Guide
What Is DLNA, and How Do You Cast From Android to a DLNA TV?
DLNA (and the UPnP technology behind it) lets your phone send videos, photos and music to a TV over your home network, with no Chromecast and no internet connection required.
DLNA in plain words
DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. The consortium stopped certifying devices years ago, but its technology, UPnP AV, is still built into most smart TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and media apps such as Kodi.
On a DLNA network, devices play three roles:
- Server: stores media (a NAS, a PC or your phone).
- Controller: chooses what to play and where (an app such as SmartGoCast).
- Renderer: plays it (your TV).
When you cast from your phone, the phone is both the controller and a small server. The TV downloads the file directly from the phone over your local network.
DLNA vs. Chromecast vs. Miracast
| DLNA / UPnP | Chromecast (Google Cast) | Miracast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs internet | No (local files) | Yes | No |
| Needs a router | Yes, a local network | Yes | No (Wi-Fi Direct) |
| What it sends | A file or stream | A file or stream | Your whole screen |
| Phone stays free | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extra hardware | None on most smart TVs | A Chromecast or Google TV | A Miracast-capable TV |
How to cast from Android to a DLNA TV
- Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network and turn off any VPN.
- Make sure your TV allows DLNA. Look for DLNA, media renderer or media sharing in its network settings; some models ship with it switched off.
- Open SmartGoCast, tap the cast button and choose your TV. Some TVs ask you to enter a PIN once.
- Pick a video, photo or song, then cast it. Control playback from your phone.
What to expect from DLNA
- Format support depends on the TV. MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio plays almost everywhere. MKV, HEVC or DTS audio may not.
- No screen mirroring. DLNA plays files; it doesn't copy your screen. For that, see mirror Android to a TV.
- DRM content isn't supported. Streaming services protect their videos, so they can't be cast over DLNA.
If your TV doesn't show up
Most problems come from the network: a VPN, a guest network or a router with client isolation. Work through TV not showing up in the cast list.
More ways to cast
- No router? See cast a phone to a TV without Wi-Fi.
- No Chromecast? See cast Android to a TV without a Chromecast.
- Photos, music and videos from your phone: cast local media to a TV.