Miracast Screen Mirroring: Windows & Android Guide
Understanding Miracast Wireless Display Technology
Miracast represents a wireless display standard integrated into operating systems such as Windows 8.1 and Android 4.2, alongside their subsequent iterations.
The technology facilitates screen mirroring; by connecting a Miracast receiver to a television or alternative display, users can readily project their device's screen.
Device Compatibility
Support for Miracast extends to devices powered by Amazon’s Fire OS, as well as Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8.1 and later versions.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Miracast can sometimes be unreliable and present connectivity challenges.
Known Issues and Considerations
Despite its convenience, Miracast is often described as being somewhat unstable and prone to issues.
Users should be aware that achieving a consistently smooth and dependable connection isn't always guaranteed.
Windows 8.1 and Later
Related: Understanding Miracast and its Benefits
Computers running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 are generally equipped to handle Miracast functionality. However, if you upgraded an older system to Windows 8.1, compatibility isn't guaranteed.
Ensuring you have the most recent drivers, obtained through Windows Update or directly from your computer manufacturer’s website, is crucial before attempting to utilize the "Add a wireless display" feature.
In some instances, the "Add a wireless display" option may remain hidden. We observed this on a Surface Pro 2, which required the uninstallation of VirtualBox to resolve the issue.
Miracast relies on a stable networking environment. Therefore, applications that potentially disrupt the network stack – such as VirtualBox, VMware, and similar virtualization software – might need to be removed for the option to become visible.
To access Miracast settings, either swipe in from the right edge of the screen or press the Windows key combined with the 'C' key. This will bring up the Devices charm.
From within the Devices charm, select the "Project" option to proceed.
The presence of an "Add a wireless display" option confirms your computer’s Miracast support. To initiate projection to a Miracast-enabled device, simply tap or click this option and choose the desired device from the displayed list.
To terminate the wireless display connection, open the Devices charm again, select the Project option, and then click the "Disconnect" button located beneath the connected wireless display.
These settings are also accessible through the PC Settings interface. Access this by clicking or tapping the "Change PC settings" link at the bottom of the Settings charm.
Navigate to PC and devices > Devices to find the relevant options. To begin scanning for available Miracast receivers, select the "Add a device" option.
Any Miracast receivers that have been previously connected will be listed under the "Projectors" section on this screen.
Android 4.2 and Later
Related: Methods for Playing Android Games on Your TV Utilizing a Chromecast
The Miracast functionality is integrated into Android operating systems beginning with version 4.2 Jelly Bean, and continuing in subsequent Android releases. However, Android devices require the necessary hardware components to support Miracast. Consequently, your Android smartphone or tablet might not be compatible, particularly if it’s an older model that has been updated to a more recent Android version. We validated this procedure using a Nexus 4 device running Android 4.4.4.
To begin, access your device’s settings menu – this is achieved by opening the Settings application from your app drawer. Within the Device section, select the Display option. Scroll down on the Display screen and then tap on Cast Screen.
Initiating Screen Casting
From this same location, you can also cast to Chromecast devices, though these utilize a different protocol than Miracast.
Tap the Menu icon, typically located at the top of the screen, and choose “Enable wireless display”. Your device will then scan for available Miracast receivers in the vicinity and present them in a list under the Cast Screen heading.
If your Miracast receiver is powered on and within range, it should appear within this list.
Connecting and Disconnecting
Select the desired device from the list to establish a connection and initiate screen casting. A notification will then appear, confirming that screen mirroring is active.
To terminate the casting process, pull down the notification shade from the top of your screen and tap the “Disconnect” button.
Alternatively, you can initiate casting from the Quick Settings panel, provided the wireless display feature is enabled under Cast Screen. Access Quick Settings by swiping down with two fingers from the top of the screen, then tap the “Cast Screen” button.
Provided your computer, smartphone, or tablet supports Miracast and a compatible receiver is available, the process should be straightforward. Miracast leverages Wi-Fi Direct, meaning devices do not require connection to the same network to communicate.
Therefore, issues related to your home network or router should not impede functionality. However, despite this simplification, Miracast-enabled devices frequently encounter compatibility problems or experience playback glitches and stream interruptions even after a successful connection.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
In practice, Miracast can often prove to be unreliable and prone to errors. It may be necessary to verify that your receiver officially supports the specific device you are attempting to cast from.
This level of verification shouldn’t be required for an open standard like Miracast, but unfortunately, it often becomes essential. For instance, Roku provides a list of devices that have been officially tested and certified to function with their Miracast implementation. Consult your Miracast receiver’s documentation to determine if your device is officially supported, or if known compatibility issues exist.