Modern smart TVs LG TVs have moved beyond being simple devices for receiving over-the-air signals and have become full-fledged multimedia centers. One of the most popular features remains the ability to mirror images from a smartphone to a large screen without the need for unnecessary wires. This is especially relevant for owners of devices based on Androidwho want to display photos, videos, or even games on a 50-inch or larger diagonal. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi provides the necessary freedom of movement and cleanliness of the interior.
The data transfer process is based on the use of standard protocols such as Miracast or DLDLNA, which are built into most modern gadgets. However, despite their apparent simplicity, users often encounter synchronization issues or don't know where exactly the desired function is hidden in the menu. LG WebOSIn this guide, we'll cover all possible connection methods, from built-in system tools to specialized software.
It's worth noting that image quality directly depends on your home network's bandwidth. If your router operates at 2.4 GHz and is overloaded with neighboring networks, lag or artifacts may occur. For 4K video streaming or gaming, we recommend using dual-band router and connect devices to the 5 GHz network. This will ensure a stable data stream without connection interruptions.
Preparing equipment and network for stable operation
Before setting up the broadcast, you need to make sure that both devices are in the same network conditions. This is a fundamental requirement of local data transfer protocols. Your phone is based on Android and TV LG Smart TV must be connected to the same access point Wi-FiIf you have a dual-band router, it's best to use one frequency for both devices, although modern routers can intelligently redirect traffic between bands.
Please check that the software on both devices is up to date. Owners LG You should go to your TV settings and find the system update section. Manufacturers often add support for new codecs or fix protocol errors. Miracast Specifically, through firmware updates. It's also worth checking for system updates on your phone, as the wireless display drivers may have been improved by the smartphone manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: Some guest Wi-Fi networks in hotels or hostels have client isolation. In this configuration, devices are prohibited from communicating with each other, even if they are connected to the same network. In this case, wireless broadcasting will not work.
Make sure that the external device detection function is enabled on your TV. In the menu LG This is often called "Connection Guide" or "Mobile TV." If the TV doesn't detect the phone, try temporarily disabling the firewall on your router or creating a separate, unrestricted guest network. It's also worth rebooting the router if it runs continuously for a long time, as a buffer overflow can interfere with the video stream.
Using the built-in Screen Share feature on your LG TV
The ultimate tool for mirroring your screen on TVs LG is an application Screen ShareIt is based on technology Miracast, which allows you to transmit a video signal directly, bypassing the internet. To get started, find it in the list of apps on the home screen. WebOS The "Screen Share" or "Phone Display" icon. Once launched, the TV will enter connection standby mode.
On the smartphone side Android The steps may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Typically, the function is called "Cast," "Smart View," "Wireless Display," or "Projection." Pull down the notification shade, find the corresponding button, and activate the device search. The phone will begin scanning the airwaves for available receivers. Wi-Fi Direct.
When the name of your TV appears in the list on the phone screen LG, tap it. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to accept with the remote. After this, your smartphone's desktop image will be fully mirrored on the TV. It's important to understand that in this mode, your phone won't lock, and you can use other apps while the video is streaming.
☑️ Check before connection
Picture quality in mode Miracast Depends on the distance between the devices and the presence of interference. If you notice audio and video desync, try moving your phone closer to the router. You should also close background apps on your smartphone that may be consuming bandwidth or CPU resources, interfering with real-time video stream encoding.
Stream via the LG ThinQ app and DLNA
If the standard screencasting is unstable or you just need to show photos and videos from the gallery, it is better to use the protocol DLNAFor this purpose the company LG developed an official application LG ThinQ (formerly LG TV Plus). It is available in Google Play It allows you to not only control your TV but also stream media files. This is a more energy-efficient method, as the phone doesn't encode the entire screen, but only sends the file.
After installing the app on your phone and connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, launch it. The program will automatically find your TV. LG on the local network. After pairing (confirming the code on the TV), select "Cast" or the media file icon from the menu. You'll be able to select videos, music, or photos stored on your smartphone and send them for playback.
| Parameter | Miracast (Screen Share) | DLNA (LG ThinQ) | Google Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Full screen mirroring | Media files only | Broadcasting from apps |
| Phone addiction | High (screen active) | Low (can be folded) | Average (control from phone) |
| Video quality | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | Original file quality | Up to 4K HDR |
| Battery consumption | High | Short | Average |
Advantage of the method DLNA The TV decodes the video file itself. This means minimal battery drain, and the picture quality matches the original, without the compression artifacts typical of screen streaming. However, you can't stream menus or games this way—only content.
Why doesn't DLNA see all video formats?
LG TVs support a limited set of codecs (usually H.264, HEVC, VP9). If your video is encoded in a rare format (such as AV1 or the older RealVideo), the TV may recognize the file but won't be able to play it. In this case, converting the file on a PC or using a third-party Android player with a streaming feature that can transcode the stream on the fly will help.
Using Google Cast technology (Chromecast built-in)
Many modern models LG support technology Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). This allows you to stream content directly from apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos without mirroring your entire screen. Unlike Miracast, your phone only acts as a remote control, and the video stream goes directly from the server to your TV via the internet.
To use this feature, make sure the app has the casting icon (the rectangle with waves in the corner). Tap it, then select your TV. LG from the list, and the video will play on the big screen. The main advantage is the highest image quality (up to 4K HDR) and low load on the smartphone's processor. You can minimize the app, answer a call, or leave the house (in some cases), and playback will continue uninterrupted.
If built-in Cast support doesn't work or isn't available on your model, you can use an external Chromecast or Android TV Box connected to the HDMI port. However, the built-in functionality is sufficient for most users. It's recommended to enable the protocol in your router settings. mDNS (Multicast DNS), as it is critical for discovering Chromecast devices on the network.
Third-party apps for advanced streaming
Built-in tools aren't always ideal, especially if you need to mirror your screen from a device that doesn't natively support Miracast, or if you need to stream audio from certain apps (for example, due to DRM restrictions). In such cases, third-party solutions from Google PlayThe leader in this niche is the application TV Cast for LG TV or Web Video Caster.
These apps work by creating a local server or using the browser engine to render a page with a video and then sending a link to the TV. They often allow you to stream video from browsers that don't have a built-in Cast button. The process is simple: install the app on Android, open the desired website with the video inside the application, and it will automatically offer to connect to your LG TV.
Another powerful tool is AirScreen (If installed on a TV via the Homebrew Channel, but that's for advanced users) or similar apps for phones that emulate a receiver. However, for Android-LG connections, casting apps are more commonly used. They bypass many software restrictions and allow streaming even protected content in some cases, although quality may vary.
⚠️ Attention: When using free versions of third-party streaming apps, you may encounter ads that block the image on your TV. Additionally, some apps may have session time or video resolution limitations for the free plan.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Despite the technology's refinement, users often encounter a situation where their phone can't see their TV. First, check if the "AP Isolation" feature is enabled on your router. It's designed for security in public areas and prevents devices within the network from "seeing" each other. For home use, this option is necessary. turn off.
The second common issue is audio and video desync. This often occurs when the Wi-Fi channel is overloaded. Try switching your TV and phone to a different frequency (from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa) to find the most stable option. Restarting the router and clearing the DNS cache on the TV via the network settings menu also helps.
If the image is choppy or low-resolution, check the screen resolution settings in your phone's menu while connected. Sometimes the system automatically selects a lower quality to save data. Manually set the highest available resolution. Also, make sure there are no thick concrete walls or microwave ovens between the router antenna and the devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to share a screen without a Wi-Fi router using only Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, technology Wi-Fi DirectThe technology behind Screen Share (Miracast) allows for a direct connection between a phone and TV without a router. However, the initial handshake and some Smart TV features may require internet access. In Wi-Fi Direct mode, a router is not required; devices connect directly.
Why does the video turn off on my phone when I stream YouTube, but it still plays on TV?
This is normal behavior for technology. Google CastIn this mode, the phone acts only as a remote control. It sends a command to the TV, and the TV automatically downloads the video stream from the internet. This saves the smartphone's battery and allows it to be used for other tasks.
My LG TV isn't showing up in the list of available devices. What should I do?
Make sure external devices are allowed in your TV's network settings. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall on your router. Resetting your phone's network settings and reconnecting to Wi-Fi may also help. Make sure both devices are on the same subnet.
Does screencasting affect picture quality?
When using Miracast (screen mirroring) quality may be slightly reduced due to real-time video stream compression for over-the-air transmission. When using DLNA or Cast quality remains original, as the file or data stream itself is transmitted without re-encoding the desktop image.