Why Connect Your Laptop to a TV?

• Visual Upgrade: Expanding the screen of a 13 - 15" notebook to a 55 - 85" large screen, increasing pixel density by 3 to 5 times.
• Interactive Innovation: A more natural operating experience through TV remote control or voice control.
• Cost-Effective: Using existing TVs can save your budget from purchasing professional monitors.

Option 1: Cast Wirelessly from Laptop to TV

Wireless casting is perfect if you hate dealing with cables. Here are two ways to do it:

For Smart TVs with Built-In Casting (Miracast / Chromecast)

• Miracast (Windows System)
  1. Set up your TV and laptop on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Press Win + P to open the "Project" menu on your laptop.
  3. Select "Connect to a wireless display" and choose your TV from the list.
  4. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the connection.
• Chromecast (MacOS System)
  1. Open Google Chrome on your laptop.
  2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner → "Cast."
  3. Select your TV from the list and choose what to cast.

Via External Streaming Devices

• Apple TV 4K
  1. Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar to select the TV.
  2. Enable screen mirroring from the control center on your iPhone.
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max
  1. Install the Amazon WorkSpaces client on your laptop.
  2. Use the Alexa App to voice control the projection from the phone.

Option 2: Connect Laptop and TV Using HDMI Cable

HDMI cable connection is currently the most stable and compatible solution for connecting laptops to TVs. However, many laptops have gradually eliminated HDMI interfaces for design reasons and switched to more compact USB-C. Therefore, we recommend you adopt Anker's USB-C to HDMI adapters.

With Anker's leading USB-C to HDMI adapters and docking stations, you can achieve 4K@60Hz high-definition projection with just a single-line connection, while solving additional needs such as power supply and data transmission.

Option 3: Use a USB-C Hub with HDMI Output

For laptops that only have USB-C ports—such as MacBook Air and Surface Laptop—connecting them to a TV often results in insufficient ports and cluttered cables. Anker USB-C Hub solves that problem with an integrated design. It integrates 10 essential ports, including 4K HDMI, 100W PD fast charging, a Gigabit Ethernet port, dual card slots, and more.

Moreover, its integrated Gigabit Ethernet port can also replace unstable Wi-Fi, directly transmitting 4K streaming media through a wired network to avoid lag and frame drops.

Option 4: Use an HDMI Switch for Multiple Devices

Anker HDMI Switch expands 4 high-definition inputs through a single interface, making it easy for multiple devices such as laptops, game consoles, and set-top boxes to share the same TV screen.

This connector also supports 4K@60Hz ultra-clear resolution and HDR10+ dynamic tone mapping. The intelligent power distribution chip can maintain stable signal transmission without delay, even when four devices are in standby mode at the same time.

Adjusting Display Settings

After knowing how to cast from a laptop to a TV, you may need to adjust specific display settings to get a better view. Below are some basic ones:

Resolution Matching

• Windows: Settings → System → Display → Advanced Display Settings
• Mac: System Preferences → Display → Scaling Options

Mode Selection

• Extended Mode: TV as a second screen (suitable for multitasking).
• Duplicate Mode: Two screens display the same content (suitable for demonstration scenarios).

Audio Configuration

• Right-click the volume icon → Select TV as the output device.
• Adjust the sampling rate in the sound settings (48kHz is recommended).

Troubleshooting Tips

• If there is no signal output:
  • Check whether the cable connection is secure.
  • Confirm that the TV input source is selected correctly.
  • Restart the graphics driver of the laptop (Win + Ctrl + Shift + B).
• If the picture is out of sync:
  • Reduce the projection resolution to 1080p.
  • Turn off the laptop's vertical sync function.

Final Thoughts: Connect Your Laptop and TV Now

From the convenience of wireless projection to the stability of wired connection, from basic connection to multi-device management, modern connection solutions now offer a complete set of solutions. Choose the appropriate connection method to make your laptop and TV truly "seamless".

FAQs

Can I connect my laptop to a TV without HDMI?

Absolutely. If your TV does not have an HDMI port, you can use Anker's USB-C to HDMI adapter (for older TVs) or wireless screen projection solutions (e.g., Miracast, Chromecast) to connect. Some TVs also support receiving wireless signals from laptops directly through an app.

What if my laptop only has USB-C ports?

As we mentioned above, using a USB-C to HDMI dock or an all-in-one converter (e.g., Anker USB-C Hub) can solve the problem. These devices only connect to your laptop via a single USB-C cable.

Can I use my TV as a second monitor for productivity?

Of course you can. After you expand the TV to a secondary screen via HDMI or wireless projection, select "Extended Mode" in the laptop display settings, and then drag the window to the TV screen to achieve multitasking—such as looking up information while writing a document.