How To Stream On A Non Smart TV? [5 Best Ways]
Don’t have a Smart TV, but wondering how to stream on a non-smart TV?
No issue at all, I’ve got your back.
Having trouble watching your favorite shows on a smart TV?
There are several ways to do this without a smart TV.
- You can use a Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- An HDMI cable can be helpful.
- Use Chromecast or Miracast to stream on a non-smart tv.
But it doesn’t end here!
I have got a few other methods to make your non-smart tv a smart TV so you can enjoy your streaming for less money with little effort.
5 Ways to Stream on a Non Smart TV
When you don’t have cable or cord-cutting, you might wonder how you can watch your favorite shows on a non-smart TV.
While streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast are the most popular way to do this.
However, you can accomplish this in a few different ways.
Keep reading to learn 5 different ways that you can stream on a non-smart TV.
Streaming Devices Like Roku and Chromecast
The easiest way to stream on a non-smart TV is by using a streaming device like Roku or Chromecast.
The only thing required for this is a TV with HDMI ports.
Once you have both of those things, simply set up your device according to the instructions and start streaming your favorite shows in no time.
- Take a streaming device.
- Find an HDMI port at the backside of your TV.
- Insert the device into the TV.
- Take the remote and set it up according to the instructions.
Get Help from a Laptop to Stream on a non-smart TV
If you don’t want to invest in a streaming device, another option is to use your laptop to stream directly to your TV.
This option does require that your TV have an HDMI port, but it’s usually a pretty easy process.
You can watch videos on your laptop by connecting it via HDMI to your TV.
In some cases, you might need to change the display settings on your laptop so that the video appears on your TV instead of on your laptop screen.
Once connected laptop to the TV follows these steps:
- Go to TV Media
- Click on HDMI
- Once you clicked, your TV screen will turn into a laptop screen. So whatever you play on the laptop will play on the TV screen.
The process takes only a few minutes and you’ll be able to connect your laptop to the TV, hence you can stream on a nonsmart TV.
Use Miracast for Streaming
Don’t have an HDMI port on your TV or laptop?
No worries, here is another solution! The usage of Miracast is the best option to stream on a non-smart TV.
If you have a Windows laptop, you can use the Miracast dongle to stream videos wirelessly from your computer directly to your TV.
This is a great option if you don’t have an HDMI port on your TV or if you want to keep your laptop free for other uses while you’re watching TV.
Before making any purchase, check whether or not your Miracast device is compatible with your Windows laptop.
Mirroring or Screencasting
Another option for streaming from your laptop to your TV is by using screen mirroring or screencasting technology.
This option is available on both Apple and Android devices and allows you to connect your device to your TV wirelessly.
So that whatever is showing up on your phone, appears on the big screen as well.
For this purpose, you can use MHL cable, Google Chromecast, or Fire TV Stick.
These devices will surely help you to stream on a non-smart tv.
Use a Gaming Console to Stream on a non-smart TV
Have you ever thought of using your Xbox or PlayStation for streaming?
Most gaming consoles these days come equipped with streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu right out of the box.
So all you need is an account with one of those services in order to start watching shows and movies on your television.
In addition, some consoles also offer other apps.
So there’s plenty of content available for streaming regardless of which console you have.
2 Best Devices to Convert a Simple TV to a Smart TV
In the past decade, there has been a rise in smart TVs and a consequent decline in the sales of traditional TVs.
However, there are still many people who own traditional TVs and have no intention of buying a new one.
If you’re one of those people, don’t worry—you can easily convert your TV into a smart TV with one of these two devices.
Roku Streaming Stick+
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is one of the most popular media streaming devices on the market.
It’s easy to set up and use, and it allows you to stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
Plus, you can watch some movies with the Roku Channel for free.
Chromecast with Google TV
If you’re looking for a device that does more than just stream media, then Chromecast with Google TV is a good option for you.
In addition to giving you access to all your favorite streaming apps, it also has a built-in Google Assistant, so you can use it as a hands-free remote control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to connect the laptop to non-smart tv wirelessly?
Wirelessly connecting a laptop to a non-smart TV is possible with an HDMI cable.
This is the best way to connect because it doesn’t require any extra software or hardware.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the process.
How to stream from a phone to a non-smart tv?
Non-smart TVs can be tricky because they don’t have an app store or anything like that.
However, there are two ways:
Connect the TV to the phone with an HDMI cable.
You can also use a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chromecast.
Is it possible to convert normal tv into smart tv?
Yes, it is possible to convert a normal TV into a smart TV.
You can buy a smart TV converter box that will plug into your TV and enable you to access streaming content from providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
There are also many other options for streaming content that are available, such as Xbox, Playstation, and Roku devices.
Conclusion
Follow any method and stream on a non-smart TV now.
Make sure your TV isn’t as old as it doesn’t have an HDMI cable.
Whether it’s not a smart TV but HDMI port or any video output will be essential to work these methods.
However, all of these methods work perfectly and I’ve personally used them on my non-smart TV frequently.
So, it’s pretty much sure that you can also connect with the TV as well.
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Home Automation Expert
David
Hi! I’m David — a writer, blogger, and proud owner of Smarterve. I’ve been using smart home gadgets and in the home industry for about a decade. I love to solve problems, give suggestions, and create ease for people to enjoy life. This blog is where I can share tips and provide solutions to everyone using smart gadgets.
This guide turns non-smart TV into a streaming hub! The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, even for a tech novice like me.
glad to hear that
Including estimated costs or budget-friendly alternatives for each streaming method could help users choose the most suitable option.
roger that,
Are there any additional accessories or devices needed for these streaming methods, or do they work standalone?
Streaming on a non-smart TV typically requires additional accessories or devices to enable the process, as non-smart TVs lack built-in streaming capabilities.
To initiate streaming, users can employ devices such as streaming media players (e.g., Amazon Fire Stick, Roku), smart Blu-ray players, or gaming consoles (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation). These devices act as intermediaries, connecting to the internet and facilitating the streaming of content onto the non-smart TV.
Additionally, users might opt for devices like Chromecast or streaming sticks, which can be plugged directly into the TV’s HDMI port, transforming it into a smart TV by enabling streaming functionalities.
It’s important to note that the specific accessories required can vary based on the chosen streaming method and the compatibility of the non-smart TV with different devices. In summary, while non-smart TVs can indeed be transformed into streaming-capable displays, they typically require additional accessories or devices to function in this capacity.