Connectivity is key in our concept of 21st century technology. Getting and keeping connected translates into easier and more flexible management across our many devices through social platforms, online web browsers and native apps. The most crucial device that keeps us connected constantly… our smartphones. They’re packed with entertainment sources and we’re pretty much hooked from the moment we wake up to the last few minutes we decide to call it a night.

When the day’s work comes to an end and we’re looking for a good escape from the real world, we often turn to our smartphone’s downloaded apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Facebook videos and other sources of online content. But there’s one downfall in this tool for escape. The screens are pretty small and it’s rather hard, or at the least, annoying to gather your friends around one 6 inch screen to watch the latest viral video. That’s where streaming comes into play.

We’ve all got a TV at home, and given the feasibility in pricing a wide range of brands up for selection; we’ve all got a Smart TV in our home; maybe even more than one. Streaming information from our phone to a 50 inch TV is a lot more enjoyable than watching on your iPhone, no matter how clear the display may be. And sharing your phone’s display to your TV can not be easier; here are some options to try out if you’re not already benefiting from this awesome means of screen sharing:

Wired connection – How to connect your smartphone to TV with a wire

What you’ll need to get connected here is an HDMI-ready TV and a cable that features your phone’s connectivity port adapter on one end and an HDMI output on the other. Connect the two ends and hey presto, you’re ready to view your phone’s content in a jiffy.

Check out your latest photos or videos, surf the web for the funniest cat videos out there and even play games on the big screen. Make sure your HDMI cable is long enough to have you seated comfortably on your couch before you commit to this solution. You’ll want to keep your phone in constant contact with you to change the video, swipe through your photos or control your game functions.

HDMI cables are usually 15 feet in length or shorter; this is preferred for your gaming console or streaming boxes for heightened display quality, but you’ll be able to find HDMI cables that reach 65 feet for your total control when connecting your smartphone to your TV. This option is great if WiFi connections and passwords are not your jam.

Wireless connection – How to connect your smartphone to TV wireless

If you’re connected to the same WiFi your Smart TV is connected to and know all the active passwords to get the job done; you will probably prefer to connect wirelessly. Also, it clears the solution of cords hanging out of your TV and disturbing your zen while watching your favourite YouTube vlog. You can get yourself a nifty gadget that discreetly plugs into your TV’s ports and allows you to connect seamlessly.

Devices such as the Roku® Streaming Stick® connects your Android devices in a few seconds, Miracast™ is great for both Android and Windows Phones and AirPlay is compatible with all iPhone and AppleTV devices. That’s a solution you might consider if you’re sporting an older Smart TV.

If you’ve got yourself a newer TV with a Smart Hub inbuilt into the CPU, then you’re probably able to connect your phone to your TV with the simple click of a button through your smartphone or tablet.

Picture this, you’re sitting on the couch with your friends, enjoying a few drinks and chilling out on a Sunday afternoon, you’re scurrying through your Facebook feed and an incredibly hilarious video pops up… wouldn’t you want to share the laughter with your buds?

Connect your smartphone to your TV with these wired or wireless options and your Sunday chillout sessions could get a whole lot more entertaining.