Today's users rarely limit themselves to viewing content solely on their smartphone screen. They often need to share photos with friends on a larger screen or watch a movie in high definition. Owners of Apple devices and LG TVs are at an advantage, as these brands' ecosystems allow for easy wireless connection.
The main advantage of using Wi-Fi networks The advantage is the absence of unnecessary wires and cables that can get tangled underfoot. The quality of over-the-air video transmission remains high in most cases, ensuring a stable image without lag. However, for successful synchronization, it's important to follow certain configuration guidelines for the router and devices themselves.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available connection methods. iPhone with TVs LG, running on the webOS platform. You'll learn about native system features, third-party apps, and troubleshooting methods. Following the instructions will allow you to enjoy multimedia content with maximum comfort.
Network requirements and device compatibility
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment supports the required technologies. The key requirement is the availability of the module. Wi-Fi Both devices must be connected to the same local network. If your router broadcasts signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same frequency, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Televisions LG must support technology AirPlay 2 or have a pre-installed app LG TV PlusThis feature is available on models released around 2018 and newer, running webOS 4.0 or higher. Older models will require third-party solutions or a cable connection, as native support for Apple protocols may not be available.
⚠️ Important: Make sure "Client Isolation" is not enabled on your router. This setting prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other, making wireless connections impossible.
Checking the software version is an important preparation step. On your TV, go to the settings menu and find the section General → About TV → Software InformationIf updates are available, they should be installed, as new patches often contain fixes for communication protocols.
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
The easiest and most reliable way to stream content is to use native support. AirPlay 2This technology is built directly into the TV's operating system and doesn't require any additional software. To get started, make sure both devices are connected to the same network. Wi-Fi networks.
On your iPhone, open Control Center. For models with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner, and for models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom. Find the Mirroring icon (two rectangles). Select your TV from the list that appears. LG.
- 📺 A 4-digit code may appear on the TV screen, which you need to enter on your iPhone to confirm the connection.
- 🔒 For increased security, you can set up a password requirement each time you connect in the TV menu.
- 📡 Image quality automatically adapts to the speed of your wireless connection.
Once paired successfully, your smartphone's screen will be mirrored on the larger display. You can flip your phone to landscape mode, and the image will fill the entire screen. Video playback or presentations can be controlled directly from your iPhone.
LG TV Plus app for advanced control
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG ThinQ) offers a deeper level of integration than standard AirPlay. It allows you to not only stream media files but also use your smartphone as a remote control and transfer files directly to the TV's memory.
Download the app from App Store and launch it. The program will automatically search for available devices on the network. When you first launch it, a connection permission prompt will appear on the TV screen. Press the confirmation button on the remote control or in the window that appears.
| Function | Description | The need for Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Photo/video broadcast | Extract media files from your phone's gallery | Yes |
| Universal remote control | Volume, channel, and menu controls | Yes (local network) |
| Text input | Typing on a phone keyboard for TV | Yes |
| Magnetic cursor | Controlling the pointer using the phone's gyroscope | Yes |
In the app interface, select "Gallery" or "Media" to select files to display. JPEG, PNG, MP4, and other popular container formats are supported. Transfers are local, saving your internet service provider (ISP) bandwidth.
☑️ Check before launching the application
Broadcasting via browser and third-party services
If the built-in methods don't work for some reason or the functionality isn't sufficient, you can use the browser Safari or streaming service apps. Many modern platforms, such as YouTube, Netflix, and online cinemas, have built-in support. Chromecast or similar protocols that LG TVs understand.
Open the video in the YouTube app on your iPhone. Tap the cast icon (the rectangle with waves) in the upper right corner. Select your TV from the list. The video will start playing on the TV screen, allowing you to use your phone for other tasks or lock it.
To broadcast browser tabs Safari Use the "Share" button (the square with an upward arrow). Select "Screen Mirroring" from the menu and find your TV. This method is convenient for sharing web pages or documents that don't have a separate app.
⚠️ Please note: When streaming through a browser, the load on the phone's processor may increase, which will lead to rapid battery drain and heating of the device.
There are also third-party repeater apps that emulate an AirPlay receiver on TVs that don't have this feature out of the box. Examples include: Replica or TV AssistThey require installing a partner app on the TV from the store. LG Content Store.
Why might AirPlay not work?
AirPlay may not work if frequency splitting is enabled on the router (when 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz have different SSIDs) and the devices are connected to different networks. The issue may also be caused by antivirus software on the router or firewall settings blocking ports used by the Bonjour/mDNS protocol.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users sometimes encounter errors. The most common issue is that the TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices on the iPhone. First, check if it's turned on. Wi-Fi on both gadgets and whether the network names match.
If devices see the network but fail to connect, try rebooting the router. Temporary glitches in IP address distribution often prevent devices from finding each other on the local network. It's also worth checking your date and time settings—out-of-sync can disrupt security protocols.
- 🔄 Perform a full reset of the network settings on your TV via the menu
Settings → Network → Advanced Wi-Fi settings. - 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough; for 4K content, a minimum speed of 20 Mbps is recommended.
- 🛡️ Check if your router's antivirus software is blocking local communication between devices.
In some cases, updating your router firmware can help. Manufacturers often release patches that improve the stability of multicast traffic, which is used for device discovery. If all else fails, try creating a hotspot on your phone and connecting your TV to it, although this will increase your mobile data usage.
Optimizing wireless broadcast quality
To achieve the best image quality and minimize latency, it is important to configure your environment correctly. The ideal option is to use a dual-band router that supports the standard Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX)These standards provide sufficient bandwidth to transmit 4K video.
Try to minimize the number of active devices consuming the channel while you're watching. Downloading large files or playing online games on other devices can cause freezing and buffering on your TV. Traffic prioritization (QoS) in your router settings can help prioritize media content.
The router's location also plays a role. There shouldn't be thick walls, mirrors, or microwave ovens between the transmitter and receiver, as these interfere with the 2.4 GHz band. For the 5 GHz band, distance and obstacles are more critical, but the speed is higher.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu names may vary depending on your webOS version and TV model. If you don't find an exact match, look for similar sections in the network or connection settings.
Clear your TV's app cache regularly. Excessive memory can slow down system performance and incoming video stream processing. This is especially true for models with limited RAM.
Impact of VPN on connection
If a VPN is enabled on your iPhone, local device discovery (AirPlay, DLNA) may stop working because the traffic is routed through a remote server. To stream to TV, you'll need to temporarily disable the VPN or add exceptions for local addresses in the VPN app settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG TV without a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, this is possible using Wi-Fi Direct or by creating a hotspot on your iPhone itself. However, using hotspot mode will consume mobile data if content isn't stored locally, and the battery will drain quickly.
Why is there no sound during the broadcast, although there is a picture?
Check your TV's audio settings. Sometimes, when connecting a new device, the sound doesn't automatically switch to the TV's external speakers. Also, make sure your iPhone isn't set to "Silent" or "Voice Over" mode, which can block the audio stream in some apps.
Do older LG TVs support AirPlay?
Native AirPlay 2 support is available in 2018 and newer models. Older models (2014-2017) will require installing a third-party app from the LG Content Store (e.g., "AirPlay & DLNA") or using an external device such as an Apple TV or Chromecast.
How do I disable the code request every time I connect?
Go to your TV settings and select "Mobile Device Connection" or "AirPlay." There, you can change the "Require Code" setting to "First Time" or "Never." Be careful when choosing the latter option if others have access to your network.
Video is lagging when streaming from an iPhone. What should I do?
Reduce the video quality in the source app settings (e.g., from 4K to 1080p). Check your Wi-Fi channel load using dedicated analyzer apps on your smartphone and, if necessary, change the channel in your router settings to a less congested one.