How to Screen Mirror Android, iPhone, and PC to TCL TV [New Guide for 2024]

Ever wanted to show photos from your phone on the big screen? Or maybe you need to present something from your laptop without the hassle of cables? Screen mirroring to your TCL TV opens up a world of possibilities that can transform how you enjoy media and share content.

TCL has become one of the most popular TV brands worldwide, offering excellent value with their smart TVs running various operating systems including Roku TV, Android TV, and Google TV. No matter which model you own, there are multiple ways to mirror your devices to these screens.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through every method to connect your Android phone, iPhone, Windows PC, Mac, and even gaming consoles to your TCL TV. By the end, you‘ll be screen mirroring like a pro.

TCL‘s Position in the Smart TV Market

Before diving into screen mirroring methods, it‘s worth understanding TCL‘s position in the current TV market. As of 2024, TCL holds approximately 13% of the global TV market share, making it the third-largest TV manufacturer worldwide behind Samsung and LG.

TCL has achieved this impressive position by focusing on affordability without compromising on technology. In North America, TCL‘s Roku TV models have been particularly successful, while their Android TV models have gained significant traction in Europe and Asia.

TCL TV Shipments (In Millions)

This market presence means there are millions of TCL TV users who can benefit from understanding how to maximize their screen mirroring capabilities.

Understanding Your TCL TV‘s Operating System

Before jumping into the mirroring methods, it‘s important to know which operating system your TCL TV runs on, as this affects the mirroring process.

TCL TV Operating Systems

TCL manufactures TVs with three main operating systems:

1. TCL Roku TV – Popular in North America, these TVs use Roku‘s user-friendly interface
2. TCL Android TV – Common worldwide, using Google‘s Android TV OS
3. TCL with Google TV – Newer models featuring Google‘s updated TV interface

To identify your TV‘s operating system:

• Roku TVs display the Roku logo when starting up and have a simple home screen with app tiles
• Android TV models show "Android TV" during startup and feature Google Play Store
• Google TV variants have a more content-focused home screen with personalized recommendations

TCL TV Models and Their Operating Systems (2023-2024)

Screen Mirroring Technologies Explained

To fully understand how screen mirroring works with TCL TVs, let‘s explore the major technologies involved:

Miracast

Developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, Miracast creates a direct wireless connection between your device and TV without requiring a Wi-Fi network. It essentially works like a wireless HDMI cable.

Technical specifications:

• Supports up to 1080p HD video
• 5.1 surround sound audio
• Uses Wi-Fi Direct for peer-to-peer connections
• Latency: 30-150ms (variable based on conditions)
• Compatible with Windows 8.1+ and most Android 4.2+ devices

Chromecast

Google‘s Chromecast technology is built into all TCL Android TV and Google TV models. Unlike Miracast, Chromecast requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Technical specifications:

• Supports up to 4K UHD video (device dependent)
• Surround sound audio support
• Uses your Wi-Fi network as a bridge
• Latency: 50-200ms (variable based on content and network)
• Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS through Chrome browser

AirPlay 2

Apple‘s proprietary technology allows iOS and macOS devices to wirelessly stream content to compatible TVs. Many newer TCL models support AirPlay 2.

Technical specifications:

• Supports up to 4K HDR video
• Multi-room audio capabilities
• Uses your Wi-Fi network
• Latency: 40-100ms (generally lower than Miracast)
• Compatible with iOS 12.3+ and macOS 10.14.5+

Bandwidth Requirements for Different Content Types

Prerequisites for Successful Screen Mirroring

For smooth screen mirroring to your TCL TV, ensure:

1. Network connection – Both your device and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network
2. Updated software – Keep your TV and device operating systems updated
3. Enabled settings – Screen mirroring must be enabled on your TCL TV
4. Compatible devices – Check that your source device supports screen mirroring technology
5. Sufficient bandwidth – A stable Wi-Fi connection with at least 5 Mbps for basic content, 15+ Mbps for 4K

Wi-Fi Network Optimization Tips

Your network quality significantly impacts mirroring performance. Consider these optimizations:

1. Position your router centrally in your home, away from obstructions
2. Use 5GHz band whenever possible for less interference and higher speeds
3. Update router firmware regularly for security and performance improvements
4. Consider mesh networks for larger homes to maintain signal strength
5. Limit other network activities during screen mirroring sessions

How to Enable Screen Mirroring on Your TCL TV

For TCL Roku TVs:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Navigate to Settings
3. Select System
4. Choose Screen Mirroring
5. Select Screen mirroring mode and set it to Always allow or Prompt (depending on your preference)
6. Optional: Change the Screen mirroring device name to something more recognizable

For TCL Android TVs:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings
3. Select Device Preferences
4. Choose Cast or Cast Screen
5. Enable screen mirroring
6. Check the Wireless display certification option if available

For TCL Google TVs:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
3. Select System
4. Choose Cast
5. Enable Wireless display
6. You may also see an option to enable Google Cast services

How to Screen Mirror Android to TCL TV

Android devices offer several ways to connect to TCL TVs. The exact method depends on your phone manufacturer and Android version.

Method 1: Using Quick Settings (Easiest)

1. Swipe down twice from the top of your Android screen to open Quick Settings
2. Look for an icon labeled Cast, Smart View (Samsung), Screen Mirroring, or Wireless Display
3. Tap the icon
4. Wait for your phone to scan for available devices
5. Select your TCL TV from the list
6. If prompted, confirm the connection on your TV
7. To stop mirroring, open Quick Settings again and tap the casting button

Android Screen Mirroring Button Names by Manufacturer

Method 2: Using Settings Menu

1. Open Settings on your Android device
2. Search for or navigate to one of these options (varies by manufacturer):
   • Connected devices > Cast (on stock Android)
   • Connections > Smart View (on Samsung)
   • Display > Cast Screen (on some devices)
   • Wireless & Networks > Cast (on older Android versions)
3. Turn on the feature and select your TCL TV from the list of available devices
4. Confirm the connection if prompted
5. To adjust settings, look for the gear icon next to the casting option

Method 3: Using Google Home App

The Google Home app works particularly well with TCL Android TVs:

1. Download and install Google Home from the Play Store if you don‘t have it
2. Open the app and ensure you‘re signed in with the same Google account used on your TV
3. Your TCL TV should appear in the list of devices
4. Tap on your TV, then select Cast my screen or Cast screen/audio
5. Tap Cast screen
6. Your Android screen will now display on your TCL TV
7. For optimized content streaming, use the media controls in the Google Home app instead of screen mirroring

For Samsung Devices Specifically:

1. Swipe down to access the Quick Panel
2. Tap Smart View
3. Select your TCL TV from the list
4. If using a TCL Roku TV, you might need to accept a prompt on the TV
5. To mirror only specific content rather than your entire screen, use the Gallery app and tap the Cast icon when viewing photos or videos

Special Considerations for Android Screen Mirroring

• Content Protection: Some apps like Netflix and Disney+ block screen mirroring due to DRM restrictions
• Battery Impact: Screen mirroring typically drains your battery 20-30% faster than normal usage
• Performance: Newer Android versions (10+) offer significantly improved mirroring stability
• App-Specific Casting: Many streaming apps have their own cast buttons that provide better performance than screen mirroring

How to Screen Mirror iPhone to TCL TV

iPhones use Apple‘s AirPlay technology for screen mirroring. Not all TCL TVs support AirPlay natively, but there are solutions for all models.

For TCL TVs with AirPlay Support

Newer TCL Roku TVs (2020 and later) and some Android TV models support AirPlay 2. To check if your TV supports AirPlay:

1. On TCL Roku TVs: Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
2. On TCL Android TVs: Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Apple AirPlay & HomeKit

If your TV supports AirPlay, follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone and TCL TV to the same Wi-Fi network
2. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center
3. Tap the Screen Mirroring button
4. Select your TCL TV from the list
5. Enter the AirPlay code displayed on your TV if prompted
6. Your iPhone screen will now appear on your TCL TV
7. To stop mirroring, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then Stop Mirroring

TCL Models with AirPlay 2 Support

Note: For Android TV models, AirPlay support was added to select models from 2020 onward. Check your specific model‘s specifications.

For TCL TVs Without AirPlay Support

If your TCL TV doesn‘t support AirPlay, you have these options:

Option 1: Use a Third-Party App

Apps like AirScreen or AirPin can add AirPlay functionality:

1. On your TCL Android TV, download and install AirScreen from the Google Play Store
2. Launch the app and follow setup instructions
3. On your iPhone, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring
4. Select the AirScreen receiver name
5. Enter the code if prompted
6. To improve performance, consider purchasing the premium version of these apps

Option 2: Use an Apple TV Device

1. Connect an Apple TV device to your TCL TV via HDMI
2. Set up the Apple TV according to Apple‘s instructions
3. Use AirPlay from your iPhone to the Apple TV as normal
4. This method provides the most reliable and highest quality mirroring experience

Option 3: Use a Lightning to HDMI Adapter (Wired Option)

1. Get an Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter ($49 from Apple)
2. Connect your iPhone to the adapter
3. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to your TCL TV
4. Select the corresponding HDMI input on your TV
5. Your iPhone will automatically mirror to the TV with very low latency, ideal for gaming

iPhone Screen Mirroring Performance Considerations

• iOS Version: iOS 14+ offers significantly improved AirPlay stability
• Content Types: Photos and videos from your camera roll mirror reliably, but streaming services often block mirroring
• Network Quality: AirPlay is particularly sensitive to network congestion
• Battery Life: Expect approximately 30-40% faster battery drain when actively mirroring

How to Screen Mirror Windows PC to TCL TV

Windows 10 and 11 include built-in screen mirroring capabilities using Miracast technology.

Method 1: Using Windows‘ Project Feature

1. Connect your PC and TCL TV to the same Wi-Fi network
2. On your PC, press Windows key + P
3. Select Connect to a wireless display
4. Wait for your PC to scan for available displays
5. Select your TCL TV from the list
6. If prompted, accept the connection on your TV
7. Choose your preferred projection mode:
   • Duplicate: Shows the same content on both screens
   • Extend: Uses the TV as a second monitor
   • Second screen only: Only shows content on the TV

Method 2: Using Settings Menu

1. Open Settings on your Windows PC
2. Select System
3. Click on Display
4. Scroll down and click on Connect to a wireless display
5. Select your TCL TV from the list of available displays
6. Choose your preferred display mode
7. To optimize your experience, adjust the resolution settings to match your TV‘s native resolution

Method 3: Using the Action Center

1. Click the Notification icon in the bottom right of your taskbar
   2