How to Use TV as Second Monitor or Computer Monitor?

Using your TV as a second monitor not only significantly enhances your visual experience but also enables you to handle multiple tasks at work with ease. Whether you opt for a wired HDMI connection or choose wireless screen casting technology, achieving this goal is straightforward.

The following content will walk you through the detailed setup steps and important considerations, helping you save on the cost of purchasing a new monitor.

1Can You Use a TV as a Second Monitor?

Yes, you can use a TV as a second monitor. For everyday tasks such as office work, web browsing, or casual video watching, most modern TVs can be connected via standard HDMI or similar interfaces, making them essentially plug-and-play.

However, if you're aiming for gaming or professional work that demands low input lag and high refresh rates (like 4K at 60Hz or 120Hz), you'll need to verify the TV’s performance in these areas. Many users suggest that if the TV is only for viewing or as an extra display, it works well; for more demanding uses, a dedicated monitor is the better choice.

2Use TV as Second Monitor from Windows 10/Mac (Extend Mode)

Using TV as a second monitor has never been easier. A large variety of wired and wireless methods are available to help you use a TV as a second monitor. Let's discuss them in detail.

How to Use TV as Second Monitor Wirelessly?

For temporary screen sharing or to avoid cables, wireless connections offer convenience but it comes with the risk of latency and fluctuating image quality. While these factors have minimal impact on reading or web browsing, it may hinder real-time gaming or drawing.

Ensuring your TV or receiver supports the required protocols and maintaining a stable network is key. Reviews indicate that in game mode, latency typically ranges from 10 to 30 milliseconds—acceptable for casual use but potentially problematic for competitive gaming.

For Windows:

Miracast is one of the most reliable ways for Windows users to extend the screen of their computer to the TV. It is because Miracast offers wide-ranging compatibility and great user-friendliness.

If you want to use the TV as a second monitor wirelessly for your Windows computer, you’ll have to follow these steps:

For Mac:

Mac does not natively support Miracast technology, due to which using all types of TV with Mac as a second monitor can be challenging. However, if you have a smart TV that supports AirPlay, the entire process will become easier.

Therefore, you first must make sure that your particular smart TV supports AirPlay to wirelessly use the TV as a second monitor by following these steps:

How to Use TV As Second Monitor with HDMI?

Most TVs are equipped with an HDMI port, allowing them to connect directly to a computer. To achieve a 60Hz refresh rate—or even higher—at 4K resolution, you must use devices that support sufficient bandwidth (for example, HDMI 2.0 or higher). 

Additionally, if the TV's native resolution (1080p or 4K) does not match the computer's output, scaling distortions or edge cropping may occur.

How to use TV as computer monitor with cable?

Windows 10 and Mac computers have a default "Extend" mode through which you can extend the screen of your computer system to a TV via cable. You can use this Mode in the following steps:

1. Get the Right Cables

Firstly, identify the video output ports on your computer. Most PCs and Mac desktops have at least two ports. Generally, Windows computers include HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort, while Mac desktops primarily use Thunderbolt (USB-C), with some models also featuring HDMI. If your computer only has DP or USB-C ports, you'll need a DP/USB-C to HDMI adapter.

After identifying the ports, purchase the appropriate cables and adapters if needed. If both your TV and computer have the same port type, such as HDMI or DVI, no adapter is necessary. However, if they differ, you will need a compatible adapter from a reliable retailer.

2. Connect your Computer to the TV

Connect the video output port of your computer, such as HDMI, to the TV's video input port. Make sure that you are using a high-quality cable and that they are properly connected to both of your devices.

3. Switch to HDMI Channel on your TV

Turn on your TV and access the "Input" menu to open the HDMI channel. The exact menu and setting greatly vary from TV to TV, but these are typically labeled as HDMI

4. Extend Screen

Press Win+P on your Windows computer system or open the "Displays" settings on your Mac system. Start extending your screen to enjoy using the TV as a second monitor.

3Common Issues and Solutions

1. Unable to Achieve the Desired Refresh Rate or Resolution

2. Noticeable Input Lag

3. Lag or Poor Image Quality in Wireless Transmission

4Using TV as Computer Monitor (Mirroring Mode)

When it comes to using a TV as a computer monitor, you are likely to face a number of challenges, such as determining the built-in function for your specific Windows or Mac computer, available HDMI port, and finding the right cables.

However, these challenges can be avoided by using a reliable screen mirroring tool like AirDroid Cast. It is a powerful screen mirroring app that is available for all the major platforms and operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and smart TVs. A web version – AirDroid Cast Web – is also available to enhance its accessibility.

Mirror Mac / Windows Computer to TV via AirDroid Cast Web

Follow these steps to mirror your Mac or Windows to TV with AirDroid Cast Web:

5Final Words

It is evident that many wired and wireless methods are available to turn your TV into a second monitor and get the benefits of using a computer system on a larger screen. Choosing the best method is dependent on your specific requirements.

By using the right cables and ports, you'll likely find the default extend option to be the best one in terms of quality and efficiency. Similarly, when it comes to wireless methods, the best way of using a TV as a second monitor or computer monitor is to rely on a screen mirroring app like AirDroid Cast because it is quick, easy, and simple.

FAQs - You May Also Want to Know

Is it Possible to Use a TV as a Second Monitor?

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Yes, it is possible to use a TV as a second monitor through both wired and wireless methods. Most TVs and laptops nowadays have HDMI ports, so you can use them to make the connection. Otherwise, screen mirroring apps like AirDroid Cast can be used for wireless connection.

What do you need to consider when using your TV as a display?

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Make sure that your TV supports the resolution that you want. Moreover, there can be a little input lag in TVs because they are not natively designed for quick computing tasks. Additionally, you should also consider the specific size of the TV and the distance at which you sit from it to avoid eye strain.

What are the pros and cons of using a TV as a monitor?

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You can enjoy the content on the larger screen. Using a TV as a monitor will improve your workflow, and it also helps you in saving money by not spending on getting a dedicated monitor. On the other hand, eye strain, input lag, poor resolution, and lack of wide-ranging compatibility are some cons of using a TV as a monitor.

What do you use a second monitor for?

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A second monitor can be used for many reasons, such as multitasking, gaming, video editing, presentations, and entertainment purposes. Whatever the reason might be, it is a reliable and efficient way of maximizing the features of your computer system.