How to Use Insignia Fire TV as an Extended Monitor

TVs can double up as computer monitors, enabling you to add another display to your PC setup. You can also use them to extend your laptop screen and reduce the eye strain of small laptop displays.

Whatever the case, you can use your Insignia Fire TV, or any other brand, as an extended monitor. You’ll feel the difference between viewing content and using apps and games, which become more enjoyable on a bigger, high-resolution display.

In this post, you’ll learn wired and wireless methods to connect your PC/Mac to the Insignia Fire TV and use it as a secondary display.

Extend Computer Display to Insignia Fire TV Using an HDMI Cable

The HDMI port is the easiest way to connect a computer to an Insignia Fire TV. Wired connections are more reliable, have minimum latency, and work even without the internet.

All you need is an appropriate quality cable connecting the Insignia Fire TV to the computer. The TV usually comes with an HDMI port, but your computer might have a different one (VGA, DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, USB Type-C).

It is usually a problem on laptops because manufacturers add different output ports depending on the model. In such cases, you must use an adapter that converts the output display port to HDMI. Adapters are also handy when all the current display ports are busy and you must convert one to HDMI.

Steps For Windows PC

On a Windows PC, repeat the following steps to connect to your Insignia Fire TV:

Step 1: Connect the HDMI cord to the TV and PC or laptop ports. Note the HDMI port number.

Step 2: Press the Input button on your TV remote. Choose the HDMI port connected to the laptop. You can also use the TV interface to select the HDMI port as a source.

Step 3: Your PC display will extend to the laptop by default.

Step 4: Right-click on the Start button. Click on the Settings option. Navigate to System > Display.

Step 5: Click on the option next to the Identify button. Here’s what each option does:

Extend these displays – It extends the PC and TV screen as a common display with a single Taskbar.
Duplicate these displays – It will replicate the PC display on the Fire TV.
Show only on X – Shows the screen only on the selected output device (monitor or TV). “X” refers to the number that Windows assigns to all the connected displays.

Other useful settings

Screen Resolution – Set the correct TV resolution from the list.
Advanced graphics – Pick the correct refresh rate for the TV. Usually, it’s 60 Hz, but some support 120 Hz.
Scale – Adjust the overall size of the display elements (text, icons, etc) for better visibility.
Display Orientation – Use this option to display in portrait mode.

Steps For Macbook or other Mac

The Macbook’s setup isn’t different from the Windows PC method I described before. First, connect the Macbook or any Mac to the Insignia Fire TV with an HDMI cable. In newer devices, you’ll need a USB C to HDMI adapter. Then, repeat the following steps:

Step 1: Press the Input button on your TV remote. Choose the HDMI port in which you connected the cable.

Step 2: macOS will launch the screen mirroring automatically. You’ll notice that the Mac display is duplicated on the Insignia Fire TV.

Step 3: Click on the Display settings icon on the Dock. Select the Display and Dock option from the vertical menu.

Step 4: To change the default display mode, navigate to the Use as option.

Step 5: Pick the Extended display option for TVs and monitors as one screen. Or, use the Main display option only to use Insignia Fire TV as the primary monitor.

Like Windows OS, you can change the screen resolution, color profiles, and more on the Display and Dock page.

Extend Computer Display to Insignia Fire TV Wirelessly

Insignia Fire TVs support Apple AirPlay and Miracast. These wireless technologies help you wirelessly connect the TV to a Mac or Windows PC in a few clicks. The TV and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network in your home or office.

We can’t vouch for every model, so check the supported wireless standards beforehand. You can find it in the TV settings, product brochure, and the official website.

Connect to Windows PC

Windows laptops, especially Windows 10 and 11, come with Miracast support. So, you can cast the screen to the Insignia Fire TV without an HDMI cable. Note that desktop PCs don’t support Miracast; you’ll have to buy a dongle, and the connectivity could be a hit-or-miss.

Repeat the following steps:

Step 1: Use the TV remote or use the phone app as a remote to open the Settings. Go to the Display & Sounds section and select Display Mirroring.

Step 2: A screen will launch, indicating that the TV is ready for wireless screen mirroring.

Step 3: Press the Win + K keyboard shortcut to open the Cast settings.

Step 4: Select the Insignia Fire TV from the list, and the screen mirroring will start in Duplicate mode.

Step 5: You can change the cast mode by clicking on the Extend or Second-screen option in the Cast menu.

Connect to Mac

Apple uses AirPlay, a different wireless technology, to enable wireless screencast on supported devices like the Insignia Fire TV. Here’s how to use it to connect to your TV:

Step 1: Use the TV remote to open the Settings. Go to the Display & Sounds section and select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit option.

Step 2: Enable the AirPlay option.

Step 3: Open the Control Center on your Mac. Click on the Screen Mirroring option.

Step 4: Select the TV from the list of available devices.

Step 5: You can end the screen mirroring by turning off the AirPlay option in the TV settings or disconnecting the TV from the Control Center.

FAQs

Q – How do I use my Fire TV as a second monitor?

You can use the wireless or wired method to use the Insignia Fire TV as the second monitor. Adjust the refresh rate on all the monitors for a better viewing experience.

Q – Can you use a Fire TV as a wireless display?

Yes. If the Fire TV supports AirPlay or Miracast, you can use it as a wireless display.

Q – Can I connect my Fire TV to my laptop?

You have multiple options to do so. We suggest the HDMI port connection for minimal latency.

Fire TVs can act as your second monitor in a few easy steps. The wireless method is best for presentations if you have one in your office. Otherwise, a personal setup user should go for the HDMI connection because it doesn’t rely on your Wi-Fi, and the performance is miles better.

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How to Use Insignia Fire TV as an Extended Monitor [Wired and Wireless Methods]