On Monday Lorraine asked how to stream something she was watching on her cellphone to her television without using wireless. It turns out that her TV is not-so-smart either.

The first question to be answered is whether a phone has HDMI Alt Mode. This is most likely if you have a USB-C (micro-USB port used for charging) port. You can check the phone’s specifications or contact the manufacturer to determine. Or you can use a compatibility checker tool.

If yes, you can consider the next choices.

What Type Of Input Does Your TV Have?

If the TV has an HDMI input (which I doubt here) then the easy way to do so is to get an adapter to convert USB–C to HDMI along with an HDMI cable. I found adapters on line for less than $10 and basic HDMI cables for $5-$10.

The USB-C Composite (audio and video) adapter was a bit more expensive (around $30) if the TV only has RCA inputs (white–yellow–red). RCA cables are under $5.

One consideration is to consider the drain on the battery to watch a long video using this connection. The phone should be fully charged.

According to Microsoft Bing Chat (AI):

“One way to charge your phone while streaming is to use a wireless charging pad. You can place your phone on the charging pad while streaming to keep it charged.”

Judy came up with an alternative – using a first generation Roku. The Roku 1 connected to TVs via RCA cables. They are no longer available through ROKU but I found several used units on eBay for under $25.

These should also work on laptops.

Note: Newer cellphones have a micro-USB charging port for direct charge from an electrical outlet. The small connector at one end of the cord plugs directly into your phone. The cord terminates at a plug you insert into the outlet. If you disconnect the cord from the plug you’ll see the cord actually terminates at a standard USB connector.

Please always remember…

There is no thing as a stupid question!

The nearest thing is a question not asked!

And we’re here to answer what’s on your mind! Or we’ll research the answer for you.

Contact us for individual computer and internet training. We always offer a free 15-minute consultation (sometimes they last 1.5 hours!). Or use the form in the right sidebar.

Interested in joining us on our next WACI Tips Group on Mondays at Senior Planet from AARP? Details on our Calendar page: https://abncparties.com/calendar/.

Interested in hosting on online or in-person event, learn more about our classes and trivia programs for Boomers and senior adults for your senior center, independent senior living facility, senior group, park district or library.

Michael