USB Type C ports are becoming more common on phones and laptops. They can transfer data at faster speeds, charge devices faster, and provide more power than their predecessors. But it’s not just the technical specs that make them exciting.
They also support video streaming over USB-C, which means you no longer need an HDMI cable to connect your laptop to an external monitor or TV. While the easiest way to stream video is by using a USB-c to HDMI cable, you can also check if your device can do it wirelessly.
Streaming video over USB Type C ports via Laptop
USB Type C is a new standard for charging devices. It’s found in some new laptops and smartphones, including the Google Pixelbook, Apple MacBook Pro 2016, Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch), HP Spectre x360 15t, and Huawei Matebook X Pro.
If your laptop or phone supports video out over USB Type C, it will say so in its settings menu. For example: In Settings > System > Display on my Pixel 2 XL phone (which has a USB-C port), you’ll see the option to “Display connected external display.”
You’ll also see an option to use your phone as a second screen for applications with Miracast (Microsoft’s wireless display protocol) or Chromecast (Google Cast). There are other options here as well; if you don’t see what you want when you tap the “All” tab at the top of that screen—like Miracast-compatible apps like Netflix or Hulu—try tapping “More” under “Wireless Display,” then tapping “Displays” under Multimedia.”
Can you stream video from your laptop to another device over its USB Type C port?
You can stream video from your laptop to another device over its USB Type C port. You will need to buy a cable of the right type. Most laptops have an HDMI output, but some are only available on the newer USB Type C ports.
You will need to buy a cable from the device’s manufacturer, but if you don’t want to do that, you can at least look online for third-party options and see if they have what you’re looking for in terms of price and quality. The cables should be relatively cheap if they are high-quality (but ensure they’re compatible with both devices).
Step 1. Go to Settings > System on Windows 10
To check if your PC or laptop can stream video over its USB Type C port, follow these steps:
- On your computer, go to Settings > System.
- Click on Projecting to this PC in the left panel of the window that opens up.
- Here, you will see two options – ‘Available everywhere’ and ‘Available everywhere on secure networks.’ If you have an unsecured network (no password required), select ‘Available everywhere,’ but if not, select ‘Available everywhere on secure networks.’
Step 2. Click on Projecting to this PC
Click on the Projecting to this PC button. You will see the options.
You can select the option you want to use. For example, select Extend my Windows Desktop on this device and click the Next button.
If you want, you can also change the resolution of your screen by clicking on Change Projection Mode. Then select a different mode from there (the higher the resolution, the slower it will be).
Step 3. Change Settings
- Go to the “Network & Internet” settings on your laptop.
- Click on “Wi-Fi,” then select your preferred network from the list of available networks.
- Select “Advanced options.”
- Look for an option called “Set as metered connection” or similar and toggle it off if you have it enabled already.
Ways to Stream Video
There are two main ways to stream video from a laptop to another device over USB-C. The first uses the “DisplayLink” technology, which allows video streaming over USB-C. This feature is available on most laptops with Intel Core i5 processors or better, as well as some Windows tablets and Chromebooks.
The second way is via MHL, short for Mobile High-definition Link (also known as HDMI). This requires adapters that allow your laptop’s micro USB port to connect with other devices like smartphones and TVs. The good news is that it’s becoming more common—you may be able to find an adapter at your local electronics store or online retailer!
Another example: The OnePlus 6T, with its USB-C port, can be hooked up to an external display to stream content — but only if you buy a specific cable from OnePlus.
That’s a lot of “ifs.” Fortunately, there are some easy ways to determine if your phone or laptop can stream video over its USB Type C port before you go out and buy any cables.
Conclusion
If you want to stream video over USB-C, there are two options — buy an adapter and a cable from the company or wait until they release a device with support for this feature in it. The second option may take some time, but at least we have some good news for those who own one of these laptops or smartphones.
