How to share Wi-Fi from your phone to a Sony TV: all the methods in 2026

Streaming Internet from your phone to your TV Sony Bravia — a problem users face when they don't have a router, have a weak signal, or need to display content from a mobile device on a large screen. In 2026, the manufacturer offers several built-in solutions, but not all are equally effective: some require support. Wi-Fi Direct, and somewhere the standard one is enough Screen MirroringThe main difference from older models is integration with Google Cast and improved compatibility with iOS.

In this article, we will look at 5 working methods for transferring Wi-Fi from your phone to Sony TV, including hidden settings and workarounds for common errors. You'll learn how to use your phone as a hotspot, set up lag-free screen sharing, and which models support it. Direct connection via Wi-Fi 6E without loss of qualityWe'll pay special attention to the differences between Android and iPhone—this is critical for connection stability.

Method 1: Using your phone as a hotspot (mobile hotspot)

The most universal method is to turn your smartphone into a router. Suitable for all models. Sony Bravia (since 2015) and requires no additional apps. The main advantage: the TV gets full internet access, not just the phone screen.

How does this work:

1. The phone creates a local network with a name (SSID) and password.
2. The TV connects to this network like a regular Wi-Fi.
3. All devices on the network (including laptops and tablets) receive Internet from the phone.

• ✅ Works on Android 8+ and iOS 12+
• ✅ Supports up to 10 connected devices
• ⚠️ Phone battery consumption: ~20-30% per hour
• ⚠️ Speed ​​depends on your mobile operator's plan

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Hotspot & Tethering.
2. Activate Mobile hotspot.
3. Set up a network name (eg. SonyTV-Hotspot) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. On TV: Settings → Network → Network settings → Wi-Fi → select the created network.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Turn on Allow others.
3. Set a password (default is a random 8-digit code).
4. On your TV, connect to the network with the name iPhone ([your name]).

⚠️ Note: On iPhones with iOS 17+, when connecting to a TV, you may be prompted to "Trust this device." Without this confirmation, the internet will not work.

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

Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows devices to connect directly, without the need for a router. On TVs Sony This feature is available on models with Android TV (X80/X85/X90 series and above) and requires support on the phone side.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 No mobile internet connection required — you can transfer files or mirror your screen locally.
• 🔹 Connection speed is higher than that of a hotspot (up to 300 Mbps on Wi-Fi 5).
• 🔹 Low power consumption compared to a modem.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on your TV Sony:

1. Press on the remote control HOME → Settings (gear).
2. Go to Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Turn on the function and wait for the TV name to appear (for example, BRAVIA-XX1234).

How to connect from Android:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct (on Samsung) or Settings → Devices → Connect devices (on other brands).
2. Select your TV name from the list.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices (you may need to enter a PIN code from the TV screen).

⚠️ Note: There is no Wi-Fi Direct feature on iPhone - Apple uses its own protocol AirPlayTo connect to Sony TV will need to be used Screen Mirroring (see next section).

Check your phone's Wi-Fi Direct support

Update your TV software to the latest version

Make sure both devices are within 10 meters.

Disable VPN on your phone-->

3. Method: Screen Mirroring

If you need to not just distribute the Internet, but show it on TV all contents of the phone screen (social networks, games, presentations), use Screen MirroringThe technology works differently on Android and iOS, but the idea is the same: the phone mirrors its screen on the TV in real time.

Comparison of broadcast methods:

Instructions for Android (Miracast):

1. On TV: Settings → Devices → Screen Mirroring → enable the option.
2. On your phone: open Settings → Connections → Screencasting (or Smart View on Samsung).
3. Choose yours Sony TV from the list.
4. Confirm the connection on your TV (a PIN may be required).

Instructions for iPhone (AirPlay):

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On TV: Settings → Apple AirPlay → Turn on AirPlay.
3. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner (Center Control) → tap On-screen repetition.
4. Choose yours Sony TV.

4. Method: Connecting via HDMI (for maximum stability)

If wireless methods fail, the most reliable option is a physical connection via HDMIFor this you will need an adapter (depending on the phone):

• 📱 For Android: USB-C to HDMI (for example, adapter from Samsung DeX or universal from Anker).
• 🍎 For iPhone: Lightning to HDMI (official adapter from Apple or certified equivalent).
• 🔌 For older TVs without HDMI: an additional converter is required HDMI → AV (RCA).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the adapter to your phone.
2. Connect the adapter to the TV with an HDMI cable (use the port HDMI 1/ARC for better sound quality).
3. On your TV, select the signal source: press INPUT on the remote control → HDMI.
4. Your phone may ask you to confirm the display mode (for example, on Samsung, a notification will appear "Connected to DeX").

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Zero latency - ideal for gaming and videos.
• 🔹 Support for 4K/60fps resolution (when using a high-quality cable).
• 🔹 Simultaneously charges your phone (if the adapter has a USB port).

⚠️ Note: On iPhones, when connected via HDMI, some apps (Netflix, Disney+) may block image output due to DRM protection. In this case, the screen will be black.

Why can't the TV see the phone via HDMI?

If your TV does not respond to the connection, check:

1. HDMI cable must support version 2.0 or higher for 4K.

2. Your phone may be in "Charging" mode instead of "Data Transfer" (toggle in the notification shade).

3. The HDMI port on your TV must be working properly - try a different input.

4. On Android, in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number → 7 taps) turn on USB debugging (sometimes required for adapters).

5. Method: Streaming Apps (Alternative Solutions)

If built-in features don't work, you can use third-party apps. They're useful for older models. Sony TV (before 2017) or for specific tasks (for example, broadcasting only audio).

Top 3 verified apps:

How to set up a broadcast via ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and TV (if available) Google Play).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your phone, launch ApowerMirror → press Mirroring → select TV.
4. On your TV, confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter a code).

To broadcast via Google Home:

1. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
2. Open the app → select yours Sony TV → click Cast my screen.
3. Select Start broadcasting.

6. Troubleshooting: Why isn't Wi-Fi transfer working?

Even with proper setup, connections may still drop. Here are common errors and their solutions:

• 🔌 The TV doesn't see the phone's access point.:
  • Check that the mode is enabled on your phone. Visibility for all devices (in the hotspot settings).
  • Restart both devices.
  • Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → Network → Network Reset.
• 📶 Weak signal or connection drops:
  • Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 5 meters for Wi-Fi Direct).
  • Turn off power saving mode on your phone.
  • Use the 5 GHz band (if your phone and TV support it).
• 🔒 Unable to connect via Screen Mirroring:
  • Update your TV firmware (Settings → Support → Software Update).
  • On Android, turn on USB debugging (sometimes it helps).
  • On iPhone, check that AirPlay enabled in the control center.

If nothing helps, check:

• 📱 TV model compatibility: on the website Sony There is list of supported functions by serial number.
• 🔄 IP address conflict: Assign a static IP address to the TV in the router settings.
• 🛡️ Firewall/VPN: Disable them on your phone while connected.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Sony 2019-2020 models (X750/X800 series) have a bug with Wi-Fi Direct that causes it to disconnect spontaneously after 10-15 minutes. The solution is to update the firmware to version 6.5871 or higher.

7. Comparison of methods: Which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your task:

For most users, the best option is a combination of mobile hotspot and screen mirroringThis provides both internet access on the TV and the ability to mirror the screen. However, if maximum stability is needed (for example, for conferences or streaming), it's better to use HDMI adapter.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer Wi-Fi from a phone to a Sony TV without a router?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• Mobile hotspot (phone as a router).
• Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection).
• HDMI adapter (physical connection).

Screen Mirroring also works without a router if you use Wi-Fi Direct (on Android) or create a local network.

Why can't my Sony TV detect my iPhone for Screen Mirroring?

Problematic for iPhone and related to the protocol AirPlay. Check:

• The TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• It's on the TV. AirPlay in the settings (Settings → Apple AirPlay).
• The feature is activated in the Control Center on the iPhone On-screen repetition.
• The TV firmware has been updated (minimum version for AirPlay is R6.5).

If your TV is older than 2018, it may not support AirPlay—use an HDMI adapter.

How to speed up data transfer when connected via Wi-Fi Direct?

Speed ​​depends on the Wi-Fi version:

• On Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): up to 300 Mbps (actually ~150 Mbps).
• On Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): up to 900 Mbps (on TVs) Sony X90J and newer).

To speed up your connection:

1. Switch to the 5GHz band in Wi-Fi Direct settings.
2. Reduce the distance between devices to 2-3 meters.
3. Disable background apps on your phone.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a Sony TV and use the internet on the phone at the same time?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• On Android: turn on the option Allow connected devices to use data in the access point settings.
• On iPhone: The function works automatically, but the Internet speed on your phone may drop.

Please note: some mobile operators block tethering or limit speeds. Check your plan's terms.

Which Sony TV models support lag-free Screen Mirroring?

For smooth screen streaming, models with a processor are recommended X1 or newer:

• Sony X90J/X90K/X90L (4K/120Hz, Wi-Fi 6).
• Sony A80J/A80K (OLED, AirPlay 2 support).
• Sony X85J/X85K (budget option with Miracast).

Older models (pre-2018) may experience delays due to weak hardware. For these models, HDMI is best.