The connection between your computer and television allows you to view online television shows and videos from YouTube directly on your television. You can also use your television as a large screen to browse the internet or view videos and photos. This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a computer to a television.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using a Wired Connection
Step 1. Check the available video output ports on the computer
The type of computer connection port determines the best media or method for connecting it to the television. Look for the following connection ports on the computer:
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HDMI:
The HDMI port is about 2 centimeters wide, with the top slightly longer than the bottom. The HDMI cable is supported by most of the latest flat-screen televisions and HDTVs, as well as the latest laptops and desktop computers.
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Mini Display:
MiniDisplays are commonly used by Mac and MacBook computers. This port has a small rectangular shape with a cut in the bottom corner. Although they are identical in shape to the Thunderbolt ports, they are DIFFERENT ports. Check the port label to make sure you are using the correct port.
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VGA:
VGA cable has a rectangular port with 15 pins or pins. Generally, this port is used on older models of computers. However, this port is also supported by some televisions and computers.
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DVI:
The DVI port has a white plug with 24 square holes in it. Most older computers use this port.
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USB:
If your computer doesn't have a video output port, you can purchase an adapter that can convert a USB port to an HDMI output port on your computer. This method may also require you to install additional programs on your computer.
Step 2. Check the supported input connections on the television
Now that you know which video-out connection your computer supports, you'll need to know the type of video-in connection on your television. Check the back of the television to see if there is a video connection port that matches the video port on the computer.
Step 3. Connect the cable from the computer to the television
Once you know the type of video connection that both your computer and television support, use the appropriate cable to fit into your computer's video output port and an identical port on your television.
- If you are using a VGA or DVI cable, and want to hear audio output through your television, you will need to connect the audio cable to your television from your computer. Plug the 3.5 mm auxiliary cable into the computer's headphone port, and connect the other end to the television's audio port.
- You can also purchase an adapter to connect the HDMI, VGA, or DVI port to another type of cable supported by your television.
Step 4. Turn on the computer and television
After connecting the television and computer, press the power button on the computer. Then, use the controller to turn on the television.
Step 5. Select the appropriate input source on the television
Use the television controller and press the button labeled “ Source ”, “ Input ”, or something like that. After that, select the video input connected to the computer. Usually, the computer can detect a new display or screen automatically. Otherwise, use the steps in the second method to detect a new screen or display on your Windows computer.
If you do not hear sound output from the computer on the television's speakers, make sure you connect the audio cable to the correct audio input on the television, depending on the type of computer video cable connection
Method 2 of 5: Detecting Screen on Windows 10 Computer
Step 1. Click the “Start” menu
This button has the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner of the Windows workbar. The “Start” menu will open after that.
Step 2. Click the “Settings” icon
This button looks like a gear. You can find the icon on the left side of the “Start” menu.
Step 3. Click System
This option is the first option on the “Settings” menu. This option appears next to the laptop icon.
Step 4. Click Display
This option is the first option in the sidebar menu on the left side of the screen. The screen or display settings menu (“Display Settings”) will open.
Step 5. Scroll the screen and click Detect
It's a gray button at the bottom of the display settings menu. After that, the computer will detect the connected screen.
Method 3 of 5: Detecting Screen on Mac Computer
Step 1. Click the Apple icon
It's in the menu bar in the upper-left corner of your computer screen. The Apple menu will open after that.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
This option is in the Apple menu that appears after clicking the Apple icon.
Step 3. Click the Displays icon
This icon looks like a computer screen.
Step 4. Click the Display tab
This tab is the first tab at the top of the “Displays” window.
Step 5. Press and hold the Options button
A button labeled "Detect Displays" will appear in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 6. Click Detect Displays
It's in the lower-right corner of the “Display” window after you press and hold the “Options” button. The computer will scan and detect the connected screen.
Method 4 of 5: Using a Wireless Connection on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Connect the television and computer to the same WiFi network
Before connecting your television and computer using a wireless connection, both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network. You can connect to it via the network settings menu on your computer and television.
Step 2. Make sure the television is discoverable via Bluetooth
The process that must be passed will be different for each television model. You need to select " Screen Mirroring " as the video input source. In addition, there are several settings to choose from in the Bluetooth menu of the television. In fact, you may not need to do anything at all. Read the user manual or visit the manufacturer's website to find out how to connect a Bluetooth device to a television.
Not all televisions support wireless screen mirroring from a computer. If you can't connect your computer to your television via Bluetooth, you can purchase a media streaming device such as a Roku or Google Chromecast to connect your computer to your television through that device
Step 3. Click the “Start” menu icon
on the computer.
It's in the lower-left corner of the screen, in the toolbar. The “Start” menu will open after that.
Step 4. Click the “Settings” icon
This icon looks like a gear. You can find it on the left side of the “Start” menu.
Step 5. Click Devices
This option is the second option in the “Settings” menu. You'll find it next to the keyboard and iPod icon.
Step 6. Click Bluetooth & Other Devices
It's the first option at the top of the sidebar menu, on the left side of the screen. The Bluetooth option will be displayed after that.
Step 7. Click + Add Bluetooth or other device
This option is the first option at the top of the "Bluetooth & Other Devices" menu. A pop-up window that can be used to add devices via Bluetooth will be displayed.
Step 8. Click Wireless display or dock
This option is the second option in the "Add a device" pop-up menu. After that, the computer will search for the screen or wireless device.
Step 9. Click television or streaming device
Once the name of the television or streaming device (e.g. Roku or Chromecast) appears in the list of devices in the " Add a device " menu, click the name to initiate the connection.
Step 10. Follow the setup instructions on the television
You may need to enter the PIN number displayed on the television screen. Once the connection is established, you can view the computer's content on the television screen.
There may be a slight lag between the display of content on the computer screen and the television screen
Method 5 of 5: Using AirPlay to Connect a Mac Computer to a Television
Step 1. Connect your Mac computer and television to the same WiFi network
Both your computer and television must be connected to the same WiFi network in order for you to use AirPlay. Read the manual or the information on the television manufacturer's website to find out how to connect the device to a WiFi network. Also, check out method 4 in the article on how to connect a computer to a wireless internet network to learn the process of connecting a Mac computer to a WiFi network.
Not all televisions support AirPlay. If your television doesn't support this feature, you can purchase an Apple TV streaming device and use it to connect your computer to your television. Make sure the device is also connected to the same WiFi network as the computer
Step 2. Click the Apple icon
It's in the menu bar in the upper-left corner of the desktop. The Apple drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Click System Preferences
This option is in the Apple menu on your computer.
Step 4. Click Display
This option is below the monitor icon in the “System Preferences” menu.
Step 5. Click the checkbox
under the “Display” window.
This box is next to the "Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available" option. The AirPlay icon will appear in the menu at the top of the screen.
Step 6. Click the AirPlay icon on the menu bar
This icon looks like a monitor with a triangle underneath. A list of devices that can be connected via AirPlay will be displayed.
Step 7. Click the screen or television you want to connect to
You will see two screen options at the bottom of the pop-up window.
Step 8. Click Mirror Built-in Display or Use as Separate Display.
If you want to display MacBook content on the television screen, select "Mirror Built-in Display". If you want to use the television as a second display, select "Use as a Separate Display". The monitor or television will connect to AirPlay after that.
