Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- An outdated Android phone can double as a DIY streaming device.
- Built-in casting delivers a smoother experience compared to full-screen mirroring.
- A TV-style launcher simplifies browsing through streaming apps.
After 15 years of reviewing gadgets, I’ve accumulated a mountain of old tech stashed in bins and drawers all over my home.
I tend to hold onto devices like phones longer than necessary because there’s always a small voice in the back of my mind wondering whether they might become collectibles someday or, perhaps, whether I could still put them to good use. In fact, I recently repurposed an old Android phone as a Wi-Fi extender. That little experiment got me thinking about my other unused phones and realizing I really ought to find a purpose for them.
Then the idea struck me: Could I transform one into a DIY streaming stick, similar to a Roku or Fire TV?
Also: I started clearing my Roku cache, and it fixed my biggest TV complaint
To be clear, I’m referring to converting a phone into a wireless streaming hub or command center. A single place where all my streaming apps reside, complete with a TV-style interface, video cast to the larger screen, and my phone serving as the remote. As it turns out, this is surprisingly simple and only takes a few minutes to get up and running. You could even connect directly through HDMI for a wired setup, if you prefer.
How to turn your Android phone into a Roku or Fire TV
What you’ll need: An extra Android phone, an internet-connected TV or display that supports casting or screen mirroring, a charger, a launcher, and possibly a dedicated casting app. The phone should run a reasonably current Android version, have Wi-Fi capability, sufficient storage for streaming apps, and a decent battery.
Also: I replaced my bedroom TV with this $170 Roku projector, and it’s a worthy alternative
First, I linked my Android phone to my home Wi-Fi network and confirmed my TV was connected to the same network.
Show more
This is where things get exciting. I opted to install a launcher to swap out the standard Android home screen on my phone with a more TV-friendly interface. This is what gives the streaming apps on my phone the appearance of a Roku or Fire TV. I downloaded TV Launcher at no cost, but there are other launchers available in the Play Store, such as Projectivy Launcher, Easy TV Launcher, or ATV Launcher Pro for $2.99.
Once set up, I arranged my streaming apps to my liking. TV Launcher is great because the app icons display as large, rounded tiles in a clean row or grid layout, featuring colorful artwork and a polished design that makes the apps far easier to identify from across the room. I can hide or rearrange apps and even create folders.
Also: Own a Fire TV? Changing these 10 settings made my system run like new again
Show more
Since I’m using my phone to stream content, I need to adjust its settings so the screen doesn’t time out or dim while casting.
Navigate to Settings, then Display, and extend the screen timeout to 30 minutes or longer. For a more lasting solution, I activate Developer options by going to Settings > About phone, then tapping Build number seven times. Then, within Developer options, I can enable Stay awake so the display stays on whenever the phone is charging.
Finally, I keep the phone connected to a wall charger during playback so the battery doesn’t run out midway through a movie.
Show more
When I’m ready to stream, with my launcher open, I swipe down to Quick Settings on my Android phone and tap Cast. (Some phones may label it Screen Cast or Smart View. If it’s not visible, tap the pencil icon to edit Quick Settings and add it.) With a launcher in place, my streaming apps appear large. I can browse, select something, hit play from my phone, and enjoy watching on the big screen.
I discovered that native casting typically performs better than full-screen mirroring. So, if a streaming app includes a cast icon, I usually tap that to send the video to the TV and then use my phone as a remote. It produces smoother playback, consumes less battery, and minimizes audio lag.
There are dedicated casting apps that simplify streaming videos and movies from a mobile device. Castify, for instance, is free with ads, or there’s an optional ad-free upgrade. Web Video Cast is another free choice with a premium tier. It’s handy for any videos I want to watch from a website, like CNN, rather than through a major streaming app, and it supports local files and subtitles.
Also: Slow Fire TV? This quick 30-second fix made mine run like new again
Tip: A wired HDMI connection would make your phone-to-TV streaming experience more lag-free, by transmitting video directly through a cable instead of depending on Wi-Fi, but only certain Android phones support this.
Show
How I Turn My Android Phone Into a Streaming Device
In my case, I went with a Pixel 9a — a 2025 release featuring 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM — connected to an 85-inch Samsung 4K TV. After getting my launcher configured, installing my streaming apps, and deciding on a casting method, I was all set. I simply picked up my phone with the launcher active, chose an app and a show, casted it over, and managed playback right from my phone.
Certain DRM-protected apps might prevent screen mirroring through Quick Settings while still supporting casting from within the app itself. Availability depends on both the app and your subscription tier, but plenty of platforms offer built-in casting — Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, YouTube TV, and Tubi among them.
Also: How to clear your Android phone cache – the 30-second routine every user should be doing
From what I’ve found, this approach is straightforward and genuinely enjoyable to experiment with. Would I ditch a dedicated Roku or Fire TV stick and rely solely on an Android phone for streaming at home? Probably not. But for travel — say, in a hotel room or Airbnb — I can definitely see the appeal. At the very least, it was a fun way to breathe new life into an old, unused phone and give it a surprisingly practical second act.
Can an Android Phone Truly Replace a Roku or Fire TV?
For the most part, though not flawlessly. It can double as both a streaming device and a remote, and setup takes just a few minutes. That said, wireless casting can introduce lag, and while some services support native casting, they may block full-screen mirroring. This is why a streaming app might cast perfectly fine using its own Cast button but display a black screen, an error, or no video at all when you try to mirror.
Also: This silent Android feature scans your photos for ‘sensitive content’ – how to uninstall it
What’s the Difference Between Native Casting and Full-Screen Mirroring?
Native casting sends the video feed straight to your TV and turns your phone into a remote control, whereas full-screen mirroring replicates everything on your phone’s display onto the TV screen. In other words, any action you take on your phone while mirroring will also be visible on the television.
Is This Setup Actually Free?
Absolutely — provided you already own the Android phone and TV, use a free launcher, and plan to watch through an ad-supported platform like Tubi. In that scenario, you won’t even need to shell out money for the movies and shows you want to stream.
Does Wired HDMI Outperform Wireless Casting?
Wireless casting is more convenient, but a wired HDMI connection can cut down on or completely remove lag, particularly if your Wi-Fi signal is unreliable.
How to turn your old Android phone or iPhone into a security camera – in 4 easy steps
To check whether your Android phone supports video output, connect a USB-C to HDMI adapter, run an HDMI cable to your TV, and switch to the correct input. If the screen stays blank, your phone likely doesn’t support wired video output. Many Samsung devices do, as do Pixel 8 and newer models, along with select Motorola Edge phones.
Can I Leave My Android Phone Plugged In Permanently?
Doing so isn’t ideal for battery health. I’d recommend using a reputable charger, making sure the phone has adequate airflow, and unplugging it whenever it’s not actively being used.
Show more
