7 Smart Ways to Use Your Monitor Without a Computer

When you think of a monitor, you probably picture it connected to a PC or laptop. However, that monitor can actually work with a variety of other devices, including smartphones, game consoles, streaming sticks , and media players—you just have to know where to start.

7. Project phone screen

Smartphones are no different than computers. Just like connecting a PC or laptop to a monitor, you can do the same with an Android device or iPhone.

For most phones, all you need is a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Once plugged in, your phone’s screen will appear on the screen almost instantly. If you have an older iPhone, you can achieve a similar effect using Apple’s Lightning Digital AV adapter. This adapter plugs into your iPhone’s charging port and provides HDMI output to a display.

6. Samsung DeX

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet that supports DeX, you don’t have to just mirror your screen. Samsung DeX lets you connect your device to a monitor and switch to a desktop-style interface. You get a taskbar, app shortcuts, support for dragging and dropping files, and the ability to run multiple apps in resizable windows.

The easiest way to use Samsung DeX is to use a USB-C to HDMI cable. Plug your phone into a monitor and you'll see a notification asking you to launch Samsung DeX. Tap that or enable DeX manually from the Quick Settings menu, and you're good to go. If you're using a Samsung Smart Monitor, you can skip the cable altogether and go wireless.

5. Use as live camera screen

If you’re into photography or content creation, you can also use your monitor as a live camera monitor. Your camera may have a built-in monitor, but you may not always have access to it when filming. This is especially true when you’re filming alone.

Most cameras support HDMI output, allowing you to connect directly to a monitor using an HDMI cable . In most cases, you’ll need a micro or mini HDMI to HDMI adapter cable, depending on your camera’s port. Once connected, your monitor will display a real-time video feed.

4. Streaming stick

Even if you have a high-end 4K display , it won't be able to stream Netflix , YouTube , or Disney+ out of the box. That's because most displays don't have apps, tuner, or Wi-Fi built in like a Smart TV . The easiest way to get around this is to use a streaming stick.

Devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV are small, affordable, and incredibly easy to use. You simply plug the device into your display’s HDMI port , connect it to power (usually via USB), and connect to Wi-Fi. Instantly, your old display turns into a smart entertainment hub.

3. Game console

You don't necessarily need to buy a streaming device if you already have a console like the PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X , or even the Nintendo Switch . Sure, these devices are designed for gaming first, but they also work great as media centers.

You can stream your favorite shows and movies from Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other apps directly from your console. Some even offer web browsing, though the experience can be a bit clunky. If you're using a PS5, using the optional Media Remote will make it feel more like you're using a Smart TV.

Tip : If you have a portable monitor, the possibilities are even more exciting. You can place the console almost anywhere—a hotel room, a kitchen counter, or even your backyard if you want.

2. DVD or Blu-ray player

DVD or Blu-ray players aren't as common as they used to be, but if you have one, you can pair it with your monitor to create a mini home theater. Most players have HDMI outputs, so you just need an HDMI cable to connect the two.

If your monitor doesn't have built-in speakers (many don't), you should connect external speakers to your player's audio output port for the best audio experience.

1. Connect security camera or DVR system

If your monitor isn't up to the task of high-end gaming or binge-watching movies, it can still be part of a home security system. You can connect it to a security camera or DVR (Digital Video Recorder) system and turn it into a dedicated surveillance monitor. Most DVR systems have HDMI or VGA outputs, so you won't have to deal with any complicated setup.

This is especially useful for monitoring entrances, garages, or any area where you want a constant video feed without relying on a mobile app or cloud service . It’s also much more convenient than pulling out your phone and waiting for an app to load. With a direct connection to your security system, your monitor provides instant, always-on visibility.