Modern smartphones have powerful screens, but to view family archives or video content, you often want to use the larger screen of your home TV. Fortunately, the company's technology LG Electronics They offer several convenient ways to wirelessly transfer media without the hassle of cables. This allows you to enjoy your favorite movies, vacation photos, or even mobile games on the big screen in high definition.
Process broadcasts (or, as experts say, "mirroring") is based on protocols built directly into the TV's operating system. Depending on the model of your device—whether it's older series based on NetCast or new models with webOS — The methods may differ slightly. However, the basic principle remains the same: both devices must be on the same local network for successful data exchange.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all the available action algorithms for users. Android And iOSWe'll look at the default operating system features, specialized manufacturer apps, and third-party solutions that can help resolve the issue if standard methods don't work right away. Getting your device ready for use is the first step to enjoying its multimedia capabilities.
Preparing equipment and network for work
Before you start setting up protocols To ensure data transfer, you need to ensure the basic network settings are correct. A fundamental requirement is that both devices are on the same subnet. This means that if your router broadcasts signals on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with different network names (SSIDs), both the smartphone and TV must be connected to the same network.
Users often encounter a situation where devices "don't see" each other. In 90% of cases, the problem lies in client isolation in the router settings or the use of a guest Wi-Fi network. Guest networks are specifically designed to restrict access to local devices, so for DLNA or Miracast They don't work. Switch your mobile device to your main home network.
⚠️ Note: Some internet service providers enable port isolation on their routers by default. If you've tried all these methods and your router still isn't detecting your network, contact your provider's technical support or check your router's security settings yourself.
It's also worth checking the software versions. Outdated firmware webOS may not support new encryption standards or codecs that your latest smartphone uses. Updating your TV's system via the menu Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updates often resolves hidden compatibility conflicts.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
Using Screen Share on LG TVs
The most common method available to owners of TVs with the platform webOS, is called Screen Share. This function is based on the standard Miracast, which allows you to stream video directly from your smartphone screen to your TV, completely mirroring what's happening. To start the process, press the house or arrow button on the remote control to open the quick access panel and select Screen Share or Connecting to a mobile device.
Once the feature is activated, a connection waiting window will appear on the screen. At this point, the TV creates a direct connection and begins searching for available devices within range. It's important to note that some models require explicit connection confirmation: a connection permission request from an unknown device may appear on the TV screen, which must be accepted using the remote control.
For users of smartphones based on Android The process is as follows: in the notification shade (quick settings menu), you need to find the "Cast," "Smart View," "Screen Projection," or "Wireless Monitor" button. The name depends on the phone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). After scanning, your TV will appear in the list. LG.
- 📱 Open the display settings on your smartphone and find the "Connected devices" section.
- 📡 Click the search button for available displays and select your LG TV from the list.
- 🔗 Wait for the image to appear on the large screen; there may be a delay of 2-3 seconds.
- ⚙️ To exit broadcast mode on your phone, tap "Disable" or simply lock the screen.
The quality of the transmitted image directly depends on the signal strength. Wi-FiIf you notice artifacts, stuttering, or audio desync, try moving closer to the router or TV. Miracast is sensitive to interference, especially in apartment buildings where the airwaves are clogged with neighbors' signals.
Why is the broadcast interrupted?
Frequent connection drops when using Screen Share are most often caused by Wi-Fi congestion. Try switching your router to a less congested channel or using the 5 GHz band if both devices support it. Background downloads on other devices can also choke the video stream.
Stream from iPhone and iPad via AirPlay 2
For equipment owners Apple You're luckier, as modern LG TVs (2019 and newer models, as well as some updated 2018 versions) natively support the technology. AirPlay 2This means you don't need any additional apps or hacks—everything works at the system level. This feature not only allows you to duplicate the screen, but also display content from apps (YouTube, Netflix, Photos) in a separate stream, without draining the phone's battery.
To activate signal reception, you need to go to your TV settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Support → AirPlayMake sure the switch is in the "On" position. You can also set an access code (required for the first connection) or allow automatic connection for devices that have previously connected to your network.
To start broadcasting with iPhone or iPad Open Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right corner or swipe up from the bottom, depending on your model). Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two rectangles). Select your TV from the list that appears. LG Smart TVIf this is your first time using the app, a 4-digit code will appear on your TV screen, which you'll need to enter on your smartphone.
| Parameter | AirPlay 2 (Apple) | Miracast (Android) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Average |
| Latency | Minimum | Noticeable (1-2 sec) |
| Sound quality | Without compression | Depends on the codec |
| Work in the background | Possible | Requires an active screen |
One of the key features AirPlay Smart resource allocation is key. If you're watching a video through an app, the TV decodes the stream automatically, and the phone can be used for other tasks or even turn off the screen entirely, leaving audio and video on the TV. When fully mirrored (duplicating the desktop), the phone remains active.
LG TV Plus app for advanced control
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote) is a universal tool for interacting with the brand's smart TVs. While its primary function is to control the remote from the smartphone screen, it also allows for media streaming. This is useful when standard mirroring protocols are unreliable or when you simply need to display a specific photo or video from your gallery.
After installing the application on your smartphone (available in Google Play And App Store) and launch, it will start searching for TVs on the network. Select yours LG TV from the list. A pairing request will appear on the TV screen, which you must confirm. Once paired, the phone turns into a powerful remote control with a touchpad and keyboard.
To transfer files, go to the section Media or Gallery within the app. Here you can select photos or videos saved on your phone's memory and send them to the big screen for playback. The advantage of this method is that it's less demanding on a stable connection, as files are often first buffered or transferred via a simpler protocol. DLNA.
⚠️ Please note: The LG TV Plus app interface may differ depending on the webOS version. On older models (2014-2016), photo transfer functionality may be limited or absent, requiring the use of a USB drive.
In addition, the application allows you to use your phone as a keyboard for entering text, which is extremely convenient when searching for videos in YouTube or when entering Wi-Fi passwords. This makes using the TV much more convenient, eliminating the need to click on the virtual keyboard on the screen with the remote.
Third-party applications and alternative methods
If built-in tools don't work for some reason (for example, on older models without Smart TV or when software versions conflict), third-party solutions come to the rescue. The leader in this niche is the app TV Cast for LG TVIt's available for both platforms and can stream video from a phone's browser to a TV using casting technology.
These apps often work differently from Miracast. They don't mirror the screen, but rather transmit a link to the video stream directly to the TV, which then downloads and plays the content. This reduces the load on the smartphone and ensures a more stable picture, as the phone acts only as a remote control, not a video source.
Another option is to use media servers. By installing a server application on your computer or phone (for example, Plex or the built-in Windows media server), you can open it on your TV via the app LG Content Store → My MediaThis method is ideal for viewing large, high-quality files (4K HDR), which can be slow when mirrored over the air.
- 📲 TV Cast: Ideal for YouTube and websites, does not support DRM-protected content (Netflix).
- 💻 Plex: Transforms your movie archive into a beautiful catalog with covers and descriptions.
- 📂 BubbleUPnP: A powerful game processor for Android that can play virtually any file format.
Troubleshooting connection and latency issues
Even with proper setup, users may encounter technical difficulties. The most common issue is high latency (lag) between actions on the phone and the display on the screen. This is critical for games, but tolerable for photos. To minimize lag, make sure the TV is connected to the router via a cable (LAN), if possible, or is within line of sight of the router when connecting via 5 GHz.
If your TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices, try rebooting your router. Network discovery services sometimes freeze on budget routers. Temporarily disabling mobile internet (4G/5G) on your smartphone to force the system to use only Wi-Fi for searching also helps.
If you see a picture but no sound, check the audio output settings on your phone. Often, when connecting via Bluetooth, the sound switches automatically, but with Miracast, it requires manual selection in the media menu. On TVs LG It's also worth checking if the "TV Only" mode is enabled in the sound settings, which may block external sources.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a VPN on your smartphone, streaming to a local TV may not be possible. A VPN encrypts traffic and changes the device's virtual location, making the TV and phone appear to be on different "networks" from the system's perspective. Disable the VPN before starting this procedure.
Finally, it's worth noting that wireless technologies are constantly evolving. What was slow a year ago may work perfectly after a firmware update. Check for updates regularly. LG Smart TV and your mobile device to receive performance improvements and new compression codecs.
Why doesn't my LG TV see my phone when I try to connect?
Most likely, the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to 2.4 GHz, one to 5 GHz, or one to a guest network). The issue could also be with the phone's antivirus software blocking local connections, or with outdated TV firmware.
Is it possible to display the screen on an old LG TV without Smart TV?
Without a built-in Wi-Fi module and a Smart platform, you can't directly display your screen over Wi-Fi. You'll need to purchase an external set-top box (such as a Chromecast, Apple TV, or Android box) that connects via HDMI and handles the signal reception.
Does screencasting affect the image quality of the source file?
When using compression protocols (such as Miracast), quality may be slightly reduced due to real-time video stream compression. When using DLNA or AirPlay 2 with HDR support, the quality remains the same, as the file itself is transmitted, not the screen image.