Is there a phone projector app that works?
Share
Yes, there are several phone projector apps available that can help you use your smartphone to project content onto a wall or screen using a projector. However, it's important to clarify that these apps do not turn your phone into a physical projector (since a physical light source is required for projection). Instead, they help you connect your phone to a projector or stream content via screen mirroring, casting, or direct file sharing.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and effective apps for connecting your phone to a projector:
1. Google Home (For Android and Chromecast Devices)
If you have a projector with built-in Chromecast or an external Chromecast device connected to your projector, the Google Home app allows you to cast your phone's screen to the projector.
How it Works:
- Install Google Home on your Android phone.
- Make sure both your phone and projector (with Chromecast) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google Home app and select Cast Screen/Audio from the device menu.
- Your phone screen will now appear on the projector.
Supported Devices:
- Android phones/tablets
- Projectors with Chromecast built-in or a connected Chromecast dongle.
2. AirPlay (For iPhone and Apple TV)
If you're using an Apple projector or any projector with AirPlay support (such as some models from Epson, BenQ, and ViewSonic), you can use the AirPlay feature to mirror your iPhone screen to the projector.
How it Works:
- On your iPhone, swipe down to open Control Center.
- Tap on Screen Mirroring and select the AirPlay-enabled projector.
- Your iPhone’s screen will be mirrored to the projector.
Supported Devices:
- iPhone/iPad
- Projectors with AirPlay support (or an Apple TV connected to the projector).
3. Miracast (For Android and Miracast-Compatible Projectors)
Many Android devices and Miracast-compatible projectors support Miracast, a wireless technology that allows you to mirror your phone’s screen directly to the projector without using a router or Wi-Fi network.
How it Works:
- Ensure both the phone and the projector support Miracast (you may need to enable Miracast on the projector).
- On your Android phone, go to Settings > Display > Cast or Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the Miracast-compatible projector from the list of available devices.
- Your phone’s screen will be mirrored to the projector.
Supported Devices:
- Android phones with Miracast support.
- Miracast-compatible projectors (e.g., some projectors from ViewSonic, BenQ, and Epson).
4. EZCast (For Android and iOS Devices)
EZCast is a popular app that allows you to wirelessly connect your phone to any EZCast-enabled projector or any Wi-Fi display adapter (such as EZCast Dongle, MiraScreen, or similar adapters). This app supports both Android and iOS devices.
How it Works:
- Install the EZCast app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Connect your phone to the EZCast-enabled device (projector or adapter) via Wi-Fi.
- Open the app and select Cast Screen or Media Casting to project content to the projector.
Supported Devices:
- Android and iOS devices.
- EZCast-enabled projectors or EZCast Wi-Fi dongles.
5. Projector Screen Mirroring (For Android)
The Projector Screen Mirroring app allows you to project your phone’s content to a compatible projector over Wi-Fi. It supports Miracast, Chromecast, and DLNA.
How it Works:
- Install Projector Screen Mirroring on your Android device.
- Make sure your projector is compatible with Miracast, Chromecast, or DLNA.
- Use the app to connect to the projector wirelessly and start projecting.
Supported Devices:
- Android devices.
- Miracast, Chromecast, and DLNA-compatible projectors.
6. AirScreen (For Android and iOS)
AirScreen is an app that turns any Android TV box or projector into a wireless receiver for AirPlay, Miracast, Chromecast, and DLNA. It’s especially useful if your projector lacks built-in wireless streaming features.
How it Works:
- Install AirScreen on the Android TV box or projector (if it has Android OS).
- Open AirScreen and select the relevant protocol (AirPlay, Miracast, Chromecast, etc.).
- On your phone, cast or mirror the screen to the projector via the selected protocol.
Supported Devices:
- Android and iOS devices.
- Android TV box or projectors with AirScreen support.
7. WiFi Display (For Android Devices)
WiFi Display is an app for Android devices that allows you to cast your phone’s screen to any Wi-Fi-enabled projector. It supports Miracast technology.
How it Works:
- Install WiFi Display on your Android phone.
- Ensure both your phone and the projector are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and select your projector from the list of available devices to cast your phone’s screen.
Supported Devices:
- Android phones.
- Miracast-compatible projectors.
8. P2P Projector Screen Mirroring (For Android)
This app allows for peer-to-peer screen mirroring from an Android device to a projector without a Wi-Fi network. It’s useful for devices that don’t have built-in casting features.
How it Works:
- Install P2P Projector Screen Mirroring on your Android device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair with the projector and start mirroring.
Supported Devices:
- Android phones.
- P2P-enabled projectors.
9. VLC for Mobile (For Media Playback)
For media playback (e.g., videos and movies), the VLC for Mobile app can be used to stream content from your iOS or Android phone to a projector using AirPlay, Chromecast, or direct USB connection.
How it Works:
- Install VLC for Mobile on your phone.
- Open a media file and select the streaming option to cast or mirror to a compatible projector.
Supported Devices:
- Android and iOS devices.
- AirPlay, Chromecast, and USB-compatible projectors.
Conclusion: Which App Should You Use?
- If you have a Chromecast-enabled projector or Apple TV, use Google Home (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone).
- If your projector supports Miracast or Wi-Fi display, apps like Miracast, EZCast, or WiFi Display work well.
- For general screen mirroring or media streaming, apps like AirScreen, VLC, or Projector Screen Mirroring are great choices.
While these apps can help you stream or cast content from your phone to a projector, remember that your phone’s physical screen size and resolution will not improve. The app essentially functions as a bridge between your phone and the projector, but the quality of the image will still depend on the projector’s quality itself.
