Modern technologies make it possible to transform ordinary video viewing on a smartphone into a full-fledged cinematic experience, and wireless image transmission is a key element. Apple device owners often wonder how to display content from their iPhone or iPad on the big screen using the ecosystem's built-in features. South Korean brand LG TVs running the webOS platform have built-in support for the protocol. AirPlay 2, which significantly simplifies the process of synchronizing devices without the need to purchase additional set-top boxes.
To successfully implement this task, it's crucial that all devices involved are in the same information space. This means your smartphone, tablet, and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. If your router broadcasts signals on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with different network names (SSIDs), ensure that the devices are "visible" to each other, as client isolation can prevent discovery in some router configurations.
In this article, we'll detail the steps to activate wireless mirroring, as well as address common errors that occur during initial setup. You'll learn where to find the necessary settings in the TV menu, how to manage access, and which security settings should be changed for a comfortable experience.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
Before setting up, you need to make sure your equipment is technically capable of supporting the AirPlay 2 protocol. Not all LG TV models, even Smart TVs, have hardware or software support for this standard. Typically, the feature is available on models released in 2018 and later, equipped with the operating system webOS 4.0 and newer versions.
It's also worth paying attention to the TV's software version. Manufacturers regularly release updates that can add new features or fix bugs in existing communication protocols. If you can't find the option you need in the menu, your system may need an update.
How to find out the model of an LG TV?
The device model is usually indicated on a sticker on the back of the unit. You can also find this information in the menu: press the Settings button on the remote control, then go to "All Settings" → "General" → "About TV." The full model name and software version will be listed there.
This feature requires a stable connection. If your router is overloaded with multiple connected devices or is too far from your TV, high-definition video streaming may experience delays or artifacts.
- 📱 Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- 📺 Check that your LG TV is connected to the internet and has access to your local network.
- 🔄 Update your TV firmware to the latest available version via the settings menu.
- 🌐 Make sure that the AP Isolation feature is not enabled on your router.
Activating the AirPlay function in the TV menu
The process of enabling the function on the TV side is quite simple, but requires attention when navigating the menu. The interface webOS may differ slightly depending on the model year, but the logic of the layout of the elements remains similar. You will need a remote control with the function Magic Remote or a standard IR remote control.
Press the settings button (gear) on your remote to open the quick menu. In the row of icons that appears at the top of the screen, find the "AirPlay" or "Apple AirPlay" tile. If you don't see this tile on the home screen, go to the full settings menu.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions or on certain models, this feature may be hidden deep within the menu. If you don't see the AirPlay icon on the main panel, go to "All Settings" → "Connectivity" → "Set Up AirPlay & HomeKit." There should be a switch there that needs to be set to "On."
After activation, the system may prompt you to configure a device name, which will appear in the list of available devices on your iPhone. By default, the TV model is used, but you can change it to something more descriptive, such as "LG Living Room."
☑️ Setting up AirPlay on TV
Connecting an iPhone or iPad to a TV
Once the TV is ready, you can set up your mobile device. Make sure your smartphone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner on models with Face ID or swipe up on models with a home button).
Click the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two rectangles). Your LG TV should appear in the list of available devices. If you see the device but encounter an error when trying to connect, check your privacy settings.
When connecting for the first time, a four-digit code may appear on your TV screen. This code must be entered on your iPhone to confirm pairing. This is a standard security procedure to prevent unauthorized access to your screen.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Device name | Name visible on the web | Unique (e.g. LG_Kitchen) |
| Access code | Requiring a password when connecting | Only on first connection |
| Permission | Who can connect? | All in one network |
| Protocol | Connection type | AirPlay 2 |
Configuring security and access settings
AirPlay on LG TVs allows you to flexibly configure access rules. This is especially useful if you have guests using your Wi-Fi or if the TV is in a public place, such as an office or cafe. Basic settings are located in the same menu where you activated the feature.
You can choose whether you'll be prompted to enter a code every time you connect a new device or only the first time you connect. You can also choose to completely prevent connections without your knowledge. For home use, requiring a code only the first time you connect is optimal.
It's important to note that the AirPlay 2 protocol supports multi-user mode, but with LG TVs, a personal connection is more common. If you want to restrict access to only your devices, use the "Required Code" feature and change it periodically, although this can be inconvenient.
- 🔒 First time: The code is only requested the first time you pair the device.
- 🔐 Every time: Maximum protection, code required for each session.
- 🚫 Off: Anyone on the network can stream content (not recommended).
Keep in mind that security settings directly impact user experience. Overly strict rules can be annoying with frequent use, while a lack of them can create privacy risks.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary depending on the webOS firmware version. If you don't see the options described, please refer to the user manual for your specific model or update the firmware.
Video streaming and screen mirroring
There are two main ways to use AirPlay: streaming specific content (videos, photos, music) from apps and full screen mirroring. The first option is preferable for watching videos, as the TV decodes the stream automatically, saving battery life and providing better quality.
To stream a video, find the AirPlay icon (rectangle with a triangle) in an app (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, VLC). Tap it and select your LG TV. The video will open on the big screen, and you can use your phone as a remote or set it aside.
Screen Mirroring copies the entire iPhone interface to the TV. This is useful for showing presentations, games, or apps that don't support direct video output. However, this mode requires more intensive phone processing, and image quality may depend on your Wi-Fi speed.
If you use mirroring, remember that notifications received on your phone will also appear on your TV. Enable Do Not Disturb mode on your iPhone to avoid any awkward situations.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may encounter issues such as the TV not appearing in the device list or the connection constantly dropping. Most often, the cause lies in network settings or temporary software glitches.
One common cause is using a guest Wi-Fi network. If your phone is connected to the guest SSID and your TV to the main SSID, they won't be able to "see" each other due to traffic isolation. Make sure both devices are on the same subnet.
Problems can also be caused by antivirus software on your router or firewalls blocking ports required for the Bonjour/mDNS protocol, which is used to discover Apple devices. Try temporarily disabling your router's strict security settings to test.
- 🔄 Reboot: Turn off and on the TV and router (full power cycle).
- 📶 Frequency: Try switching your devices to the 5GHz frequency for better throughput.
- 📲 Reset: In the AirPlay settings on your TV, select "Reset paired devices."
What should I do if the video is lagging?
If your video streaming stutters or quality drops, try moving closer to your router. Also, close any unnecessary apps on your iPhone that are consuming data, and make sure no one else on the network is downloading large files.
⚠️ Attention: If the function still doesn't work after all these steps, your internet service provider may be using the CGNAT connection type, which limits local device communication. In this case, setting up a static IP address or contacting your internet service provider's technical support will help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't my old LG TV support AirPlay?
AirPlay 2 support is only available on models with sufficiently powerful processors and webOS 4.0 or higher (2018 models and newer). Older TVs don't support this feature, and connecting an iPhone will require the use of external devices, such as Apple TV.
Is it possible to stream audio from an iPhone to a TV without a picture?
Yes, when you select an AirPlay device in the Control Center (under "Audio Playback"), you can stream audio only. This is convenient for listening to music through a high-quality TV speaker system while the screen is off or showing the screensaver.
Does AirPlay slow down other devices on my Wi-Fi network?
Streaming high-definition video (4K HDR) puts a significant strain on your Wi-Fi network. If you have a slow internet connection or an older router standard (e.g., 802.11n), other devices may have difficulty accessing the network. We recommend using AC (Wi-Fi 5) or AX (Wi-Fi 6) routers.
Do you need internet access to use AirPlay?
Internet access isn't required for the actual image and audio transfer; a local Wi-Fi network is sufficient. However, streaming content from online services (YouTube, Apple TV+) does require internet access. Some functions, such as the initial device search, may require short-term network access.