Modern users are rarely satisfied with the small screen of a smartphone when it comes to viewing photos, videos, or presentations. The opportunity broadcast an image Mirroring from a mobile device to a large TV display has become the de facto standard for any smart device. The question of how to mirror a phone's screen to an LG TV is particularly pressing, as the company offers several proprietary and third-party technologies for this feature. A wireless Wi-Fi connection eliminates unnecessary cables and instantly starts sharing content, whether it's an online movie or a work document.
The connection process may vary depending on your gadget's operating system and TV model. LG Smart TV support protocols Miracast, DLD/UPnP, and in newer models - AirPlay 2 for Apple devices. Understanding which method is available for your hardware configuration will save you time and frustration. In this article, we'll cover all syncing methods, potential connection issues, and setup details for Android and iOS.
The main requirement for successful streaming is a stable wireless network. If your router operates at 2.4 GHz and is overloaded with neighboring networks, you may experience delays or connection drops. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise the phone will not be able to detect the TV. In some cases, especially when using older routers, you may need to configure a guest network or change the encryption mode to ensure compatibility of data transfer protocols.
Wireless data transmission technologies in LG TVs
LG uses the webOS platform in its TVs, which supports a wide range of media streaming standards. The key tool for Android smartphone owners is the Screen ShareIt is based on the protocol Miracast, which allows high-resolution video signals to be transmitted directly between devices, bypassing the router, although the Wi-Fi module is still used for the initial handshake. This ensures minimal latency, which is critical for gaming or presentations.
For Apple ecosystem users, the situation is even simpler. Modern LG models come with built-in support. AirPlay 2This technology doesn't just mirror the screen; it also allows for streaming video and audio using the phone as a remote control. Picture quality is often higher, as the TV decodes the stream itself, and the phone merely acts as a controller. However, older models that don't natively support AirPlay will require the use of third-party intermediary apps.
DLNA technology is also worth mentioning, as it works differently. It doesn't mirror your screen in real time, but allows you to stream already saved files (videos, photos, music) from your phone to your TV. In the TV menu, this usually appears as a connection to a media server. This is a great way to watch a movie downloaded to your phone, but it's not suitable for displaying messaging app or browser interfaces.
Preparing equipment and network
Before you begin setup, you need to ensure your infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streaming. First, check that the Wi-Fi module is enabled on your TV. In some cases, especially after a factory reset, it may be disabled by software. To do this, press the button. Settings on the remote control, go to the section All Settings → Connection → Wi-Fi and make sure the connection is active.
It's important that your router supports Wi-Fi standards 802.11n or higher (ac/ax). Older standards may simply not handle Full HD or 4K streams without constant buffering. If you have a dual-band router, it's better to connect both devices to the 5 GHz network, as it's less noisy and provides higher throughput.
☑️ Check before connection
⚠️ Important: If you have a "Guest Network" configured on your router, make sure its settings allow communication between clients (AP Isolation is disabled). Otherwise, devices will not be able to see each other on the local network, even if they are in the same Wi-Fi zone.
It's also worth updating your TV's software. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve the stability of wireless modules. Go to All Settings → Support → Software Update and run the check. If the system prompts you to update, agree to it; this can resolve many hidden compatibility issues.
How to Mirror Your Android Screen to an LG TV
Android smartphone owners have several options for accomplishing this task. The most universal method is to use the built-in function. Broadcast or Smart View (The name varies depending on the phone model). This feature is built into the Android system starting with version 4.2 and does not require any additional software.
To start, pull down the notification shade on your phone and find the icon Broadcast, Smart View or Screen projectionTap it, and your phone will begin searching for available devices. Your LG TV should appear in the list. Tap it, and a connection request may appear on the TV screen. Confirm it with the remote. After that, the image from your phone will appear on the big screen.
If the standard function does not work or is missing, you can use the official application LG TV PlusIt's available on Google Play and allows you to not only mirror your screen but also use your phone as a touchpad. After installing the app, launch it, select your TV from the list, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it using a code.
⚠️ Please note: When mirroring your screen via Miracast, your phone may become very hot and the battery may drain faster than usual. This is normal, as the Wi-Fi module is constantly transmitting data. We recommend charging your device during extended viewing sessions.
What to do if the phone doesn’t see the TV?
Make sure the Screen Share app is running on your TV (for older models) or Miracast is enabled in the connection menu. Sometimes you may need to manually enable device visibility in your LG network settings. Also, try rebooting your router—this resolves 90% of network device detection issues.
Setting up AirPlay 2 for iPhone and iPad
Apple users will appreciate the protocol's simplicity and reliability. AirPlay 2If you have an iPhone manufactured in 2019 or later and an LG TV with webOS 4.0 or higher (2018 models and newer), you won't need any additional apps. The feature is built into iOS.
To start broadcasting, open Control center on iPhone (swipe down from the upper right corner or swipe up on older models). Tap the button Screen mirroring (The icon of two rectangles). Select your LG TV from the list that appears. If this is your first time using it, a 4-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your iPhone.
Once connected, you can choose between "Screen Mirroring" (mirroring the entire interface) or streaming only video from supported apps (YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV). In the latter case, you can use your phone for other tasks without interrupting your TV viewing experience. Image quality is automatically adjusted based on your network speed.
| Parameter | Android (Miracast) | iPhone (AirPlay 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Direct / Wi-Fi Direct | Local Wi-Fi network |
| Latency | Low (good for gaming) | Medium (best for video) |
| Video format | Depends on the phone's codecs | H.264, HEVC (optimized) |
| Sound | Streamed with video | Can be transmitted separately |
Using the LG ThinQ app to control
For deeper integration between smartphone and TV, LG has developed an application LG ThinQIt's available for both platforms and turns your phone into a universal remote. While the app's primary function is managing settings and launching content, it also features the ability to cast photos and videos from your phone's gallery to your TV screen.
After installing the app and registering with the LG system (an account is required), add your TV by scanning the QR code on the screen or searching for it online. In the app interface, select the "Cast" section or the Cast icon. This allows you to stream content from third-party apps that don't have a built-in Cast button to your TV.
Advantage of using LG ThinQ The feature allows for cursor control. A touchpad appears on the phone's screen; swiping it moves the cursor on the TV screen. This is convenient for navigating websites or entering text when the remote's keyboard seems too slow.
⚠️ Please note: LG ThinQ app functionality may vary depending on region and webOS version. Some features available in the European version may be limited in other regions due to licensing restrictions.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the claimed simplicity, users often encounter problems with their phone not detecting their TV or the connection constantly dropping. The most common cause is a split router frequency. If the router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the phone may become stuck on one while the TV is connected to the other, technically creating different subnets that block detection.
Another issue is antivirus software and firewalls. Some Android smartphones with enhanced security (for example, enterprise profiles or specific shells) may block device scanning on the local network. Check your Wi-Fi security settings and ensure the network is marked as "Trusted" or "Private," not "Public."
If the image is choppy or low-resolution, try lowering the output quality in your phone's streaming settings (if available) or moving the router closer to the TV. It's also worth checking if your phone has any background downloads that are consuming your bandwidth.
Why is there no sound on the TV when I connect my phone?
Often, the audio remains on the phone. Check the audio output settings in the app you're casting through or in the Android/iOS quick settings panel. In some cases, restarting the Screen Share app on the TV helps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to display a phone screen on an LG TV without Wi-Fi?
Without a Wi-Fi module or router, a wireless connection is impossible, as Miracast and AirPlay technologies require a local network. However, you can use an HDMI cable with the appropriate adapter (USB-C to HDMI or Lightning to Digital AV Adapter). In this case, simply switch the TV to the appropriate signal source, and the image will be transmitted directly, even without an internet connection.
Why is the quality worse when streaming on YouTube than on the TV itself?
When screen mirroring, the phone encodes the video stream and sends it to the TV, which is often limited by the phone's screen resolution or the current Wi-Fi bandwidth. It's better to use the built-in YouTube app on your LG TV and simply send the link from your phone via the "Cast" button (the rectangle icon with a Wi-Fi connection). Then the TV will automatically download the video in maximum quality.
Does my old LG TV support Screen Share?
Almost all LG Smart TVs released after 2012 support Miracast (Screen Share). If you have a pre-2012 model or a standard LED TV without Smart TV, you'll need an external set-top box (such as Chromecast, Mi Stick, or Apple TV) that plugs into the HDMI port and adds wireless casting.
How do I turn off screen sharing?
To disconnect, simply unlock your phone and tap the streaming notification, selecting "Disconnect" or "Break Connection." You can also press the "Home" or "Back" button on your TV remote—LG usually asks if you want to end the Screen Share session. The LG ThinQ app has a disconnect button in the main menu.