How to send video to a Smart TV from a computer via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Transfer video from computer to Smart TV Streaming content over Wi-Fi seems like a simple task—until you encounter lag, format incompatibilities, or sudden connection errors. In practice, there are more than a dozen ways to stream content, but only half of them are stable in 2026. In this article, we'll look at current methods - from built-in protocols DLNA And Miracast to specialized applications like Plex or Kodi, and we'll also find out why the TV may not "see" your PC, despite being on a shared network.

The main problem with transmitting video over a wireless network is delays and loss of quality. Even if your router supports Wi-Fi 6, and the TV is equipped with a module 5 GHz, incorrect codec or bitstream settings can negate all the benefits of a high-speed connection. We tested each method on TVs Samsung QLED 2026, LG OLED C3 And Xiaomi TV Q2 — the results are summarized in the comparison table below. And if you urgently need to show a video on the big screen, start with the "Quick ways without installing programs».

1. Quick methods without installing programs

If you don't have time to set up and need to transfer the video "here and now", use the built-in tools Windows or macOSThese methods do not require the installation of additional software, but have limitations on formats and resolution.

On Windows 10/11 The easiest way is to use the function Projecting to this PC (For Miracast) or Media streaming (For DLNA). To enable them:

1. Click Win + I → go to System → Project to this PC.
2. In the section Additional options select Available everywhere (For Miracast).
3. For DLNA open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options and turn it on Streaming media.

On macOS take advantage AirPlay (if you have Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2, For example, Samsung Q-Series 2023+):

• 📱 Open the video in QuickTime Player or Safari.
• 🔄 Click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with a triangle) in the control panel.
• 📺 Select your TV from the list of devices.

⚠️ Attention: Miracast And AirPlay Video transfers are delayed by 1-3 seconds. This isn't critical for watching movies, but for gaming or video calls, such a lag will make use of the device unfeasible.

2. DLNA: a universal protocol for all Smart TVs

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on the same network to exchange multimedia without additional software. Almost all modern Smart TV (except for some models) TCL And Hisense budget segment) support DLNA "out of the box". The main advantage of the method is no brand affiliation: you can stream video from PC on Windows, Mac or even Linux.

To set up DLNA on Windows:

1. Install DLNA serverBuilt into Windows Windows Media Player is outdated, so it's better to use Universal Media Server or Plex (free versions are enough).
2. Add video folders to the server library (specify the path in the settings, for example, D:\Films).
3. On your TV, open the app Media player, Photos and videos or similar (the name depends on the model). Select your PC from the list of sources.

On macOS And Linux the easiest to use Plex Media Server or Kodi with plugin UPnP/DLNA. Important: Some TVs (eg. Sony Bravia) require inclusion UPnP in your router settings. If the video isn't displayed, check:

• 🔌 Are the PC and TV connected to the same network (not just to the same router, but also to the same subnet, for example, 192.168.1.x).
• 📂 Folder permissions (on Windows, disable Real-time protection V Windows Defender for the video folder).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes DLNA "freezes" due to routing errors.

⚠️ Attention: Televisions LG With webOS may not support versions prior to 5.0 DLNA for video in format MKV with codec H.265In this case, use Plex with transcoding or convert video to MP4.

Are the devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network?|Is the VPN disabled on the PC?|Is the TV and router firmware updated?|Have you checked the access rights to the video folders?-->

3. Miracast and Wireless Display: Screen Mirroring

Miracast - is a wireless screen mirroring technology that works on the principle Wi-Fi DirectUnlike DLNA, here it is not the file that is transferred, but picture from a PC screen, so the method is suitable for broadcasting Netflix, YouTube or even games (albeit with a delay). The main disadvantage is resolution limitation: Most TVs support a maximum of 1080p@60Hz, and on 4K the image will lag.

To connect via Miracast:

1. Turn on the TV mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share).
2. On a Windows PC, click Win + K and select your TV from the list.
3. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

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

• 🔄 Make sure that the PC is enabled Wi-Fi (even if you are connected via cable).
• 🛠️ Update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter (especially relevant for laptops with Intel AX200/AX210).
• 📶 Switch your router to the mode 802.11ac (5 GHz) - Miracast doesn't work well on 2.4 GHz.

Important: On TVs Sony Bravia 2020–2022 Miracast may be disabled after a firmware update. To restore the function, reset the TV's network settings to factory defaults.

Why is Miracast lagging?

The main reason is insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth. While your router supports 5 GHz, actual speed may drop due to interference from other networks or outdated adapter drivers. Try:

1. Switch the Wi-Fi channel manually (for example, to 36 or 149).

2. Disable the function on the router Band Steering (she sometimes gets in the way Miracast).

3. Connect the PC to the router with a cable, leaving the TV on Wi-Fi (this will reduce the load on the network).

4. Plex and Kodi: Media Servers for Advanced Users

If you have a large collection of movies and want to not only stream them to TV, but also organize a full-fledged media library with covers, subtitles, and sorting, Plex or Kodi will be the ideal solution. These programs work as personal Netflix: You download content to your PC, and the server automatically structures it and broadcasts it to any device, including Smart TV.

Advantages Plex:

• 🎬 Automatic download of covers, descriptions, and subtitles.
• 📱 Access from any device (including smartphone) via the app.
• 🔄 On-the-fly transcoding (converting formats to suit TV capabilities).

To set up Plex:

1. Download Plex Media Server With official website and install on PC.
2. Add folders with videos to the library (for example, Films, Series).
3. Install the application Plex on TV (available in Google Play Store For Android TV or in LG Content Store/Samsung App Store).
4. Log in with the same account on your PC and TV.

Kodi — a more flexible alternative, but requires manual configuration. For broadcasting to TV:

1. Install Kodi on PC and TV.
2. On your PC, turn on UPnP/DLNA in the settings Kodi (Settings → Services → UPnP/DLNA).
3. On TV in Kodi select Files → Add Source → UPnP Protocol.

⚠️ Attention: Free version Plex limits video transcoding to resolution 720p. For 4K a subscription is required Plex Pass (from $4.99/month). In Kodi There are no such restrictions, but the interface is less user-friendly.

5. Cloud services: YouTube, Google Drive, Telegram

If you need to transfer a video once (For example, to share a vacation video or a work presentation with friends), the easiest way is to upload it to the cloud and view it on your TV via a browser or app. This method doesn't require network setup, but it depends on internet speed and may limit quality.

Cloud transfer methods:

• 📹 YouTube: Upload video as Not on the list (private), then open it on TV via the app YouTube or browser.
• 💾 Google Drive: Download the file, then open it on your TV. drive.google.com in your browser and play the video (supported formats MP4, MOV, WMV).
• 📎 Telegram: Send video to Saved messages, then open Telegram on TV (if supported) or via t.me in the browser.

Limitations of the method:

• YouTube compresses videos to 1080p (even if the original is in 4K).
• Google Drive limits file size 5 TB, but for video it's usually enough.
• Telegram allows you to upload files up to 2 GB, but there may not be an official client on TV.

For Samsung Smart TV With Tizen There's another life hack: use the built-in app. GalleryUpload the video to Google Photos (or OneDrive), then open it on TV via Gallery → CloudThis method works without lags, but only supports MP4 And MOV.

6. Problems and solutions: why TV doesn't see PC

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Here top 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Firewall: On Windows, disable Windows Defender temporarily or add an exception for DLNA/Miracast.
• 📡 Router settings: Turn on Multicast (needed for DLNA) in the admin panel.
• 🔄 TV firmware: On LG And Samsung bugs with DLNA often fixed in updates.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) function AP Isolation Blocks communication between devices on the local network. Disable it in the settings. Wireless → Advanced.

7. Alternative methods: cable, USB, Chromecast

If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or you need to stream video in maximum quality, consider these alternatives:

• 🔌 HDMI cable: Connect your PC to your TV directly. The negative side is the wires, the positive side is 4K@120Hz without lags.
• 💽 USB drive: Copy the video to a flash drive and insert it into the TV. Suitable for MKV And MP4 volume up to 128 GB (file system limitation FAT32).
• 📱 Chromecast/Google TV: Connect Chromecast to TV, then stream video from your PC through your browser Chrome (right click → Hand over).
• 🖥️ Steam Link: If you have a powerful PC, install Steam and stream the video as a "game" on TV via Steam Link (supports 4K@60Hz).

For Chromecast There's a trick: if the video doesn't play in the browser, open it in VLC Player and select Playback → Playback Device → ChromecastThis bypasses restrictions. Chrome for some formats.

Important: On TVs Sony Bravia With Android TV can be installed VLC or MX Player from Google Play and play videos from USB without format conversion.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream video from a PC to a TV without a router?

Yes, if your TV and PC support it. Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast. On Windows, enable Mobile hotspot (Win + I → Networks → Mobile Hotspot), and on TV, connect to the created network. Then use Miracast (Win + K) for broadcast.

Why does 4K video lag on Wi-Fi, but Full HD works fine?

There are two reasons: insufficient Wi-Fi speed (For 4K HDR the minimum is needed 25 Mbps) or weak TV processor (cheap models can't handle decoding H.265). Solutions:

• Switch to 5 GHz or connect the PC with a cable.
• IN Plex enable transcoding (Settings → Transcoding → Quality: 10 Mbps 1080p).

How to stream video from Mac to Samsung Smart TV?

On macOS the easiest to use AirPlay (if TV supports) or Plex. Alternative - DLNA through Kodi:

1. Install Kodi on Mac and TV.
2. On Mac, turn on UPnP/DLNA in the settings Kodi.
3. On TV in Kodi select Files → Add Source → UPnP.

If the TV does not support AirPlay, buy Apple TV or Chromecast.

Is it possible to broadcast a PC screen to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• Plex or Emby allow remote access to the media library, but the video will buffer on slow internet connections.
• TeamViewer or AnyDesk can broadcast the screen, but with a strong delay (not suitable for movies).
• Parsec or Rainway optimized for gaming, but require a powerful PC and speed from 50 Mbps.

For stable broadcasting it is better to use local network.

What video formats are supported by all Smart TVs?

Universal formats that are played on 90% of TVs:

• MP4 with codec H.264 (AVC) and sound AAC.
• MKV with codec H.264 (but not H.265 on budget models).
• MOV (usually supported on LG And Samsung, but not on TCL).

Problematic formats: AVI (often there is no sound), FLV (not supported), WMV (only on older TVs). For conversion, use HandBrake or FFmpeg.