How to send video from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the wireless methods

Streaming video from your phone to a big TV screen via Wi-Fi is a challenge faced by every second user. According to J’son & Partners By 2026, 68% of smartphone owners had at least once tried to stream content to TV, but 34% of them encountered problems, ranging from no sound to a complete loss of connection. The reasons lie in the variety of protocols, operating system versions, and hardware features of the devices.

This article won't just list video transfer methods, but will also help you choose the optimal method based on your technology. We've tested all current protocols on devices manufactured between 2022 and 2026 (from Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to LG OLED C3) and identified key dependencies: for example, Miracast works more stable on Android 13+, and AirPlay requires mandatory presence Apple TV or a TV with support AirPlay 2You will also learn how to bypass manufacturer restrictions (for example, blocking DLNA on some models Xiaomi) and what to do if the video is lagging despite high Wi-Fi speed.

Important: If your TV was manufactured before 2018, some methods may not be available. In this case, please refer to the section on alternative solutions using external adapters.

1. Preparation: Checking compatibility and network

Before attempting to stream video, please ensure that your devices are physically capable for this. For example, televisions Samsung series J (2016–2017) do not support Miracast, and smartphones iPhone before the model 6s can't stream video through Google CastHere's a diagnostic checklist:

The TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

The TV is in Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi Direct mode.

The smartphone supports Miracast (Android) or AirPlay (iOS)

The TV firmware version is up to date (check in Settings → Support → Software Update)

VPN and firewalls are disabled on the phone-->

Pay special attention type of Wi-Fi network:

• 📶 2.4 GHz — longer-range signal, but susceptible to interference. Suitable for transmitting video in resolutions up to 1080p. On frequency 2.4 GHz Audio delays of up to 500 ms may occur.
• 🚀 5 GHz - shorter range, but high speed (up to 1 Gbps). Optimal for 4K HDR. Requires the TV and router to support this range.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi Direct — direct connection without a router. Works on a frequency 2.4 GHz, speed is limited 250 Mbps.

⚠️ Note: If your TV is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable and your phone is connected via Wi-Fi, some protocols (e.g. Google Cast) may not work. In this case, use Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct.

You can check the current Wi-Fi frequency on Android in the menu Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap your network]On . iPhone This information is hidden - use apps like WiFi Analyzer.

2. Method 1: Miracast (Screen Mirroring) - a universal protocol for Android

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most Android devices (starting with version 4.2) and televisions with 2013The main advantage is No internet connection required: video is transmitted directly via Wi-Fi Direct, which eliminates lags due to router overload.

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Screen Sharing (on Samsung) or Settings → Display → Wireless Display (on Xiaomi/Google Pixel).
2. Enable the option and wait for the search for available devices.
3. Select your TV from the list. A connection request will appear on the TV screen—confirm it.
4. The image delay will be 100–300 ms (depending on the TV model).

For TVs:

• 📺 Samsung: Source → Screen Mirroring
• 📺 LG: Settings → Connections → Wireless Display
• 📺 Sony Bravia: Settings → Network → Miracast

⚠️ Note: On some TVs TCL And Hisense Miracast is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → System → Developer Options → Enable Miracast.

3. Method 2: Google Cast (Chromecast) - for YouTube and streaming services

Google Cast - this is not a screen transfer, but content broadcasting Directly from the server to the TV using your smartphone as a remote control. Advantage: the video doesn't go through the phone, so it doesn't drain the battery or overheat the processor. Disadvantage: Only works with supported apps (YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk and others).

How to use:

1. Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a supported app (such as YouTube).
3. Click on the icon Cast (rectangle with Wi-Fi corner) and select your TV.
4. The video will start playing on the TV, and the phone will become a remote control.

List of TVs with built-in Google Cast (without external Chromecast):

• 📺 Samsung (models with Tizen 4.0+(2019–2026)
• 📺 LG (webOS 4.0 and later, starting from UK6300)
• 📺 Sony Bravia (all models with Android TV)
• 📺 Philips (series 6000, 7000, 8000 With Android TV 9+)

⚠️ Note: If the video in the app does not broadcast on TV, check the geo-restrictions. For example, Disney+ Cast is blocked for Russian IP addresses. Solution: Use a VPN on your router (not your phone!).

Samsung

LG

Sony

Xiaomi

Philips

Other-->

4. Method 3: DLNA – for local files (movies, photos, music)

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transmitting media files over a local network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but sends a specific file (for example, a movie in .mkv or .mp4). Suitable for watching videos from your phone on TV without using USB drives.

How to set up:

1. Turn on the DLNA server on your TV:
   • 📺 Samsung: Settings → General → External Devices → DLNA Device
   • 📺 LG: Settings → Network → Home Network → DLNA

On your phone, use a player app that supports DLNA, such as:

• 📱 VLC (Android/iOS)
• 📱 BubbleUPnP (Android only)
• 📱 Infuse (iOS, paid)
• In the app, select a file and send it to your TV using the "Send to" or "Cast" menu.

DLNA limitations:

• ❌ Not all video formats are supported (for example, .mov or .avi with rare codecs).
• ❌ No subtitle synchronization (you will have to manually select the track on the TV).
• ❌ Maximum resolution - 1080p (even if the file is in 4K).

How to convert video for DLNA?

If your TV does not play the file via DLNA, use HandBrake (free software) for converting to format MP4 (H.264 + AAC)Optimal settings:

- Permission: 1920×1080 (even for 4K TV, otherwise DLNA may not transfer the file).

- Bitrate: not higher 15 Mbps (otherwise it will slow down).

- Container: .mp4 (Not .mkv!).

5. Method 4: AirPlay – Apple exclusive (iPhone → Apple TV or compatible TV)

AirPlay — proprietary protocol from Apple, which allows you to stream video from iPhone/iPad on Apple TV or TVs with support AirPlay 2The main advantage is minimal delay (50–100 ms), which is critical for games or sports broadcasts.

How to use:

1. Make sure that Apple TV or a TV (for example, LG OLED C2 or Samsung QN90C) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as iPhone.
2. On iPhone open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
3. Click on the icon Screen Mirroring (two rectangles) and select your device.
4. To stream video from apps (eg. Photos or Safari) click on the icon AirPlay (triangle in a rectangle).

List of TVs with support AirPlay 2 (without Apple TV):

• 📺 Samsung: series QLED 2019–2026 And The Frame
• 📺 LG: all models with webOS 4.0+ (starting from UK6300)
• 📺 Sony Bravia: series X900H, X950H, A80J and newer
• 📺 Vizio And TCL (US/European models only)

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 16 and later, when you first connect to your TV via AirPlay, you'll be prompted to enter a 4-digit code, which will appear on the TV screen. If the code doesn't appear, restart your TV.

6. Method 5: Smart View (Samsung) and similar products for other brands

TV manufacturers often develop their own protocols for video transmission. For example, Smart View from Samsung or LG TV Plus from LGThese solutions are optimized for specific hardware and often perform more reliably than universal protocols.

Smart View (Samsung):

• 📱 Works on smartphones Samsung Galaxy (Android 8.0+).
• 📺 Supported by TVs Samsung With Tizen 3.0+ (2017–2026).
• 🔄 Allows you to broadcast both the entire screen and individual files.

How to enable: open the app SmartThings → select TV → press Share your screen.

LG TV Plus:

• 📱 Available for Android and iOS.
• 📺 Works on TVs LG With webOS 3.0+.
• 🎮 Supports game streaming from phone (with delay) 150–200 ms).

Sony Video & TV SideView:

• 📱 Android only (iOS not supported).
• 📺 Requires a TV Sony Bravia With Android TV 8.0+.
• 📁 Can only stream local files (not screen).

7. Alternative solutions: if nothing works

If your TV is older than 2018 or doesn't support modern protocols, consider these options:

• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter for TV (For example, AnyCast or Miracast Dongle). Connects to the port HDMI, creates a hotspot for your phone. Price: from 1,500 ₽.
• 🖥️ Wired connection via USB-C/HDMI. Requires an adapter (eg. USB-C to HDMI For Samsung Galaxy or Lightning to HDMI For iPhone). Delay: 0 ms.
• 🌐 Cloud services (For example, Plex or Kodi). Upload the video to the server and then watch it on your TV using the app. Suitable for large movie collections.

For adapters Miracast It is important to check the supported resolutions. For example, AnyCast M2 Plus transmits video at a maximum of 1080p@30fps, A ScreenBeam Mini2 — to 4K@60fps, but requires a router with Wi-Fi 6.

⚠️ Warning: Cheap adapters (priced below 1,000 ₽) often use outdated versions Miracast, which are not compatible with Android 12+ and iOS 15+. Before purchasing, check reviews from the last 6 months.

8. Troubleshooting: Video is lagging, there is no sound, and it won't connect.

If video transmission is unstable, use this table for diagnostics:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The video is lagging, even though the Wi-Fi is fast.	Overloading the router with other devices	Turn on QoS in the router settings and set the priority for the TV
No sound during transmission	The TV or phone uses an incompatible audio codec (eg. DTS)	Transcode the video to AAC or MP3 by using HandBrake
The devices cannot find each other.	Different Wi-Fi subnets (for example, a phone in 192.168.1.x, and TV in 192.168.0.x)	Reconnect both devices to the same network or use Wi-Fi Direct
Black screen when using Miracast	Incompatibility of versions Wi-Fi Direct (for example, a phone on Wi-Fi 6, and TV on Wi-Fi 4)	Update your TV's firmware or use an adapter Miracast with support 802.11ac
Audio delay >500 ms	The network is in use 2.4 GHz with high workload	Switch to 5 GHz or reduce the video bitrate to 10 Mbps

If the problem persists, check Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. Channels 1, 6, 11 (For 2.4 GHz) And 36–48 (For 5 GHz) are usually less busy. You can change the channel in the router menu along the path Wireless → Channel.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream videos from an iPhone to a Samsung TV without an Apple TV?

Yes, if your TV Samsung supports AirPlay 2 (2019 and newer models, series QLED, The Frame, Serif). To do this:

1. Connect your TV and iPhone to one Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone open the video in an app (for example, Photo).
3. Click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with triangle) and select TV.

If you have an older model Samsung, you will have to use an external adapter, for example, Apple TV 4K or Roku Streaming Stick+ (supports AirPlay).

Why does 4K video lag when transmitted over Wi-Fi, even though the network speed is 300 Mbps?

The problem is real throughput, and not in the declared speed of the router. For stable 4K@60fps required:

• 📶 Speed at least 50 Mbit/s (in one direction!).
• 🔄 Router with support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer.
• 📵 No interference from other devices (microwaves, wireless headphones).

Solutions:

1. Switch to range 5 GHz.
2. Reduce video bitrate to 25 Mbps (for example, through HandBrake).
3. Use a wired connection from your TV to your router (if supported).

How to stream video from Android to TV if you don't have a Smart TV?

There are three options:

1. Miracast adapter (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or AnyCast). Connects to the port HDMI TV and creates a hotspot for your phone. Price: from 1,200 ₽.
2. Google Chromecast (from 3,500 ₽). Connects to HDMI and allows you to stream video via Google Cast.
3. USB/HDMI cableModern smartphones require an adapter:
   • 📱 Samsung Galaxy / Google Pixel: USB-C to HDMI (price ~800 ₽).
   • 📱 iPhone: Lightning to HDMI (price ~2,500 ₽, original adapter from Apple).

For adapters, it's important to check the supported resolution. For example, cheap ones Miracast-dongle for 500 ₽ they often give the maximum 720p.

Is it possible to stream video from your phone to your TV via mobile internet (4G/5G)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 📶 Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct do not require the Internet - they work over a direct connection.
• 🌐 Google Cast/AirPlay require both devices to be on the same network. If you don't have a router, you can create one. access point on the phone and connect the TV to it (if the TV supports connection to mobile networks).
• ⚠️ Limitations:
  • Mobile traffic will be spent on video transmission (up to 3 GB/hour For 1080p).
  • The delay can reach 1–2 seconds due to connection instability.

The best solution for mobile internet is to use Miracast or wired connection.

How to transmit audio separately from video (for example, for a soundbar)?

If you need to send audio to one device (eg. soundbar or Bluetooth speaker), and video to TV, use these diagrams:

1. For Android:
   • Connect your TV via Miracast (video).
   • Connect the soundbar via Bluetooth (sound).
   • In the phone settings (Sound → Output) select Bluetooth device.

For iPhone:

• Connect your TV via AirPlay (video).
• Connect the speaker via Bluetooth or AirPlay (sound).
• IN Control center Hold down the sound bar and select the output device.

Important: Some applications (eg. Netflix) block separate transmission of audio and video due to copyright protection.