How to Cast to Sony TV from SmartPhone and PC

Casting content to your Sony TV is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite videos, apps, or even presentations on a bigger screen. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the process of casting is simple and user-friendly, thanks to built-in features like Google Cast and compatibility with other casting methods. In this guide, we will walk you through how to cast to your Sony TV from different devices.

Why Cast to a Sony TV?

Casting allows you to wirelessly stream content from your device (phone, tablet, or laptop) to your TV screen. This is especially helpful if you:

• Want to watch videos or movies on a bigger screen.
• Share photos and presentations with friends and family.
• Play mobile games using your TV display.

With Sony TVs, especially Smart TVs powered by Android TV or Google TV, casting is quick and straightforward due to built-in Google Cast functionality. Now, let’s explore how to do it.

Casting to Sony TV via Google Chromecast (Built-in)

Many Sony TVs, especially those running Android TV or Google TV, come with built-in Chromecast. This means you don’t need any additional devices; you can cast directly from your phone, tablet, or computer. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide for Smartphones and Tablets

For Android Devices:

1. Ensure Both Devices are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network: Make sure your Sony TV and your Android device (phone or tablet) are on the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Open the App You Want to Cast: Whether you’re using YouTube, Netflix, or any other supported app, open it on your phone or tablet.

3. Tap the Cast Icon: Within the app, look for the “Cast” icon (a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner).

4. Select Your Sony TV: After tapping the cast icon, a list of available devices will appear. Select your Sony TV from the list.

5. Start Casting: Your content should now appear on your TV. You can control playback from your mobile device.

For iOS Devices (iPhone or iPad):

1. Ensure Wi-Fi Connection: Just like with Android, make sure both your iPhone/iPad and Sony TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Open the Compatible App: Open an app that supports casting, such as YouTube or Netflix.

3. Tap the Cast Icon: Tap the cast icon from within the app.

4. Choose Your Sony TV: Select your Sony TV from the list of available devices.

5. Start Streaming: The content should now display on your TV.

Step-by-Step Guide for Desktop or Laptop

For Windows PC or Mac:

1. Open Google Chrome: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome.

2. Access the Website You Want to Cast: Navigate to the website or video you want to cast. For example, open YouTube or Netflix.

3. Click the Three Dots (Menu) in Chrome: In the upper-right corner of the browser, click the three vertical dots to open the menu.

4. Select “Cast”: From the dropdown menu, select “Cast.”

5. Choose Your Sony TV: A list of devices will appear. Select your Sony TV.

6. Control the Cast: You can control the video directly from your computer or laptop.

Casting Using AirPlay on a Sony TV (for Apple Devices)

Newer Sony TVs (2019 and later) also support Apple AirPlay, which makes casting content from iPhones, iPads, or Macs a breeze.

Steps for AirPlay Casting:

1. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Network: Like other methods, ensure both your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and the Sony TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi.

2. Open the Control Center (for iPhone/iPad):

• Swipe down from the top-right corner on newer models (iPhone X and above).
• Swipe up from the bottom for older models.

3. Tap Screen Mirroring: In the control center, tap on “Screen Mirroring.”

4. Select Your Sony TV: Your Sony TV will appear in the list. Tap to connect.

5. Start Casting: Your phone’s screen will now mirror onto your Sony TV.

For Mac:

1. Click the AirPlay Icon: In the upper-right corner of your Mac screen, click the AirPlay icon.

2. Select Your Sony TV: Choose your Sony TV from the list of available AirPlay devices.

3. Start Streaming: Your Mac’s screen will now be mirrored on the TV.

Casting Using Third-Party Apps

If your Sony TV doesn’t support built-in Chromecast or AirPlay, or if you’re looking for alternatives, third-party apps can help you cast content:

Using Apps like “Plex” or “BubbleUPnP”:

• Download a media server app like Plex or BubbleUPnP.
• Set up the app and make sure both your device and TV are on the same network.
• Use the app’s built-in casting feature to stream your content to the Sony TV.

Using Miracast:

• Some Sony TVs support Miracast, which allows you to mirror your Android device’s screen without needing Wi-Fi.
• Look for “Screen Mirroring” in your TV’s settings, and pair your Android phone via the Miracast feature in its display settings.

Troubleshooting Common Casting Issues on Sony TV

Sometimes, casting doesn’t work as smoothly as expected. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure that both your casting device and Sony TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart Devices: If casting fails, try restarting both your TV and the casting device.
• Update Software: Make sure both your TV and device have the latest software updates installed.
• Disable VPNs: VPNs may interfere with casting, so consider disabling them if you experience issues.
• Check for Compatibility: Ensure your app or device is compatible with Google Cast, AirPlay, or Miracast.

Casting to a Sony TV is a simple way to enjoy your favorite content on the big screen, whether you’re using Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, or third-party apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to stream effortlessly from your device to your TV. Make sure to have your devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and always keep both your TV and device software up to date for the best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions