Modern technology makes it easy to get rid of unnecessary wires and enjoy content on a big screen. Streaming video from a laptop to an LG TV via Wi-Fi has become a standard feature available to owners of virtually any device released in the past few years. It's convenient for viewing family photos, watching movies from your home library, or presenting work materials.
There are several proven methods for implementing wireless streaming, each with its own advantages depending on your needs. You can use built-in Windows operating system tools, dedicated manufacturer applications, or third-party media servers. The key to a successful connection is that both devices are on the same local network.
In this article, we'll cover all the current synchronization methods in detail, examine common connection errors, and address how to troubleshoot them. You'll learn how to configure Miracast for screen mirroring and understand the intricacies of DLNA servers for file playback.
Preparing equipment and network
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your home network is ready to handle heavy video streaming. Both devices, the laptop and TV, must be connected to the same router. If you're using a frequency band 2.4 GHz, the transfer rate may be limited, which will result in slowdowns in high-definition video.
The ideal option is to connect both devices to the network. 5 GHzThis will ensure sufficient bandwidth for streaming 4K content without lag. Check the connection status in your laptop's network settings and in the Settings → Network on LG TV.
⚠️ Note: If your router is distributing two networks with the same name (Smart Connect), try temporarily splitting them into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with different names for a more stable connection between devices.
It's also worth updating your TV's software to the latest version. This can be done in the LG menu via the "Update" section. Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updatesOutdated firmware is often the cause of incompatibility between data transfer protocols.
Using Connect to a Wireless Display in Windows
The fastest way to stream images is to use the built-in Miracast protocol in Windows. This technology allows you to mirror your laptop screen to an LG TV without installing any additional software. To get started, press the key combination Win + K on the computer keyboard.
The "Connection" sidebar will appear on the right. If the TV is turned on and connected to the same network, it should appear in the list of available devices. Some LG models require you to launch the app first. Screen Share or Device Connector from the Smart TV menu.
After selecting the TV, a connection confirmation message may appear on your laptop screen. Use your remote control to confirm the connection. Your desktop image will now be projected onto the big screen.
☑️ Check before connecting Miracast
It's important to understand the difference between the operating modes. You can select "Duplicate" to see the same content on your TV as on your monitor, or "Extend," turning your TV into a second monitor. For watching videos, it's best to select the full-screen mode, which allows the video to be displayed on your laptop while you're using it for other tasks.
⚠️ Warning: The Miracast protocol is sensitive to interference. If the image is choppy, close torrents and other programs that are actively consuming local network bandwidth.
Streaming via the LG TV Plus app
LG has developed its own application for interaction with mobile devices and PCs, which is called LG TV PlusIt's available for download in the Microsoft Store. This method is convenient because it allows you to not only display the image but also use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control.
After installing the app on your laptop, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically find your TV on the network. You'll need to enter the code displayed on the TV screen to pair the devices.
The app's functionality includes photo and video transfer from the gallery, as well as a "Screen Casting" feature. The interface is intuitive and translated into Russian, making it easy to navigate the settings.
What should I do if the app doesn't detect the TV?
Make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding an exception. Also, check if AP client isolation is enabled on your router.
The advantage of this method is a stable connection and support for various file formats. The app automatically converts the stream to a format compatible with the TV, minimizing the risk of playback errors.
Setting up a DLNA server to play files
If your goal isn't to mirror your desktop, but to view a specific movie or photo album, it's best to use DLNA technology. This feature is built into Windows 10 and 11 and is called "Media Streaming."
To activate, go to the Control Panel, find the "Media Devices" or "Media Streaming Settings" section. Press the power button and select your LG TV from the list of approved devices.
Once enabled, the "PC" source or your computer's name will appear in the "Inputs" menu or app list on your TV. Opening it will give you access to the standard folders: Videos, Pictures, and Music.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Data transfer method | DLNA / UPnP |
| Video codec | Compression format | H.264, MP4, MKV |
| Net | Connection type | Private network |
| Permission | Stream quality | Up to 4K (depending on router) |
The main advantage of DLNA is the ability to control playback with your TV remote. You can pause, rewind, and change the volume without having to reach for your laptop. This method also puts less strain on your computer's processor, as it transfers the file directly rather than encoding the video stream in real time.
Using AirPlay 2 for MacBook Owners
Apple users can appreciate AirPlay 2 support on modern LG TVs. This technology lets you stream videos, photos, and music from your MacBook to your TV with just one click. No additional apps are required.
Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your LG TV. This is usually found in the menu. Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKitIf the feature is disabled, enable it. On a MacBook, click the "Screen Mirroring" button in Control Center or select the AirPlay icon in the music player.
AirPlay 2 streaming quality is generally higher than Miracast, thanks to Apple's optimized codecs. It also supports audio streaming to external audio systems if they are connected to the HomeKit ecosystem.
⚠️ Note: AirPlay is only available on LG TVs supporting webOS 4.0 and above. Older models will require the use of a third-party receiver, such as Apple TV.
For comfortable operation, make sure that your router supports the standard 802.11ac or newer. This will ensure minimal image lag, which is especially important when watching fast-paced scenes in movies.
Problem solving and quality optimization
Even with proper settings, situations may arise where the video stutters or the audio is out of sync with the image. Most often, the problem lies in an overloaded Wi-Fi channel. Try switching your router to a less congested channel through its web interface.
If there's no sound when streaming via Miracast, check your playback devices. Click the speaker icon in the Windows system tray and select your LG TV as the default output device. Sometimes the system doesn't automatically switch the sound.
If your laptop "sees" the TV but the connection drops after a few seconds, try disabling power saving for your Wi-Fi adapter. Go to Device Manager, find your wireless adapter, open its properties, and under the "Power Management" tab, uncheck the box next to "Allow the device to turn off."
It's also worth paying attention to your antivirus programs. Some have built-in firewalls that can block incoming connections from the TV. Add your home network to the trusted list.
Why doesn't the TV see the laptop in the list of devices?
Most often, the issue is with the network type. Make sure the network in Windows is marked as "Private" and not "Public." On public networks, device discovery is disabled by default for security reasons. Also, check if UPnP is enabled on your router.
Is it possible to stream 4K video over Wi-Fi?
Technically, this is possible, but it requires ideal conditions. You'll need a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX) operating in the 5 GHz band, and a laptop with a similar module. For larger 4K HDR files, a cabled HDMI connection is still preferable.
Is the sound delayed when watching movies?
Audio lag (lip-sync error) often occurs when using Bluetooth headphones or sound bars through a TV. In your LG TV settings, find the "Audio Sync" or "AV Sync" option and adjust the millisecond value until the actors' lips align with the audio.