Modern projectors can connect to a source device through a hard-wired cable or through a wireless connection. Wireless connection is possible with almost all devices in modern use – PC, laptops, Android or iPhones and even gaming devices like the PS4 or the Xbox through the following ways:
- Connecting through direct Wi-Fi (projectors with in-built Wi-Fi system)
- Through a Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth-enabled projectors)
- Using an external app for wireless connections
- Plugging in the projector, a USB device that receives a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal (used for projectors without in-built Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability)
This article provides all the information you need to connect your devices to your projector through a wireless signal. In case you want to know more about the different types of wired connection options to a projector, then you can read our blog here.
Advantages of Wireless Connections
A wireless connection to a projector can have several advantages:
1. People find wireless connections very convenient because they allow connection to the internet without having to physically connect. For example, if the connection signal is strong enough, a PC or laptop, or inversely the projector, with a wireless connection between them can be moved about without the limitation of a physical tether. So you can shift your projector to a room other than where the PC is located.
2. Wired connections require the availability of cables to achieve the transmission of signals. Not only availability but also adding another cable to the existing jumble of wires attached to the projector is a problem for many.
3. Availability of cables is one thing. Availability of the right type of cable for the right connection ports is another. When you want a cable, you will have to consider whether your android phone needs a USB-C connection or whether you need a different connector if you have an iPhone. Are you looking for an HDMI cable or do you need an MHL cable? It is not practical to keep an assortment of cables to cater to the different connection options.
Many people prefer to connect wirelessly because they consider it quick and convenient – only takes a few clicks and a few seconds.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections
Most wireless projectors have their own built-in wireless capabilities. This can mean two things. Either you can hook up your projector to your home Wi-Fi system and through that, you can stream your movie to your projector through an app provided by the manufacturer.
Alternatively, you can directly connect your mobile or laptop directly to the Wi-Fi of the projector, independent of your home Wi-Fi, and share your content to the projector screen.
Bluetooth-enabled projectors can receive data and stream videos if you pair your mobile or laptop with the projector. This will require the Bluetooth mode turned on in your mobile and the projector. The projector will not require any extra hardware. You need to keep in mind that Bluetooth devices may have a limited distance range for connectivity.
In case your projector does not support Bluetooth, dongles are available in the market that connect to the projector’s USB port and allow reception of Bluetooth signals.
External Apps and Devices [Chromecast, Airplay, Miracast]
Google Chromecast, Airplay and Miracast technologies are the most popularly used methods of casting (or transmitting) a video from your laptop to the projector. These are not only used for projectors but also for TVs, sound systems, etc.
They utilize WI-FI signals of their own, ie independent of any home or office Wi-Fi, to cast video or image data and stream to the projector or TV. The system transmits at speeds and quality equivalent to HDMI cables.
The receiving device may have Chromecast, Miracast or Airplay capabilities already built into it. In that case, you don’t need any extra hardware for wireless streaming of videos from your phone to the projector.
Chromecast
Chromecast is available on android devices or wherever Google Chrome is available on Window PCs. In case the projector does not have built-in software, you will need to purchase a Chromecast device that attaches to the projector and allows the reception of data from your mobile. The device has one cable that gets connected to the HDMI port of your projector and a second power cable that gets plugged into an electrical outlet.
Airplay
Airplay is the Apple alternative to Chromecast. Airplay uses an independent Wi-Fi signal to mirror or share from your Mac, iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV device connected to your projector, for example, or a projector with in-built Airplay features. In the absence of built-in Airplay connectivity, an Apple TV device can be used at the projector end.
Miracast
Miracast mirrors the content of a screen to the projector which has in-built WI-Fi available. Most modern Windows (Windows 10) and Android (Android 4.2 and later) devices already have built-in Miracast connection capabilities. Miracast also caters to iOS devices. There are no Miracast special or dedicated physical dongles or devices that can be used with projectors without in-built Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
A wireless connection to projector from laptop or phone is now as convenient as can be. We have gone through all the major modes of wireless connectivity depending upon the projector’s capabilities. For many this is the best way to connect their devices to the projector.