Guide to turning your cell phone into a projector

Turn Your Phone Into a Projector: A Smart and Practical Solution for Work and Entertainment

Turning your smartphone into a projector can be an innovative and practical solution for various situations—from professional presentations to movie nights at home.

In the United States, where the demand for mobile and multifunctional solutions grows daily, apps that allow your phone to act as a projector or second screen are becoming increasingly popular.

In this guide, we’ll show you the top apps available on the market, how to use them effectively, and how to get the most out of this smart technology.

Best Apps to Turn Your Phone Into a Projector

1. Duet Display

How to Use:

Step 1: Download and install Duet Display on both your smartphone (available for iOS and Android) and your computer.

Step 2: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. The app will automatically detect the connection.

Step 3: Launch Duet Display on both your phone and computer. Your computer’s interface will be projected onto your phone screen, functioning as a projector or an extended monitor.

Step 4: To use your phone as a projector, simply adjust your computer’s display settings to “mirror display” and show the desired content.

Key Features:

• High performance and low latency: Ideal for users who need smooth and responsive screen mirroring with minimal delay and high display quality.

• Touch and drag controls: Full touchscreen functionality allows you to interact with your computer directly through your phone.

• High-definition resolution: Supports up to 60 frames per second for fluid and detailed display.

• Multi-monitor support: Great for users looking to expand their workstation with multiple screens.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

2. Splashtop Wired XDisplay

How to Use:

Step 1: Download and install Splashtop Wired XDisplay on your smartphone and computer.

Step 2: Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Launch the app on both devices. Your phone will immediately begin displaying your computer screen.

Step 4: Configure your phone as a projector through your system’s display settings by selecting full-screen mode or adjusting the projection size as needed.

Key Features:

• USB Cable Connection: Ensures a stable and seamless transmission with high-quality image output—ideal for presentations or extended desktop use.

• Adjustable Resolution: Customize the display resolution to match different content types and screen sizes, providing flexibility and clarity.

• Low Latency Performance: Perfect for live presentations or any scenario where lag-free display is essential.

• Portrait and Landscape Modes: Easily switch between vertical and horizontal display modes depending on your viewing or presentation needs.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

 

3. iDisplay

How to Use:

Step 1: Download and install iDisplay on both your smartphone and computer.

Step 2: Connect the devices via Wi-Fi or USB cable, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Open the app on both your phone and computer. Your phone will begin displaying your computer screen within seconds.

Step 4: To use your phone as a projector, simply select the option to project specific content or use the screen mirroring feature for continuous display.

Key Features:

• Flexible Connection Options: Choose between Wi-Fi and USB for convenience and mobility.

• Fast Screen Mirroring: Quickly projects your computer screen to your phone for real-time display.

• Project Specific Content: Ideal for focused presentations or sharing selected windows and applications.

• Continuous Display Mode: Use screen mirroring for a seamless and uninterrupted visual experience.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

4. Spacedesk

How to Use:

Step 1: Install Spacedesk on your Windows computer and your smartphone (available for both iOS and Android).

Step 2: Connect your phone to the computer using a Wi-Fi connection.

Step 3: Open the Spacedesk app on both devices. Your computer screen will automatically be projected onto your phone.

Step 4: If needed, adjust the display settings on your computer to project images, videos, or presentations directly to your smartphone.

Key Features:

• Wireless Display via Wi-Fi: No need for cables—enjoy seamless screen sharing through a stable Wi-Fi connection.

• Automatic Screen Projection: Instantly mirrors your computer screen to your phone with minimal setup.

• Display Customization: Easily configure what content you want to project—ideal for presentations, media viewing, or multitasking.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works with Windows PCs and both Android and iOS devices for maximum flexibility.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

5. Deskreen

How to Use:

Step 1: Open Deskreen in your computer’s web browser and download the mobile app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Connect both devices via Wi-Fi, using the browser to project your computer screen to your phone.

Step 3: On your computer, open the browser and enter the URL provided by Deskreen to start the screen projection.

Step 4: Adjust your phone’s display settings to enable full-screen mode, turning it into a functional projector.

Key Features:

• Browser-Based Projection: No need for complex setups—Deskreen allows you to mirror your screen directly through a web browser.

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wireless and convenient, ideal for on-the-go use or quick presentations.

• Simple URL Access: Quickly start projecting by entering a unique Deskreen-generated URL on your phone.

• Full-Screen Mode: Transform your smartphone into a projector by enabling immersive full-screen viewing.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

6. Luna Display

How to Use:

Step 1: Purchase the Luna Display hardware, which includes a USB-C or Mini DisplayPort adapter, and install the Luna Display app on both your smartphone and computer.

Step 2: Connect the adapter to your computer and link your phone via USB or Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Open the Luna Display app on both devices.

Step 4: Your phone will display your computer screen in high resolution, functioning as a high-quality wireless projector.

Key Features:

• Premium Hardware Integration: Requires a dedicated USB-C or Mini DisplayPort adapter for ultra-reliable performance.

• High-Resolution Display: Provides crisp, smooth visuals—perfect for professional presentations or media streaming.

• Wired or Wireless Connection: Offers flexibility with both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity options.

• Lag-Free Experience: Designed for artists, designers, and professionals who need responsive and fluid screen mirroring.

Download the application by clicking the button to continue to your application store.

Comparison Between the Apps

Explanation of Table Points

Connection:
Some apps, such as Duet Display and Splashtop, rely exclusively on USB cable connections, ensuring stable and uninterrupted screen transmission—ideal for professional use and presentations. Others, like iDisplay and Spacedesk, also offer wireless options, providing more mobility but potentially relying on Wi-Fi signal quality.

Compatibility:
Most apps support a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. However, a few may have limited functionality on certain platforms. For example, Deskreen requires a web browser to function, making it accessible even on simpler or older devices.

Conclusion

Turning your smartphone into a projector using specialized apps is a practical and versatile solution—especially for users who need mobility or want to avoid the cost of traditional projectors. Whether you’re streaming videos, sharing presentations, or displaying content for group viewing, these apps meet a variety of needs with ease. Try out the apps mentioned above to find the one that best fits your style and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use these apps to play games projected from my phone?
Yes, many of these apps support game projection, especially Duet Display and Splashtop, which offer low latency and high-resolution performance, making them suitable for gaming.

2. What is the best solution for high image quality and flawless performance?
Luna Display is the top choice. It includes dedicated hardware that ensures the highest display quality and stable performance, perfect for professional use or high-definition home theater setups.

3. Do these apps work on all Wi-Fi networks?
Most apps work well on standard Wi-Fi networks. However, the projection quality depends on network stability and speed. In areas with weak Wi-Fi signals, users may experience lags or interruptions during projection.