using the Wireless method
The great thing about casting from an Android device to FireStick is that it is a very simple process and much more convenient than casting from other devices.
The only thing to note is that the mirroring feature may well be differently named across the range of available smartphones, despite the actual process being the same. There may also be some limitations depending on the model and operating system of your Android device.
- From the top of your screen, swipe down to access Quick Settings
- Tap, hold and pull down on the icons to expand the screen
- Then swipe left to find Smart View
- Select Smart View
- Tap on the name of your Fire TV
- Select Start Now and then wait a few moments until your TV screen displays your Android’s screen
- To exit screen mirroring, simply press any button on your Fire TV’s remote control
2. Using a USB cable
To begin with, make sure that your device supports MHL; if you don’t have the right cable then you will not be able to complete the process properly.
An MHL port allows you to connect a portable device to a TV or similar using an MHL-enabled HDMI input or adapter. HDMI is the wired connection link for video and audio used in home theaters
MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link. The MHL can transmit HD video and audio from a connected device whilst charging that device at the same time. MHL uses the same end connector that HDMI uses but it is not an HDMI.
Making sure you have the correct cables and connections for the job will ensure that the whole process runs smoothly and will save you time, money, and frustrations!
There are three MHL cables currently on the market that will allow you to cast from your Android to your TV.
3. Standard Micro-USB to HDMI Adapter
This MHL cable will allow almost any Android phone to connect to an MHL device. The micro-USB is a five-pin cable which makes it compatible with most Androids.
4. Samsung Micro-USB Adapter
As its name suggests, this 11-pin connector is the most appropriate choice for owners of Samsung phones. Unsurprisingly, it will most likely be incompatible with other Android devices.
5. Passive MHL Cable
There are two types of MHL adapters – passive and active. The aforementioned USB cables above are classed as active cables.
The passive MHL cable contains a powerful adapter that converts the MHL to HDMI so you can plug your MHL-enabled phone into your TV just so long as there is an HDMI port spare. A passive cable will also charge your phone whilst it is connected to another MHL-enabled device which in this case would be your TV.
Unfortunately, there are several frustrating limitations when using a passive cable. Therefore it is highly recommended that you choose an active cable to connect your phone and TV to ensure ultimate mirroring.
Once you have chosen the correct cable, the process really is as straightforward as plug-in and go! Once the two devices are connected, it should be easy to view your phone’s content directly on your TV almost immediately.
Casting from iOS devices
In order to cast from an Apple or iOS device, you will need to install a separate app from the Amazon App Store onto your Fire TV device. One of the best-recommended apps to do this is called Airscreen.
Windows 10 has Miracast enabled by default and AllCast will allow mirroring from several devices.
In summary, casting is an excellent way in which to view content from your mobile device so that the content is bigger and, of course, more readily shared with friends or colleagues if necessary. The process is really simple, providing you prepare both devices for the casting process prior to connection – whether you choose the hard hired or wireless method. And it is perhaps fortuitous that the simplest method of casting – via a USB or HDMI cable – is also the most reliable. Especially as your phone can be charged at the same time as it is being used.
What is casting?
Casting or Cast Screen TV — sometimes also known as mirroring — is very simply the technology that facilitates you being able to view the media playing on your Android, Windows, or other devices to a larger screen such as your TV and therefore enhance your viewing pleasure.
There are two options available that will allow you to facilitate casting:
Wireless
This method will require a WiFi connection, and of course, both your FireStick and the device from which you will be casting should share the same WiFi network.
Wired Screen
This method requires an HDMI cable that will connect your device to the TV.
Casting will allow you to view photos, videos, games, music, and even browser content on your TV screen.
How to get your FireStick ready for casting
Before you can begin the casting process, you will need to make sure that your Amazon FireStick is on the same network as the device you would like to cast from if you are choosing the wireless method.
On your Amazon TV…
- Go to the Homescreen and scroll over to Settings on the top menu.
- Select Network – here you will see a list of all the available Network connections.
- Now check that the Network that is marked as connected, matches the network connection on your Android device.
- If this is not the case you will need to connect both the FireStick and your device to the same network.
Once this is done, you have one final step before you can then follow the instructions to connect your Android device to your FireStick and begin casting. You will need to get your TV ready for casting by following these simple steps:
How to get your TV ready for casting
In the same way that you need to prepare your device for casting, your TV will also need to be ready to accept the mirroring process.
- Navigate to the home screen on your Fire TV by pressing the home button on the remote, which looks like a little house
- Using the navigation arrows on the remote, select Settings, which can be found to the far right of your most recently used apps
- Select Display and Audio
- Select Enable Display Mirroring – your Fire TV will then enter the Display Mirroring mode
- Now you need to follow the instructions below to allow your Android device to mirror its screen onto your Fire TV
Final thoughts
With so much content now viewed via streaming devices and on multiple interfaces, it makes sense that the same content can be easily shared between devices. What would have seemed technologically impossible not too many years ago, is now very much a part of our reality. A part that looks set to stay with us for the foreseeable future.
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