How to Connect a Smartphone to a Portable Monitor

Smartphones are now more powerful than ever, and a portable monitor can help you unleash the phone's additional capability. With the assistance of a portable monitor, you can quickly turn your smartphone into a primary computer to perform productive work on a bigger screen.

This guide will discuss how to connect your phone to a portable monitor in various ways. We will break down the steps you need to follow to prepare the setup easily and quickly.

Method 1: Connect A Phone to A Monitor with One Cable

One USB-C cable is the most convenient way to connect a phone to a monitor. This method is straightforward, requires fewer cables, and is cost-effective. However, there are some requirements for your smartphone to meet.

Make Sure You Have a Compatible Phone

Using a single USB-C cable to connect your smartphone to a portable monitor, both devices need to feature a USB-C port enabled by DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode). Moreover, the USB C cable also needs to arrive with the Alt Mode capability to transfer the video signals.

Some smartphones that support DisplayPort capability include the Samsung Galaxy Note Series, Samsung Galaxy S series, flagship HTC U series, Huawei Mate, and Huawei P series. In addition, some of the smartphones from the LG G & V series and the Razer and ROGH phones also include this functionality. You can also check this compatible list to find out the other DP Alt Mode Compatible Devices.

Additionally, earlier iPhone models didn’t support USB-C cables, but the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and the more advanced versions now do, allowing you to connect them to displays using a USB-C cable.

Choose The Right Portable Monitor

Portable monitors come in different sizes, resolutions, color gamuts, and even their portability varies from model to model. If you want a genuinely portable monitor, you should go for the one that arrives with a built-in battery. The battery monitor should be around 5000 mAh or more to let you work efficiently for a couple of hours. In addition, it would be better if the battery is lithium-ion as they are smaller while being robust and efficient. 

Battery monitors with keyboard and trackpad, as known as LapDock, will significantly help you in daily use. They are behaving almost like a laptop with a decent touch screen. Popular models are UPERFECT X Pro and NexDock, and both work perfectly with Samsung Dex and other Android 10 desktop modes.

Here is a video as an example when connecting with UPERFECT 15.6 X Pro:

The next thing you need to be aware of is compatibility. The portable monitor must arrive with the DP ALT mode compatible USB C port. Moreover, they should include enough ports for connecting the keyboard, mouse, or docking stations. Especially if your setup purpose is to work on documents, these I/O connectivity options should be a must.

If you use the portable monitor on a desk near a power outlet, you might consider going for the one that doesn't arrive with a battery. You should be able to use the monitor by connecting to the electricity.

How to Connect:

After confirming that both devices are compatible, it's time to set up our cell phone with the monitor:

1. At first, turn on the portable monitor. If it is not battery-powered, connect it to an electric outlet.
2. Now connect one end of the DP ALT mode capable USB-C with the phone and another end to the port of the portable monitor.
3. If your Android device is running on OS 10 or later, turn on the Desktop Mode from the settings. You should find it under the Developer- Option.
4. Turn on the mirror screen if you are using the older Android versions or your phone doesn't include a Desktop Mode.

That's it; now you should see the phone's interface on the portable monitor. The interface may vary depending on the smartphone you are using.

Method 2: Connect with IOS/Android HDMI Adapter

Don't worry if your phone or portable desktop is DP Alt Mode enabled. Even if the phone doesn't include the Desktop Mode, you can still cast your phone screen on the portable monitor. All you need is an IOS/Android HDMI adapter. Let's see how to connect your smartphone to a portable monitor using the adapter.

How to Connect:

1. Connect the monitor to the electric outlet if it is not battery-powered.
2. Connect your iPhone or Android phone to the monitor through the iOS/Android 3-in-1 adapter.
3. Power the adapter with a USB port.
4. Android devices scan the QR Code for device matching. (iPhones can connect to the monitor directly.)
5. Now you should see the phone's display on the monitor's screen. 

As for Android devices, apart from scanning the QR code and downloading Mirroring software, you may also need to follow these steps to ensure smooth screen mirroring:

1. When the Android automatically prompts for transfer settings 'Use USB to', select 'Transfer files.'
2. Wait for the monitor to respond. If the monitor connects successfully, you can skip the following steps.
3. If screen mirroring still hasn't succeeded, click 'Ensure the normal mirroring settings' at the bottom of the mirroring software.

4.You can click on each of the following three settings and follow the prompts. The following content provides you with the specific steps to do so.

①In the first setting, turn on performance mode.

②Click on the second setting, look for battery optimization, choose mirroring, and then select "don't allow." Finally, just hit "OK."

③ Click on the third setting, skip the tutorial in order, then find the “battery usage details” of your phone and turn on “Manage automatically” and “Auto-launch”.

Note that you can only mirror the phone's screen to the portable monitor following this way, and you cannot enjoy the touch function. Put the phone in landscape mode to get a full-screen view on the portable monitor. Here is a video to help you understand better when connecting.

 IOS/Android 3-in-1 adapters have wide compatibility, including the following devices and Apps:

You should note that some paid streaming services don't support the 3-in-1 adapter, such as Netflix, DIRECTV, Hulu, etc. Therefore, when using the 3-in-1  adapter, only compatible apps will allow screen mirroring or display extension.

If you’re using an iPhone and don’t plan to change to other smartphones, you can buy a Lightning to HDMI Adapter made specifically for Apple devices. It works without needing any extra power.

1. Plug the Lightning connector into your iPhone.
2. Take your monitor's HDMI cable and connect it to the HDMI port on the adapter.
3. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your portable monitor.
4. Use the official charger to power the monitor.

Method 3: Connect by Wireless Dongle

If you don't want to go through the hassle of wires, a Wireless Dongle can be your solution. It enables you to connect your smartphone to the portable monitor without any physical wire connection. Here is how to use the wireless dongle connection:

Connect through Miracast on Android

1. Set up the wireless dongle and turn it on after connecting to electricity (if needed).
2. Now connect the dongle to the portable monitor. Make sure the display is turned on or attached to the power.
3. The dongle will prepare a wireless network. You will find the network name and PIN on the portable monitor.
4. Now turn on your Android phone and go to "Projection Screen" for Huawei or "ALLShare Cast" for Samsung; this might differ from device to device.
5. There you should find the portable device's name. Press it, connect, and start using it.

Connect Through Screen Mirroring in iPhone

1. Follow the first three steps to set up the dongle on the portable monitor.
2. Find the Screen Mirroring option in your iPhone's Control Center and search for available devices.
3. Find the device and press on it to connect. That's it; your iPhone now is miracast on the portable monitor.

Connect through Chromecast on Android/iPhone

1. Download the Google Home App onto Your Mobile Phone.
2. Insert the Chromecast into the portable monitor's HDMI port.
3. Ensure the monitor's input source is set to the relevant HDMI port.
4. Power the Chromecast.
5. Open the Google Home app.
6. Select Devices Add Google Nest or a partner device.
7. Activate Wi-Fi (Be sure both your mobile device and Chromecast are using the same Wi-Fi network).
8. Open the phone's Google Home app, then tap on the device you want to cast to (the Chromecast).
9. Tap the Chromecast name to connect.
10. You can then start casting content from supported apps by selecting the 'Cast' icon.

Conclusion

As you see above, there are several ways to connect a smartphone to a portable monitor. Amongst the three options we have discussed above, you can consider using USB-C to USB-C Cable for it is most convenient and straightforward. If your device is not DP-alt Mode enabled, you can use an Android/iOs adapter for the connection. Or, if you want a completely wireless experience, you can consider using the wireless dongle or Bluetooth for the setup.