Skip to main content

What is MHL, exactly, and how does it work with your TV?

Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku devices allow you to wirelessly mirror your mobile display to your much-loved living room TV. But what if you don’t own a streaming device with mirroring capabilities? Is there a way to get your phone screen on your TV? Fortunately, there is, and it’s a little-known technology that’s been around for quite some time. Have you ever noticed three letters above certain HDMI inputs on your TV or A/V receiver? We’re talking about MHL, a wired protocol for getting your phone, tablet, or computer display up on your 4K TV. While not as convenient as wireless mirroring, MHL (for compatible devices) will get the job done — and the only thing you’ll need is an MHL-certified HDMI cable. Read on to learn more about MHL and how to use it yourself.

Note: Before you go ordering MHL equipment online, check to see if you can mirror your smartphone to your TV using the gear you already have at home. 

Sony XBR-65X950B review MHL
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is MHL?

In 2010, a band of electronics companies, including Sony and Nokia, developed the MHL connection protocol. Short for Mobile High-Definition Link, MHL utilizes a special type of HDMI input on compatible TVs and A/V receivers to connect a growing list of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. The standard takes smartphone and tablet content to the next level, allowing you to showcase everything from your phone on your TV with a single connection.

Given the proliferation of wireless screen mirroring methods, MHL has fallen out of favor with many manufacturers, but you can still find plenty of televisions that support it.

How do I use MHL?

The most common way to connect for most people is to use an MHL adapter (such as the one shown below), which consists of a male Micro USB plug on one end and a female HDMI port on the other. If your phone hosts a Micro USB port, all you need to do is simply connect an MHL adapter to your phone, and run an HDMI cable from the adapter to the MHL-enabled HDMI port on your television (the correct port will be labeled “MHL”), and you’re all set.

If your phone or tablet does not host a Micro USB port, you’ll also need another adapter, which we’ll discuss in more detail in the next section below.

A typical MHL adapter. Image used with permission by copyright holder

When MHL first launched, adapters like the one shown above were more or less the primary way to utilize the technology. Now, though, there are lots of different cables that support MHL, including direct Micro USB-to-HDMI cables.

The next step is simply plugging in your compatible device, which will allow you to display all of its applications, games, movies, photos, and music right on your TV, with resolution at 4K Ultra HD (and above).

Does my device work with MHL?

Hisense Social Laser TV 2021
Hisense

If you’re looking into MHL, you should make sure your device and display are compatible with the protocol by checking the official MHL site — found here — for a full list of supported devices. If your display device isn’t on the list, don’t bother buying an MHL adapter — it’s not going to work. If your display device is on the list, but your mobile device isn’t, there are some other ways to connect.

If you’re an Apple enthusiast, your iPhone or iPad does not have the correct output for the default MHL adapter or cable described above. Luckily, there are workarounds. This Lightning to Digital AV Adapter allows you to connect most iOS devices to your TV.

Newer Android phones have USB Type-C ports, rather than Micro USB. They’ll need to work with MHL ports. In the same vein, some compatible Samsung phones require a different (11-pin) adapter, as the default (five-pin) adapter won’t properly interface. However, be aware that these adapters won’t charge your phone like standard MHL, and they can be quite unreliable (we had a hard time finding any with positive review scores). Also, don’t accidentally purchase a Micro HDMI connection — that’s the wrong type of cable.

Why use MHL?

As mentioned, there are several wireless methods that work for mirroring mobile devices to bigger screens: Apple’s AirPlay for iPhones and iPads, for example, or Miracast for Android devices. And of course, Google’s Chromecast lets you stream video and audio from multiple apps. These methods don’t always offer the same level of video and sound quality as MHL, but the wireless connection is more convenient for many applications.

There are some cases where MHL would come in handy, though. The system is especially useful for those without cable or internet, for instance. In such a scenario (assuming you’ve got games or movies loaded directly on your phone), MHL essentially turns your phone and TV into a full-blown entertainment center, with no Wi-Fi required.

In addition, there are a few protocol-specific benefits that might make it worth going with MHL. First, MHL connections tout the convenient ability to transmit control data, which essentially means the remote that controls your display may also be able to control the connected device. For mobile gamers, MHL connection also offers zero latency, which allows for lag-free display of your device on your TV during the most rigorous of gaming sessions. The cable also charges mobile devices up to 40W without any subsequent lag while displaying the content.

Where else can I use MHL?

As we’re sure you’ve surmised by this point, MHL’s most useful function is to send data from a smartphone or tablet to a compatible TV or A/V receiver lag-free. But MHL also lets you plug your smartphone or tablet into a car’s compatible infotainment system, as well as a compatible computer monitor at home or at work.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

By plugging a phone or tablet into a car with an HDMI input (or using some adapters to jury-rig a setup), you’ll have the ability to utilize up-to-the-second traffic reports, charge your device while commuting, and access your personal music library. The system gives easy touchscreen access to all content on your phone right through the infotainment center. Likewise, plugging a smartphone or tablet into a compatible computer monitor can turn your device into a workstation, one you can pair with a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to create a (semi) functioning mini-office.

How much does MHL cost?

Another reason MHL is a viable choice is the fact that an adapter won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Adapters can run as little as $9 (or less), though you’ll still need a long HDMI cable — , which runs another $20 or so — unless you want to stand right next to the TV the whole time. Depending upon the adapters or cables you need, getting set up with MHL can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, which is pretty affordable any way you slice it.

So there you go. Now you’re ready to get down and dirty with MHL. Time to start streaming to that TV, latency-free!

Editors' Recommendations

Michael Bizzaco
Michael Bizzaco has been writing about and working with consumer tech for well over a decade, writing about everything from…
How to figure out what size TV you should buy
Samsung S95C OLED

Thanks to constant evolutions in lighting technologies, resolution, and picture upscaling, we can sit closer to our TV screens than ever before. Ideally, you’ll be at least several feet away from your flat-screen when streaming movies and TV shows, but visual maladies like picture noise and that oh-so-dreaded pixelation are becoming far less concerning -- mostly because the best modern TVs are just so dang good! But when it comes to picking the ideal TV size for your living room, bedroom, or cabana, using a few tried-and-true methodologies for determining what screen real estate is best for your viewing space is still recommended.

Luckily, your pals at Digital Trends have plenty of A/V experience and expertise, and we’ve put together this guide to help you figure out what size your new QLED, OLED, or QD-OLED should be. 
How to calculate TV size for your room

Read more
Best Vizio TV deals: Cheap smart TVs starting at $130
vizio 55 inch oled 4k tv deal black friday 2020

Vizio has made a name as a fantastic low-budget TV brand. As they've gotten more popular, they've come out with some nicer models and explored technology like QLED and OLED panels. We've summarized the most popular Vizio Series below, and listed all of the sizes in each category that are currently on sale. These Vizio TV deals come from several different retailers. We've scoured the web for deals so you don't have to.
Vizio D-Series -- starting at $130

If you need a small TV for your bedroom, dorm room or kitchen, a cheap Vizio is a classic option. The D-Series are smaller form TVs with fairly basic functions, and price tags to match. They aren't 4K, just 1080p, but since they are small it isn't usually obvious. They have standard LED displays that are direct lit, meaning they don't have local dimming options. They do run at 60Hz, so gaming and sports will look smooth. They also have smart capabilities, so you can stream from most apps straight to the TV.
24-inch -- $130, was $140:

Read more
Best Samsung TV deals: LED, QLED and OLED starting at $480
A person watching a Samsung TV.

If you’re in the market for a new TV, Samsung is almost always one of the best TV brands to choose from. It makes a lot of quality TVs with great smart features and great image quality, and it’s currently doing so at some impressive prices. There are a lot of Samsung TV deals taking place right now, and we’ve tracked down the best. Whether you’re comparing between QLED and OLED TVs or want something that can compare with the best TVs, there’s likely a deal available for you.
Samsung CU7000 65-inch 4K Smart Tizen TV — $480, was $500

The Samsung CU7000 is a good TV for getting into the 4K game. It produces a high quality image that’s four times the resolution of Full HD, and it’s even capable of upscaling older content into 4K right as you watch in real time. It has HDR capabilities for an even better image with compatible content. It has Q-Symphony technology for a great sound experience when pairing with a Samsung soundbar. And it even has a gaming hub that will let you stream your favorite games right from the TV.

Read more