How to view an Android screen on a PC

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Many devices, including smart TVs, support screen sharing. For example, sharing your Android smartphone screen with an Android smart TV is quite easy with the built-in Google Cast feature.

But what do you do if you want to see the Android screen on your PC?

Setup is a little more complicated and there are several ways to do it. You can establish a wired or wireless connection that allows you to view the Android screen on your PC. We’ll walk you through all the steps, including how to mirror your Android to Windows and macOS computers.

How to View an Android Screen on a Windows PC

Let’s start with the Windows operating system first. Android users have two options: mirror the screen using a Miracast wireless display or a USB cable and a third-party app. Both versions offer some advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand how everything works.

Wirelessly connecting Android to Windows PC

Before going into details on how to establish a wireless connection between your Android and your PC, it is vital to understand the concept of Miracast. Basically, it is a wireless display standard designed for screen mirroring.

Unlike Google Cast (or Chromecast), Miracast does not support the cross-platform standard. This means you can’t stream something on Netflix, stream it to your PC, and put your phone aside. Instead, your Android device stays on and your PC mirrors the screen.

Still, this is an incredibly practical solution, especially if you have a large PC monitor.

Windows 8 and above have a built-in Miracast capability through the Windows Connect app. In 2020, Windows removed the app, but you can still access it with a few clicks.

1. On your Windows PC, open Settings and select “Applications.”
   
2. Select “Optional Features” under “Apps & Features”.
   
3. Click the “+” icon next to “Add a feature.”
   
4. Enter “Wireless display” in the search field or scroll to and select this option.
   
5. Click the “Install” button.
   
6. Go to Settings again and select “System.”
   
7. Click “Project to this PC” on the left side panel.
   
8. Select “Available everywhere” from the drop-down menu below “Some Windows and Android devices can cast to this PC when you say it’s okay.”
   

That’s all about it. The Connect app will appear in your Windows apps list.

Using the Connect app

Once you have successfully installed the Connect app that provides your PC with screen mirroring capabilities, you will be able to view your Android screen on a PC.

Here’s what that process looks like.

1. Launch the Connect app on your Windows PC.
   
2. On your Android device, go to “Settings” followed by “Display.”
   
3. Select “Cast” and check the “Enable Wireless Display” checkbox.
   
4. Accept when prompted to allow screen sharing from an Android device.

Your devices will automatically connect everything you do on your Android device, which you’ll see on your PC. The Connect app allows you to go full screen to better see what is displayed on the Android screen.

When talking about Android streaming features, it is essential to note that each Android device may have a different focus and name. The steps we have listed above are fairly generic and many will apply to many different Android devices.

Some Android manufacturers refer to screen mirroring as “Smart View”, as is the case with Samsung devices. But it can be something different, like “screen sharing.”

If you are unsure of the Miracast name on your Android device, search for keywords in the settings or check the manufacturer’s website. Some Android device manufacturers may not offer a Miracast wireless connection.

Although Miracast is designed to replace wired connectivity, it is not the most reliable way to view Android screen on PC because users often have difficulty establishing a connection and experience continuous lags. Still, it’s useful and fairly easy to set up.

Connecting Android to Windows PC via USB Cable

If you want a more stable solution to view an Android screen on your Windows PC, USB cable connection is your best option. You will first need to enable USB debugging on your Android device.

USB debugging allows Android devices to communicate with a PC to complete more advanced functions such as screen sharing. Enabling USB debugging is not enough. Android users will also need to download a third-party app that supports USB connectivity. An excellent option is AirDroidbut you can also try Vysor.

First, follow these steps to enable USB debugging on your Android device.

1. Go to “Settings,” followed by “System” and “About phone.”
   
2. Scroll down and tap the “Build Number” section seven times. You will receive a pop-up message informing you that you are in Developer mode.
   
3. Go to “Settings” again and select “Developer options”
   
4. In the “Developer Options” section, turn on the “USB Debugging” toggle switch.
   
5. When another pop-up window appears, tap “OK.”
   

Now you can use AirDroid app to connect and view Android screen on Windows PC.

Is that how it works.

1. Download and install the AirDroid app from the Google Play store.
   
2. Connect your Android devices and PC via USB cable.
   
3. Launch the AirDroid app and find the list of available devices from the dashboard.
   
4. Select your Android device and tap the “USB” option as the preferred connection method.

You should immediately see the Android screen on your PC or laptop monitor.

How to view Android screen on Mac

The screen mirroring process is simple if you have an iPhone and a Mac computer. All you need to do is use the built-in AirPlay receiver, the dedicated screen sharing feature. You’ll need a workaround if you own a macOS desktop or laptop and an Android mobile device.

Whether you view an Android screen wirelessly or use a USB cable, you’ll need a third-party app like AirDroid. You must make sure to install the application on your Android and macOS device before following the steps below.

1. Launch the AirDroid Cast app on your mobile device.
   
2. Scan the QR Code or enter the Cast Code provided by the Mac computer.
   
3. Tap “Start Streaming.”
   

Screen mirroring will start instantly.

The process is similar if you prefer to connect your devices with a USB cable. Instead of selecting AirPlay, tap the USB option.

You can also opt for the Wireless option, which means connecting Android and macOS devices using the same Wi-Fi network. Remember, screen mirroring or casting uses Wi-Fi direct technology, which means devices bypass the network and connect directly.

Frequently asked questions

How to view an Android screen on a Chromebook

If you have a device running Chrome OS, you will need a third-party app to mirror your Android device. The good news is that Chromebooks already have the Google Play store built in and you can search for trusted apps right from the laptop.

Can you mirror the screen of one Android device to another?

If you can. For example, you may want to watch a movie with a friend simultaneously on your Android tablet. By using the screen mirroring feature, you will see all scenes at the same time.

Or maybe you want to share your Android smartphone screen with an Android smartphone screen. The easiest way to do this is by installing a third-party app and setting up the connection.

What are some of the benefits of screen mirroring?

Sharing an Android screen with a PC or laptop has many practical benefits. For example, maybe you are at work and want to share something with a group of colleagues.

Instead of everyone crowding around looking at your phone screen or showing everyone the screen inpidually, you can share it with a PC monitor.

Ideally, your computer will already have Miracast capability built in, but if it doesn’t, a quick setup can solve that problem. If anyone has a USB cable, that’s an easy fix too.

Is it better to mirror the screen using a USB cable than wirelessly?

In a way it is. If you have a high-quality USB, the connection between Android and PC is established quickly and users rarely experience errors or crashes. Cable streams are generally a more stable option, especially if you’re streaming something on your Android device. With wireless screen mirroring, that’s not always the case.

Effortless Android to PC Screen Mirroring

Viewing an Android screen on a PC may seem a little complicated if you’ve never had to project your smartphone screen to a TV before. The only real task here is to choose a reliable third-party app that supports screen mirroring.

If you are a Windows user, you will need to install the Connect app as it is no longer the default option. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have everything you need to cast your Android screen to a PC or connect the device with a USB cable.

While a wired connection is typically more reliable, a wireless connection is much more convenient.