Some projectors include wireless casting functionality, and for those that aren’t a casting device can be added to the projector’s HDMI port to make the projector connect wirelessly. Any of the ways to get a projector to cast / screen mirror wirelessly use the local wifi network, and not Bluetooth. (Bluetooth is for sound only.) However, internet connection not required to connect wirelessly, just a local wifi network/router.
Mini projectors that have wireless casting like the recommended Yoton and Magcubic models support both Miracast (often labelled “Android mirroring” in the projector menu) and Airplay (labeled “Airpin”, “iOS mirroring”, or “iOS cast” in the projector menu). See table below to see which devices and computers will work to connect wirelessly to these mini projectors. Officially mini projectors only support wireless connections to Android and iOS devices. They won’t state in the listing that they can connect wirelesssly with Windows or Mac computers, and if you contact them for support in connecting to computers wirelessly they will say that is unsupported and can only connect by cable. In practice, that is not accurate, they can connect fine to Windows or Mac computers, the companies just don’t want to support those devices with help for users, especially due to the screen freezing issue that is more likely when mirroring large high resolution screens on a Windows or Mac computer (see link below for solution to that issue).
Follow the steps on this page to connect wirelessly to mini projectors with either Android, Windows, iOS devices, or Mac computers. There can be some freezing issues that can happen with these projectors in some cases, especially with high resolution monitors, so instead adding a casting device will give a more reliable connection, or following the steps to use extended mode when screen mirroring is another solution if that problem happens.
But mini projectors don’t have chromecasting option available on board, so can’t mirror Google devices like the Pixel phone, or ChromeOS devices/Chromebooks. For those a chromecast device has to be added to projector.
For projectors like the Epson Ultra Short Throw projectors, they don’t have wireless casting functionality (the W in some model names is for widescreen not wireless), so a casting device needs to be added to HDMI port for wireless screen mirroring to be available. Ultra short throw projectors are so close to cutting surface, a casting device doesn’t add a big benefit, compared to the simplest and most reliable way to connect: an HDMI cable.
There are three types of casting devices (the Roku is multi-functional, similar to wireless enabled projectors so will connect via both Miracast and Airplay) – any generation of these devices will work, so best option is to search second hand local or online stores, or ebay or FB marketplace for older models, which are much cheaper than new.
Types of Casting Devices
Miracast: on Windows use Windows key and K to bring up Miracast panel. The Miracast device must be on same wireless network as computer, and Android mirroring/Miracast must be enabled on projector.
Chromecast: See instructions on this page for connecting via Chromecast. Any generation of Chromecast will work, no need to get newer/more expensive ones. Google has discontinued selling the Chromecast, but Chrome browser still works to connect to these devices
Airplay: Access Control Centre (swipe/click top left of screen), and tap/click Screen Sharing. Apple TV device that is on same wifi network will appear. Roku or wireless projector will also appear if they are on same network and iOS mirroring/casting or Airplay activated. Any generation of Apple TV or Roku will work, no need to get newer/more expensive ones.