How to transfer photos from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the methods for 2026

Transferring photos from your computer to a large TV screen via Wi-Fi is a task that every second owner faces Smart TVYou need to show vacation photos to family, showcase your portfolio to a client, or simply enjoy high-quality photos on a 55+ inch screen—but you don't have a cable handy. Fortunately, modern technology offers minimal 5 different ways wireless transmission, and most of them do not even require the installation of additional programs.

In this article, we will examine all the relevant methods - from built-in functions Windows 11/10 And macOS to universal protocols like DLNA And MiracastYou'll learn which method is the fastest, which provides the best picture quality, and how to avoid common errors like "device not found" or "no sound." And for TV owners Samsung, LG And Sony We've prepared separate life hacks taking into account the specific features of their firmware.

Spoiler: if your TV was released after 2018, you almost certainly won't need any third-party apps—the operating system's built-in tools are sufficient. For older models, we'll suggest some workarounds.

1. DLNA streaming: a universal protocol for all devices

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard supported by 90% of modern Smart TVs, including budget models. Its main advantage is its cross-platform functionality: you can transfer photos from Windows, macOS or even Linux Without installing any additional software. The principle is simple: the computer acts as a server, and the TV acts as a client, pulling files over the local network.

To use DLNA on Windows 10/11, follow these steps:

• 📂 Open Control Panel → Network Settings → Media Streaming Settings.
• 🔧 Turn on the option Allow media streaming on this device.
• 🖥️ Select a folder with photos (for example, Images) and press "Public Access".
• 📺 Open the app on your TV Photo/Video (or Media player) and select your PC from the list of DLNA devices.

On macOS the algorithm is a little different: here you need a third-party server, for example, Plex Media Server or KodiAfter installation, add the photo folder to your library and enable DLNA in the settings. The TV will detect it. Mac automatically - usually in the section Sources → Network Devices.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV does not see the computer via DLNA, check that both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest!) Also, disable the firewall or add a port exception 1900/UDP And 8200/TCP.

2. Miracast: Screen mirroring without delays

Miracast — is a wireless screen mirroring technology that works on the principle of "what's on the PC monitor is on the TV." Unlike DLNA, it's not the file that's transferred, but the TV itself. image stream, making this method ideal for viewing photos in full-screen mode or slideshows. The downside is a slight delay (100-300 ms), which is unnoticeable for photos but critical for video.

To enable Miracast on Windows 10/11:

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 contains the model, for example, LG OLED55C1).
3. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).
4. Open photos on your PC and they will automatically appear on your TV.

On macOS Miracast is not supported natively, but can be used AirParrot or Reflector (paid). For Linux the utility will do gnome-network-displays.

Check Miracast support on your TV (in the Network or Wireless Displays menu) | Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your PC | Disable your VPN, as it may be blocking the connection | Make sure your TV and PC are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x) -->

Miracast works on most devices. Smart TV 2015 and newer. For older models (e.g., Samsung F series or LG LB650V) may be required Miracast adapter (cost from 1500 ₽).

3. Google Cast (Chromecast): for Android and Chrome users

If you have a TV on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia, Philips or Xiaomi Mi TV) or connected Google Chromecast, the easiest way to transfer photos is to use the protocol Google CastIt allows you to "send" an image directly from your browser or smartphone gallery.

Instructions for transferring from a computer:

• 🌐 Open the photo in your browser Google Chrome (for example, through Google Photos or local file).
• 🔄 Click on the icon "Broadcast" in the upper right corner (next to the address bar).
• 📺 Select your TV from the list Cast to....
• 🖼️ The photo will open full-screen on your TV. Controls (swiping and zooming) remain on your PC.

For macOS And Linux Chrome will also work, but Windows There is an alternative - an app Google Photos for PC. It automatically syncs photos to the cloud and lets you stream them to your TV via Cast.

⚠️ Attention: When streaming through Chrome, image quality may be reduced to 1080p, even if the original photo is in 4KFor the original resolution please use Google Photos or DLNA.

4. AirPlay: Exclusive to Apple and compatible TVs

AirPlay - proprietary technology Apple, which allows you to broadcast content from Mac, iPhone or iPad to TVs that support the protocol. Compatible models include LG OLED/C1/C2, Samsung QLED 2020+, Sony Bravia X90J and others marked "Works with AirPlay"The main advantage is minimal latency and support. 4K HDR.

How to transfer photos from Mac:

1. Open the photo in the app Photo or Preview.
2. Click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with a triangle at the bottom).
3. Select your TV from the list.
4. If necessary, enter the PIN code displayed on the TV screen.

For Windows There is no official support for AirPlay, but you can use workarounds:

• 🍎 Install iTunes and turn it on Home Network Sharing (limited functionality).
• 🖥️ Use third-party utilities like 5KPlayer or AirParrot (paid).

5. Cloud services: Google Photos, Dropbox, OneDrive

If direct transmission via Wi-Fi fails (for example, due to protocol incompatibility), help will come cloud storageThis method is universal, but requires a stable internet connection and may limit quality (for example, Google Photos compresses images over 16 MP).

The algorithm is simple:

1. Upload photos to the cloud (Google Photos, Dropbox, OneDrive or Yandex Disk).
2. On your TV, open the appropriate app (for example, Google Photos or Media Center).
3. Log in to your account and select the desired album.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 Powered by any TVs with Internet access (even without Smart TV, via prefix).
• 🔄 Syncs across devices (for example, the album is automatically updated when new photos are added).
• 📁 Possibility to create shared folder for family or colleagues.

⚠️ Attention: When using Google Photos In the free plan, photos with a resolution higher than 16 MP are compressed to 1600×1200A subscription is required for original quality. Google One (from 139 ₽/month).

How to bypass compression in Google Photos?

Upload photos via Google Drive (not to be confused with Google Photos!) — there's no quality limit (up to 15 GB free). Then open the files on your TV using the app. Files by Google or built-in browser.

6. Specific solutions for brands: Samsung, LG, Sony

TV manufacturers often add proprietary features to their firmware for wireless content streaming. Let's look at the most useful ones.

For Samsung TVs (Tizen OS):

• 📱 Use the app Samsung SmartThings (available for Windows And macOS). It allows you to broadcast your PC screen to TV via Screen Mirroring.
• 🖼️ In the TV menu, open Sources → Screen Mirroring and select the computer.

For LG TVs (webOS):

• 🎯 Activate LG Screen Share (in network settings). Supports Miracast and DLNA.
• 📂 Use the app to transfer files LG TV Plus (there is a PC version).

For Sony TVs (Android TV/Google TV):

• 🔗 Turn on Chromecast built-in in the settings (Network → Chromecast).
• 📱 To transfer from a PC, use Google Cast (see section 3).

Important: On Samsung Q-series TVs (2021 and newer), Screen Mirroring only works with Windows 10/11 devices with updated Intel/Wi-Fi 6 drivers. Older PCs may require a Miracast-enabled adapter.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The method you choose depends on your devices, quality, and speed requirements. Here are some quick recommendations:

• 🏆 Best quality: DLNA or AirPlay (4K uncompressed).
• ⚡ Maximum speed: Miracast (real-time screen mirroring).
• 🌐 Versatility: Cloud services (work on any TV with Internet).
• 🍎 For the Apple ecosystem: AirPlay (minimal latency, HDR support).
• 🖥️ For Windows: Miracast or DLNA (built-in tools).

If you need to show a photo one-time (for example, for guests), it is easiest to use Google Cast via Chrome. For regular viewing (for example, a family archive) set up a DLNA server or cloud storage.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

🔍 Why can't my TV see my computer via Wi-Fi?

There may be several reasons:

1. The devices are connected to different networks (for example, PC to Wi-Fi 5 GHz, and TV to 2.4 GHz). Solution: reconnect both devices to the same network.
2. Disabled network discovery on PC. Turn it on Control Panel → Network Settings → Sharing Options.
3. The firewall is blocking the connection. Add an application exception. dlna or miracast.
4. The TV firmware is outdated. Update the software via Settings → Support → Software Update.

📶 Is it possible to transfer photos via Wi-Fi Direct, without a router?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi Direct support the majority Smart TV 2016 and newer. Activated in the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖥️ You need to enable it on your PC Mobile Hotspot (Windows 10/11) or use the utility Connectify.
• ⚠️ The transfer speed will be lower than via a router (maximum ~10 Mbps).

For photos this is not critical, but for videos there may be some slowdowns.

🖼️ How can I transfer a photo in its original quality without compression?

Use the following methods (in descending order of reliability):

1. DLNA — transfers files without changes (if the TV supports the source resolution).
2. Local Area Network (SMB): connect the TV to the shared folder on the PC via Network environment.
3. AirPlay (For Apple TV or compatible TV) - supports 4K HDR.
4. External storage: copy the photo to a flash drive and connect it to the TV (if there are USB ports).

Avoid Google Photos (compression) and Chromecast (1080p limit).

🔒 How can I protect my photos from prying eyes?

If you are sharing confidential photos, take the following steps:

• 🔐 Use guest network on the router for TV, and the main one for the PC.
• 🛡️ Turn on WPA3 encryption in the Wi-Fi settings.
• 🚫 Disable DLNA/Miracast after use.
• 🔑 For cloud services, set up two-factor authentication.

💻 Is it possible to stream photos from Linux to TV?

Yes, here are the working methods:

• DLNA: install MiniDLNA or Rygel via terminal:

  sudo apt install minidlna

  Then add the folder with the photo to the config /etc/minidlna.conf.

• Miracast: use gnome-network-displays:

  sudo apt install gnome-network-displays

• Google Cast: open the photo in Chrome and broadcast via Cast.