Smart TVs are universally terrible. No, not the panels that continue to improve year after year, but the “smart” part that runs them. Slow CPUs cause slow app performance, if you can find the apps you want to use. To solve it, many opt for external streaming devicesbut, for the most part, they are underpowered.
You may have the solution in the junk drawer of your house: that old smartphone you couldn’t part with. With a fast CPU, support for most, if not all, codecs used in streaming, and HDMI output over USB-C, it will be more powerful than almost any external transmitter. You could use it for other things too, like a security cameraturning it into a multipurpose smart home device in minutes.
All you’ll need is a smartphone, a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and a hdmi cableand you’ll be on your way to streaming from your Jellyfin server or anywhere else you want. Any phone from the last five years should work fine, as long as it supports “MHL” or “DP Alt Mode.”
You probably have the best streaming device in a drawer
Any smartphone with HDMI output over USB-C will work
If you think about it, most streaming devices run a mobile operating system to begin with, so using an older smartphone isn’t much different. Once you have you have your Jellyfin server configuredYou don’t need much else to set up your smartphone as a dedicated streaming client:
- USB-C dock with HDMI output that supports direct charging
- hdmi cable
- Bluetooth or USB remote control/keyboard
If you have an older iPhone, you’ll want a Lightning to HDMI adapter and then you’ll be on your way to streaming supremacy.
- iOS compatible
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Yeah
- Android compatible
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Yeah
Choose a Jellyfin client and you’re on your way
Android users have things a little easier
Jellyfin will need a client app on your smartphone, which means you have to make a decision. For iOS users, Infuse is probably the best option, but there are a few others (although there is no native app yet). Android phone users will probably want to download the Android TV client APK from the official Jellyfin GitHub release page as it provides a TV-optimized layout.
Now to turn it into a dedicated transmitter
What sets streaming boxes apart from simply plugging a laptop or smartphone into your TV’s HDMI input is the integrated experience. That’s possible when you repurpose an old smartphone, with a little work. The first thing you’ll want to do is turn off lock screen notifications in the privacy menu, because it will be really annoying while you are deeply immersed in watching a movie.
Android users will want enable developer options and set the Stay awake while charging flag to allow it to behave as a streaming device. Then in SSettings > Apps > Default apps > Home appSet Jellyfin as the default startup launcher. It may be a slightly different branch in your menus depending on which phone you have, but it won’t be much different.
Now we want to disable some things so that they don’t interrupt us abruptly. Automatic updates are the first thing to disable; Otherwise, your phone may restart right before the interesting parts. Background app refresh can also be done, so it doesn’t slow down the network. Adaptive brightness also doesn’t need to be on; Your TV will take care of that part. and the Do not disturb The feature will take care of anything we missed.
Your old phone deserves to avoid being electronic waste
You no longer have to suffer from slow streaming devices
Whether you’re reusing it on a streaming device or from your laboratory at homeThe processing power of an old smartphone can handle more than you think. Whatever you choose, it’s better than letting that precious phone languish in a desk drawer. Plus, it likely supports all the codecs you want, which can’t always be said for streaming devices.
