How to Stream Video from Your Phone to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Transfer video from your phone to a big TV screen Wi-Fi — is a convenient way to enjoy content without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter problems: video lags, audio lags behind the picture, and sometimes the connection fails altogether. The most common cause is an incorrectly selected streaming method or incorrect router settings.

In this article we will look at all current methods video transmissions from Android And iPhone on Smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi and other brands - from standard protocols Miracast And DLNA to proprietary solutions like Google Chromecast And Apple AirPlayYou'll learn which method to choose depending on your TV model, how to configure your router for stable streaming, and what to do if video is lagging or won't play.

We will pay special attention to hidden Wi-Fi Direct settings and QoS parameters on the router, which directly affect broadcast quality, but are rarely mentioned in standard instructions. If you've already tried connecting and encountered errors, there's a section at the end of the article with solutions to the most common issues.

1. Preparation: Checking router compatibility and settings

Before attempting to stream video, make sure your TV and phone support the selected streaming protocol. For example, Miracast works on most Android-devices (starting with version 4.2), but may not be available on budget models Smart TV 2018–2019. A AirPlay available only on Apple TV and some TVs with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2020+ or Samsung QLED 2021+).

It is also critical to configure the router:

• 📶 Wi-Fi frequency: use 5 GHz to broadcast video in 4K or Full HD - on 2.4 GHz Lag may occur. If your TV or phone does not support 5 GHz, try reducing the video resolution to 720p.
• 🔄 QoS (Quality of Service): Enable traffic prioritization for devices that will be streaming video in your router settings. TP-Link this is called Bandwidth Control, on Asus — Adaptive QoS.
• 🔒 Encryption: use WPA2-PSK or WPA3. WEP and open networks may block some broadcast protocols.

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but the phone or TV works Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), enable compatibility mode in your router settings. Otherwise, devices may not be able to see each other on the local network.

You can check the current settings in the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1If you're unsure of the settings, reset your router to factory settings and reconfigure it, selecting the optimal broadcast settings.

2. Method 1: Miracast (Wi-Fi Direct) is a universal protocol for Android

Miracast — is a wireless broadcasting standard that doesn't require a router connection. Devices connect directly using Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi Direct, which is convenient if you don't have a home network or your router doesn't support the required settings. However, this method has its limitations:

• ❌ Doesn't work with iPhone (only Android).
• ❌ Maximum resolution - 1080p (on some TVs it is possible 4K, but with lags).
• ❌ Sound may be transmitted with a delay of up to 0.5 seconds.

To turn on Miracast:

1. On TV: Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct (or Screen Mirroring on Samsung).
2. On your phone: open Settings → Connected devices → Wireless casting (on Xiaomi — Borderless Display → Wireless Display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices and confirm the connection.

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Sony Bravia 2020–2022 Miracast is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → Network → Home Network → Enable Miracast.

If your TV does not appear in the list of devices:

Make sure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on your TV|Disable VPN on your phone|Restart both devices|Make sure your phone and TV are within 5 meters of each other-->

3. Method 2: DLNA - Stream media files without screen mirroring

Protocol DLNA Instead of mirroring your phone's screen, you can stream only selected video, audio, or photo files to your TV. This is convenient if you want to watch a movie from your gallery or play music but don't need full mirroring. Key advantages:

• ✅ Powered by Android And iPhone (with restrictions).
• ✅ Supports formats MKV, MP4, AVI (depending on TV model).
• ✅ You can control playback from your phone (pause, rewind).

Cons:

• ❌ Not all TVs support DLNA for video in 4K.
• ❌ On iPhone a third party application is required (eg. 8player or TV Assist).

Instructions for Android:

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected one Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on the TV DLNA (usually in Settings → Network → DLNA or Media server).
3. Open the app on your phone Gallery or Files, select the video, click Share → DLNA (or Play on TV).

For iPhone:

1. Install the application TV Assist or 8player from App Store.
2. In the app, select your TV from the list DLNA devices.
3. Upload the video to the app and start playing it on your TV.

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast - for streaming from YouTube, Netflix, and the browser

Google Chromecast - is it a separate device or a built-in function in Smart TV on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia, Philips, Xiaomi). It allows you to stream videos not only from your gallery, but also from streaming services: YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk and even from the browser Chrome.

Advantages:

• ✅ Supports 4K HDR on Chromecast Ultra And Android TV latest versions.
• ✅ Minimal audio delay (up to 50 ms).
• ✅ Works with iPhone via supported applications Google Cast.

How to set up:

1. Connect Chromecast to the TV (if it is an external device) or make sure that your Smart TV supports Google Cast.
2. Install the application on your phone Google Home (Android/iOS).
3. In the app, click Add a device → Set up Chromecast and follow the instructions.
4. To stream video, open a supported app (e.g. YouTube) and click the icon Cast (📺).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone cannot be broadcast local videos from the gallery through Chromecast - only content from applications (YouTube, Netflix etc.). For local files, use DLNA or AirPlay.

If Chromecast can't find TV:

• 🔌 Reconnect the device to another one HDMI-port.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is turned on Bluetooth (needed for initial setup).
• 🔄 Reboot your router and turn it off Guest network, if it is active.

5. Method 4: Apple AirPlay is the best choice for iPhone and Mac

AirPlay - this is a proprietary protocol from Apple, which allows you to stream videos, music and even mirror your screen with iPhone, iPad or Mac on the TV. The main condition: the TV must support AirPlay 2 (the list of models is on the website Apple). Among them:

• 📺 LG OLED And NanoCell (2019 and newer).
• 📺 Samsung QLED (2018 and newer).
• 📺 Sony Bravia With Android TV (2020 and newer).
• 📺 Apple TV 4K (any year of production).

How to connect:

1. Make sure that iPhone and the TV are connected to one Wi-Fi networks.
2. Turn on the TV AirPlay in the network settings (usually Settings → General → AirPlay and HomeKit).
3. On iPhone swipe down from the top right corner (open Control center).
4. Click Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring) and select the TV from the list.

For broadcast video only (without screen duplication):

1. Open the video in the app Photo or Files.
2. Click the icon Share (↑).
3. Select AirPlay and indicate the TV.

⚠️ Attention: If the video is in format MKV or AVI not playable through AirPlay, convert it to MP4 (H.264) by using iMovie or HandBrake. Apple TV supports more formats than the built-in one AirPlay on TVs of other brands.

Why might AirPlay not work on 2018–2019 Samsung TVs?

On some models Samsung QLED 2018–2019 support AirPlay 2 was added later via a firmware update. If the function is not active, check the software version in Settings → Support → Software Update and update your TV.

6. Method 5: Branded applications from TV manufacturers

Many brands are developing their own apps for streaming content from your phone to your TV. These are often more stable than universal protocols, but require additional software. Let's look at the most popular ones:

Example of connection via Samsung SmartThings:

1. Install the application SmartThings on the phone.
2. Register or log in to your account Samsung.
3. Click Add a device and select the TV from the list.
4. To cast your screen, open the quick settings panel on Android and press Smart View.

Advantages of branded applications:

• ✅ Optimized for a specific TV model (less lag).
• ✅ Frequently supported voice control and additional functions (for example, DeX on Samsung).
• ✅ Can be used as remote control.

⚠️ Attention: Branded apps may require you to create an account with the manufacturer (for example, LG Account or Samsung Account). If you don't want to register, use universal protocols (DLNA, Miracast).

7. Troubleshooting: Video lags, no sound, or TV can't find the phone

Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

🔴 The video is lagging or choppy

• 📶 Problem: weak Wi-Fi signal.
• 🔧 Solution:
  • Switch to 5 GHz (if the router is dual-band).
  • Reduce video resolution to 720p.
  • Disconnect other devices from the network (especially torrents or online games).

🔴 No sound during broadcast

• 🔈 Problem: The TV plays video, but the sound comes from the phone.
• 🔧 Solution:
  • On Android: in the broadcast settings, select Transmit sound to TV.
  • On iPhone: V Control center Hold down the play button and select TV as the audio device.
  • Check if the TV is in standby mode. Mute or External Speaker.

🔴 The TV doesn't detect the phone (or vice versa)

• 📱 Problem: The devices do not detect each other.
• 🔧 Solution:
  • Restart both devices.
  • Make sure your phone is turned on Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (needed for some protocols).
  • Turn it off VPN or Firewall on the phone.
  • Turn on the router Multicast (in settings LAN or IGMP).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

📱 Is it possible to stream video from iPhone to TV without Apple TV?

Yes, if you have a TV that supports it. AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+ or Samsung QLED 2018+). You can also use DLNA through third-party applications like 8player or TV Assist.

🎮 Why is there a long delay when streaming games from my phone to TV?

Input lag when mirroring screen via Miracast or Chromecast can reach 100–200 ms, which is critical for games. For gaming, it's better to use:

• HDMI adapter (minimal delay).
• Steam Link (for PC game streaming).
• NVIDIA Moonlight (for broadcasting from PC to TV).

📹 How to stream video from your phone to your TV in 4K?

For broadcast in 4K:

• Use Google Chromecast Ultra or Android TV with support 4K.
• Connect to the network 5 GHz (on 2.4 GHz maximum quality - 1080p).
• Make sure the video is encoded in H.264 or H.265 (formats MKV may not be supported).

On iPhone For 4K needed Apple TV 4K or TV with AirPlay 2 and support 4K.

🔒 Is it possible to stream video from your phone to TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast) - devices are connected directly.
2. Bluetooth — only for transferring photos or music (video will lag).
3. HDMI adapter - physical connection via USB-C/Lightning to HDMI.

🛠️ What should I do if my TV doesn't support any of the protocols?

If your TV is older than 2017 and does not support Miracast, DLNA or AirPlay, there are two options:

1. Buy an external device:
   • Google Chromecast (~3 000 ₽).
   • Apple TV 4K (~15 000 ₽).
   • Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (~2 500 ₽).

Use HDMI adapter to directly connect your phone to TV (for example, USB-C to HDMI For Android or Lightning to HDMI For iPhone).