This guide explains how to check if your phone supports HDMI Alt Mode, a feature that allows your device to output video directly to an external display through its USB-C port.
Before you start, you will need the specific phone you wish to check for HDMI Alt Mode compatibility. By confirming compatibility, you can connect your phone to a TV or monitor with a simple USB-C to HDMI cable for screen mirroring, avoiding unnecessary adapters.
Use the following methods to determine if your smartphone is capable of sending a video signal directly through its USB-C port to an external display.
To check your phone’s specifications, first find the official product page for your phone model on the manufacturer’s website or consult its user manual. Search the specifications list for terms like HDMI Alternate Mode, HDMI Alt Mode, video output over USB-C, or DisplayPort over USB-C. If the manufacturer lists this feature, your phone is compatible. If it is not mentioned, your device likely does not support it.
Alternatively, you can use a checker application. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, search for and install an app designed to check for video output capabilities, such as MHL Checker or Checker for Type-C Video. Launch the application and follow the on-screen prompts to run the check. The app will tell you if your phone’s USB-C port supports MHL or HDMI Alt Mode.
Another method is to look for physical port markings. Examine the area immediately surrounding the USB-C port on your phone and look for specific icons printed next to the port. While not always present, some devices use symbols to indicate video output capabilities. A lightning bolt icon indicates Thunderbolt 3 support, which includes video output. A “D” symbol indicates DisplayPort Alt Mode support. HDMI Alt Mode itself rarely has a dedicated icon.
It is worth noting that HDMI Alt Mode is a newer standard, while MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) is an older one. If an app reports your phone supports MHL but not HDMI Alt Mode, you can still output video but may need a specific MHL adapter instead of a direct USB-C to HDMI cable.
If you’ve confirmed your phone does not support HDMI Alt Mode, you can still connect it to an external display. The most common solution is to use a powered USB-C to HDMI adapter or a docking station. These devices contain their own video conversion chip (like DisplayLink) that processes the video signal, a function your phone cannot perform natively.
Alternatively, you can opt for a wireless solution. Devices like Google Chromecast or other wireless mirroring tools such as EZCast allow you to cast your phone’s screen to a TV or monitor without any physical cables. This method is often more convenient but may introduce a slight delay, making it less ideal for gaming.
