In the present day and age where almost anything is tech-related, it is important, but not required to switch content from your iPhone or Android gadget and other touchscreen devices to a larger screen. Frequently, you do this if you have business presentations, watch family movies, or highlight the beautiful artwork you made.

With this, it becomes relatively easy to connect your device to a projector. Here is a detailed guide on how to take full advantage of your projector with your Android or iOS device.

Big-Screen Experience: Why Connect Your Smartphone to a Projector?

How To Connect Your Smartphone To Your Projector?

Projectors display your small-screen content in big-screen format. No need to strain and share all those photos, videos, and presentations on a small screen anymore. This is how everything gets displayed on a giant screen for a perfect experience. Whether it is all those travel photos or screening movies, everyone in that room will have a very good view.

Wired Connections: Simple and Reliability

Use an HDMI Cable

As for most projectors, an HDMI port is usually an option for you to make an HDMI connection with an HDMI cable from your smartphone. Here's how:

1. Check if your phone is compatible with HDMI output or not. Some Android phones with USB-C connectors and Apple iPhones with lightning ports need adapters.
2. Use the USB-C to HDMI or Lightning to HDMI adapter, connect the HDMI cable to your projector and adapter, switch to the right HDMI port input on the projector, and you're good to go.

HDMI Adapters for Screen Mirroring

Adapters are usually required to convert your phone's output to HDMI. These adapters ensure high-quality video and audio transmission and are widely available at varying price points.

While a basic setup costs $30–$80, premium adapters offer enhanced reliability and durability.

Wireless Connections: Cut the Cables

Bluetooth Pairing

If your projector has Bluetooth, then you can pair it with your smartphone for audio streaming. The Bluetooth feature is more common on portable projectors than in-home cinema models.

Wireless Mirroring with Devices

Using devices such as Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV Stick makes wireless connections a breeze. These act as intermediaries, allowing your phone to connect with the projector via Wi-Fi.

1. Plug the device into the projector's HDMI port.
2. Use the app or casting option on your phone to connect.
3. Enjoy your content wirelessly on the big screen.

Best Practices for Viewing Content

Picture Mode Optimization

For movies or presentations, in other words, non-gaming content, set up your projector to "Cinema" or "Movie" mode. This makes the projector deliver accurate brightness, color, and contrast. "Vivid" or "Dynamic" are also bad choices because the color saturation will be off the charts.

Choosing Projector

Smart projectors like the XGIMI HORIZON Pro possess high smartphone compatibility. Smart features include built-in Chromecast, Wi-Fi compatibility, and Intelligent Screen Adaptation.

Step-by-Step Wireless Setup for Android and iOS Devices

Android Devices

1. Download the Google Home app through the Play Store.
2. Connect the projector to Wi-Fi and initiate Google Home.
3. Choose "Screen Mirroring" as the option to cast the phone's screen.

iOS Devices

1. Download AirScreen on your projector
2. Connect your projector and your iPhone or iPad to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. Use AirPlay to stream your screen to the projector