In this guide you will find a very complete compilation of Recommended apps to connect your mobile to your TVWhether you want to use Chromecast, Android TVFire TV, Samsung or LG Smart TVs, or even if you prefer to mirror your screen to your PC or a projector. You'll also find other essential apps to get the most out of your TV, such as a media center, file manager, or advanced player.
Types of apps to connect your mobile phone to your TV
Not all apps do the same thing, even though many may look similar. It is important to distinguish between screen mirroring, sending specific content, and multimedia players/clients. that rely on the TV or Chromecast to display what you have on your mobile or on the network.
On one hand there are the apps of screen mirroring or screen duplicationThey display on the TV exactly what appears on the mobile device, in real time. They are ideal for presentations, games, training, or remote support, but they are highly dependent on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.
In a separate group you will find the apps for “cast” or sending of specific contentInstead of duplicating everything, they only send the selected video, photo, song, or stream. This is what many apps compatible with Chromecast, Roku, or DLNA do: the TV plays the file directly, and the phone acts as a remote.
Lastly are the Multimedia centers, managers and utilities While not strictly screen mirroring apps, they are key to connecting your mobile and your TV: players that send via Chromecast, apps for moving files, streaming managers, alternative stores, or launchers for Android TV.
Specific apps for sending content from your mobile phone to your TV
If what you want is Send videos, music, or photos from your mobile phone to your TV with maximum ease.There are several apps designed just for that, compatible with Chromecast, smart TVs, and other receivers.
Cast to TV (XCast): one of the most complete for Android
Cast to TV, also known as XCast in some markets, is An app focused on sending online videos, live streams, and local files to your TVIt works with Chromecast, smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi or Panasonic, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick, Xbox, Apple TV and almost any DLNA-compatible device.
The app includes an internal browser to detect videos on websites and send them to the TVIt also supports playlists, shuffle mode, loop, and repeat. It automatically identifies video, audio, and image files on your mobile device or SD card and organizes them so you can easily add them to a playback queue.
One of its advantages is the ability to control it from your mobile phone: You can pause, fast forward, rewind, raise or lower the volume, and skip to the next content. from within the app itself. It's designed so that your phone acts as a real remote control for your TV or Chromecast.
It is compatible with various reception technologies: Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV (via AirPlay), Xbox One/360 and DLNA devicesAccording to the developers, it will soon add support for platforms like Kodi or IPTV sources, making it even more of an "all-in-one" for local and online streaming.
However, these types of apps depend heavily on... The mobile phone and the streaming device must be connected to the same WiFi network. and that the file format is compatible with the receiver. If you experience interruptions, restarting your router and streaming device is usually enough, as well as checking that the file doesn't contain an unusual codec that the TV doesn't understand.
Cast for Chromecast – TV Cast: sending websites, apps and mirroring
Cast for Chromecast – TV Cast combines Two key functions: content streaming (web video cast) and screen mirroring on ChromecastIn other words, you can send a specific video from a website, or display your mobile phone screen exactly as it is on your TV.
allows to send photos, videos and music stored on the phoneIn addition to content from platforms like YouTube or Prime Video (within the limitations of each service), it also offers the ability to project slideshow presentations, social media feeds, or even your mobile games onto the TV.
The app supports Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, DLNA devices, and TVs with MiracastIt also works with smart TVs from brands like Sony, Vizio, Philips, Xiaomi, and Google TV. It always relies on all devices being on the same Wi-Fi network and having the wireless display or Chromecast function enabled on the TV.
Its use is quite straightforward: Connect your Chromecast or similar device to the TV, verify that your mobile phone is compatible with Chromecast, enable wireless screen mirroring on the TV, and choose what to send from your mobile phone.whether they are local files or web content. You can also adjust volume and "channels" from within the app itself.
It's important to note that, although the name refers to Chromecast, It is not officially affiliated with Google or any other brands.It works as an intermediary compatible with Chromecast built-in and other wireless display technologies to facilitate casting from Android.
Apps to mirror your mobile screen on TV and PC
When what you're looking for is See in full screen exactly what you're doing on your mobile. (for playing games, presenting, using apps that don't have a TV version, remote support, etc.), screen mirroring is the ideal option. This is where several powerful apps come into play, designed for both TVs and computers.
AirDroid Cast: Highly versatile mirroring and remote control
AirDroid Cast is one of the most complete tools for Mirror your Android screen to your PC, Mac, TV, or other devicesIt is designed for both individual users and companies that need to display content in meetings, training sessions, or remote support.
One of its star features is the possibility of Control your Android phone remotely from your computerFrom a Windows or macOS machine, you can control the phone as if you had it in your hand: open apps, type, play games, or display any content on the big screen.
In addition to image, AirDroid Cast manages two-way audio (two-way sound system)This is especially useful in video conferences or online meetings, as all attendees can communicate without distortion and with good synchronization between video and sound.
It supports simultaneous connection of up to five screens or devices to the same computerThis is very interesting for presentations with multiple mobile phones, classes with multiple students, or multiplayer games where the action is shown on a single monitor or projector.
Another strong point is the cross-platform compatibilityYou can cast your Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS screen to a PC, and even use the web version to share wirelessly from your PC to your TV by entering the specific URL (such as webcast.airdroid.com) from your TV's browser.
Google Home: the basic option for mirroring Android on your TV
Google Home has become almost the standard for Use Chromecast and mirror your Android screen to your TVAlthough it is primarily designed to control connected home devices, it can also be used to project your mobile phone screen and send multimedia content.
Many people consider her the Best app to mirror your Android screen to a TV with ChromecastEspecially since the setup is simple and the interface is familiar. You can send movies, games, apps, photos, or even your entire mobile home screen without much hassle.
However, the system is designed so that Most uses are made as a "cast" of content and not so much as pure duplicationFor example, if you want to watch Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video, the app itself usually has a "cast to Chromecast" button, and the TV receives the video directly.
The biggest appeal of Google Home is that, In addition to being free, it is usually already integrated or recommended in the Google TV and Android TV experience.The only requirement is to have a Chromecast set up or a TV with Chromecast built-in, and that both the mobile phone and the TV are on the same WiFi network.
Once the devices are linked, you just have to Choose the screen casting option and select the destination TV or ChromecastThat way you can play games, browse the internet, or teach any content to other people from the comfort of your couch.
Other duplication and remote access apps
Beyond AirDroid Cast and Google Home, there's a good set of apps that allow Share your mobile screen on PCs, TVs, or other devices, with different approaches and levels of complexity.
ApowerMirror, for example, focuses on offering screen mirroring with good video qualityDesigned for presentations and demonstrations from mobile devices to large screens, it aims to maintain sharpness and fluidity even during fast movements.
Mirroring360 is designed for Share your screen with many people at once, up to around 40 remote participantsIt is very popular in educational and business environments, where you need many people to view the same screen wirelessly.
TeamViewer, although more associated with technical support, is also a powerful app for Share your mobile screen and grant remote accessIt works on a good number of platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows…) and stands out for its speed in transferring files and for its system monitoring options.
Other alternatives include MirrorTo, WonderShare MirrorGo, AnyDesk, LetsView, or VNC Viewer They cover everything from Windows mirroring to secure remote access, HD streaming, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or virtual keyboardMany are multiplatform and can be used in both personal and professional settings.
Essential apps to get the most out of Chromecast and Smart TV
In addition to dedicated mirroring and casting apps, there is a set of applications that, without literally connecting the mobile screen, They are essential for getting the most out of Chromecast, Android TV, or Google TVMost allow you to launch content from your mobile phone or use your phone as a remote control.
Video platforms, series and movies
Services like YouTube, Twitch, Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Kodi, Plex, Pluto TV or VLC They integrate seamlessly with Chromecast and Android TV or Google TV devices. In many cases, simply tapping the "cast" icon on your phone is enough to send content to the big screen.
YouTube is almost a must, as it usually comes It comes pre-installed on Android phones and integrates seamlessly with Chromecast.Twitch, meanwhile, allows you to follow live streams and creators on your TV using your mobile phone as a control point.
Netflix, Max and Disney+ contribute huge catalogs of series and moviesSome are available in 4K with HDR or Dolby Atmos, and they work both as native apps on the TV and via casting from your mobile device. Prime Video has also offered Chromecast integration for years, having overcome some past limitations.
You can use VLC from your mobile device to play virtually any format and send it to the TVIt supports MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, TS, M2TS, Wv, AAC and many others, with included codecs, which solves many compatibility problems when TV apps fall short.
Music, radio, and podcast apps
For audio, they stand out Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, TuneIn Radio and iVooxAll of them offer one way or another integration with Chromecast or an Android TV version, allowing your TV to also be a powerful living room speaker.
Spotify lets you stream playlists and songs to your TV. even using the free versionwhich is ideal for turning the TV into an improvised music system or a karaoke screen reading the lyrics.
Tidal is more oriented towards high-quality (Hi-Res) audioThis is something you'll especially notice if you have a decent sound system connected to your TV. Apple Music, surprisingly, also has an Android version, making it easy to send its catalog to Chromecast.
If classic radio is your thing, TuneIn brings together hundreds of broadcasters from around the world And it lets you listen to them on your TV without an antenna. For podcasts, iVoox offers a large number of programs, many of them exclusive, that you can play directly on your television.
Other apps compatible with Chromecast and TV
There are apps that, while not being video or audio apps, They make a lot more sense when you use them with Chromecast or on a Smart TV.A good example is Google Photos: you can cast your albums to the TV as a slideshow and even set them as the Chromecast's home screen wallpaper.
Google Slides lets you display your slides on the TV while the mobile phone becomes a remote controlIt includes controls for moving forward, going back, and viewing notes. It's very useful for informal presentations or even more serious meetings at home or in the office.
There are also games designed to use your mobile phone as a controller, such as Alien Invaders, a Space Invaders-style title that allows Up to six players at a time, each using their own phone. to control the ship while the action is shown on TV.
In addition, services such as TDTChannels or TiViFy allow Watch digital terrestrial television (DTT) online without an antenna.Some offer free plans, while others add paid features such as recordings, access to the last 7 days, or more specialized channels and dials.
Applications for managing files, apps, and backups between mobile and TV
If you want to transfer movies, series, APKs, or backups from your mobile phone or PC to your TV, you'll need File and content management apps designed for Android TV or Google TVThis is where tools like Send Files to TV, File Commander, or X-Plore File Manager come into play.
Send Files to TV: Move files from your mobile to your TV without any hassle
Send Files to TV is almost mandatory if you usually Send large files (videos, APKs, photos) from your mobile or PC to your TVIt is available on both Android TV/Google TV and Android phones and works via a direct connection over local WiFi.
The app is Free, with very discreet adswhich can be removed with a small donation. Once installed on both devices, it allows you to send and receive files wirelessly, which is especially useful if you want to install apps via [unclear - possibly "wireless" or "wireless"]. APK or transfer movies to the TV's internal memory or USB drive.
File Commander and X-Plore File Manager: advanced file explorers
To manage what's inside your TV (internal hard drive, USB, SD cards, or even cloud storage), File Commander offers Shortcuts to images, videos, music, conversion tools, and synchronization with Google DriveIt has dark and light modes, plus a premium version with file encryption and a recycle bin.
X-Plore File Manager, meanwhile, works on both mobile devices and Android TV, Chromecast and Fire TV, and stands out for its Dual-pane view: You can view two folders at once and drag files between them.It also displays a very visual disk map to show what's taking up the most space.
Neo Backup: Advanced backup (with root)
Neo Backup is a tool for Create backups of the entire system or just specific apps with their data on Android TV or Google TV. It's ideal if you like to tinker with the system, but it has one major drawback: it requires root access.
If you meet that requirement, you can back up and restore entire configurations. in case you need to reset the TV or something breaks downIt's more advanced and not intended for the average user, but it can save you hours of reconfiguration if you experiment with ROMs or heavily modify the system.
Apps to customize the interface and expand TV functions
Another way to better connect your mobile phone and TV is customize the TV interface to your liking and add extra features through launchers, screensavers, or controller button mapping. This makes accessing your casting and mirroring apps much faster.
Button Mapper: reuses the controller buttons
Button Mapper allows reassignment the buttons on the TV remote or the Chromecast with Google TVYou can configure single, double, or long presses to open your favorite apps (YouTube, Netflix, Cast to TV, etc.) or perform specific actions.
This way you can turn a button you don't use much into Direct access to your main app to send content from your mobile deviceThe app is free and is configured from the TV itself, with an interface designed for TV remotes.
Aerial Dream, FLauncher and Sideload Launcher
Aerial Dream brings to Android TV the Apple TV-style animated wallpapers, with landscapes and high-quality videos (up to 4K). It allows you to choose which backgrounds to use, the quality, the waiting time, and whether you want the time or location to be displayed.
FLauncher is an open-source alternative launcher that Completely changes the main screen of Android TV or Google TVIt has no ads, allows you to organize apps by category, change the wallpaper, and create a much cleaner and more personalized experience.
Sideload Launcher, for its part, focuses on display installed apps that are not optimized for Android TVsuch as browsers or tools designed exclusively for mobile. It also serves as a minimalist launcher to drastically change the TV's appearance. If you're looking for more in-depth interface settings, see how activate apps-only mode on Android TV and Google TV.
Other useful apps for Android TV, Google TV and media boxes
Beyond casting and duplication, there is a set of applications that They expand the possibilities of your TV as a multimedia center and connected device, many of which also get along well with mobile phones.
Alternative stores and customers: Aurora Store and Neo Store
Aurora Store is an alternative app store that lets you Download popular apps and less popular onesManage updates without going through the Play Store and hide your location to access apps restricted by country.
Its design follows the lines of Material 3 and allows Use the store anonymously or with an accountIt can also show if an app has trackers that collect data, which is useful if you're concerned about privacy.
Neo Store is a client for F-Droid, the most well-known open-source app store for Android. From there you can access... a huge catalog of free applications, most without ads and with reviewable code, many of which also work on Android TV.
Alternative YouTube clients: SmartTube and NewPipe
SmartTube (or SmartTubeNext) is A YouTube client optimized for Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, or Android boxesIt doesn't have mobile support, but on TV it offers a very user-friendly interface, ad blocking, customizable buttons, and support for 8K, 60 fps, and HDR.
NewPipe is another alternative client, this time also designed for mobile phones and tablets, which It allows access to YouTube and other services like SoundCloud or Bandcamp.It stands out for being lightweight, allowing background playback or PiP, and offering resolution up to 4K.
With NewPipe you can watch streaming, add subtitles, search for videos and audio, and Subscribe to channels without needing to log in with your Google accountIt is highly valued by those who want to avoid the official app and have more control over the experience.
Browser, IPTV lists and torrent manager
DTVFree is a web browser adapted for Android TV, Google TV and Fire TV, designed for browse on TV with a lightweight and fast interfaceIt offers a customizable home screen, cursor control, and the option to stream content directly from the browser.
TorrServe acts as BitTorrent client on your TVThis allows you to download files directly to the device connected to the TV and play them there, without needing a PC. It's very useful if you prefer to manage everything from the TV itself.
Downloads, webcam and all-in-one player
Fetch is an app for Manage file downloads on Android and Android TV With a simple interface that allows you to pause, resume, change priorities, and see the estimated download time. It works well on both mobile and TV.
Recording Webcam lets you Use a camera connected to your TV or Android TV device to take photos or record video.Although it is still under development, it already offers resolution switching and the ability to upload screenshots to a remote server.
Kaltura Player is a very versatile multimedia player capable of Play everything from MP3 or MP4 files to live TV signals or 360-degree VR videos, with built-in support for Google Cast. It's a good option if you want to centralize different types of content.
Weather apps and other extras
If you like having useful information on your TV, AccuWeather for Android TV offers daily and hourly forecasts, radar and satellite images It uses your device's geolocation to show your city. It's free and very convenient for checking the weather while you have breakfast.
There are also apps like BESTV, which works like database and guide to series and movies using information from TMDb, with fact sheets, user ratings, cast and trailers, perfect for decide what to watch and then look for it on your streaming platforms.
With all these applications, you have virtually any scenario covered: Mirror your mobile screen on your TV, send videos or music via Chromecast, set up your own media center, manage files, and customize your TV interfaceChoosing the right apps to install and how to combine them will allow you to get much more out of both your smartphone and your TV, without spending extra money on hardware and making the most of your WiFi network and your ecosystem of devices.
