What Is AllShare Cast, and How Do You Use It?

James Davis

Sep 01, 2023 • Filed to: Mirror Phone Solutions • Proven solutions

Different devices, platforms, and tools have been available for years for screen mirroring, some of which are native to specific brands. The service of Samsung AllShare or AllShare Play was active for a long time, originally created for Samsung users to share available media files between tablets, smartphones, Samsung Smart TVs, and other associated devices.

With the support of AllShare Cast, users could play the media on the secondary Samsung devices when they are connected to one internet router. In terms of using the solution though, there are multiple factors one needs to consider. Here, we shall discuss them all, including other alternatives.

allshare cast

Part 1. What are AllShare Cast and AllShare Cast Dongle?

When speaking on AllShare Cast functionality for screen mirroring, understanding AllShare Cast Dongle is vital.

What is AllShare Cast Dongle?

The device comes as a small black-colored plastic box with an HDMI port within it that users connect to the display device, TV, or projector. The AllShare Cast Dongle works with USB connectivity support and has a lightweight build, which makes it a portable solution for network connectivity.

After applying the Dongle, you can stream different media content to your viewing screen from a compatible device. Since this is a device, users need to connect one HDMI cable end to the dongle and connect it to the TV with the other side in the HDMI socket.

AllShare Cast- Overview

In this context, the AllShare Cast app is a solution that Samsung smartphone users can use for screen mirroring. The app receiver allows the Android phone screen to display wirelessly after scanning on the Miracast-enabled screens and TV monitors, adapters, or Wireless dongles.

It is possible to activate this in-built feature on Samsung smartphones to activate the screen mirroring process from the adapter or dongle. Users have to swipe the top notification screen down on the phone and search for Search Mirroring. Then, click on it to activate the function.

Part 2. How to Use AllShare Cast?

AllShare Cast is a suitable solution for projecting the smartphone screen to another device in screen mirroring.

The AllShare solution from Samsung aimed to increase the limit of sharing digital media content across multiple devices, like computers, mobile devices, and TVs. It utilized DLNA for this, but Samsung has temporarily removed AllShare from its services.

However, instead of eradicating it, Samsung has merged the features of AllShare into other platforms, like Samsung Link. In recent times, the main solution in use is Smart View.

The newest SmartView is an application-centric solution with the combined effects of Samsung Link and AllShare. The newer versions have better UI conditions, improved speed, and more.

So, in the context of how to use AllShare Cast, you have to focus on how to use the Dongle and app together.

Using AllShare Cast Dongle

The most commonly used option for Samsung users adopting the AllShare Cast option is operating the Dongle device. It is a useful tool for streaming multimedia content like movies, music, and other types from compatible mobile devices into HDMI/HDTV displays.

To use this, you have to handle the whole setup process of the Dongle and then activate it for screen mirroring.

How to use it?

Step 1: Get the HDMI A-to-A cable you are using for this process and connect one of its ends to the Dongle. Enter the other cable end into the HDMI socket present on your TV.

Step 2: Connect the primary adapter to the Dongle.

Step 3: After plugging in the Dongle and adapter, you can switch the device on.

switch the device on

Step 4: You will see a red blinking light on the Dongle. At this time, you should change the input source to the HDMI option. If successful, a confirmation message will come up.

change the input source to hdmi

Step 5: Reach to the dongle device's back and tap on the Reset button present there. After that, the light will become blue.

Step 6: You must sync the device you use with the Dongle. Based on the device type you are working with, you will see multiple options to select from to connect.

  • Settings route: On your phone, go to Settings and view the NFC and Sharing section/More Connection Settings. You will get different screen mirroring functions, like AllShare, Screen Mirroring, and ShareView options, as per your phone model/OS version. Choose the device and press Dongle.

press the dongle

  • Quick Connect route: Swipe down the Notification panel from the top for Quick Connect and choose the AllShare Cast screen mirroring icon (if already available or if you manually added it beforehand).

Step 7: The Dongle, TV, and smartphone device are connected now.

Using the AllShare Play app

Users can also operate the mobile application version available for AllShare Cast to safely mirror the phone screen to the TV monitor. Note that slight differences are expected on different smartphone models and versions.

Step 1: Open your smartphone and go to the Settings menu.

Step 2: Scroll down to the WiFi option and activate the WiFi toggle. You can also do this by dragging the notification bar down and choosing WiFi from the Quick Connect options.

scroll down to the wifi option

Step 3: Go to your TV device, and browse the Settings section. Choose General > Network > Network Settings.

The software will automatically begin scanning all of the active WiFi connections it detected.

choose general

Step 4: Next, connect the TV and smartphone to the same WiFi network.

Step 5: Get the AllShare Play Cast from Google Play Store/Apple App Store.

Step 6: When the downloading process is done, you can register the devices you are using on the Samsung Account.

Step 7: Complete the pairing steps for the smartphone you are mirroring with the smart TV.

Part 3. Is AllShare Cast Still Available?

Samsung's AllShare was useful for screen mirroring, but currently, it is inactive. After removing the service from its system, Samsung brought forward other apps with upgraded features and the functionalities available in the earlier AllShare Cast APK. These include solutions like Samsung Link, SmartView, and now the SmartThings app.

Mirror Your Screen to Samsung TV with Smart View

The SmartView is the newer version of screen mirroring/webcasting functionality that Samsung adopted on its devices. When you activate this feature, you can connect a compatible Samsung Smart TV and smartphone, all wirelessly. Even gaming screens like Odyssey Ark allows users to use this function for the screen mirroring process.

Keep in mind that the Smart View function may not appear on your Samsung device since the software is only compatible with some devices:

  • Android- Devices with Android 4.0 or higher.
  • iOS- iPhones running with iOS 7.0 or higher.
  • TVs- Samsung Smart TV models released after 2015 are compatible with Smart View typically. Some examples include 2016 K4300/K5300+, 2015 J4500/J5500+ (not J620), 2015 J4500/J5500+ (H6003/H6103/H6153/H6201/H6203 excluded), 2013 LED F4500+ (not F9000+), 2013 PDP F5500+, 2012 LED ES7500+/PDP E8000+, 2011 PDP D8000+/LED D7000+ models.
  • All Samsung Smart TVs 2017 onwards
  • Ultra HD BluRay disc players/ Samsung BluRay-enabled TVs

Check to see the TV you will screen the content to and the devices using the same WiFi network. Also, verify the compatibility factors through the documentation you got with the TV device.

How to use this?

Step 1: Swipe the panel for Quick Settings down on your phone by sliding two fingers up-to-down on the screen.

Step 2: Shift through the options and choose the Smart View option.

choose the smart view option

In case this icon does not come up, swipe left. If it is still not visible, it means that the SmartView function is not updated to Quick Settings or is not compatible with your device.

Step 3: A list of available devices will come up next. Choose the TV that you will screen mirror the content to and click on the Start Now button.

The software may provide the prompt to verify access- add the PIN code to admit to the connection.

Step 4: You will see the device interface streaming on the TV screen.

Step 5: After you have completed watching your content, click on the Smart View icon that appears on the phone. Then, press the Disconnect button.

Mirror Your Screen to Samsung TV With SmartThings

After Samsung retired the AllShare functionality, it combined the previously available features of AllShare into newer "Smart" platforms, like Samsung Link and SmartView. SmartThings is the newest app version in place of the AllShare Cast download that operates the function on Samsung smartphones.

There are some simple steps to follow for mirroring your phone screen through this method.

How to do this?

Step 1: Download, install, and then launch the SmartThings app.

Step 2: Choose the TV monitor device for the mirroring process.

Step 3: Click on the three-dot icon at the top of the More icon and choose the "Mirror Screen (Smart View)" option.

Step 4: Next, a prompt for "Start casing with SmartThings" will appear. Click on the Start Now button.

click on the start now button

Part 4. FAQs About AllShare Cast

  1. Does AllShare Cast need WiFi?

The main connector type for the AllShare Cast Dingle is the HDTV-centric HDMI port. It is important to ensure the devices have a WiFi connection for smooth wireless transfers.

  1. Can I Delete the AllShare Cast Dongle?

Indeed, it is possible to delete or remove the AllShare Cast Dongle from your device. For this, users must access the Settings menu on their smartphone and click on the Apps option. Then, press the AllShare Cast Dongle choice and tap the Uninstall button.

  1. Does AllShare Cast work with iPhone?

AllShare Cast has compatibility with iPhones, with the app available for iOS/iPadOS 12.0 and higher versions. After downloading AllShare Cast on iPhones or iPads, the technology is capable of detecting compatible devices when connected to one network.

  1. Why is my TV not showing up as a Cast option?

If the TV is not showing up in the list of the Cast options during the screen mirroring process, it is typically because the device is incompatible with AllShare Cast. To avoid this, read through the TV device manual and specifications to confirm beforehand.

Conclusion

Indeed, AllShare Cast from Samsung is useful for a quick and efficient screen mirroring process. The steps to use the AllShare Cast Dongle and the newer app versions are also effective.

But after the discontinuation of the AllShare Cast app, it has become complex to handle all the screen mirroring steps across different device types. Comparatively, you can use other solutions like the third-party Wondershare Dr.Fone Air software. It is easy to use across platforms like smartphone and PC for smooth and quick screen mirroring.

James Davis

James Davis

staff Editor

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