The good news: Your TV doesn't need to support MHL to make the video connection to an iOS device.Īpple sells a Lightning digital AV adapter (opens in new tab) that accomplishes the same thing as the Android cables. How do I connect an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to my TV? The Analogix SlimPort Nano-Console, for example, comes with cables for a variety of devices, but at $55, it's considerably more expensive than a straightforward cable. Special note: MHL and SlimPort adapters are not cross-compatible, so be sure to get the proper adapter for your specific device.Ī more convenient option for those with SlimPort gadgets is the SlimPort Nano-Console: a small and simple box that essentially turns your SlimPort device into a TV-ready streaming device or Android gaming console. Then, attach the SlimPort cable to your phone and the HDMI end to your TV, just as you would with an MHL device. To hook up a SlimPort system to a TV, simply purchase a SlimPort-to-HDMI adapter.

The benefit is that SlimPort doesn't require additional power. Select Google Nexus and LG G-series phones and tablets make use of a competing technology called SlimPort, as do all Amazon Fire devices. You may need to plug your device's charger into the adapter to provide extra power (the phone's screen usually has to stay on during playback).

Several models are available from Monoprice for less than $25 each. HDMI ports on older TVs don't support MHL, so you'll need an MHL-to-HDMI adapter to supply the power. The latest version of MHL, movie buffs will be happy to note, supports 4K video, which new phones from the likes of LG also support. If you don't see your mobile device listed, check with the manufacturer. The MHL Consortium publishes a partial list of MHL-supported devices on its website ( ).

Fortunately, no matter which cable you need, they are all available for about $10 for a 6-foot cord. Take note, however, that some Samsung Galaxy devices, just to be different, require a special cable to connect to an MHL TV. Many newer Android phones use the reversible USB Type-C port, but similar cables are available for those phones.

In most cases, if you have an HDTV with MHL built in, all you need is a micro USB-to-HDMI cable that plugs into the port on your mobile device and into the MHL-enabled HDMI input on the TV.

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