Do Google Pixel 5 and older phones support USB-C to HDMI?
No. No Pixel before the Pixel 8 supports USB-C to HDMI output. Pixel 2 through Pixel 5a have no DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Google did not wire DisplayPort into any Pixel until the Pixel 8 generation, and only enabled it there in June 2024. On older Pixels the only way to a TV is wireless: Chromecast, or the Browser Cast mode in the app.
Every Pixel 5 and older model
| Model | Year | USB port | Wired output | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 5a | 2021 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 4a | 2020 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 4a 5G | 2020 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 5 | 2020 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 3a | 2019 | USB 2.0 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 4 | 2019 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 4 XL | 2019 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 3 | 2018 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 3 XL | 2018 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 2 | 2017 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
| Pixel 2 XL | 2017 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Not supported | confirmed |
What to do with a Pixel 5 and older phone
- Browser Cast in the app. The phone serves photos, videos and music to the TV's web browser over Wi-Fi. Nothing to install on the TV.
- Chromecast or a smart TV. Cast from YouTube and streaming apps directly, with DRM handled by the TV.
- Return the cable. A USB-C to HDMI cable bought for this phone will never work with it and is not defective.
The full explanation is in how DisplayPort Alt Mode works.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Google Pixel 5 and older models support USB-C to HDMI?
- None. No model in the Pixel 5 and older has DisplayPort Alt Mode.
- Why does my Pixel 5 and older phone charge but not show on the TV?
- Charging uses the power pins of the USB-C port. Video needs DisplayPort Alt Mode on the high-speed pins, which these models do not have. The cable is working; the phone cannot send video.
- Can an app enable HDMI output on a Pixel 5 and older phone?
- No. Wired video output is decided by the phone's chipset and port wiring. The alternative is wireless: the Browser Cast mode in the USB-C to HDMI app, a Chromecast, or the TV's built-in casting.
- What cable works with the Pixel 5 and older models that do support it?
- There is nothing to buy. Return the cable if you bought one for this phone.