How to Mirror Your Laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly cast your laptop screen to your TV using Wi-Fi eliminates the tangled mess of wires and distance limitations. However, not everyone knows that connection methods depend on more than just the model. Smart TV, but also on the laptop's operating system, the TV's firmware version, and the protocols it supports. In 2026, manufacturers will actively abandon outdated standards such as Widi in favor of universal solutions - but even they require proper configuration.

This article will help you figure out how to display your laptop screen on a TV wirelessly and compare available technologies (from Miracast to Google Cast), and also solve common problems - from no sound to disconnected connections. We will consider solutions for Windows 10/11, macOS and even Linux, and we will also explain why some TVs refuse to work with laptops based on Intel 12th generation processors and newer without updating the drivers.

1. What technologies allow screen sharing via Wi-Fi?

There are five main protocols for wirelessly transmitting images from a laptop to a TV. Support depends on the hardware and software of both devices:

• 🔹 Miracast — standard for Windows And Android, works without internet (peer-to-peer). Requires both devices.
• 🍎 AirPlay — proprietary protocol Apple For macOS/iOSCompatible with TVs only Apple TV or models with built-in support (for example, LG OLED 2022+).
• 📱 Google Cast (Chromecast) - broadcasting via applications (YouTube, Netflix) or a browser Chrome. Works with TVs that have a built-in Chromecast or a connected adapter.
• 🌐 DLNA - streaming media files (photos, videos, music), but not the entire screen. Supported by most Smart TV.
• 🔄 Smart View (Samsung) / Screen Mirroring (LG, Sony) - branded solutions from TV manufacturers, often Miracast.

It is important to understand that Not all TVs support Miracast., even if it is indicated in the characteristics Wi-Fi DirectFor example, many models Sony Bravia 2020–2021 require installation of an additional application Screen Mirroring from Google Play, and televisions Xiaomi often limit the mirroring function only to devices on Android.

2. Checking the compatibility of the laptop and TV

Before attempting to connect, make sure your devices support the selected protocol. Here are the key points:

To check support Miracast on a laptop with Windows:

1. Click Win + R, enter dxdiag and press Enter.
2. In the window DirectX Diagnostic Tool go to the tab Screen.
3. Find the line Miracast: must be specified Available.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with processors Intel 12th generation and later (For example, Core i7-12700H) function Miracast may be disabled by default due to a conflict with technology Intel UnisonIn this case, a driver update is required. Intel Wireless up to version 22.240.0 or later.

3. Connecting via Miracast (Windows → Smart TV)

This is the most universal method for laptop owners Windows and TVs with support Wi-Fi DirectThe instruction is valid for Windows 10/11:

Make sure your TV and laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct)

Disable VPNs and firewalls (they may be blocking the connection)

Update your laptop's wireless adapter drivers.

Turn on the mirroring feature on your TV (usually in the "Network" or "Screen" menu) -->

1. On TV:
   • 📺 Open the menu Settings → Network → Screen Mirroring (on Samsung) or Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring (on LG).
   • 🔄 Select the connection standby mode (usually the message "Ready to connect" appears).

On the laptop:

• 🖥️ Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
• 🔍 Select the name of your TV from the list of available devices.
• ✅ Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your router (sometimes double NAT interferes).
• 📶 Switch your TV and laptop to the range 5 GHz (less interference).
• 🔧 Update TV firmware (on Samsung This is done through the menu Support → Software Update).

4. Stream from a MacBook via AirPlay

To the owners MacBook or iMac the easiest to use AirPlay, but this method only works with TVs that support the protocol: Apple TV 4K, LG OLED (2022–2026), Sony Bravia XR with updated firmware, as well as some models Samsung with the application Apple TV.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure that MacBook and the TV are connected to the same network Wi-Fi (or use Apple TV in access point mode).
2. On TV:
   • 📺 For LG: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay → turn on the function.
   • 🍎 For Apple TV: go to Settings → AirPlay and HomeKit and activate AirPlay.

On MacBook:

• 🖥️ Open System Preferences → Monitors.
• 🔄 Click the button Connecting to AirPlay (or use the control panel in the upper right corner).
• 📺 Select your TV from the list.

If the broadcast is interrupted or delayed:

• 📶 Switch to the network 5 GHz (it is less busy).
• 🔌 Connect MacBook to power supply - when operating on battery power macOS may limit the performance of wireless modules.
• 🔇 Mute your laptop's sound—sometimes the audio stream creates an additional load.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with the application Apple TV function AirPlay may work unstably due to a conflict with the proprietary shell TizenIn this case, try using Google Cast via browser Chrome.

5. Using Google Cast (Chromecast) for broadcasting

Google Cast — a flexible solution that works even on TVs without built-in support Miracast or AirPlay. For this you need either a built-in Chromecast (for example, in televisions Philips Android TV), or an external adapter Google Chromecast (3rd generation or newer).

Broadcast methods:

• 🌐 Via Chrome browser:
  1. Open Chrome on a laptop.
  2. Click on the three dots → Broadcast.
  3. Select Broadcast tab or Broadcast your screen.

📱 Via apps: many services (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+) have a built-in button Cast (rectangle icon with Wi-Fi in the corner).

Peculiarities Google Cast:

• ✅ Powered by Windows, macOS And Linux.
• ❌ Does not support streaming protected content (for example, movies from iTunes or Amazon Prime Video with DRM).
• 🔄 Image lag may reach 1-2 seconds (not suitable for gaming).

Why can't Chromecast find my TV?

The most common cause is a subnet conflict. If the router distributes IP addresses in the range 192.168.1.x, and the TV is connected via a repeater with a range 192.168.0.x, the devices won't see each other. Solution: Connect all devices to the same network or set up bridges on the router.

6. Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party programs

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use:

• 📂 DLNA — to transfer media files (not the screen!). A server is installed on the laptop (for example, Plex or Kodi), and the corresponding application opens on the TV.
• 🖥️ Third-party programs:
  • ApowerMirror - supports Miracast and works on Windows/macOS.
  • LetsView — a free solution with minimal latency.
  • TeamViewer - not intended for broadcasting, but can output the laptop screen to the TV via Android TV.

  Example of setup ApowerMirror:

  1. Download and install the program on your laptop and TV (if on TV Android TV).
  2. Connect both devices to the same network Wi-Fi.
  3. Run it on your laptop ApowerMirror and select Phone Screen → Computer Screen.
  4. On the TV, enter the PIN code displayed on the laptop screen.

  ⚠️ Attention: Programs like ApowerMirror or LetsView may collect data about your traffic. Before using, check your privacy settings and disable unnecessary permissions (such as access to your microphone or location).

  7. Solving common problems

  Even with proper setup, difficulties can arise. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:

  Problem	Possible cause	Solution
  The TV does not appear in the list of devices	No support Miracast or outdated drivers	Update the wireless adapter driver on your laptop or use Google Cast
  The image is slow or choppy.	Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion	Switch to 5 GHz, disconnect other devices from the network, reduce the resolution
  No sound during broadcast	The wrong audio source is selected on the TV.	On the laptop: Sound Settings → Output → Select TV
  The connection is lost after 1-2 minutes	Energy-saving settings for your laptop	Disable sleep mode: Settings → System → Power

  If nothing helps, check:

  • 🔌 Router power supply: some models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) reset settings when overheating.
  • 📡 Wi-Fi channel: channels in apartment buildings 1, 6 And 11 are often overloaded. Use a network analyzer (e.g. Wi-Fi Analyzer) to select a free channel.
  • 🔄 Router operating mode: if enabled 802.11r (Fast Roaming), turn it off - it may interfere Miracast.

  FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

  Is it possible to mirror a laptop's screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?

  Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Miracast). In this case, a direct connection is created between the laptop and the TV without the involvement of a router. However, for Google Cast or DLNA a common network is absolutely necessary.

  Why can I only see part of my laptop screen on TV?

  This is due to an aspect ratio mismatch. Solution:

  1. On Windows: Settings → System → Display → Zoom → select 100%.
  2. On TV: Turn on the mode Just Scan or Screen Fit (usually in the image settings).

  How do I stream audio from my laptop to my TV if the image is via HDMI?

  If you use HDMI for video, but you want to transmit sound via Wi-Fi, this is not possible directly. Alternatives:

  • Use Bluetooth to transmit sound to a speaker or soundbar.
  • Connect your TV to your laptop only via Wi-Fi (through Miracast or AirPlay).

  Is it possible to play games and stream them to your TV via Wi-Fi?

  Technically yes, but with some caveats:

  • 🎮 Miracast gives a delay of ~30–50 ms (acceptable for strategies, but not for shooters).
  • 🖱️ For gaming with a mouse/keyboard, it is better to use dual gamepad (For example, Xbox Controller), connected directly to the laptop.
  • 📡 To minimize lag, use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U) and connect the laptop via cable Ethernet.

  Why is there no sound on some videos when streaming through Chrome?

  This is related to DRM protection (for example, in Netflix or Disney+). Solutions:

  • Use the official service app on your TV (if available).
  • Connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI - this bypasses restrictions Google Cast.
  • Check if yours supports it Chromecast or Android TV Widevine L1 (required to play protected content).