Wireless screen sharing with iPhone on the big screen LG Smart TV Opens up new possibilities: from viewing high-resolution photos to streaming movies without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter problems when first connecting—the TV doesn't detect the phone, there are image lags, or the sound disappears. In this article, we'll look into all current connection methods via Wi-Fi, including native functions Apple AirPlay and proprietary technologies LG, as well as alternative solutions for older models.
It is important to understand that the connection method depends on three key factors: iOS versions on your iPhone, LG TV models (2018 and newer support AirPlay 2 out of the box) and stability of your Wi-Fi networkIf your router operates at 5 GHz and your devices are connected to different networks, synchronization may not work. We've tested all the instructions on iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 17.4) and LG OLED C3, but the steps are also relevant for earlier versions.
1. Preparing devices: what to check before connecting
Before attempting to connect your iPhone to your TV, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. For AirPlay 2 (the most reliable method) yours LG TV must be released no earlier than 2018 and work on webOS 4.0 or newer. The list of supported models includes the series OLED (B/C/E/G), NanoCell (SM/NA) And QNED 2021-2026 Owners of older TVs (2016-2017) will need to use LG Smart Share or third-party applications.
On the side iPhone check:
- 📱 iOS version:
Settings → General → AboutMinimum version -iOS 12.3for AirPlay 2. - 🔄 Software updates: go to
Settings → General → Software Updateand install the latest patches. - 📶 Wi-Fi connection: iPhone and TV must be connected one network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is not important, but 5 GHz gives lower latency).
- 🔒 Disable your VPN: Some services block local data transfer.
iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network | Software updated on both devices | Power-saving modes disabled | Model compatibility checked -->
Pay special attention router settingsIf you have a dual-band network with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, some LG models may become stuck on the less stable band. We recommend temporarily separating the networks by assigning them different names (e.g., MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G), and manually connect both devices to 5 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: If your LG TV was released before 2018, there is no built-in AirPlay support. In this case, use Section 4 of this article for alternative methods.
2. Method 1: Connecting via AirPlay 2 (recommended)
AirPlay 2 — is an Apple protocol that allows you to broadcast your iPhone's screen to compatible devices with minimal latency. On TVs LG With webOS 4.0+ The feature is activated automatically once you connect to the internet. Here's how to use it:
- Activate AirPlay on your TV:
- 📺 On your LG remote, press
Settings (gear)→All settings→General→Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. - 🔘 Turn on the switch
AirPlayand installAccess modein positionAll(orJust the first timefor safety). - 📛 Set the device name (e.g.
LG OLED Salon) for ease of search.
- 📺 On your LG remote, press
- 📱 Open
Control center(swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhones with Face ID, or swipe up on models with a Home button). - 🔍 Click
Screen mirroring(orScreen Mirroring(on English firmware). - 📺 Select your device from the list of available devices LG TVWhen you first connect, a code will appear on the TV screen—enter it on your iPhone.
After a successful connection, the iPhone screen will be duplicated on the TV with a resolution of up to 4K HDR (If supported by the model). Video latency typically doesn't exceed 100 ms, which is comfortable for movies but can be noticeable in games. For streaming content from apps (YouTube, Netflix), it's better to use the built-in versions. webOS - this way the quality will be higher.
| Parameter | AirPlay 2 | LG Smart Share | Miracast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. permission | 4K HDR |
1080p |
1080p |
| Latency (ms) | 80–120 | 150–300 | 100–200 |
| Sound support | Yes (incl. Dolby Atmos) | Yes (stereo) | Yes (depending on model) |
| Required iOS version | 12.3+ | 11.0+ | 13.0+ |
⚠️ Attention: If, when connecting via AirPlay, sound only comes from the iPhone, check the audio output settings on the TV: Settings → Sound → Sound Output → HDMI ARC (if connected to a sound system).
3. Method 2: Using LG Smart Share (for older models)
If your TV LG released before 2018, most likely it does not support AirPlay, but it is equipped with the technology Smart Share (formerly known as LG TV Plus). This method works through DLNA-protocol and allows broadcasting media files only (photos, videos, music), but not the entire iPhone screen. Here's how to use it:
- TV setup:
- 📺 Enable Smart Share:
Settings → Network → Smart Share→ turn on the function. - 🔒 Make sure your TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 📺 Enable Smart Share:
- Installing the app on iPhone:
- 📱 Download the official app LG TV Plus from the App Store (free, but with ads).
- 🔍 Launch the app and wait for it to find your TV on your local network.
- 📁 Select a file from your iPhone gallery → click
Share→LG TV Plus. - 🎬 For videos from Safari or YouTube, use the function
Send to TVin the application menu.
The main disadvantage Smart Share - lack of support DRM-protected content (for example, movies from Apple TV or Netflix will not play). There may also be format issues: the TV may not play video in .mov or ProResIn this case, use a converter (for example, HandBrake) to convert to .mp4 (H.264).
What formats does LG Smart Share support?
LG TVs play via Smart Share:
- Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (up to 1080p), AVI (DivX)
- Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV (no DTS)
- Photo: JPEG, PNG (up to 15 MP)
Files with a bit rate higher than 20 Mbps may slow down.
4. Alternative methods: Miracast and third-party apps
If neither AirPlay nor Smart Share are working (or you're not happy with the streaming quality), consider two additional options: Miracast And third-party applicationsBoth methods have their own nuances, but can save the day for incompatible devices.
4.1. Connecting via Miracast (for Android-compatible LG models)
Although Miracast was originally developed for Android, some TVs LG (2019 and newer) support this protocol for iOS through workarounds. You'll need:
- 📱 iPhone with
iOS 13+and includedScreen Mirroring. - 📺 LG TV with support
Miracast(check the menu)Settings → Network → Miracast). - 🔄 Intermediary application, e.g. ApowerMirror or Screen Mirroring (from the App Store).
Instructions:
- Install one of the listed applications on your iPhone.
- Turn on
Miracaston TV (Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring). - Launch the app on your iPhone and select your LG TV from the list.
Disadvantages of this method: latency of up to 300 ms and possible image artifacts. Suitable only for viewing photos or presentations.
4.2. Casting apps (without AirPlay support)
For TVs LG The following applications are relevant for the 2016–2017 releases:
- 🎥 ApowerMirror — supports audio and video, but requires a network connection. The free version is limited to 3 minutes of session time.
- 📺 Screen Mirroring for LG TV — a specialized solution with minimal delays (about 150 ms).
- 🔗 TV Cast for LG — for streaming from a browser (YouTube, Vimeo).
Before purchasing the paid version, check compatibility with your LG model on the developer's website. Some apps require installation of the server component on the TV via LG Content Store.
AirPlay 2|LG Smart Share|Miracast|Third-party apps|Wired connection (HDMI)-->
5. Solving common problems
Even with the correct settings, connecting the iPhone to LG TV may not work properly. We have collected TOP 5 mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
5.1 The TV does not appear in the list of AirPlay devices
- 🔄 Reboot your router — sometimes the DHCP server does not assign correct IP addresses to devices.
- 📶 Check your Wi-Fi range — if the iPhone is connected to 5 GHz and the TV to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa), synchronization will not occur.
- 🔒 Disable your firewall on the router (in the admin panel, disable
AP IsolationorClient Isolation). - 📱 Reset network settings on iPhone:
Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset network settings.
5.2. The video is slow or choppy
Reasons and solutions:
- 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal - move the router closer to the TV or use
Mesh system. - 🔄 Network congestion — turn off other devices that consume traffic (torrents, online games).
- 📺 Poor TV performance — Models prior to 2020 may not have enough power to decode 4K. Try lowering the resolution in the AirPlay settings.
5.3. No sound during broadcast
Diagnostic checklist:
- Check if your iPhone is in silent mode (switch on the left side).
- On the TV, go to
Settings → Sound → Sound Outputand selectInternal speakers. - If you use
HDMI ARC, turn it off during the broadcast. - Restart AirPlay streaming.
⚠️ Attention: On some LG models (eg. UK6300) After updating the firmware, AirPlay settings are reset. If the function is lost, updatewebOSto the latest version manually throughSettings → General → Software Update.
6. Comparison with wired connection (HDMI)
While wireless methods are convenient, wired connection via HDMI remains the most stable option for gamers and professionals. Let's compare both approaches:
| Criterion | Wi-Fi (AirPlay/Miracast) | HDMI (Lightning/USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Latency (ms) | 80–300 | 10–50 |
| Max. permission | 4K (with compression) | 4K 60Hz HDR |
| Stability | Depends on the network | 100% stable |
| Convenience | Wireless | An adapter is needed |
| Price | For free | From RUB 1,500 per adapter |
For wired connection You will need:
- 🔌 Adapter
Lightning → HDMI(for iPhone up to 14) orUSB-C → HDMI(for iPhone 15 and newer). - 📺 HDMI cable (included with most TVs).
Connect the adapter to your iPhone, then the HDMI cable to your TV and select the appropriate signal source on LG (button Input or Source on the remote control). The resolution will be automatically adjusted to the capabilities of the TV.
7. Optimize your Wi-Fi network for stable streaming
The quality of wireless broadcasting directly depends on your router settingsIf the video is constantly freezing or the audio is interrupted, try the following steps:
7.1. Selecting the optimal Wi-Fi channel
Congested channels are the main cause of lag. How to check and change the channel:
- Install the application on iPhone WiFi Analyzer (or NetSpot for Mac).
- Check which channels on your network are the most crowded (usually 1, 6, 11 for 2.4 GHz).
- Log into your router's admin panel (usually at
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - In the section
Wi-Fi(orWireless) select the least crowded channel manually (for example, 149 for 5 GHz).
7.2. Configuring QoS (Quality of Service)
QoS Allows you to prioritize traffic for specific devices. Enable this feature in your router:
- 📶 Find the section in the control panel
QoSorTraffic priority. - 🔝 Add the iPhone and LG TV's Wi-Fi MAC addresses to the priority list.
- 🎮 Select traffic type
MultimediaorVideo.
7.3. Using a Mesh System for Large Spaces
If the router is located far from the TV, the signal may be weakened. Solutions:
- 📡 Install
Wi-Fi repeater(repeater) next to the TV. - 🏠 Go to
Mesh system(For example, TP-Link Deco or Google Nest WiFi), which ensures smooth roaming between nodes. - 🔌 Connect your TV to your router via
Powerline adapter(signal transmission via electrical wiring).
8. Conclusion: Which method to choose?
Selecting a method to connect your iPhone to LG TV depends on your goals and TV model:
- 🍎 For new TVs (2018+) - use
AirPlay 2(maximum quality and minimal delays). - 📺 For 2016-2017 models. —
LG Smart Shareor apps like ApowerMirror. - 🎮 For gaming or 4K HDR - only
wired HDMI connection. - 🔄 For temporary tasks (show photo to guests) -
Miracastvia third-party applications.
Critical Information: LG TVs with webOS 5.0+ (2020 and newer) support iPhone screen mirroring in 4K resolution at 60Hz, but only if both devices are connected to a 5GHz network. On a 2.4GHz network, the maximum resolution is limited to 1080p.
If you frequently encounter problems with wireless connection, consider purchasing Apple TV 4K — This device provides the most stable AirPlay streaming and supports all iOS features, including SharePlay And Dolby Vision.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
My LG TV doesn't support AirPlay. Is it possible to add this feature?
Unfortunately, hardware support for AirPlay is not available on older LG models (pre-2018). Alternatives:
- Use
LG Smart Sharefor media files. - Connect Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick to the HDMI port.
- Install mirroring applications (eg. ApowerMirror).
For 2018–2019 models, check for a firmware update—LG sometimes adds AirPlay support in new software versions.
Why does the video have black bars on the sides when broadcasting via AirPlay?
This is an aspect ratio issue. Solutions:
- On iPhone: in
Control centerhold the buttonScreen mirroring→ selectMaintain proportions. - On TV: Go to
Settings → Display → Aspect Ratioand selectJust Scanor16:9. - If you're streaming a video, try playing it through your TV's built-in app (such as YouTube on webOS).
Is it possible to mirror an iPhone's screen to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- Wired connection: via adapter
Lightning/USB-C → HDMI. - Mobile hotspot: turn on
Modem modeon your iPhone and connect your TV to this network. The downside is high data usage. - Bluetooth: only for transferring photos/music (not video).
For full screen mirroring, Wi-Fi or cable is required.
How to stream audio from an iPhone to an LG TV without video?
Use the function AirPlay for audio:
- Open
Control centeron iPhone. - Hold down the sound control panel (upper right corner).
- Click
AirPlayand choose yours LG TV.
You can also use Spotify Connect or YouTube Music Cast, if the applications are installed on the TV.
Why is there no picture on the TV when connected via HDMI?
Check the following:
- 🔌 The HDMI cable must be
High Speed(support 4K). - 📱 On iPhone, you may be asked to confirm trust for the device (a notification will appear).
- 📺 On your TV, select the correct signal source (button
Inputon the remote control). - 🔄 Restart both devices.
If you use an adapter, make sure it is certified by Apple (the packaging should have the logo). MFi).