Have you ever wanted to watch your favorite videos, photos, or even browse the web on your big Sony TV screen without fumbling with cables? Casting makes that possible, and it’s easier than you might think.
With your Sony TV you can do things like streaming a movie from your phone, showing vacation pictures to friends, or sharing a presentation from your laptop. Casting lets you show content straight to your TV wirelessly.
Sony TVs, especially the newer models, come with several ways to cast content. From Google’s built-in Chromecast to Apple’s AirPlay, and even some handy native features, there’s a method for almost every device you own. So how can you cast on Sony TV? Let me show you.
Preparing Your Devices to Cast on Sony TV
Before you start casting content to your Sony TV, there are a couple of important steps to make sure everything runs smoothly. It might sound simple, but these small preparations can save you a lot of frustration later on.
Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
First off, your Sony TV and the device you want to cast from need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is important because casting relies on both devices communicating over that shared network
Update Software and Apps
Next, keep your devices up to date. This means updating the software on your Sony TV as well as the casting device. Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. If your TV or phone is running outdated software, casting might not work as expected or could be spotty. If you don’t know how to go about updating your Sony Tv, check Sony TV’s official guide on updating the TV.
How to Cast to Sony TV With Chromecast
Sony TVs running Google TV or Android TV typically come with Chromecast built-in, allowing you to cast content directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If your TV does not have Chromecast built-in, you can use an external Chromecast device connected via HDMI. Here’s how to cast from different devices.
Connecting Your Chromecast Device to Your LG TV
1. Plug the Chromecast device into your Sony TV’s HDMI port and power it on.
2. Set your TV to the correct HDMI input.
3. Download and open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Chromecast.
5. Once setup is complete, use the steps above for Android, iOS, or computer casting.
Casting from Android Devices
1. Ensure your Sony TV and Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your phone gallery, open the image or video you want to cast
3. Tap the Google Cast icon at the top screen (the play icon with 2 arrows around it)
4. Select your Sony TV from the list of available devices.
5. Confirm you want to start casting by clicking Cast Now
6. Choose whether you want to change the aspect ratio
7. Tap Play to start casting content to your TV.
Casting from a Computer (Windows/Mac/Chromebook)
1. Make sure your computer and Sony TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Google Chrome browser (ensure it’s updated to the latest version).
3. Click the More icon (three dots) in the top right corner of Chrome.
4. Select “Cast…” from the dropdown menu.
5. In the Cast tab, choose your Sony TV from the list of available devices.
7. Use the “Sources” dropdown to select whether you want to cast a browser tab, your entire desktop, or a specific media file:
- Cast tab: Share just the current browser tab.
- Cast desktop: Share your entire screen.
8. To stop casting, click the Cast icon in Chrome and select “Stop casting”.
How to Cast to Sony TV With AirPlay
Turning on AirPlay on Sony TV
1. On your Sony TV remote, press the Home, Input, or Settings button to open the main menu.
2. Navigate to Settings > System (or Network & Internet on some models).
3. Select Apple AirPlay & HomeKit Settings.
4. Turn on the AirPlay feature.
5. Ensure your Sony TV and your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to function properly.
From iPhone or iPad
1. Open the AirPlay-supported app and select the content you want to cast.
2. Tap the AirPlay or Cast icon (a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom).
3. Choose your Sony TV from the list of available devices.
4. If prompted, enter the AirPlay code displayed on your TV screen.
From Mac
1. Click the Control Center or AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top of your Mac screen.
2. Select your Sony TV.
3. Choose whether to mirror your display or use the TV as a separate display.
4. Enter the AirPlay code from your TV if prompted.
Using Sony TV Built-in Casting
Sony’s Android TV and Google TV models come equipped with Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), making it easy to stream content directly from your phone, tablet, or computer without any extra hardware. This built-in feature lets you cast videos, photos, music, and more from a wide range of compatible apps, while keeping your device free for other tasks.
How to Use the Built-in Casting Feature
1. Ensure both your Sony TV and your casting device (phone, tablet, or computer) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is essential for the devices to discover each other.
2. Launch a Chromecast-enabled app on your mobile device or computer (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc.).
3. Look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) within the app. Tap it, and a list of available devices will appear.
4. Choose your Sony TV from the list. The name usually matches your TV’s model or the custom name you’ve set.
5. Select your content and press play. The content will appear on your TV screen, and you can continue to use your device for other tasks.
Finding and Using the “Cast” or “Screen Mirroring” Option in TV Settings
On most Sony Google TV and Android TV models, the Google Cast feature is enabled by default. You don’t need to manually activate it, but you can check its status:
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Show system apps > Google Chromecast built-in and ensure it is enabled.
Or
- Got to Settings > Systems > Cast
- For screen mirroring (mirroring your entire device screen), some models also offer a “Screen Mirroring” or “Wireless Display” option:
- Navigate to Settings > Device Preferences > Screen Mirroring or Network & Internet > Screen Mirroring (the exact path may vary by model).
- Select this option to make your TV discoverable for mirroring from compatible devices.
