Which MHL adapter does my Samsung Galaxy need?

We explain exactly which MHL adapter to use with any Samsung Galaxy device. 

From 2011/2012, MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) became the de-facto method for outputting content from many mobile devices to a second screen. We have covered the topic in depth a few times in our What is MHL? and Which MHL cable should I buy? posts.

As with all new technology, MHL quickly evolved since its conception; there’s even an upgraded version coming soon called SuperMHL. Whilst some manufacturers like Sony and HTC are currently still compatible with the earliest specification in 2014, Samsung have adapted and with each generation of devices the compatibility has changed.

Many Samsung Galaxy phones can use MHL adapters, the post below will explain which can and which adapters to use.

Finally, throughout 2015, Samsung stopped support for MHL, so the Galaxy S6 range and Note 5 do not have the feature. To understand how to use wireless screen sharing options with these phones, you can read our guide on Miracast and Google Chromecast.

In this post I will work through the different generations of Samsung devices launched since MHL was first included in the Samsung Galaxy S2. The supported MHL version will be stated, along with which Samsung adapter to use. I will also finally call out devices which do not include MHL, that are widely believed to due to Samsung’s often confusing naming conventions. You can view our whole range of current Samsung accessories here.

Samsung 3rd generation MHL adapter

Samsung 2nd generation MHL adapter (DISCONTINUED)

Samsung 1st generation MHL adapter (DISCONTINUED)

Samsung 30pin tablet MHL adapter (DISCONTINUED)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; should you have questions about a device that is not listed, feel free to contact us in the comments or via email.
Also note that this list is compiled using the official specifications for Samsung devices released in the UK and sold by Clove Technology. Device variants released in other territories do not often differ in specification, however a guarantee of compatibility for such devices cannot be made. 

Samsung MHL adapters

1st Generation (2011) (MHL 1.1)

• A 3rd party version of this adapter is now available HERE, which remains compatible with other non Samsung phones.

This is the original Samsung MHL adapter for smartphones (NOW DISCONTINUED). Released in 2011 for the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note, this adapter has a 5 pin layout. External power is required.
Compatibility with 2nd generation phones is possible with 5-11 pin adapter (NOW DISCONTINUED).
This adapter can also be used with a number of non-Samsung phones including, but not limited to: the Sony Xperia Z range and the HTC One range.

This is the original Samsung MHL adapter for smartphones (NOW DISCONTINUED). Released in 2011 for the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note, this adapter has a 5 pin layout. External power is required.
Compatibility with 2nd generation phones is possible with 5-11 pin adapter (NOW DISCONTINUED).
This adapter can also be used with a number of non-Samsung phones including, but not limited to: the Sony Xperia Z range and the HTC One range.

• This generation is now completely 

• DISCONTINUED – use the following 3rd generation adapter where available

This is the 2nd Samsung MHL adapter for smartphones, released in 2012 for the Samsung Galaxy S3, the adapter has an 11 pin layout. External power is required.
Compatible with 3rd generation devices, however external power is still required.
The 1st Samsung MHL adapter for tablets (30 pin connection). External power is required. Not compatible with later generation tablets as they moved to the same micro USB connection as the phones.

The 30 pin tablet adapter has now also been DISCONTINUED. There is no direct replacement. Newer generation Samsung tablets use a microUSB connection and the following adapter is compatible with these.

The 3rd Samsung MHL adapter for smartphones & tablets. Released in 2013 for the Samsung Galaxy S4, this adapter has an 11 pin layout. External power is no longer required for compatible MHL 2.0 devices, although it can be used to avoid excess battery drain.
External power is still required for compatible earlier Samsung phones that do not use MHL 2.0.

4th Generation (2015)
As of 2015, Samsung have stopped implementing MHL in their flagship Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
The Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge plus, Note 5, A3, A5, A7 and A8 do not have MHL capabilities.
In order to share your screen contents to a TV or other monitor, you will need to use a wireless connection.
This can be done through Miracast or with the Google Chromecast.

Samsung Smartphones

MHL compatible Samsung smartphones and some incompatible phones often considered otherwise. If your phone is not listed then let us know and we will check; Samsung release a lot of phones, although the likelihood is that it does not have MHL if it is not on the list.
2011

• Samsung Galaxy S2: MHL compatible. 1st generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Note: MHL compatible. 1st generation.

2012

• Samsung Galaxy S3: MHL compatible. 2nd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 I9150: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 I9200: MHL compatible. 2nd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 2: MHL compatible. 2nd generation.

2013

• Samsung Galaxy S4: MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom: MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3: MHL compatible. 3rd generation.

2014

• Samsung Galaxy S5: MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini:  NOT MHL COMPATIBLE

2015

• Samsung Galaxy A3: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy A5: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy A7: NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy S6:NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy S6 edge:NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy S6 edge plus:NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5:NOT MHL COMPATIBLE

Samsung Tablets

MHL compatible Samsung tablets and some incompatible tablets often considered otherwise. If your tablet is not listed then it is either not compatible, or the list has yet to be updated.
2011

• Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P10xx): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (GT-P75xx): MHL compatible. 1st tablet generation.

2012

• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (GT-P31xx): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (GT-P51xx): NOT OFFICIALLY COMPATIBLE. SOME GT-P51xx MODELS APPEAR TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH 1st GEN TABLET ADAPTOR. INCONCLUSIVE IN TESTING.

2013

• Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T21xx): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 (GT-T31xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 (GT-P52xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N51xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (GT-N80xx): MHL compatible. 1st tablet generation.

2014

• Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition) (SM-P6xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 (SM-P90xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 (SM-P90xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 12.2 (SM-T9xx): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 10.1 (SM-T52x): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 (SM-T32x): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 (SM-T53x): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 (SM-T33x): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 (SM-T23x): NOT MHL COMPATIBLE
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (SM-T80x): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (SM-T70x): MHL compatible. 3rd generation.