The compatibility and interconnectivity of smart devices have positively impacted the home entertainment scene.
However, not all households have smart TVs, which can prove challenging, especially when looking to stream popular programs directly to your TV.
The good news, though, is you can connect your non-smart TV to your phone.
To connect a non-smart TV to your phone, you’ll first need to examine your TV to determine its features and whether it allows for wireless connectivity or you’ll need a physical connection. Some non-smart TVs come with in-built functions that support Google’s cast function.
Curious to learn more about linking your smartphone to your non-smart TV? If so, then you couldn’t be in a better place. Read on for proven tips on how to connect your non-smart TV to your phone.
Examine Your TV
Before attempting to establish a connection between your two devices, you should first examine your non-smart TV to determine its various features.
Examining the TV will allow you to have an understanding of some of the best ways to connect.
Assessing your TV is important because some older TVs don’t come with HDMI ports, meaning you’ll need to establish other types of connections using converter technology.
Connecting Phones to Non-Smart TVs Without HDMI Ports
If, after examining your TV, you established it has no HDMI port (s), then not all is lost as there are some tricks to navigate past the roadblock, as explained below.
Component Video Audio Connection
Most old generation TVs usually use component video audio connection (CVAC), which makes it hard to link to other devices without a similar type of connection.
The good news, however, is that your TV can easily connect, albeit with the help of an HDMI to composite video audio converter adapter that will act as a link between your TV and phone.
Luckily, you can buy a quality converter like the HDMI to RCA Converter from Amazon.com that supports TV stick, Roku, Switch, and even Blu-Ray and DVD players.
Using this connector will allow you to connect your smartphone to your non-smart TV.
Connecting Phones to Non-Smart TVs With HDMI Ports
Non-smart TVs that come with HDMI ports are a lot easier to link with your phone than the old-fashioned ones that use a component video audio connection.
All you’ll need is to link your TV to wireless dongles like Amazon Firestick or the hugely popular Google Chromecast.
Dongles like Google Chromecast make the linking work a lot easier as you won’t have to purchase connector cables to cast your smartphone content to your non-smart TV.
However, for the casting to occur, your casting device (Amazon TV Fire Stick, Google Chromecast) must be on the same WiFi connection for the content to stream straight from your phone to your non-smart TV.
To help you out, below are steps to observe when looking to connect your smartphone to your non-smart TV using Google Chromecast.
Purchase Google Chromecast (or Your Preferred Dongle)
This should be a fairly straightforward process as all you’ll need is to head out to credible retailers like Amazon and search for Google Chromecast, Amazon TV Firestick, or Apple TV.
These devices all come with a variety of streaming apps and will allow you to connect your non-smart TV to your phone.
Check out: 9 Reasons Why Your Chromecast Only Works With YouTube
Establish the Connection
The next step is connecting the streaming device to your non-smart TV using the HDMI cable (we are discussing Google Chromecast installation).
Once properly connected, connect the power cable to your Chromecast device and carefully plug it into a power source.
Turn on your TV (if it was off), and you’ll see a notification that the device hasn’t been connected to a network.
Pair the Device With Your Smartphone
To pair the Chromecast device with your smartphone, you’ll first need to download the Google Home app.
Once the download is complete, observe all the suggested installation steps, giving Google Home the proposed permissions.
The setup is a pretty straightforward process that shouldn’t take over five minutes.
On the top side of the Google Home app, you’ll see a drop-down menu that will allow you to cast screen or audio, which should allow you to establish a connection between your two devices (phone and non-smart TV).
Connecting Smartphone to Non-Smart TV Using a TV’s Inbuilt Functions
Not all non-smart TVs have limited features.
Unlike the old analog TVs, modern digital (but non-smart) TVs come packed with tons of advanced features designed to enhance the viewing experience.
These TVs usually support Google’s casting feature, meaning you won’t need to connect through dongles.
However, you’ll still need to download the Google Home app in order to activate the casting between your TV and your phase.
Again, your phone and TV will need to be connected to one WiFi network.
After linking the two devices, you can now access most of your phone’s content directly on the screen. Besides viewing your photos and videos, you can also opt to stream movies and series from several streaming networks.
The ease or difficulty in connecting your smartphone to your digital (but non-smart TV) will depend on the manufacturers. This is because some TVs come with independent apps designed to make interconnectability easier.
However, to establish such connections, chances are you’ll need to download an app recommended by your TV’s manufacturer.
iPhone users aren’t left out as most modern (but non-smart) TVs support Apple’s popular AirPlay function.
This feature allows you to connect your iPhone, Macbook, or iPad to your TV effortlessly.
Factors To Observe When Using a Dongle To Connect a Smartphone and a Nonsmart TV
With several dongles out there, choosing one that meets your needs can prove daunting, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
Below are important tips to consider when buying a dongle for your non-smart TV.
Cost
Some dongles like Apple TV are usually costlier than other streaming devices in the market.
But despite the high cost, the Apple TV still comes with a wide array of features, making it among the best dongles around.
(And if you want to watch Ted Lasso or other Apple TV shows, you’ll need an Apple TV device to connect your non-smart TV).
As you might expect, the Amazon Firestick works especially well with Amazon Video and Amazon Music.
Roku and Chromecast dongles offer their own advantages.
Roku offers many apps for free and subscription channels.
Chromecast integrates easily into a Google Home smart home and works well with the Chrome browser.
Features
Ensure you consider the types of features that come with your preferred product.
For instance, the Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with Alexa voice control, while Apple TV allows you to make the most of Siri, making the user experience a lot smoother.
You may also wonder: Why is my Alexa not discovering devices?
Ease of Use and Flexibility
When buying a dongle for your non-smart TV, it’s important to get one that’s easiest to use.
While some TVs come with built-in apps that support a direct connection with your phone, buying a dongle can prove complicated, especially when you have to download and install different apps.
You should also settle for a dongle that comes with various streaming options to make your work easier.
Wrapping Up
Although not straightforward, connecting your non-smart TV to your phone shouldn’t prove too hard, either.
All you’ll need to do is examine your TV to check for its features.
Your work will be a lot easier if your non-smart TV has a HDMI port or pre-installed features that support screen casting.
For analog TVs without HDMI ports, you’ll need relevant converter cables to switch up the signals and connect to an external streaming device.
Finally, when buying dongle devices, be sure to go for easy-to-use ones that come packed with several pre-installed apps and networks.
Continue reading: How To Screen Mirror a Non-Smart TV? 3 Easy Methods