How to Connect Google Pixel 2 XL to TV

Modern technologies allow performing a variety of operations related to smartphones. Many of them simplify the process of interacting with the device and expand its functionality greatly. For example, you can connect Google Pixel 2 XL to TV. Why do you need such a connection and how do you set it up?

What are the Benefits of Connecting Google Pixel 2 XL to TV?

Google Pixel 2 XL is a full-fledged multimedia device that does not require synchronization with home appliances in standard use cases. But sometimes the smartphone needs to be connected to a TV in order to access the following features:

watching videos on the big screen;
listening to music through the TV speakers;
gaming on the TV screen;
display the smartphone home screen on TV;
wireless TV control.

Google Pixel 2 XL’s users can add a lot to that list of possible options themselves. But the fact remains that connecting a phone to a TV is a function incorporated by the developers into the Google Pixel 2 XL.

You can use several synchronization methods to set up a connection between the two devices. Both wired and wireless options are available. The choice of a particular method depends on various reasons, including the technical equipment of the house, as well as the functionality of the TV. Therefore, it is recommended to consider all possible methods before performing the connection.

Wired Connection Options

Wired methods of connecting Google Pixel 2 XL to a TV are not the most convenient as they depend on the use of cables, but at the same time such options do not require advanced technical equipment of the TV.

Via USB

This is the easiest way to connect your phone to your TV screen. To set it up, the owner of Google Pixel 2 XL will need a USB cable that comes with the device.

Next, you need to insert one side of the cable into the smartphone, and the other into your TV. After that, you need to open the TV menu using the remote control and select the USB port in use in the connections menu.

At the same time, the exchange of data with the TV is confirmed on the smartphone itself, where you need to select the connection as a media device. If everything is done correctly, the TV will detect the Google Pixel 2 XL as an external storage, so you will be able to use the remote control to display photos, audio and video on the TV screen.

Via HDMI

This method is more complex, but more functional as well. If a USB connection offers users a basic set of capabilities, allowing the Google Pixel 2 XL to be used as an external storage, pairing via HDMI lets the smartphone home screen be displayed on the TV screen, as the actions performed on the phone will also be displayed. For example, the use of certain apps.

The difficulty of the method lies in the fact that Google Pixel 2 XL is not equipped with an HDMI port for connecting to a TV. But this drawback can be solved with the use of an MHL or SlimPort adapter. You can buy the corresponding accessory in an e-store for about $3.

The connection can be set up as follows:

The USB plug from the MHL or SlimPort adapter is inserted into the smartphone.
The HDMI cable needs to connect the same parts of the adapter and receiver.
The user needs to open TV settings and access the list of available connections.
The HDMI connector used can then be selected.

If everything is done correctly, then the Google Pixel 2 XL home screen will be displayed on the TV. This lets you operate the smartphone, as your actions will be displayed on the TV screen.

Wireless Connection Options

Ways of setting up a connection between devices without using wires are the most convenient and popular. But in order to connect Google Pixel 2 XL to a TV wirelessly, the latter must support Smart TV technology. Otherwise, you will only be able to connect the devices using a cable.

Via Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is a feature supported by most smart TV models. It allows you to display the image from the screen of Google Pixel 2 XL to the TV. To set up this connection, you need to:

Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the Network section of the TV settings.
On the phone, open the settings and go to the Wi-Fi section.
Press the button with three dots on it and select Wi-Fi Direct.
Select your TV receiver from the menu of available devices.

After performing these steps, you will need to open a file manager or gallery, select the required file, click the Share button and select Wi-Fi Direct as the sending method.

Via Miracast

Miracast is another wireless connection technology that has broader functionality compared to Wi-Fi Direct. For example, it is possible to display not only a separate file, but also all actions performed in the phone menu on the TV screen.

To set up this connection, you need to:

Activate Miracast in TV settings.
On the phone, go to the Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display settings (the name of the section may differ depending on the firmware).
Select your TV from the available devices.

Then the image from the smartphone screen will be transferred to the TV. Any action of the user, including the launch of individual games or apps, will be displayed on the big screen.

If you were not able to find the Miracast function in the TV settings of your Smart TV, do not worry. The technology is supported by all models with a built-in Wi-Fi module. You just need to connect the TV and the smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network, and then activate the wireless display in the settings of your Google Pixel 2 XL.

You can also use third-party applications from Google Play to perform this operation. For example, you can use AirScreen or Screen Mirroring. There are a lot of similar apps, so finding the right one should not prove difficult.

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