Watching videos and live streams on Facebook’s Watch platform can be a great way to keep up with friends and discover new content. While Watch is designed primarily for mobile devices, there are several ways to get Facebook Watch on your TV screen so you can enjoy videos on the big screen.
Use Screen Mirroring to View Facebook Watch on TV
One of the simplest ways to watch Facebook Watch on your TV is to use screen mirroring or casting. This allows you to mirror the display from your mobile device directly onto your TV screen wirelessly. Here’s how it works:
- Make sure both your mobile device and TV are connected to the same wireless network.
- Open the screen mirroring or casting function on your TV – this may be built into your smart TV or require an external device like Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.
- On your mobile device, open the screen mirroring/casting quick settings (often accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen). Select your TV from the list of available devices.
- Your mobile display should now be mirrored directly on your TV screen. Open the Facebook app and navigate to Watch to view videos.
- Use your mobile device to control playback, browse videos, etc. Everything you do on your phone will be mirrored on your TV in real-time.
Screen mirroring is convenient since it does not require any special apps or accounts – everything happens directly between your mobile device and TV. However, quality may not be as high as using dedicated apps, and lag can occur during playback.
Use the Facebook Watch Smart TV App
Many smart TV platforms have their own Facebook Watch app that you can use to watch videos directly on your TV. Here are some of the platforms that support Facebook Watch apps:
- Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS) – Download the Facebook Watch app from the Samsung App Store.
- LG Smart TVs (webOS) – Download the Facebook Watch app from the LG Content Store.
- Android TVs like Sony, Hisense, Philips, etc. – Download the Facebook Watch app from the Google Play Store.
- Amazon Fire TV – Download the Facebook Watch app from the Amazon App Store.
- Apple TV – Download the Facebook Watch app from the App Store.
To use a smart TV’s Facebook Watch app:
- Download and install the app if you haven’t already.
- Open the app and log in with your Facebook account.
- Browse and watch any public videos or follow Channels that interest you.
- You can also access your Facebook Watchlist and saved videos.
The experience will vary slightly depending on the TV platform, but generally you get a customized interface and remote-friendly controls. Video playback quality is usually very good. The only downside is that not all smart TVs have an official Facebook Watch app.
Use Facebook Watch Through a Streaming Device
If your smart TV doesn’t have an official Facebook Watch app, you can still access Watch on your TV using streaming devices like:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
These devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port and allow you to stream content from various apps and services. Here’s how to watch Facebook Watch using a streaming device:
- Connect the streaming device to your TV and complete the setup process.
- Download the Facebook Watch app from the device’s app store.
- Launch the Facebook Watch app and log in to your Facebook account.
- Select videos to watch either from your feed or by searching.
- Use the remote that came with your streaming device to control playback and navigate Facebook Watch.
Streaming devices give you a fast, easy way to get Facebook Watch on just about any TV. Video quality is generally very good since you’re using an app optimized for TV viewing. The streaming device remote can take some getting used to, but makes navigating the app simple.
Use Screen Sharing from Your Computer
If you have a desktop computer connected to your TV, you can use screen sharing to display your computer screen on the TV and watch Facebook Watch that way. Here’s how:
- Connect your computer to your TV via HDMI cable.
- Configure your TV as an extended or mirrored display in your computer’s settings.
- Visit Facebook Watch in your computer’s web browser and play a video.
- The video will either appear on your TV screen as an extended display or as a mirror of your main monitor.
- Use your computer mouse/trackpad and keyboard to control Facebook Watch playback and navigation.
This gives you the full desktop Facebook Watch experience streamed right on your TV. Quality is generally very good. Just be sure to adjust your TV and PC resolution and layout settings to optimize the video display.
Use a Digital Media Player like the Amazon Fire Stick
Digital media players like the Amazon Fire Stick, Roku Express, Apple TV, Chromecast, etc. provide an easy way to watch internet video streaming services like Facebook Watch on your TV. Here’s how to use them for Facebook Watch:
- Purchase the media player and connect it to your TV’s HDMI port.
- During setup, link the media player to your WiFi network.
- Open the platform’s app store (e.g. Amazon Appstore for Fire Stick) and download the official Facebook Watch app.
- Launch the Facebook Watch app and log in with your Facebook account.
- Use the included remote to browse and select videos to watch.
- Controls like play, pause, volume, etc. will also be handled through the media player’s remote.
Media players offer a highly polished watching experience optimized for TV viewing. Their remotes are designed to be simple for navigating apps and content. Video quality is excellent when using the dedicated Facebook Watch app. Just be sure to get a media player that officially supports the Facebook Watch app.
Screen Mirroring vs. Using a Smart TV App
| Screen Mirroring | Smart TV App |
|---|---|
| Mirrors your mobile device’s screen directly on your TV | Dedicated Facebook Watch interface optimized for TV |
| Works with any mobile device and smart TV combo | Only works if your TV’s OS supports a Facebook Watch app |
| Quality limited by mobile device and connection | Optimized by TV hardware for best quality |
| Control playback completely through mobile device | Use TV remote to control playback and navigate |
| Latency can cause lag during playback | Smoother playback as video streams directly to TV |
Connecting Computer vs. Streaming Device
| Computer | Streaming Device |
|---|---|
| Need HDMI cable from computer to TV | Connects wirelessly via WiFi |
| Requires configuring display settings | Dedicated interface designed for TV |
| Control playback with mouse/keyboard | Use included remote control |
| Quality depends on computer hardware | Optimized by streaming device and internet speed |
| Can be complex to set up | Simple plug-and-play setup |
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the “best” way to watch Facebook Watch on your TV depends on your specific setup and needs. Any of the methods discussed above will work, with various trade-offs to consider.
Screen mirroring offers the most compatibility across devices, while smart TV apps provide the most optimized viewing experience. Streaming devices and computers fill the gaps for older TVs. Focus on finding the option that’s most convenient for you and provides the playback quality you’re looking for.
With Facebook Watch’s growing amount of original content and community forums, it can be enjoyable to access it on the big screen. Whether you prefer the simplicity of screen casting or having a dedicated app, watching Facebook Watch on your TV is easier than ever.
Some additional detailed tips
Here are some more specific tips for trouble-free viewing when getting Facebook Watch on your TV:
- For screen mirroring – Enable WiFi on both devices and connect them to the same network. Position your phone close to the TV to minimize interference.
- Check your TV’s app store frequently for updated Facebook Watch apps as they are often improved.
- If your computer is connecting to your TV via HDMI, use a high quality cable and check it is inserted firmly on both ends.
- Streaming devices will require stable internet to deliver high quality video. Use Ethernet if possible or position the device near your WiFi router.
- Make sure your TV’s input mode is set correctly for the device you are using to deliver Facebook Watch.
- Refer to the device or TV manufacturer’s website for specific troubleshooting tips.
- Close and re-open the Facebook Watch app if you experience playback issues or freezing.
- Check for any available software/firmware updates for your TV, streaming device or computer graphics drivers.
- Adjust your TV picture settings like brightness, contrast and backlighting to optimize video playback.
- Connect your device or TV to a surge protector to avoid power issues affecting video streaming.
Troubleshooting connectivity, software and hardware issues as they arise can help ensure the best viewing experience. But overall, modern TVs make it straightforward to access Facebook Watch in your living room for entertainment and staying connected.
Why watch Facebook Watch on TV?
Here are some of the key advantages of watching Facebook Watch on a TV screen:
- Larger screen for an immersive, cinematic viewing experience.
- Enjoy original shows like Red Table Talk in higher quality.
- Comfortably watch longer videos from friends and Pages you follow.
- Easily view Facebook Watch parties and interact with the group.
- Discover new recommended videos surfaced on the Facebook Watch home screen.
- Use your TV’s sound system or connect external speakers for better audio.
- Lean back and watch hands-free rather than hunched over a phone.
- Catch live streams like gaming or celebrity events on the big screen.
- Easily cast Facebook Watch from your phone for quick, convenient viewing.
For movie and TV show watching, getting the full cinematic experience makes a difference. Facebook Watch lets you enjoy a range of content in a more immersive way on your home TV.
Conclusion
Facebook Watch offers a constantly expanding collection of shows, live streams, and more – but enjoying it on a phone can be limiting. By screen casting from your mobile device or using a streaming platform, getting Facebook Watch on your TV is simple. You’ll be able to watch the latest viral videos, follow your friends’ posts, or discover new creators much more comfortably on the big screen. With plenty of options like built-in smart TV apps, digital media players, and screen mirroring, finding the best viewing experience for you takes just a few steps. Turn your living room into a personal home theater and unlock a higher quality way to enjoy Facebook Watch’s great video content.