How to share Wi-Fi from your phone to your LG Smart TV: all the methods + troubleshooting

Connecting a TV LG Smart TV Connecting to the internet via a smartphone is a challenge faced by owners of devices without a separate router or with a weak Wi-Fi signal. But not everyone knows that modern TVs LG (starting from webOS 3.0 TVs (and newer) support several methods for sharing an internet connection directly from your phone. The key is to choose the right method depending on your TV model, smartphone operating system, and intended use.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods Wi-Fi transfer from phone to LG Smart TV, including hidden features like Wi-Fi Direct And USB-ethernetWe'll also explain why the connection sometimes drops after 5-10 minutes and how to fix it. All instructions are relevant for TVs. LG 2018–2026 years of release and smartphones on Android 10+/iOS 14+.

If your TV is older than 2018 or runs on NetCast (and not webOS), some methods may not be supported. In this case, consider alternative solutions such as USB modem or signal repeater, which we will also mention.

Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router)

Wi-Fi Direct — is a technology that allows devices to exchange data directly, without an intermediary such as a router. In context LG Smart TV It is used to transmit the Internet connection from a smartphone to a TV, but with an important caveat: the phone itself must be connected to the mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G).

On TVs LG function Wi-Fi Direct hidden in the menu NetTo activate it:

1. On the remote control LG press the button Settings (gear).
2. Go to All Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Turn on the feature and wait until the TV appears in the list of available devices on your phone.

On smartphone:

• 📱 Android: open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct (on Samsung the path may differ: Settings → Connections → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🍎 iPhone: use the function AirPlay (but it doesn't transmit internet, only media files). To distribute the internet, you'll have to use modem mode (more on this below).

Once connected, the TV will access the internet via your phone's mobile network. The speed will be limited by your plan's bandwidth, and when watching videos in 4K Slowdowns may occur.

⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators (eg. Tele2 or Iota) block internet distribution through Wi-Fi DirectIf the connection drops immediately after connecting, check your plan settings or use alternative methods.

2. Method: Modem mode (USB or Wi-Fi)

The most universal method is to use the phone as USB modem or Wi-Fi hotspotIt works on all TVs. LG Smart TV, but requires either a USB cable or support for connecting to external networks.

Important: televisions LG do not support connection to Wi-Fi networks, distributed from the phone, if this network operates in the range 5 GHzYou will have to manually switch the access point to 2.4 GHz in the phone settings.

Instructions for USB modem:

1. Connect your phone to the TV with a cable USB-Type-C (or Micro-USB, depending on the model).
2. Turn on your phone Modem mode (Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot → USB tethering).
3. On the TV in the menu Network → Cable connection select USB-ethernet.

Wi-Fi hotspot instructions:

• 📶 Activate on your phone Access point (Settings → Connections → Hotspot & Tethering).
• 🔄 Make sure the network is in range 2.4 GHz (on iPhone This is the default setting, Android may need to be changed in Advanced Settings → Range).
• 📺 On your TV, select the created network in the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.

Make sure your mobile internet is turned on|

Check remaining traffic according to your tariff plan|

Disable VPN (may block distribution)|

Restart your phone before connecting-->

⚠️ Attention: When connecting via USB modem televisions LG sometimes they give an error "Unknown USB device"Solution: Use the original cable from your phone and try connecting to a different USB port on the TV (if there are several).

3. Method: Screen Share (Miracast) for screen and internet transmission

Technology Miracast (V LG Smart TV it's called Screen Share) allows you to not only mirror your phone's screen to your TV but also share your internet connection. However, there's a catch: The Internet will only work in applications that support data transfer via Miracast (For example, YouTube or Netflix, but not the browser).

How to enable Screen Share:

1. On the remote control LG press the button Home (house).
2. Select Screen Share (two screen icon).
3. Activate on your phone Wireless display (Settings → Connections → Wireless Display on Android or Screen mirroring on iPhone).

After connecting, check the Internet:

• ✅ Works: YouTube, Prime Video, OKKO (if the application is installed on the phone).
• ❌ Not working: browser, Google Play Market, TV system updates.

On TVs LG OLED 2022–2026 (webOS 22/23) function Screen Share Automatically shares the Internet connection with all applications when the phone is connected to a mobile network. On older models this works selectively.

Why does Screen Share turn off after 5 minutes?

This is due to the phone's energy saving settings. Android disable battery optimization for the app Screen Share (Settings → Apps → Screen Share → Battery → Unlimited). On iPhone The problem can only be solved by reconnecting.

4. Method: USB-ethernet adapter (for a stable connection)

If your LG Smart TV does not support Wi-Fi Direct or constantly loses connection, you can use USB-ethernet adapterThis method is suitable for models with a port. USB 3.0 (usually blue) and requires the purchase of an adapter for 300–800 ₽.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Buy an adapter USB-to-Ethernet (For example, TP-Link UE300 or ASIX AX88179).
2. Connect the adapter to the USB port of the TV, and then connect the patch cord from the router or USB phone modem.
3. On your TV, select Settings → Network → Cable connection.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔌 Stable connection without interruptions (important for IPTV or online games).
• 📶 Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (if the adapter and tariff allow it).
• 🔄 Works even if the TV's Wi-Fi module is broken.

Flaws:

• ⚠️ Requires additional costs for the adapter.
• ⚠️ Not all models LG support USB-ethernet (check your TV manual).

*An adapter with a chip is required Realtek RTL8156.

5. Method: Mirroring Apps (Miracast Alternative)

If built-in functions LG Smart TV If they don't work, you can use third-party apps to share your internet and screen. The best options are:

• 📱 ApowerMirror (Android/iOS) - supports internet transmission via USB/Wi-Fi.
• 🖥️ TeamViewer QuickSupport — allows you to remotely control your phone from your TV (the Internet is transmitted indirectly).
• 🎮 Steam Link - if you need to stream games from your phone to TV (Internet access is only required to download the game).

How to set up ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and TV (via LG Content Store).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct).
3. On your phone, select Mirroring → Connect to TV.
4. Activate the option "Transfer mobile data" in the application settings.

Disadvantages of the method:

• ⏳ Image delay up to 1–2 seconds (critical for games).
• 💰 Free version ApowerMirror shows ads.
• 🔌 Requires installation of third-party software on the TV (not always safe).

Troubleshooting: Why isn't the internet transmitted?

If the Internet on your TV doesn't work despite a successful connection, check the following:

1. Problems with your mobile operator's tariff

• 📵 Some tariffs (for example, "For laptop" from MTS) block internet distribution to other devices.
• 🔄 Solution: Call your operator and ask them to activate the option "Modem/Access Point" (sometimes paid).

2. Incompatibility of Wi-Fi bands

• 📶 Televisions LG will not be supported until 2020 5 GHz in access point mode.
• 🔧 Solution: On your phone, in the hotspot settings, select 2.4 GHz only.

3. Manufacturer's limitations

• 🚫 On iPhone It is impossible to transmit the Internet through Wi-Fi Direct - only through Modem mode.
• 🔄 Solution: Use USB modem or Screen Share.

4. TV firmware failures

• 🔄 If after the update webOS stopped working Wi-Fi Direct, perform a network reset: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG with older firmware webOS 4.0 (2018 and earlier) function USB modem may work unstable. In this case, it is recommended to use an external USB-ethernet adapter or update the firmware.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer Wi-Fi from a phone to an LG Smart TV without a router?

Yes, these methods are suitable for this Wi-Fi Direct, Modem mode (USB/Wi-Fi) or Screen ShareThe main thing is that the phone is connected to the mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G).

Why doesn't my LG TV see the access point from my phone?

Most likely the access point is operating in the range 5 GHzSwitch it to 2.4 GHz in the phone settings. Also check if the network is hidden (option Hidden Network should be disabled).

How to share internet from iPhone to LG Smart TV?

On iPhone There are two options:

1. Modem mode via USB or Wi-Fi (the TV connects like a regular access point).
2. Screen Mirroring (transmits the screen, but the internet only works in some applications).

Wi-Fi Direct on iPhone not supported.

Is it possible to transfer internet and charge a phone at the same time using a USB cable?

No, TVs LG They don't support simultaneous data transfer and USB charging. You'll need to use a separate cable or wireless charging for charging.

What is the maximum internet speed when transferring from a phone?

The speed depends on the method:

• Wi-Fi Direct: to 50–70 Mbps (limited by phone).
• USB modem: to 300–500 Mbps (depending on the adapter).
• Wi-Fi hotspot: to 150 Mbps (on 2.4 GHz).

Actual speed will be lower due to mobile network limitations.