How to mirror an iPhone to an LG Smart TV via Wi-Fi

Modern users are rarely satisfied with viewing content on a small smartphone screen when they have a large one in the living room. Smart TV. Broadcast photos, videos, or even gameplay with iPhone on TV LG has become the standard for comfortable leisure. Fortunately, the Apple ecosystem and the South Korean giant's software have long since learned to communicate with each other without unnecessary wires.

There are several ways to accomplish this task: from the built-in function AirPlay 2, which works natively on new models, to third-party apps using DLNA or Miracast protocols. The specific method you choose depends on your TV's year of manufacture and operating system version. iOSIn this article, we'll cover all the current connection options so you can enjoy high-definition content.

The main advantage of a wireless connection is the elimination of cable and adapter clutter. You don't need to search for a Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C adapter if both devices are on the same network. However, for stable operation, it's crucial that the router supports modern data transmission standards and is within range of both devices' strong signal strength.

Checking compatibility and preparing equipment

Before you start setting up the broadcast, you need to make sure that your TV LG technically capable of receiving signals from Apple devices. Protocol support AirPlay 2 It appeared in models released in 2018 and newer. If you have an older device, don't despair—there are alternative methods, which we'll discuss below, but for native operation without any hacks, a fresh one is recommended. WebOS.

Both devices—the smartphone and the TV—must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is a fundamental requirement, and ignoring it in 90% of cases leads to device detection errors. Please note that if your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), it is preferable for both devices to be on the same frequency band, although modern routers are often able to correctly route traffic between them.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a guest Wi-Fi network or corporate Internet with client isolation, devices may not be able to see each other even with the correct settings.

It's also worth checking for software updates. On a TV, this can be done through the settings menu, and on an iPhone, in the main settings section. Outdated firmware WebOS may contain bugs that prevent a stable connection with the Apple ecosystem.

  • 📺 Make sure your LG TV model supports AirPlay 2 (usually B8/C8/E8 series and newer).
  • 📶 Check that your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (SSID).
  • 🔄 Update your TV's firmware via the menu "General" → "About TV" → "Check for updates".
  • 🔋 Charge your iPhone to at least 20%, as screen mirroring drains battery power.

☑️ Preparing for connection

Completed: 0 / 4

Setting up AirPlay 2 on an LG TV

If your TV is a supported model, AirPlay may already be built in, but it will need to be activated. First, grab your remote. Magic Remote and click the settings button (gear). Go to the section General, and then find the item Apple AirPlay and HomeKitIn some versions WebOS This item can be located directly in the main settings menu or in the "Connection" category.

In the menu that opens, you need to move the AirPlay switch to the position OnYou can also configure security settings here. For example, you can choose whether a code is required each time a new device is connected, or whether access will be open to all devices on the network. For home use, it's more convenient to select "No code required" or "First time only" to avoid entering numbers each time.

Why might AirPlay not work?

This feature may not be available if an app that blocks external connections is running on the TV, or if the screen's power-saving mode is enabled. It's also worth checking that "Hotel Mode" isn't enabled in the settings.

After activation, an AirPlay icon may appear on the TV screen, confirming it's ready to receive a signal. If the icon doesn't appear immediately, try restarting the TV by completely unplugging it from the network for 10-15 seconds. This will clear the network service cache and restart discovery services.

AllLiving Room TV
Setting parameter Recommended value Description of influence
AirPlay status On Activates signal reception from Apple devices
Require code Just the first time Balance between security and convenience
Device access Allows any iPhone on the network to connect
TV name Helps you easily identify your device in the list
📊 What version of WebOS are you using?
WebOS 3.0-4.0
WebOS 5.0
WebOS 6.0
WebOS 22/23
Don't know

iPhone Screen Mirroring

The fastest way to mirror an image is to use Screen Mirroring. To do this, open the Control Center on your iPhone. On models with Face ID, swipe down from the upper-right corner, and on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.

Look for the icon with two intersecting rectangles. Click it, and the system will begin searching for available devices. Your TV should appear in the list. LG With the name you previously specified or the default one. After selecting the device, the smartphone screen will instantly be mirrored on the larger display.

It's important to understand the difference between simply streaming video from an app and full screen mirroring. With full screen mirroring, permission The TV adapts to the TV format, and all notifications, calls, and messages will be visible to everyone in the room. Therefore, it is recommended to enable "Do Not Disturb" mode before watching movies.

  • 📱 Swipe to open Control Center on your iPhone.
  • 🔘 Click the "Screen Mirroring" button (rectangle icon).
  • 📺 Select your LG TV from the list of devices that appears.
  • 🔢 Enter the verification code on your iPhone if it appears on the TV screen.

To stop the broadcast, simply open the Control Center again and tap "Stop Repeat." You can also simply lock your smartphone's screen or move out of Wi-Fi range, although the latter is not recommended due to the potential for buffer desynchronization.

Stream videos and photos using the LG TV Plus app

If native AirPlay doesn't work for some reason, or your TV is an older model, the official app will come to the rescue. LG TV PlusIt's available for free in the App Store and allows you to stream media files stored on your iPhone and use your phone as a remote control.

After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your TV. You'll need to select your TV from the list and confirm the connection by entering the code displayed on the TV screen. The app interface is intuitive: the "Media" tab lets you select photos and videos from your gallery.

A unique feature of this method is that it uses the DLNA protocol. This means you can send a file for playback and then use your phone for other tasks—messaging, browsing, or playing games—without interrupting playback on the TV. However, streaming app interfaces (such as YouTube or games) using this method is not possible.

⚠️ Please note: The LG TV Plus app may not work correctly with DRM-protected videos from some streaming services. In such cases, it is better to use the built-in Cast function within the player app itself (for example, YouTube or Netflix).

You can create slideshows directly from the app interface to view photos. This is a great feature for sharing family photos on a big screen during the holidays. The quality of the transferred images remains high, thanks to minimal compression.

Using third-party applications and protocols

When standard tools fail, third-party solutions from the App Store come to the rescue. Apps like Cast to TV, Web Video Caster or TV Assist They support a wide range of protocols, including Miracast and LG's proprietary protocols. They often prove more flexible in terms of video file formats.

The principle behind these programs is simple: you install an app on your iPhone, and you may need to install a companion app (receiver) on your TV (via the LG Content Store), although many modern solutions work without it, using the TV's built-in browser or standard services. You select a file in the app, it encodes the stream, and sends it to the TV's IP address.

Some users prefer browser-based solutions. If your TV has a browser, you can open a dedicated web page on the TV, scan the QR code with your phone, and start transferring files. This is convenient if you can't or don't want to install additional software on your Smart TV.

Troubleshooting connection issues and errors

Even with a perfect setup, issues can still occur. One of the most common issues is that the TV isn't showing up in the list of available devices. In this case, first check if "AP Isolation" is enabled on your router. This prevents devices on the local network from seeing each other, which disrupts AirPlay and DLNA.

Another common issue is audio and video desync or constant buffering. This almost always indicates a weak Wi-Fi signal or channel congestion. Try switching your router to a less congested channel or, if possible, connecting your TV to the router via a LAN cable while keeping your iPhone connected via Wi-Fi.

If you see a picture but no sound, check the audio output settings in your iPhone's Control Center. Sometimes the system automatically tries to output sound to your phone's speakers or connected Bluetooth headphones, ignoring the TV. It's also worth checking if your TV is set to "Silent" or low volume.

  • 🔄 Restart your router, phone, and TV—this solves 80% of network problems.
  • 📡 Switch your Wi-Fi frequency from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa) to check stability.
  • 🔒 Disable your iPhone's VPN if it's active—it changes your local IP and disrupts searches.
  • 🗑️ Remove the device from the trusted list in the AirPlay settings on your TV and try pairing it again.

In rare cases, the problem may be caused by antivirus software or a firewall on the router that blocks ports used by the AirPlay protocol (usually UDP ports in the 5353 range). Temporarily disabling the protection will help diagnose the problem.

Why can't my LG TV see my iPhone via AirPlay?

Most often, the cause is that the devices are on different subnets (for example, one on the guest subnet and the other on the main subnet) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check that AirPlay is enabled in the TV menu.

Is it possible to display an iPhone on an old LG TV without Smart features?

Without Smart features, direct Wi-Fi connection is not possible. You'll need a separate set-top box (Apple TV, Chromecast, Mi Box) or a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter that connects directly to your TV's HDMI port.

Is there image lag when playing iPhone games on TV?

Yes, input lag is unavoidable with wireless streaming, ranging from 0.5 to 2 seconds. While this isn't noticeable for watching videos, for fast-paced games, it's best to use a wired connection or play directly on your phone.