Users regularly ask what the name of the function that connects a phone to a TV via Wi-Fi is, especially when they need to show photos on a big screen or play videos from the internet. In fact, there's no single, universal name, as electronics manufacturers use various standards and proprietary protocols to implement this functionality. In common parlance, this process is often referred to as "screen sharing," "mirroring," or "projecting," but technically, these are different technologies, each with its own unique characteristics.
Understanding the differences between these technologies is critical for choosing the right connection method, as it affects image quality, signal latency, and content management capabilities. Some methods only allow for media streaming, while others completely mirror the image from the smartphone display. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the main standards, their differences, and how to activate them on different devices.
It's worth noting right away that for a successful connection, both devices—the smartphone and the TV—must be on the same local network or support a direct Wi-Fi connection. Wireless technologies They've significantly simplified the multimedia experience, eliminating the need for users to hunt for long HDMI cables. However, if you don't know which protocol your device supports, setup can turn into a lengthy, trial-and-error process.
Main wireless broadcasting standards
The fundamental answer to the question of what the connection function is called lies in the names of specific data transfer protocols. The most common standard for Android devices and Windows is MiracastThis technology enables high-definition video streaming without compression, creating a direct connection between devices. Importantly, Miracast doesn't require a router, as devices can connect directly via Wi-Fi Direct.
For Apple technology owners, the main standard is AirPlayThis protocol was developed by Apple and ensures stable audio and video transmission with minimal latency. Unlike Miracast, AirPlay requires a Wi-Fi network, although modern versions support direct connections. This standard often offers higher data transmission quality, but it is not compatible with Android devices without the use of third-party emulators.
The third major player in the market is technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). Unlike the previous two, DLNA doesn't mirror screens. It's designed for transferring existing media files (photos, videos, music) from one device to another for playback. TV In this case, the browser acts as a renderer, and the phone acts as a server. This means you won't be able to display the smartphone's menu interface, but you can easily play a movie in high quality.
- 📡 Miracast — a standard for screen mirroring on Android and Windows, works without a router.
- 🍏 AirPlay — Apple's proprietary protocol for streaming content from iPhone and iPad.
- 🎬 DLNA — a protocol for streaming media files without copying the device interface.
⚠️ Please note: Not all Smart TVs natively support all of the listed standards. Before purchasing additional adapters, check the specifications for your model in the official user manual.
Differences in codec support also play a significant role. If your TV is older and doesn't support modern video codecs, DLNA streaming may work fine, while Miracast mirroring will lag due to a lack of processing power to transcode the stream on the fly. Understanding these nuances helps avoid frustration with poor system performance.
Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct technology
When people talk about the name of the function for connecting a phone to a TV via Wi-Fi on Android, they most often mean Miracast. This standard was developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is based on technology Wi-Fi DirectThe method involves creating a virtual cable: the image is compressed, transmitted over the air, and decaled on the receiver. Signal latency is minimal, making the method suitable even for simple games.
To activate this feature on your TV, you often don't need to install additional apps if your Smart TV supports the standard. On your smartphone, this feature may have different names: "Cast," "Smart View," "Wireless Monitor," or "Project." In the screen settings, select an available device from the list. Once paired, the screens sync, and the phone can be used as a remote control or game console.
However, it's important to consider the load on your smartphone's battery. Since video encoding and constant Wi-Fi operation require significant resources, the battery may drain faster than usual. Wi-Fi Direct Provides a more stable connection than a regular router Wi-Fi, since the channel is not shared with other devices in the house, but the range of such a connection is limited to a few meters.
Why does Miracast sometimes work with lag?
Lag is often caused by wireless channel congestion or insufficient processor power on the phone, which can't keep up with encoding the video stream in real time. Interference from microwave ovens or nearby routers can also contribute.
An important aspect is the resolution of the transmitted image. Miracast supports video transmission in resolutions up to 1080p and even 4K in newer versions of the standard, but this requires support from both devices. If your TV is older, it may limit the stream, reducing the image quality to 720p.
Apple Ecosystem: AirPlay and HomeKit
For iPhone and iPad users, the name of the connection function is straightforward: AirPlay. This technology is deeply integrated into the iOS operating system, making the connection process incredibly simple. Simply tap the "Screen Mirroring" button in the Control Center and select a compatible TV. Modern models Samsung, LG And Sony already have built-in AirPlay 2 support, which eliminates the need to purchase an Apple TV set-top box.
AirPlay 2Android
If your TV doesn't natively support AirPlay, you can use software emulators installed on Smart TVs or purchase an external streaming box. However, using third-party solutions can lead to unstable operation and increased signal latency. Native support is always preferable for energy efficiency and connection stability.
- 🔄 Automatic switching — the system will automatically offer to connect when you launch a video in supported applications.
- 🔒 Access code — the ability to set a PIN code on the TV to protect against accidental connection.
- 🎵 Multi-room audio — synchronous audio playback on multiple Apple devices in different rooms.
⚠️ Important: For AirPlay 2 to work, your router must support IPv6 or have client isolation configured correctly. If devices cannot see each other, check your wireless network settings.
AirPlay's image quality is often subjectively rated as superior to Miracast's, thanks to Apple's optimized compression algorithms. Color reproduction and contrast are better preserved, which is especially important when viewing HDR content. However, the ecosystem remains closed, and casting an Android smartphone's screen to an Apple TV using standard tools is not possible.
DLNA: Transfer media files without mirroring
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology occupies a special niche. It doesn't answer the question of "how to mirror a screen," but rather "how to display a photo or video." In this case, the phone acts as a media server (DMS), and the TV acts as a media renderer (DMR). This means the smartphone interface isn't displayed on the TV screen; you simply select a file from your gallery and play it.
The main advantage of DLNA is the ability to control playback from your phone. You can pause, rewind, or change the volume without leaving the couch, leaving your phone free for other tasks. Unlike mirroring, it doesn't drain battery power by constantly sending a video stream, as the TV decodes the file itself, receiving only control commands.
For DLNA to work, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On the TV, launch the "Media" or "Photo/Video" app, and select "Cast" in the player on your smartphone. Many modern video players, such as VLC or MX Player, have built-in support for this protocol.
| Characteristic | Miracast / AirPlay | DLNA |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring (streaming video) | File transfer (media streaming) |
| Interface dependency | Full copy of the phone screen | Content only, TV interface independent |
| Control | Via phone (like a remote control) | Via phone (playlist, pause, volume) |
| Network requirements | Wi-Fi Direct or one network | One local network is required |
It's worth noting that DLNA doesn't support transmitting system notification sounds or audio from other apps, unless they're media players. It's primarily used for consuming content, such as movies, TV series, photos, and music. It's not suitable for sharing presentations or web pages.
Connection specifics on different platforms
The implementation of the connection function varies greatly depending on the smartphone manufacturer and operating system. In Android, the world is fragmented, and each brand tries to come up with its own name for the standard Miracast. For example, Samsung uses the brand Smart ViewXiaomi uses "Broadcast" or "Mi Drop" (in older versions), and LG uses "Screen Share." This often confuses users looking for a single "Connect" button.
Huawei and Honor devices feature this technology Wireless Projection, which is also based on Wi-Fi Alliance standards, but has its own unique settings menu. In some cases, activation requires turning on an NFC tag and tapping the phone on the TV remote control, if both devices support this feature. This speeds up the pairing process, eliminating the need to manually search for the device in the list.
☑️ Check before connection
Owners of Android TVs (Sony, Philips, Xiaomi) can use the built-in Chromecast feature. This isn't exactly Miracast, but rather Google's proprietary protocol that allows you to cast browser tabs or content from YouTube and Netflix apps. This is done using the cast button within the app itself, rather than the phone's system menu.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces may change after TV firmware updates. If you can't find the option you need, use the search in the settings or refer to the manufacturer's documentation.
Smart TVs based on the Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG) platforms stand apart. They have their own app stores and device discovery protocols. Often, a proprietary app needs to be installed on a smartphone for full functionality, for example, SmartThings for Samsung or LG ThinQ for LG. These apps provide advanced functionality beyond simple screen mirroring.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Despite the claimed simplicity, users often encounter problems: the TV doesn't detect the phone, the connection constantly drops, or there's no sound. First, check whether the devices are on the same subnet. Often, the problem lies in the router broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, and the devices are connected to different bands, which can block detection on some older router models.
The second common cause is antivirus software or a firewall on your smartphone, which blocks incoming and outgoing connections for DLNA and Miracast protocols. It's also worth checking whether "AP Isolation" mode is enabled on your router, which prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other.
If the image is transmitted but with artifacts or choppiness, try reducing the output resolution in your phone's settings or moving your smartphone closer to the router. Interference from microwave ovens, baby monitors, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks can also significantly degrade wireless channel quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a phone to a TV without a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct, the technology behind Miracast. In this case, the TV creates its own wireless network, to which the phone connects directly. However, a router is required for AirPlay and DLNA to work.
Why is there no sound on the TV when connected via Wi-Fi?
Most often, the problem lies with the audio output settings on your smartphone. Make sure that the audio output is selected to an external device in the volume or Bluetooth/Connections settings menu, not the phone's speaker. Also, check that the TV isn't set to "Video Only" mode.
Does phone connection affect internet speed?
When using DLNA, traffic flows within the local network and doesn't consume internet bandwidth. Mirroring (Miracast/AirPlay) also doesn't use the internet unless you're streaming online video. However, the video streaming process itself uses up Wi-Fi bandwidth, which can reduce speeds for other devices on the network.
Do all Smart TVs support Wi-Fi connectivity?
Almost all modern Smart TVs (released after 2015) have built-in Wi-Fi modules and support for one of the standards (DLNA, Miracast). Older, non-smart TV models will require an external adapter, such as a Chromecast, Apple TV, or Android set-top box.