How to Connect a Smart TV and Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Modern smart TVs and computers can communicate with each other wirelessly, opening up opportunities for video streaming, gaming, presentations, and even remote control. However, not all users know how to properly set up such a connection to avoid lag, compatibility issues, or poor picture quality. This article will help you understand all the nuances: from choosing a protocol (Miracast, DLNA, AirPlay) to configuring your router for stable data transfer.

We will consider 5 main ways TV and PC connections via Wi-Fi - from built-in Smart TV features to specialized applications like Steam Link or MoonlightWe will pay special attention to critical router parameters (5 GHz channel, 80 MHz bandwidth, Wi-Fi 6 standard), which directly affect ping and broadcast qualityYou'll also learn how to troubleshoot common errors, such as why your TV doesn't recognize your computer on the local network or why artifacts appear when playing 4K content.

The material will be useful for TV owners Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), Sony (Google TV/Android TV), as well as Windows 10/11 and macOS users. All instructions are adapted for current firmware and software versions as of 2026, but please note that interfaces may vary slightly depending on the device model.

1. Preparing the equipment: what you need to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements for a wireless connection. Key criteria:

  • 📺 TV: must support Wi-Fi (minimum standard 802.11n, but better 802.11ac/ax) and have one of the platforms: Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG), Android TV/Google TV (Sony, Xiaomi, Philips). Older models with NetCast or Orsay may not support modern protocols.
  • 💻 Computer: For Windows, you need version 10 (1809+) or 11 with updated Wi-Fi adapter drivers. For macOS, you will need macOS Monterey or newer. Laptops with processors Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (8th generation and above) or Apple M1/M2 will handle broadcasting better than budget PCs.
  • 📶 Router: dual-band model (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) with support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). For 4K streaming, a 5 GHz channel with a bandwidth of 80 MHz and speed from 300 Mbps.

If your router is older than 2018, check its settings in the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Open the section Wireless and make sure that:

  • 🔄 Mode enabled WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) - It prioritizes traffic for multimedia.
  • 🛡️ Network encryption is set as WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (Not WEP!).
  • 📡 The 5 GHz channel is selected manually (for example, 36, 40, 44), and not in the mode Auto - this will reduce interference.
⚠️ Note: If your TV and computer are connected to different subnets (for example, the TV to a guest network and the PC to the main network), they won't see each other. Combine them into a single network or set up bridging in your router.
📊 What brand is your TV?
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2. Method 1: Miracast (Wireless Display) - Direct connection without a router

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard built into most modern devices. Its main advantage: No router connection required—the TV and computer are connected directly via a point-to-point connection.This is ideal for presentations or gaming where minimal latency is important.

To activate Miracast on Windows:

  1. Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
  2. From the list of available devices, select your TV (the name usually matches the model, for example, Samsung QE55QN90C).
  3. Confirm the connection on TV - you may be asked to enter a PIN code.

On TV:

  • 📺 Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring (or Smart View).
  • 📺 LG: Settings → Connections → Screen Share.
  • 📺 Sony Android TV: Settings → Network & Sharing → Miracast.
Parameter Miracast DLNA Steam Link
A router is required ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Max. permission 4K@30Hz Full HD 4K@60Hz
Lag ~50 ms ~200 ms ~20 ms
Sound support ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (5.1)
⚠️ Attention: On laptops with hybrid graphics (e.g. Intel UHD + NVIDIA) Miracast may be unstable. Before connecting, update your graphics card drivers via GeForce Experience or the manufacturer's website.

Your computer's Wi-Fi adapter supports Miracast (check in Device Manager)|

The TV and PC are no more than 5 meters away|

The power saving mode is disabled on the TV (may disconnect the connection)|

Client Isolation Mode is disabled in the router.

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3. Method 2: DLNA – streaming media files over a local network

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for exchanging media between devices on the same network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but allows transfer videos, music, and photos From your computer to your TV. Suitable for watching movies, listening to music, or viewing photos.

To set up DLNA:

  1. Install the media server on your computer:
    • 🪟 Windows: built-in Media streaming (included in Control Panel → Network and Internet → Media Streaming) or third-party programs like Plex, Kodi.
    • 🍎 macOS: Roku Media Server or Serviio.
  • On your TV, open the DLNA app:
    • 📺 Samsung: Smart Hub → Multimedia → Devices.
    • 📺 LG: Home Dashboard → Devices → DLNA.
    • 📺 Android TV: application MediaHouse UPnP/BubbleUPnP.
    • Select your computer from the list of available sources and start playback.

    DLNA supports most formats (.mp4, .mkv, .flac), but problems may arise with:

    • 🎬 Video with codec HEVC (H.265) - Some TVs do not play it without conversion.
    • 🔊 Sound DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD - TV support is required.
    • 📁 Folders with Cyrillic names - rename them to Latin.

    If you want to play Steam- big screen gaming without buying a console, Steam Link — the perfect solution. The application broadcasts images from your computer to your TV with minimal latency (from 10 ms (under ideal conditions). To work you will need:

    • 💻 A computer with Windows/macOS/Linux installed Steam.
    • 📺 TV with support Steam Link (the application is available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen (2020+) and LG webOS (2018+)).
    • 🎮 Gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller, DualSense or Steam Deck Controller).

    Step-by-step setup:

    1. Install Steam Link on TV via the app store (Google Play for Android TV or LG Content Store).
    2. Launch Steam on your computer and go to Settings → Remote Access → Configure Steam Link.
    3. Connect the gamepad to your TV via Bluetooth or USB.
    4. In the appendix Steam Link On TV, select your PC from the list and connect.

    For optimal performance:

    • 📊 In the settings Steam Link select Preset "Balanced" (or Quality, if the router supports Wi-Fi 6).
    • 🔌 Connect your computer to the router via cable (Ethernet), and leave the TV on Wi-Fi - this will reduce the ping.
    • 🔄 Turn on Steam option Hardware encoding (Settings → Remote Access → Advanced).
    ⚠️ Warning: When streaming demanding games (Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2) Close background programs on your PC that consume GPU (for example, OBS, Blender). Otherwise, there will be FPS drops.
    How to reduce latency in Steam Link?

    Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) - the delay will be reduced to 5–15 ms.

    In the settings Steam Link set the bitrate limit to 30 Mbps - this will reduce buffering.

    Disable power saving mode for your Wi-Fi adapter in Windows Device Manager.

    5. Method 4: AirPlay (for Apple owners and compatible TVs)

    AirPlay — a proprietary protocol from Apple that allows you to broadcast your screen with Mac or iPhone/iPad on TV. Compatibility:

    • 📺 TVs: LG webOS (2018 and newer), Samsung (2019–2020 with update), Sony Bravia (2020+), as well as any TV with a set-top box Apple TV 4K.
    • 💻 Computers: MacBook/iMac With macOS Monterey or newer.

    How to connect:

    1. Make sure your TV and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. On Mac, open Control Center → Screen Mirroring and select your TV.
    3. On your TV, confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter a code).

    AirPlay Features:

    • ✅ Supports 4K HDR and sound Dolby Atmos.
    • ❌ Does not work with Windows without third-party programs (for example, 5KPlayer).
    • 🔄 The delay is ~100–150 ms - not suitable for games, but ok for videos.

    6. Method 5: Remote control applications (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)

    If you don't need to broadcast your screen as much as control your computer from your TV (For example, working with documents or configuring software), remote access programs are suitable. They allow you to view your PC screen on your TV and control it using a remote control or a connected keyboard.

    Popular solutions:

    • 🔹 TeamViewer: cross-platform, works on Android TV And Samsung Tizen. Free for personal use.
    • 🔹 AnyDesk: lower latency, but requires installation on both sides.
    • 🔹 Chrome Remote Desktop: if a browser is installed on the PC and TV Chrome.

    Instructions for TeamViewer:

    1. Download TeamViewer to the computer and TV (via Google Play or Samsung App Store).
    2. On your PC, run the program and record ID And Password.
    3. On TV, enter this information in the app TeamViewer and connect.
    ⚠️ Caution: When using remote control via Wi-Fi, avoid transmitting sensitive data (passwords, banking details) — use a wired connection or VPN.

    7. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the computer or there are lags

    If the connection is not established or is not working correctly, check the following:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The TV does not appear in the list of devices Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast is disabled on the TV. Turn on Screen Mirroring in TV settings
    The video is slow or choppy. Slow Wi-Fi speed or interference Switch to 5GHz, lower the resolution to 1080p
    No sound during broadcast The wrong audio source is selected on the TV. Check it out HDMI ARC or settings Audio Output
    The connection is broken after 1-2 minutes Power saving mode on your PC or TV Turn it off Sleep on a timer in power settings

    To diagnose the network, use the commands in Command line Windows:

    ping 192.168.x.1 (your router's address)

    netsh wlan show interfaces

    If the ping exceeds 50 ms or the speed is lower 100 Mbps, the problem is with the router or interference. Try:

    • 🔄 Reboot the router.
    • 📡 Change the 5 GHz channel manually (for example, from 36 on 149).
    • 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirus (it may block streaming video).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a TV and PC via Wi-Fi

    Is it possible to connect an old TV without Smart TV to a computer via Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but you will need an additional device:

    • 📦 Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield) — connects via HDMI and supports Miracast/DLNA.
    • 🖥️ Wi-Fi adapter with HDMI (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter) - converts Miracast signal to HDMI.

    The cost of such solutions ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 rubles.

    Which method is better for watching 4K movies: Miracast or DLNA?

    For 4K HDR preferred DLNA, because:

    • Miracast is limited 4K@30Hz and can compress video.
    • DLNA transmits the original file without loss (if the TV supports the codec).

    Exception: If you have NVIDIA Shield or Apple TV 4K - they support 4K@60Hz via Miracast/AirPlay.

    Why do I experience artifacts when streaming games via Steam Link?

    Artifacts (blur, blocks, jerkiness) are usually associated with:

    • 📉 Low bitrate: in the settings Steam Link install 50 Mbps (if the router supports it).
    • 🔌 Network interference: Disable other devices that consume traffic (torrents, updates).
    • 💻 Lack of PC resources: close background processes in Task Manager.

    Also check if it is included in Steam anti-aliasing (Settings → In-Game → Texture Filter) - it increases the load.

    Is it possible to control a computer from a TV without a keyboard?

    Yes, there are several ways:

    • 🎮 Gamepad: V Steam Link or Moonlight You can customize joystick controls.
    • 🖱️ Virtual keyboard: V TeamViewer or AnyDesk There is a built-in keyboard for TV.
    • 📱 Smartphone as a remote control: apps like Unified Remote or Monect convert the phone into a touchpad.

    For convenience, we recommend connecting a wireless keyboard with a touchpad to the TV (for example, Logitech K400 Plus).

    Which router is best for 4K Wi-Fi streaming?

    Minimum requirements for stable 4K@60Hz:

    • 📶 Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz).
    • 📊 Speed: from 1200 Mbps at a frequency of 5 GHz.
    • 🔄 Processor: dual-core (Qualcomm IPQ6000, Broadcom BCM4908).

    Recommended models (2026–2026):

    • 🏆 Premium: ASUS RT-AX88U Pro (Wi-Fi 6, 6000 Mbps, 8 antennas).
    • 💰 Middle class: TP-Link Archer AX6000 or Xiaomi AX6000.
    • 💲 Budget: Tenda AX12 (Wi-Fi 6, 3000 Mbps).

    • 📖 Read also

    How to connect Wi-Fi to a Telefunken TV: A complete guide A step-by-step guide to setting up wireless internet on a Telefunken TV. Troubleshooting connection issues How to connect a Beeline TV set-top box via WiFi: step-by-step instructions Find out how to set up a Beeline set-top box via WiFi. A detailed guide to choosing a router, hidden on How to connect a Sony TV to a Wi-Fi router wirelessly: step-by-step instructions A detailed guide to setting up a wireless connection on Sony TVs. How to set up Smart TV How to Connect to Wi-Fi on a MacBook: A Complete Guide A detailed guide: how to set up Wi-Fi on a MacBook Air and Pro. Solutions to connection problems, hidden How to connect an iPhone to a TV without Wi-Fi: wired methods and AirPlay Full instructions: how to mirror your iPhone's screen to a TV without Wi-Fi. Lightning-to-HDMI cables, adapters, DLNA TV won't connect to phone's Wi-Fi: causes and solutions A detailed analysis of the reasons why a Smart TV doesn't detect or connect to a smartphone's hotspot.