How can I tell if my device is MHL compliant?

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) allows a standard USB connector to carry digital video signals. To use the MHL output from a mobile device using a micro-USB connector, the MHL output must be converted by using an MHL adapter. MHL can only be adapted to HDMI.

Although many mobile devices use the micro-USB connector and the MHL adapters can plug into your mobile device, the mobile device still requires MHL support. MHL support is a hardware specification on your mobile device, and it cannot be resolved by applying updates of any type.

To determine if your mobile device supports MHL, research the manufacturer specifications for your mobile device. You can also search for your device on the following website: http://www.mhltech.org/devices.aspx.

To make sure that you select the correct adapter, you need to determine if you are using a 5-pin or 11-pin micro-USB. This information can usually be found with the MHL specification on your mobile device. 

Different types of Samsung devices that use an 11-pin micro-USB require external power to perform the conversion. First-generation Samsung MHL 2.0 requires external power, whereas the second generation does not. A passive 11-pin cable can be used with second-generation Samsung mobile devices.

StarTech.com 5-pin and 11-pin adapters have a micro-USB receptacle to provide additional power to the mobile device. You can use a standard micro-USB cable with a USB charger to power the converter.