Connect OnePlus 5 to TV: Wired & Wireless

To connect your OnePlus 5 to a TV, use a USB-C to HDMI cable for a wired connection, or use the built-in Screen Cast (Miracast) feature for wireless mirroring. The wired method is the most reliable and supports up to 4K output if your TV and cable support it, while wireless casting is convenient for presentations or watching videos.

Background: What the OnePlus 5 Supports

The OnePlus 5 (released 2017) runs Android 9 (Pie) as its final official update. It has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), which means it can output video over USB-C to an HDMI adapter. However, the phone does not support the newer HDMI Alt Mode, so you need a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter that is DP Alt Mode compatible. For wireless, the phone supports Miracast (called “Screen Cast” in the settings) and Google Cast (via the Google Home app or compatible apps). It does not support Apple AirPlay.

Wired Connection: USB-C to HDMI

This is the most stable way to connect your OnePlus 5 to a TV. You will need:

• A USB-C to HDMI cable (or a USB-C to HDMI adapter with an HDMI cable).
• An HDMI port on your TV.

Steps:

1. Plug the USB-C end into your OnePlus 5.
2. Plug the HDMI end into an available HDMI port on your TV.
3. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input (using the TV remote’s Input/Source button).
4. Your phone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. If not, try a different HDMI port or check if the cable supports video output (some USB-C cables are charge-only).

Most USB-C to HDMI cables that support DP Alt Mode will work. The OnePlus 5 outputs up to 4K at 30Hz, but your TV and cable must also support that. If you experience flickering or no signal, try a lower resolution (e.g., 1080p) by adjusting the TV’s display settings or using a different cable.

Wireless Connection: Screen Cast (Miracast)

For a wireless connection, the OnePlus 5 has a built-in feature called Screen Cast that uses Miracast. This works with most smart TVs and streaming devices that support Miracast (e.g., Roku, Amazon Fire TV, many Windows laptops).

Steps:

1. On your TV, enable the screen mirroring or Miracast mode (the exact name varies by brand: “Screen Mirroring”, “Smart View”, “Cast”, etc.).
2. On your OnePlus 5, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Screen Cast (or on Android 8/9: Settings > Display > Cast).
3. Turn on the toggle and wait for your TV to appear in the list of available devices.
4. Tap your TV’s name to connect. Your phone screen will be mirrored.

Note that Miracast can have latency and may not be smooth for gaming or fast-paced videos. It is best for presentations, photos, or watching movies where slight delay is acceptable.

Using Google Cast (Chromecast)

If you have a Chromecast or a TV with built-in Chromecast, you can cast content directly from apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Chrome. This is different from screen mirroring—the phone sends a link to the TV, which then streams the content directly, so the phone is free for other tasks.

Steps:

1. Ensure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a compatible app (e.g., YouTube).
3. Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) and select your Chromecast device.
4. The video will play on the TV, and you can control it from your phone.

For casting your entire screen (not just an app), you can use the Google Home app: open it, tap your device, and select “Cast my screen”. This uses the same underlying protocol as Chromecast.

How to Choose the Right Cable or Adapter

Not all USB-C cables support video output. Look for a cable or adapter that explicitly states “DP Alt Mode” or “4K video output” support. Avoid cheap cables that only charge. Key factors:

• DP Alt Mode support: Essential for video over USB-C.
• HDMI version: HDMI 2.0 is needed for 4K at 60Hz, but the OnePlus 5 only outputs 4K at 30Hz, so HDMI 1.4 is sufficient.
• Length: Longer cables may degrade signal; 3–6 feet is typical.
• Build quality: Braided or reinforced connectors last longer.

You can also use a USB-C hub with HDMI output, which adds extra ports (USB, SD card) but may require external power for stable output.

Common Problems and Fixes

If you encounter issues, here are the most likely causes and solutions:

• No signal on TV: Check the HDMI cable is fully inserted, try a different HDMI port, and ensure the TV is on the correct input. If using an adapter, make sure it is powered if required.
• Phone charges but no video: The cable is charge-only. Get a cable that supports DP Alt Mode.
• Screen flickers or drops: Try a shorter cable or a different adapter. Lower the resolution in the TV’s display settings if possible.
• Wireless casting keeps disconnecting: Move the phone and TV closer to the Wi-Fi router, or use a 5GHz band if available.
• TV not found in Screen Cast: Ensure your TV supports Miracast and that the screen mirroring feature is enabled on the TV. Restart both devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OnePlus 5 support USB-C to HDMI?

Yes, the OnePlus 5 supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C, so a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter that supports DP Alt Mode will work. It can output up to 4K at 30Hz.

Can I use a regular USB-C to HDMI cable?

Only if it supports DP Alt Mode. Many USB-C cables are designed for charging and data transfer only. Look for packaging that mentions “video output” or “DP Alt Mode”.

Why is my OnePlus 5 not showing on the TV?

Check that the cable is fully plugged in, the TV is on the correct HDMI input, and the cable supports video output. Also, some TVs have multiple HDMI ports—try another port. If using wireless, make sure both devices are on the same network and that the TV’s screen mirroring is enabled.

Can I mirror my OnePlus 5 to a non-smart TV?

Yes, using a wired USB-C to HDMI connection will work with any TV that has an HDMI port. For wireless, you would need a streaming device like a Chromecast or Roku that connects to the TV’s HDMI port.

Does screen mirroring affect battery life?

Yes, both wired and wireless mirroring consume more battery than normal use. Wired connection may charge the phone simultaneously if the cable provides power, but wireless mirroring will drain the battery faster. Keep a charger handy for long sessions.

Can I use the OnePlus 5 as a remote for the TV?

When using Google Cast, your phone acts as a remote for the casted content. When using wired mirroring, the phone’s touchscreen controls the mirrored screen, but the TV’s remote still controls volume and input.

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