Can You Mirror Screen Without WiFi? How? (AirPlay/Chromecast/etc)

Power users of screen mirroring typically rely on WiFi for device connection and casting. In certain situations, the WiFi network might fail. So, if you still want to cast your phone’s content to a bigger screen, is there a solution? Can you mirror screen without WiFi? Let’s explore the possiblity and methods to screen mirror without WiFi.

Can You Mirror Screen Without WiFi? (AirPlay/Chromecast/Miracast)

Yes, you can. WiFi is not the only way. You can screen mirror without WiFi by using WiFi Direct, hotspot, HDMI cables, and USB cables.

WiFi Direct and hotspot are two wireless alternatives to WiFi screen mirroring, offering similar functionality. While using a cable is the simplest and most effective method, which requires only a physical connection between devices.

AirPlay, Chromecast, and Miracast are commonly mentioned in screen mirroring. Let’s see if these popular solutions can mirror screen without WiFi.

Do you need WiFi for screen mirroring with AirPlay? No, it's not necessary.

AirPlay is the official solution for devices running iOS, macOS, and tvOS. Some other AirPlay-enabled devices like Samsung, Sony, and LG are also available to use for casting. It's a built-in feature that helps in auto-searching, connecting and mirroring.

Said Apple, "To use AirPlay, devices don't need to be on the same network, or on any network at all." Therefore, to the question, you DON'T need a WiFi network to use AirPlay for screen mirroring.

AirPlay can work using the peer-to-peer discovery mode. This mode allows supported devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV) to communicate with each other directly and stream content. Bluetooth and WiFi Direct form the backbone.

Can you cast without WiFi using Chromecast? No.

Developed by Google, Chromecast is an adapter-like dongle to plug into a device and enable screen mirroring across various device types and OS. It’s used together with the Google Home app.

Chromecast needs a WiFi network to take over the discovery task as well as the communication and content streaming. The technologies behind it are WiFi, Google Cast, and Multicast DNS (mDNS). So, you can not cast without WiFi by using Chromecast. In addition, Chromecast was discontinued on August 6, 2024.

Can I screen mirror through Miracast without WiFi? Yes.

You may have heard of Miracast-compatible devices from many brands, including but not limited to Microsoft, Samsung, LG, and Sony. It is a wireless display technology based on WiFi Direct and is a standard within smartphones, laptops, TVs, and projectors.

Miracast-supported devices are available to transmit video and audio mutually and, importantly, without WiFi. Miracast relies on WiFi Direct. Thus, you don’t need a network to search and screen mirrors among devices.

5 Methods to Mirror Screen Without WiFi

As mentioned, you can screen mirror without WiFi by using WiFi Direct, hotspot, and wired cables. It is worth knowing that, in the cases of specific brands, WiFi Direct is packed into different app names or feature names, such as Samsung’s Smart View, Mircosoft’s Wireless Display, and LG’s Screen Share. In fact, if your device supports such apps or features, you’re able to screen mirror without WiFi.

How to Screen Mirror from iPhone to TV without WiFi?

There are three options you can choose from: AirPlay, hotspot, and an HDMI Cable. Here, we will focus on the first two wireless connection methods, as outlined below.

1Use AirPlay Peer-to-peer Mode (For Apple TV)

This method is suitable for casting from iPhone to Apple TV HD (tvOs 9+) and 4K (tvOS 11+).

Just a reminder: you need to turn on WiFi, but there's no need to connect to any network.

Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth and WiFi on your iPhone.

Open the control center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth and WiFi on your Apple TV.

Go to Settings > Network > WiFi. Then Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.

Step 3: Pair your iPhone and Apple TV.

On your TV, select the iPhone name in the Other Devices list.

Step 4: Tap Screen Mirroring on your iPhone.

Step 5: Select the TV name in the list to start screen mirroring.

2Use Hotspot (For Android & other AirPlay-enabled TV)

Step 1: Enable Personal Hotspot on your iPhone.

Open Settings > Personal Hotspot. Then turn on Allow Others to Join.

The joined password is placed below. You can change it by tapping Wi-Fi password.

Step 2: On your smart TV, go to the WiFi settings and connect to your iPhone's hotspot.

Step 3: Back to your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring via the Control Center and choose the TV.

How to Screen Mirror from Android Phone to TV without WiFi?

Still, there are three methods you can use to connect phone to TV without WiFi.

1Use Smart View and WiFi Direct (For Samsung TV)

Step 1: Enable WiFi Direct on your Samsung TV.

Go to Menu > Network > Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 2: Enable WiFi Direct on your phone.

Take Samsung as an example.

You need to open Settings > Connections > WiFi > More options (three vertical dots) > Wi-Fi Direct.

It will search the TV automatically.

Step 3: Select the TV on your phone.

You will see a list of available device names under WiFi Direct. Tap the TV.

Next, a pop-up "Accept sharing request" will appear. Tap Accept to finish the connection.

Step 4: Tap Start View on your phone.

Swipe down the phone screen and look for the Smart View icon. Now, you can start screen mirroring.

2Use Hotspot (For Google TV & other Android TV)

Step 1: Turn on the hotspot on your Android phone.

For example, open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering/Mobile Hotspot.

Toggle Wi-Fi hotspot to ON.

Step 2: Connect the smart TV to the hotspot.

Step 3: Enable screen mirroring or casting on your smart TV.

This step depends on your TV's brand:

• For Chromecast-enabled TVs: Use the Google Cast feature.
• For Miracast-enabled TVs: Use the Screen Mirroring or Miracast option from the TV’s settings or input menu.
• For Android TVs: Use the Cast option in the settings menu.

Step 4: Start screen mirroring from your android phone.

Swipe down the notification panel and look for the Cast or Screen Mirroring icon. Alternatively, go to Settings > Connected devices > Cast or Screen Mirroring.

Bonus: How to screen mirror Android/iOS to Windows without WiFi?

Screen mirroring your Android or iOS device to a Windows PC without using Wi-Fi is possible. These options rely on a USB connection instead of Wi-Fi to mirror your device's screen. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: First, install Kingshiper Screen Mirroring on both your PC and phone.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging.

Step 3: Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the PC.

Step 4: Select "Transfer files/photos" when the pop-up appears on your phone.

Step 5: On your PC, select "USB Mirror-Control", then open the device list to choose your phone.

Step 6: Click "Connect" and you can screen mirror from your phone to PC.

Limitations of Screen Mirroring without WiFi

Limited Device Compatibility

Not all smartphones, tablets, computers, or TVs support WiFi Direct or cable-based screen mirroring.

Limited Range and Mobility

Screen mirroring without WiFi often requires a close physical connection, such as a USB cable or Bluetooth, limiting the range compared to WiFi, which can work over greater distances.

Limited Connected Devices

With WiFi-based mirroring, you can often connect multiple devices. Without WiFi, you’re usually limited to mirroring one device at a time.