How Do I Fix The Screen Mirroring Not Working?

Introduction

Screen mirroring is a great feature- until it suddenly doesn’t work, that is. When you're trying to cast a presentation or stream a video, running into connection errors or blank screens can be frustrating. We'll talk about the technical reasons behind screen mirroring issues and walk you through solutions that work for both general devices and StarryHub users.

Table of Content

1. What Is Screen Mirroring?

Screen mirroring lets you show your display on a bigger screen, such as a TV. 

Whatever you tap or open on your device shows up there right away. It's not like casting, which only plays certain things, like a video or song. Mirroring copies your whole screen as it is.

Most devices support standards like Miracast, AirPlay, or Google Cast. Each of these have their own protocols and compatibility rules. 

One thing remains the same on a core level, though- they all rely on a shared network and system-level permissions to function properly. In essence, screen mirroring isn't just about tapping a button; it’s a negotiation between hardware, software, and network environments.

Figure1-Screen mirroring on laptop

2. Why Is Screen Mirroring Not Working? The Main Reasons

It’s rare to find just one reason for screen mirroring issues. They usually come from a combination of software errors, device limits, and network problems. This part will guide you in finding what’s causing the issue by checking off the common reasons.

Internet Connection

Miracast connects devices straight through Wi-Fi without using a network. AirPlay and Google Cast don’t do that, they need both devices on the same Wi-Fi. 

If the network is split or weak, the screen might freeze or disconnect. 

This happens a lot with guest Wi-Fi or routers that block some traffic. Screen sharing sends a lot of data quickly, so if others are using the internet a lot, the video can lag or stop.

Outdated Compatibility

New screen mirroring tech doesn't always work with older gear. A phone might try to use a new stream format or stronger encryption, but the TV can’t read it. 

Devices made just a few years apart can fail to connect because of codec problems, outdated wireless support, or limited processing power. 

Some operating systems silently remove support for outdated protocols, which means a phone that used to mirror just fine might suddenly stop working after a system update.

Software and Firmware

The software on TVs and streaming devices matters a lot. 

If the system has bugs, old software, or needs security updates, it might not let your phone or computer connect. Your phone or computer might also have issues if updates are waiting or if new updates caused problems. 

Some brands also turn off some wireless tools or slow down background tasks to save battery or speed, and that can stop screen mirroring from working right.

Figure2-screen mirroring:miracast, AirPlay，Google Cast

3. How to Fix the Screen Mirroring Not Working

We’ve covered why screen mirroring might be acting up, so now it’s time to fix it. This guide will walk you through some simple steps to solve both the common and the tricky issues, especially if the basic fixes haven’t worked yet.

3.1 Make Sure It’s Enabled

Screen mirroring isn’t always on by default. 

On iPhones, the toggle is in the “Screen Mirroring” section of the Control Center. For Android, it'll be somewhere as “Smart View,” “Cast,” or “Wireless Display,” depending on the device.

Check if your phone’s power-saving or data-saving mode is on; it might be blocking the feature. 

Device Compatibility:

• iPhones use AirPlay and need Apple TV or compatible screens.

• Android phones use Miracast or Google Cast.

• Newer Android models may not support Miracast.

For smart TVs, check for supported mirroring standards in the manual. You may need a firmware update or a streaming device like Chromecast.

3.2 Restart Your Devices

While it sounds basic, restarting clears temporary cache and resets wireless modules, especially in devices that rely on Wi-Fi Direct or local network protocols. 

More importantly, it forces the screen mirroring handshake process to start fresh.

To be thorough:

• Restart the phone and the target screen.

• Power cycle your router as well, especially if screen mirroring uses your Wi-Fi.

3.3 Check the Internet Connection

Even if both devices are on the “same network,” certain router settings might block communication. Look out for:

• Client isolation: Prevents devices on the same Wi-Fi from talking to each other.

• Dual-band confusion: Devices on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands might not see each other.

• Router firewalls or parental controls: May block ports used by AirPlay or Miracast.

Log into your router’s settings and make sure there are no restrictions affecting LAN traffic.

3.4 Turn Off Screen Time (iOS)

On iOS, Screen Time can quietly stop screen mirroring. 

Turning on Screen Time without adjusting it can prevent AirPlay from working properly, even if you haven’t changed any settings.

To make sure everything is set up right, you can go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

3.5 Turn Off Bluetooth

Bluetooth can mess with screen mirroring. It uses the same kind of wireless signal, so it might slow things down or stop it from working. On some phones or TVs, turning off Bluetooth makes mirroring work better. Try switching it off and then try again.

3.6 Update Your iPhone (or Android Device)

Updates help fix bugs in wireless features, improve drivers, and make things work better together. If your system is old, it might not work with new screen-mirroring tools. Look for updates often, not only on your phone, but also on your TV, streaming box, or projector.

4. How to Fix Screen Mirroring Issues on Your StarryHub?

StarryHub runs on StarryOS, which is a fork of Android, so fixing it will be easier than you think. So, if screen mirroring isn't working on yours, don't worry, there are a few simple things you can check. Follow these steps to get it fixed.

4.1 Restart Your Devices

Sometimes, simply restarting StarryHub and your device can fix the problem. Turn off both devices, wait a few seconds, then power them back on. This can clear any small glitches that might be stopping the connection.

4.2 Try Another Screen Mirroring Standard

StarryHub works with more than one screen mirroring method. You need to use the one that fits your device:

• iPhones use AirPlay.

• Most Android phones use Google Cast or Miracast.

• Windows PCs usually use Miracast(Windows+P).

• CZUR Sharing App is available for all devices. (Download it on CZUR)

Make sure your device and StarryHub are using the same method. You can check this in StarryHub’s settings under Wireless Display.

4.3 Try Screen Mirroring via ClickDrop

With CZUR StarryHub, you can use Peripheral Mode( ClickDrop) to connect your computer to StarryHub. This gives you a stronger and faster connection.

Here’s how:

1. Connect your computer to StarryHub using a ClickDrop dongle.

2. Click the button on ClickDrop, and you can mirror your computer.

3. Your computer should now recognize StarryHub’s camera, microphone, and speakers if you are in a video meeting.

This is a great option if you want a stable, lag-free connection. Read Set Up Zoom Video Meeting in StarryHub to know more about USB wired Peripheral Mode.

Figure3-Try Screen Mirroring via ClickDrop

4.4 Checking Network Settings

To use screen mirroring, your device and StarryHub must be on the same Wi-Fi. Check that both are connected to the same network and using either 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

4.5 Updating Software and Firmware

Check for software updates on your source device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) and projector firmware updates to enhance compatibility and performance. Visit the manufacturer's website for any available updates. Update StarryOS to 5.1 to get more new features.

4.6 If Nothing Else, Test with a Different Source Device

The fastest way to figure out the issue is to use a second phone, tablet, or computer. If the second device mirrors successfully, the original device is likely the problem. If both fail, something could be up with your StarryHub.

Conclusion

Screen mirroring issues are easier to fix once you know how your devices connect. Make sure your devices work together, your software is updated, and your network is good. Keep it simple, and screen mirroring will be easy. The more you know, the faster you’ll fix problems.