How to Send Videos from Your Phone to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Streaming video from your phone to a big TV screen via Wi-Fi is a challenge faced by every second smartphone user. According to J’son & Partners68% of Smart TV owners stream content from their mobile devices at least once a month. But not everyone knows that there are at least five ways to do this, and they vary dramatically in speed, quality, and compatibility.

This article won't just list the methods, but will help you choose the best option based on your technique. We'll explore the nuances that even official instructions gloss over: why Miracast may slow down Samsung Galaxy S23How to bypass restrictions DLNA on TVs LG 2020–2022, and why AirPlay on iPhone 15 sometimes requires an additional router. You'll also learn how to stream video to 4K HDR without loss of quality - this is not possible in all cases.

Let's be clear: if your TV was manufactured before 2018, some methods may not work due to outdated software. In this case, alternative solutions will come in handy, which we'll also discuss.

1. Video Transmission Methods: Comparison of Technologies

All methods of video transmission over Wi-Fi are divided into three categories: live broadcast (screen mirroring), streaming (file streaming) and cloud services (Internet intermediary). Each has its advantages and pitfalls.

For example, Miracast And AirPlay belong to the first category—they mirror your smartphone's screen on your TV in real time. This is convenient for viewing. YouTube or TikTok, but it puts a strain on the phone's processor and can lead to audio delays of up to 200–300 ms. Second category (DLNA, Google Cast) transmits only the video file itself, saving resources, but not all formats are supported by TVs "out of the box."

Please note: the table shows theoretical maximum values. In practice, quality depends on the router model, network load, and even the distance between devices. For example, when using Miracast at a distance of more than 5 meters through two walls, the resolution may automatically decrease to 720pto avoid lags.

2. Miracast: Direct connection without a router

Miracast — is a wireless video transmission standard built into most modern Android devices and Smart TVs. Its main advantage is that it works offline: the phone and TV create a direct access point. Wi-Fi Direct.

To activate Miracast on Android:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Miracast (on Samsung this can be called Smart View).
2. Turn on the function and select your TV from the list of available devices.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

On TV LG or Sony turn on the mode Screen Mirroring on the menu Network → MiracastOn . Xiaomi TV the path will be different: Settings → Device → Wireless Projection.

- Phone and TV support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or later

- The power saving mode is disabled on the phone.

- The distance between devices is no more than 3 meters

- No active VPNs or firewalls blocking the local network-->

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung 2019–2020 release years (series Q60T, Q70T) when using Miracast You may experience choppy sound in the format Dolby DigitalThe solution is to manually switch the TV's audio output to PCM in the sound settings.

If the connection drops every 10-15 minutes, the problem may be in the phone's sleep settings. Xiaomi And Redmi add an application Wireless projection Battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All apps.

3. AirPlay for iPhone: How to Stream to a Non-Apple TV

AirPlay — proprietary technology Apple, which initially only worked with Apple TVHowever, since 2020, many TV manufacturers (including Samsung, LG And Sony) added support AirPlay 2 into their models.

To stream video from iPhone or iPad:

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the video in an app (for example, Photo or YouTube).
3. Click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with a triangle at the bottom) and select your TV.

If your TV does not support AirPlay directly, there are workarounds:

• 📺 Use a prefix Apple TV 4K (connected via HDMI).
• 🖥️ Install on TV Android TV application AirScreen (requires registration).
• 🔌 Connect to TV Roku Streaming Stick+ - he supports AirPlay with iOS 12.3+.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting video in 4K HDR through AirPlay on TVs Samsung QLED In 2021–2022, a blurry picture may be observed. This is due to automatic tone mapping in the TV firmware. The solution is to manually disable it. HDR+ Mode in the picture settings.

If AirPlay can't find TV, check:

• 🔄 Reboot your router—sometimes DHCP doesn't assign the correct local IP address.
• 📶 Turn off the mode on your phone Low data consumption (Settings → Cellular).
• 🔒 Make sure that client isolation is not enabled on your router (Client Isolation).

4. DLNA: Streaming without mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for exchanging multimedia over a local area network. Unlike Miracast, it does not duplicate the screen, but only transfers the file itself, which reduces the load on the phone.

To take advantage DLNA:

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same router.
2. Turn on the TV DLNA server (on LG This Network → File Sharing).
3. Install a media server application on your phone, for example BubbleUPnP or LocalCast.
4. Select a video in the app and send it to your TV.

The main drawback DLNA - limited format support. For example, TVs Sony Bravia 2020 is not being reproduced .mkv with codec HEVC through DLNA, although the same file opens fine from a flash drive. The solution is to convert the video to .mp4 with codec H.264.

Why does DLNA slow down with large files?

When streaming video via DLNA, the TV buffers data in small chunks (usually 5-10 MB). If the router's speed is unstable (for example, due to interference on the 2.4 GHz channel), the buffer doesn't have time to fill, causing lag. The solution is to force the router to switch to the 5 GHz channel or use a wired connection from the TV to the network.

To speed things up DLNA on Android:

1. In the server application settings (for example, BubbleUPnP) increase the buffer size to 50 MB.
2. Turn off the function on your phone Adaptive brightness - it can reduce processor performance.
3. If you use Xiaomi, add the application to No restrictions for background activity.

5. Google Cast and Smart View: proprietary solutions

Google Cast (known as Chromecast) And Smart View (from Samsung) are hybrid technologies that combine convenience DLNA and speed Miracast.

For Google Cast:

• 📱 The app must be installed on your phone Google Home.
• 🖥️ The TV must support Chromecast built-in (or connected Chromecast dongle).
• 🌐 Devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Instructions:

1. Open the video in a supported app (e.g. YouTube or Google Photos).
2. Click the icon Cast (screen with waves in the upper right corner).
3. Select your TV from the list.

Smart View from Samsung works similarly, but has advanced features for devices in the ecosystem Samsung:

• 🎮 Gamepad support Samsung Game Pad when broadcasting games.
• 📁 Possibility to transfer entire folders with photos/videos.
• 🔊 Synchronize sound with Samsung Soundbar without additional settings.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung series QN90B (2022) when used Smart View an error may occur "Unable to connect to device", if it is turned on on the phone Developer modeThe solution is to disable USB debugging in developer options.

Important note: Google Cast only supports 4K streaming when the TV is connected to the router via Ethernet. When connected wirelessly, the maximum resolution is limited to 1080p, even if the router supports Wi-Fi 6.

6. Intermediary Applications: When Standard Methods Don't Work

If none of the above methods work (for example, you have an older TV without Smart features), third-party apps can help. Here are the top three proven solutions:

1. ApowerMirror

• 📱 Works on Android and iOS.
• 🖥️ Supports non-Smart TVs via Amazon Fire Stick or Android set-top box.
• 🎮 Minimal delay (80–120 ms) - suitable for games.

2. LocalCast

• 📁 Supports .mkv, .flv and other rare formats.
• 🔌 Can broadcast on DLNA, Chromecast And AirPlay simultaneously.
• 📶 Works even on slow networks (from 5 Mbps).

3. AllCast

• 📺 Supports Roku, Xbox And PlayStation as receivers.
• 🔒 Encrypts traffic when transmitted over a local network.
• 📱 On Android, it allows you to stream the entire screen (like Miracast).

For use ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and TV (or set-top box).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your phone, select Mirror to TV and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Apps like ApowerMirror They may request permission to access notifications and geolocation. This is necessary for mirroring to work properly, but if you're concerned about privacy, use them only on trusted networks.

If you have a TV without Smart functions, but with a port HDMI, can be used Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) as an intermediary. Connect the set-top box to the TV, install it on it ApowerMirror Receiver, and stream video from your phone.

7. Troubleshooting: Why video is lagging or not streaming

Even with the correct settings, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔌 Router power supply: some models (eg TP-Link Archer C6) reduce performance when powered from USB instead of the original unit.
• 📡 Interference: use the app Wi-Fi Analyzer to search for a free channel.
• 🔄 TV firmware: on LG OLED C1 there was a mistake with Miracast, fixed in the March 2023 update.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to stream video from iPhone to TV without Apple TV?

Yes, if your TV supports it. AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED C1+, Sony Bravia X90J+). You can also use intermediary applications like ApowerMirror or AirScreen (requires installation on a TV with Android TV).

Why is there no sound when transmitting video via Miracast?

This is a typical problem on TVs. Xiaomi and some models PhilipsSolutions:

1. Make sure your phone is not in the "Don't worry" mode. "Speaker only" in the sound settings.
2. On your TV, manually select the audio source: Settings → Sound → HDMI/ARC Output.
3. If you use Samsung, turn it off Dolby Atmos in the phone's sound settings.

How to stream 4K video without losing quality?

For broadcast in 4K@60fps without compression:

• Use AirPlay 2 on Apple TV 4K or compatible TV.
• For Android: Miracast on TVs with Wi-Fi 6 (For example, Samsung QN90C).
• Connect your TV to your router via cable (Ethernet) and use Google Cast.

Important: Even if these conditions are met, some services (for example, Netflix) may block 4K streaming due to DRM protection.

Is it possible to broadcast a phone screen to a TV via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• Create a hotspot on your phone and connect your TV to it (if it supports it) Wi-Fi Direct).
• Use apps like ApowerMirror, which work through the cloud (but there will be a delay 500+ ms).

Please note: operators may block peer-to-peer traffic (e.g. DLNA), so it is more reliable to use a local network.

Why doesn't the TV see the phone via Wi-Fi, even though they are on the same network?

The problem may be:

• Router settings: check that it is enabled Multicast (IGMP) and client isolation is disabled.
• Phone firewall: on Huawei And Xiaomi Local traffic may be blocked.
• IP addresses: if the phone is connected to the network as 192.168.1.x, and the TV is like 192.168.0.x, they will not see each other.

Solution: Reboot your router and check that both devices are receiving an IP from the same range.