How to send an image from a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Transferring photos from a laptop to a large TV screen via Wi-Fi is a challenge that owners also face. Smart TV latest models, and users of older TVs with set-top boxes. In 2026, there are built-in technologies for this (Miracast, DLNA, AirPlay), as well as branded solutions from manufacturers (Samsung DeX, LG Screen Share). However, not all methods are equally convenient: some require preliminary router configuration, others only work with certain brands, and still others may be slow when transmitting high-resolution images.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods image transmission via Wi-Fi - from universal (suitable for 90% of modern TVs) to specialized (for equipment owners) Apple or Android- laptops). We'll pay special attention to common problems: why a TV can't detect a laptop, how to eliminate delays during viewing, and what to do if the transmission is interrupted. All instructions are relevant for Windows 10/11, macOS Sonoma/Ventura and televisions with Android TV, webOS, Tizen or Google TV.

1. Miracast: A universal method for Windows and Android TV

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard built into most modern laptops and TVs. It works without the internet, creating a direct connection between devices via Wi-Fi (peer-to-peer). The main advantage is the lack of dependence on the router and minimal delays (up to 50 ms), which is critical for viewing high-resolution photos.

To transmit an image via Miracast:

• 📺 On your TV: Turn on the function Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share). It is usually located in the menu. Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring.
• 💻 On a Windows laptop: Press Win + K, select your TV from the list. If there is no button, check if your Wi-Fi adapter supports Miracast (in Device Manager find Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter).
• 🔄 On MacBook Miracast is not supported - please use AirPlay (see section 3).

If your TV does not appear in the list of devices:

1. Update your laptop's Wi-Fi adapter drivers (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).
2. Reboot your router - sometimes it blocks peer-to-peer-connections.
3. On your TV, turn off power saving mode in the Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Sony Bravia 2020-2022 Miracast may not work with laptops on Windows 11 due to a protocol conflict. In this case, use DLNA or a branded application Sony Video & TV SideView.

2. DLNA: Transfer photos via your home network

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for sharing multimedia over a local network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but allows you to selectively send files (including images in JPEG, PNG, RAW). Suitable for TVs without Smart functions, if a DLNA server is connected to them (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box or a router with a USB port).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Turn on media sharing:

   Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings

   Select Enable file and printer sharing And Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.

2. Add a folder with photos to image library (right click → Include in library).
3. On your TV, open the app Media player (or Photo) and select your laptop from the list of DLNA devices.

For macOS third-party software will be required, for example Plex Media Server or KodiThey create a DLNA server to which the TV connects. The downside of this method is the delay when scrolling through photos (up to 2-3 seconds), since the data is transmitted through the router.

3. AirPlay: The Best Choice for Apple Owners

If you have MacBook or a laptop with Windows, But iPhone/iPad, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED C2, Samsung QLED 2021+ or Apple TV 4K), this method will be the easiest. AirPlay transmits images without loss of quality and supports HEIC-format (photo from iPhone).

How to send a photo:

• 🍎 On MacBook: open the photo in View, click Share → AirPlay and select TV.
• 🪟 On Windows: install iTunes or Apple Music, then use AirPlay Control Panel in the tray.
• 📱 C iPhone/iPad: swipe up to Control center, click Screen mirroring.

AirPlay 2 supports photo streaming in up to 4K HDR resolution, but only if the TV and router are on a 5 GHz network. Artifacts may occur when viewing on a 2.4 GHz network. RAW-files. Also keep in mind that on TVs Samsung Until 2020, AirPlay may not support albums - photos will have to be sent one at a time.

Why can't AirPlay find my TV?

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network!). 2. On your TV, enable AirPlay in the settings: General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit3. Disable MAC address filtering on your router or add your TV to the list of trusted devices.

4. Proprietary applications: Samsung DeX, LG Screen Share, and others

TV manufacturers offer their own solutions for wireless content transmission. These are often more stable than universal protocols, but they only work with devices from a single brand. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 📱 Samsung DeX: Transforms your TV into a desktop for your laptop (or smartphone). Supports drag-and-drop for photos. Requires installation. Samsung DeX on a laptop with Windows.
• 🎯 LG Screen Share: Similar to Miracast, but with support 4K@60Hz. Works only with TVs on webOS 4.0+.
• 📺 Sony Video & TV SideView: Allows you to send photos directly from Google Photos or Windows Explorer.
• 🔴 Xiaomi Mi Share: For TVs Mi TV and laptops with MIUI (or established Mi PC Suite).

General algorithm:

1. Download the proprietary application for your laptop (from the official website of the TV manufacturer).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably 5 GHz).
3. On your TV, activate the receiving mode (for example, Screen Share on LG).
4. In the app on your laptop, select the files and click Send to TV.

⚠️ Attention: Applications Samsung DeX And LG Screen Share may conflict with the VPN on your laptop. Disable the VPN or add the local network to the exceptions list before using it.

5. Cloud services: Google Photos, Dropbox and alternatives

If direct Wi-Fi transfer isn't working (for example, due to an outdated router), you can use cloud services. This method is universal, but requires uploading photos to the internet. Suitable for:

• 🌐 Transfer images to TVs without Smart functions (via the prefix type Amazon Fire Stick).
• 📁 Quickly send a large number of photos (for example, from a photo shoot).
• 🔒 Maintaining original quality (as opposed to compression during transmission via AirPlay).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Upload photos to Google Photos, Dropbox, Yandex Disk or iCloud.
2. On your TV, open the app for the corresponding service (or use the browser if your TV is on Android TV).
3. Log in with the same account and find the downloaded files.

Comparison of services:

The main disadvantage of this method is its dependence on internet speed. When downloading RAW-files (by 20–50 MB each) on a slow tariff the process may take several minutes. Also, some TVs (for example, TCL on Roku TV) do not support authorization in cloud services via a browser.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the laptop

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔌 Router: Make sure it is in the enabled mode. WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) — it prioritizes multimedia traffic. You can find it in the router's web interface in the "Programs" section. Wireless → Advanced.
• 📶 Wi-Fi frequency: Switch from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa). Some TVs (Philips until 2019) do not support 5 GHz.
• 🔒 Firewall: Temporarily disable Windows Defender or add an exception for the application you use for transfer.
• 🔄 IP addresses: Check that the laptop and TV are on the same subnet. To do this, run the following command on both devices:

  ipconfig (Windows) / ifconfig (macOS)

  The first three octets of the IP must match (e.g. 192.168.1.x).

If the problem persists, try alternative methods:

• 📱 Use your smartphone as an intermediary: send photos from your laptop to your phone via Bluetooth, and then from the phone to the TV via Google Cast or Smart View.
• 💽 Connect the flash drive to your laptop, copy the photos, then insert it into the TV (if there is a USB port).
• 🌍 Use TeamViewer or AnyDesk to remotely control the TV (if it has one installed) Android TV).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Hisense with firmware Vidaa OS may not work Miracast due to a bug in the Wi-Fi driver. The solution is to update the TV firmware or use DLNA.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer photos from a laptop to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three alternatives:

1. HDMI cable: Connect your laptop to your TV directly. Supports 4K@120Hz without delays.
2. USB-C → HDMI: For modern laptops (eg. MacBook Pro or Dell XPS).
3. Bluetooth: Only for transferring individual files (not suitable for viewing albums).

If Wi-Fi is not working reliably, a cable is the most reliable option.

Why do photos appear in low quality on my TV?

Reasons and solutions:

• Miracast/DLNA compresses the image: Try it AirPlay or cloud services.
• The TV automatically scales: In the TV screen settings, select the mode 1:1 (without stretching).
• The laptop sends a preview: In the file properties, check that the original is being transferred, and not a sketch (relevant for Windows when using Photo instead of Conductor).

How to transfer photos from a laptop to an old TV without a Smart TV?

You will need an additional device:

• Prefix Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S): Connects via HDMI and supports Miracast, DLNA and cloud services.
• Google Chromecast: Allows you to broadcast your laptop screen through a browser Chrome (function Transmit).
• Apple TV: For owners MacBook or iPhone (use AirPlay).

The cost of such devices is from 2,000 to 10,000 ₽ (2026).

Is it possible to transfer photos from a laptop to a TV via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• Miracast/DLNA: They won't work because they require a local network.
• Cloud services: They work, but uploading photos will use mobile traffic (risk of exceeding the limit).
• AirPlay: Can work through Personal Hotspot on iPhone, but with delays.

It's best to use Wi-Fi. If you don't have it, create a hotspot on your smartphone and connect your laptop and TV to it.

How to transfer photos from a laptop to a TV automatically (for example, for a slideshow)?

Set up automatic transfer via:

• DLNA server: Install on your laptop Plex or Kodi, specify the folder with photos and turn on the mode Automatic library update.
• Scheduled task: IN Windows use Task Schedulerto start the program on a schedule (for example, every evening at 8:00 pm).
• Proprietary software: IN Samsung DeX or LG Screen Share there is an option Autoplay for folders.

To display a slideshow on your TV, turn on the mode Screensaver or use apps like Google Photos (function Albums).