In this guide
Yes, you can connect a Samsung phone to a TV with USB-C, but only if your device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode — not all Samsung phones have this capability.
- Your Samsung phone supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
- You have a Galaxy S8 or later, Note 8 or later, Tab S4 or later, or a Galaxy Fold
- You use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable that supports video output
- Your TV has an available HDMI port
- Your Samsung model lacks USB-C video output (some budget models like SM-A2528B)
- Your adapter only handles charging or data, not video
- You are trying to play DRM-protected content via the adapter
Which Samsung Phones Support USB-C Video Output?
The key requirement is DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. This lets the port carry video signals in addition to power and data. Samsung has included this on its flagship and mid-to-high-tier devices since the Galaxy S8.
Supported device families include:
- Galaxy S series: S8 through S25
- Galaxy Note series: Note 8 and later
- Galaxy Tab S series: Tab S4 and later
- Galaxy Z Fold series
Budget A-series phones often do not support Alt Mode even though they have a USB-C port. Always check your specific model before buying an adapter. To understand why USB-C does not always mean video, see does USB-C support video.
What Adapter or Cable Do You Need?
You need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable that explicitly supports video output. Samsung’s own adapter (EE-HG950DBEGWW) is a reliable choice. Many third-party USB-C to HDMI cables also work, provided they are built for Alt Mode video — not just charging or file transfer.
For a broader look at how this connection works, visit can USB-C connect to HDMI.
Common Setups at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S23 to HDMI TV | Yes | USB-C to HDMI cable | Supports Alt Mode |
| Galaxy Tab S8 to HDMI TV | Yes | USB-C to HDMI adapter | Supports Alt Mode |
| Budget A-series to HDMI TV | No | — | No Alt Mode support |
| Any Samsung via charging-only adapter | No | Video-capable adapter | Wrong adapter type |
How to Verify Your Phone’s Compatibility
Check your device’s user manual or the Samsung support page for your exact model number. Search for “DeX” or “HDMI output” in the specs — if either is listed, Alt Mode is almost certainly supported. You can also use a USB-C detection app to confirm HDMI Alt Mode capability before purchasing any hardware.
DRM Content Warning
Even on a fully compatible setup, streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ often block playback over an HDMI adapter due to DRM restrictions. This is a software limitation, not a hardware fault. Local video files and screen mirroring of most other content will work normally.
Bottom line: Connecting a Samsung phone to a TV with USB-C works well on supported flagship and mid-range models using a video-capable USB-C to HDMI adapter — but verify Alt Mode support for your specific device before buying anything, and do not expect DRM-protected streaming apps to play through the connection.