Where is Wi-Fi Direct on an LG TV: Finding it in the WebOS menu and connection alternatives

Function Wi-Fi Direct on TVs LG It allows you to transfer files, mirror your smartphone's screen, or stream video without a router—directly between devices. But finding it in the menu isn't always easy: the location of the option has varied depending on the version. WebOS, and on some models the function is completely absent. If you are looking for where to turn it on Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV, but don't see the familiar button, don't rush to blame the manufacturer for limited functionality. Most likely, the option is simply hidden under a different name or requires preliminary configuration.

In this article we will look at all possible access paths to Wi-Fi Direct on TVs LG (from older 2016 models to the latest 2026 models), we'll explain why the feature may be missing and offer alternative wireless connection methods. You'll also learn how to check your smartphone's compatibility with LG TV and what to do if the devices “don’t see” each other.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG With WebOS 1.0–2.0 (2014–2015) The Wi-Fi Direct feature may be called LG Connect or MiracastIf your model is older than 2016, first check the firmware version in Settings → General → About TV.

1. Where to find Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV: menu paths by WebOS version

The function's location depends on the TV's year of manufacture and operating system version. Below are the current paths for all generations. WebOS, starting in 2016.

WebOS 3.0–3.5 (2016–2017):

On these models (LG OLED65B6V, LG 49UH610V etc.) Wi-Fi Direct is hidden in the network settings section. Path:

1. Click the button Settings (gear) on the remote control.
2. Go to Network → Wi-Fi.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (may be called Devices nearby).
4. Activate the function and wait while it searches for available devices.

WebOS 4.0–5.0 (2018–2021):

Here the interface has been simplified, but the path has become less obvious. For models like LG OLED55C9 or LG NanoCell SM8600:

1. Open Settings → All settings (button with three dots).
2. Go to Network → Connect to devices.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Share (Miracast).

On some firmware versions the option may be called LG TV Plus — is a smartphone syncing app that also uses Wi-Fi Direct.

WebOS 6.0–7.0 (2022–2026):

In new models (LG QNED80, LG OLED evo G3) the function is integrated into the system Screen Share or Quick Share. Path:

1. Click Home on the remote control.
2. Select Settings → Connection → On-Screen Display.
3. Activate Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG With WebOS 6.0+ Wi-Fi Direct may automatically turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, disable power saving mode before connecting. Settings → General → Eco Mode.

2. Why there is no Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV: 5 possible reasons

If you can't find an option in the menu, it's not necessarily because you're not paying attention. Here are the most common reasons why a feature isn't available:

• 📵 Outdated model. Televisions LG until 2014 (WebOS 1.0 or NetCast) do not support Wi-Fi Direct. Use instead DLNA or HDMI cable.
• 🔄 Disabled firmware. After a factory reset or software update, some features are hidden. Try resetting your TV to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset).
• 📱 Incompatible region. On TVs for the Asian or US markets, the function may be called differently (for example, LG SmartShare). Check the region in Settings → General → Country.
• 🔌 Hardware limitations. Budget models (LG 43LK5700, LG 32LK6190) often lack a Wi-Fi Direct module. Check the specifications of your model on the website. LG.
• 🛠️ Software failure. If the function was working previously but has disappeared, perform a forced firmware update via USB (instructions in section 5).

How to check hardware support for Wi-Fi Direct?

Open the technical specifications for your model on the LG website. Under "Wireless Technologies," it should say "Wi-Fi Direct" or "Miracast." If it only says "Wi-Fi (802.11ac)," the feature is not supported.

3. Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV: What to Use Instead

If your TV doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct or the feature isn't working, use one of these methods to transfer data wirelessly:

• 📲 Screen Share (Miracast). Built-in screen mirroring technology without a router. Path: Settings → Connection → On-Screen Display. Works on everyone LG TV With WebOS 3.0+.
• 🌐 LG TV Plus (app). Official Android/iOS software that uses Wi-Fi Direct to control TV and stream content. Download for Android.
• 🖥️ DLNA/UPnP. A standard for streaming media over a local area network. Included in Settings → Network → Media Server. Supported by all smartphones and PCs.
• 🔗 Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). On models with WebOS 4.0+ You can broadcast your screen through Google Home (requires connection to the same Wi-Fi network).

Comparison of Wi-Fi Direct alternatives:

4. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect your smartphone to LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct

If you've found a feature in the menu but don't know how to use it, follow these instructions. The example is for a TV. LG OLED55C1 (WebOS 6.0) and smartphone Samsung Galaxy S22:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your TV:

   Go to Settings → Connection → Wi-Fi Direct and turn on the function. Remember the network name (for example, DIRECT-LG-XX:XX).

2. Connect your smartphone:

   On Android: Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, find your TV's network and connect. On iPhone: use the app LG TV Plus (Wi-Fi Direct is not supported natively).

3. Confirm pairing:

   A code will appear on the TV screen (for example, 1234). Enter it on your smartphone to confirm.

4. Start broadcasting:

   On Android: Open the notification panel and select Screencasting → LG TVOn iPhone: Use Screen Mirroring V Control center.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone Wi-Fi Direct only works through third-party apps (e.g. ApowerMirror or LG TV Plus). Native function Screen Mirroring requires connection to one Wi-Fi network.

5. Firmware update: how to restore the missing Wi-Fi Direct feature

If Wi-Fi Direct disappeared after an update or reset, try a forced firmware update. This applies to the following models: LG 2018–2023, where the feature could have been disabled due to bugs in older software versions.

Method 1: Update via the Internet

1. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
2. Select Check for updates and wait for it to complete.
3. After rebooting, check for availability Wi-Fi Direct in the network menu.

Method 2: Update via USB (if the TV is not connected to the Internet)

1. Download the firmware for your model from official LG website.
2. Unzip the archive and copy the file .epk to a flash drive (FAT32).
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV, go to Settings → General → Software update from USB.

How can I find out the current firmware version?

Click Settings → General → About TV → Software InformationThe current version should match the latest one on the LG website (for example, 05.30.45 for WebOS 6.0).

⚠️ Attention: If after the update the TV does not turn on or is stuck on the logo LG, perform a reset through the service menu: hold down On/Off on the remote control + button OK on the back of the TV for 10 seconds.

6. Common Wi-Fi Direct Errors and Solutions

Even if you've enabled the feature correctly, the connection may not work due to various issues. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

• 🔴 Error: "Failed to connect."

  Reason: mismatch of Wi-Fi standards (for example, the smartphone only supports 802.11ac, and TV - 802.11n).

  Solution: Update your TV firmware or use a different smartphone.

• 🔄 The TV is not visible in the list of devices.

  Reason: IP address conflict or airplane mode enabled on your smartphone.

  Solution: Restart both devices and disable VPN on your phone.

• 📵 Low broadcast quality (lags, artifacts).

  Reason: interference from other wireless devices (microwaves, wireless headphones).

  Solution: Move the router further away from the TV or use the 5 GHz band (if supported).

• 🔒 A PIN is required but it is not on the screen.

  Reason: Synchronization failure.

  Solution: Disable Wi-Fi Direct on your TV and then enable it again. The code will appear in 10-15 seconds.

7. Wi-Fi Direct Compatibility: Which Devices Work with LG TV?

Not all smartphones and tablets can connect to LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct. Here's a list of tested devices and their features:

LG TVs with webOS 7.0 (2026) now support Wi-Fi 6E, allowing you to connect devices using the 6 GHz frequency. However, this requires a smartphone with Wi-Fi 6E support (such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro).

8. Conclusion: What to do if nothing helps

If you have tried all the methods, but Wi-Fi Direct is not working LG TV It still didn't work, here's the final checklist:

1. Check your TV model on the website LG - Perhaps your series does not support the function.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version (even if the system says there are no updates).
3. Try alternative methods: Screen Share, LG TV Plus or DLNA.
4. If your TV is under warranty, contact a service center. In rare cases, the problem lies with the Wi-Fi module hardware.

In most cases, the issue can be resolved by updating the software or changing the connection method. If your TV was released after 2018, the chances of Wi-Fi Direct working successfully are 90% — the main thing is to configure both devices correctly.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

My LG TV can't detect my smartphone via Wi-Fi Direct. What should I do?

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your smartphone and airplane mode is disabled.

2. Restart both devices.

3. Check if your smartphone supports Wi-Fi Direct (see section 7 for a list of compatible devices).

4. Try connecting via Screen Share or LG TV Plus.

Is it possible to stream Netflix or YouTube from my phone to my LG TV using Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically yes, but there will be limitations:

• Netflix and YouTube block Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct streaming due to DRM protection.
• Solution: Use Google Cast (requires a shared Wi-Fi network) or official TV apps.

How to reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on LG TV?

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.

2. Select Remove all devices or Network reset.

3. Confirm the action and restart the TV.

⚠️ After the reset, you will have to reconnect all devices.

Does Wi-Fi Direct work between LG TV and laptop?

Yes, if the laptop supports it Miracast (Windows 8.1/10/11). Instructions:

1. On TV: turn on Screen Share V Settings → Connection.
2. On a laptop: press Win + K and choose yours LG TV.

Wi-Fi Direct is not supported on MacOS - use AirPlay (Apple TV or compatible TV required).

Is it possible to play games from my phone on LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically possible, but there will be significant lag (50+ ms). For gaming, it's better to:

• Use Steam Link (via Wi-Fi router).
• Connect your smartphone via HDMI using an adapter (minimal latency).