A mobile terminal having an image projector and controlling method therein are disclosed, by which a detachable image projector can be provided to the mobile terminal and by which a projection mode of a detachable image projector can be conveniently changed. The present invention includes a housing, a touchscreen provided to one surface of the housing to recognize a touch input of a user, a detachable projector module having an activation switch provided to one lateral side, the detachable projector module configured to project a prescribed image on an external surface, and a controller controlling an activation message for receiving an confirmation of a presence or non-presence of activation of the projector module from the user to be displayed on the touchscreen if the activation switch is manipulated. In this case, the detachable projector module is attached to a prescribed surface of the housing except the one surface of the housing to which the touchscreen is provided.