You can connect some phones and tablets to an external monitor, TV or projector to give yourself a larger screen for using Flock XR.
This can be useful if your phone or tablet is your main computing device but you want more screen space for creating a Flock XR project.
You can also connect accessories such as a keyboard and mouse to some devices to create a more desktop-like setup.
What do I need?
The equipment you need depends on your phone or tablet and the monitor you’re using.
You may be able to connect using:
- a USB-C to USB-C cable
- a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter
- a Lightning adapter on older Apple devices
- a USB-C hub or dock
- wireless screen mirroring
Not every phone or tablet supports video output, so check the specifications for your device before buying a cable, adapter or dock.
Connect an Android device to a monitor
Some Android phones and tablets can display their screen on an external monitor.
Depending on your device, connecting a monitor may either mirror your phone’s screen or provide a desktop-style interface designed for use on a larger display.
Some manufacturers provide their own desktop environments, and newer versions of Android also support desktop experiences on compatible devices.
The exact setup therefore varies between Android devices.
If your device supports video output, connect it to your monitor using the appropriate cable, adapter or dock and follow any instructions that appear on your device.
You can then open Flock XR in a supported web browser or from your installed Flock XR app.
Connect an iPhone or iPad to a monitor
You can also connect compatible iPhones and iPads to an external monitor, TV or projector.
Newer devices with USB-C may be able to connect directly to a USB-C display or use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable.
Some older devices can connect using an appropriate Lightning display adapter.
Depending on your Apple device, the external display may mirror what’s shown on your device or provide additional display options.
Once connected, open Flock XR in your browser or from your installed Flock XR app.
Connect wirelessly to a display
You may also be able to show Flock XR on a monitor, TV or projector without using a cable.
This is useful for displaying a Flock XR project on a larger screen or sharing your work with a group.
Use AirPlay with an iPhone or iPad
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use AirPlay to mirror your screen to a compatible display, such as an Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible smart TV or Mac.
To mirror your screen:
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad and the AirPlay device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Centre.
- Select Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the display you want to use.
- Open Flock XR on your iPhone or iPad.
Your device’s screen, including Flock XR, will be shown on the external display.
When you’ve finished, return to Screen Mirroring in Control Centre and stop mirroring.
Cast from an Android device
Many Android devices can also share their screen wirelessly with a compatible TV, monitor or streaming device.
The name of this feature varies between devices. You might see options such as Cast, Screen Cast, Screen Mirroring or a manufacturer-specific feature.
Open your device’s quick settings or display settings and look for its casting or screen mirroring option.
Select the display you want to use, then open Flock XR.
Because Android devices vary, check your phone or tablet manufacturer’s instructions if you can’t find the casting controls.
Show your Flock XR project to an audience
Connecting to a larger display is also a great way to show or demonstrate a Flock XR project to other people.
For example, you could mirror your phone or tablet to a TV, monitor or projector while you:
- demonstrate a Flock XR project to a class or group
- show a game or interactive experience you’ve created
- present your 3D world
- demonstrate how your code affects what happens on the Canvas
- control your project from your phone or tablet while everyone watches on the larger screen
This can be particularly useful in classrooms, workshops and coding clubs, where several people need to see the same project.
For a quick demonstration, wireless screen mirroring such as AirPlay or your Android device’s casting feature can be convenient because you don’t need to connect your device with a cable.
If you’re going to interact with the project extensively, remember that wireless mirroring can sometimes introduce a small delay. A wired connection may provide a more responsive experience.
Wired or wireless?
Both wired and wireless connections can be useful, but they suit slightly different situations.
A wired connection can be a good choice when you’re creating and editing a Flock XR project for a longer period, particularly if you’re also using a keyboard and mouse.
A wireless connection is convenient when you want to quickly show your Canvas on a larger screen, demonstrate a project or share your work with a class or group.
Wireless screen mirroring can sometimes have a small amount of delay between your device and the external display. If you need particularly responsive controls, a wired connection may work better.
Add a keyboard and mouse
You can also connect a physical keyboard and mouse to many phones and tablets.
Depending on your device and accessories, you might connect them using:
- Bluetooth
- USB
- a USB hub or dock
Combining a phone or tablet with a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse can give you a more computer-like setup for creating Flock XR projects.
Why use an external monitor with Flock XR?
Using a larger display gives Flock XR more space for your coding workspace and 3D Canvas.
It can be particularly useful if you normally use Flock XR on a phone or small tablet but have access to a monitor, TV or projector.
Your phone or tablet is still running Flock XR — the external display simply gives you a larger screen to work with.
Check your device before you start
External display support varies considerably between phones and tablets.
Before choosing cables, adapters or other accessories, check your device manufacturer’s guidance to find out:
- whether your device supports an external display
- which connection types it supports
- whether it mirrors or extends the display
- whether it offers a desktop mode
- which adapters or cables you need
👉 For an example of setting up an Android phone with a monitor, keyboard and mouse, see the Tech Age Kids guide Using a phone as a computer with a monitor, keyboard and mouse.