Modern technologies make it possible to transform any Smart TV into a powerful multimedia center, and TVs from the South Korean company LG are no exception. Apple smartphone owners often wonder how to stream content from a small screen to a larger one without unnecessary wires. Wi-Fi The connection in this case acts as an ideal bridge, ensuring stable transmission of high-resolution video and audio without delays.
There are several proven ways to establish a connection between devices, and the choice of a specific method depends on the model of your TV and the version of the operating system. iOSBuilt-in support for the standard AirPlay 2 In newer models, LG makes the process as simple as possible, while older devices may require third-party apps or setting up Screen Share. It's important to understand that the quality of wireless data transfer directly depends on the speed of your router and the stability of the signal in the room.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection options, focusing on the nuances of setting up a home network. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes when devices simply don't "see" each other, and how to optimize settings for watching videos in 4K No buffering. Follow the instructions to enjoy your favorite movies and photos on the big screen with maximum comfort.
Hardware and software version requirements
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment meets the minimum technical requirements for successful synchronization. A fundamental requirement is the availability of Smart TV functions in the TV, as regular models do not support the operating system webOS They won't be able to receive a signal over the air. Furthermore, both devices—the smartphone and the TV—must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise the device search will fail.
For owners of new LG models released after 2019, the process is significantly simplified thanks to native protocol support. AirPlay 2If you have an older model, you may need to install the dedicated LG TV Plus app or use the Miracast feature, which is known in the LG ecosystem as Screen ShareCheck your TV's firmware version, as support for certain codecs and protocols is often added through software updates.
⚠️ Important: Make sure that the AP Isolation feature is disabled on your router, which prevents data exchange between devices within the local network.
Below is a table of compatibility of connection methods depending on the year of TV production:
| LG TV model | OS | AirPlay 2 support | Recommended method |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG OLED/CX/GX (2020+) | webOS 5.0+ | Yes | AirPlay 2 |
| LG NanoCell (2019+) | webOS 4.5+ | Yes | AirPlay 2 |
| LG UHD (2018) | webOS 4.0 | No | Screen Share / Miracast |
| LG Super UHD (2017) | webOS 3.5 | No | LG TV Plus App |
Preparing your home Wi-Fi network
The quality of your wireless connection is critically dependent on your local network configuration. For high-definition video streaming, especially if you plan to watch 4K HDR When streaming content, it's recommended to use the 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz frequency is often overloaded with signals from neighboring routers and household appliances, which can cause choppy images or out-of-sync audio.
Go to your router settings and check if the standard is enabled. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). This protocol allows devices to automatically discover each other and open the necessary ports for media transfer. If UPnP is disabled, the TV may appear in the list of available devices, but will return a timeout error when attempting to connect.
It's also worth paying attention to security settings. Some corporate or guest Wi-Fi networks have restrictions on multicast traffic, which is necessary for screen sharing technologies. At home, make sure you have a strong but compatible encryption type, such as WPA2-PSK or WPA3, as legacy WEP may not be supported by newer Apple devices.
Method 1: Using built-in AirPlay 2
The easiest and highest-quality way to stream content is to use native AirPlay 2 support, which is built directly into the operating system of LG TVs. You don't need to install any additional apps on your iPhone; everything works out of the box. Just make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV. This is usually activated automatically when connected to the network, but may require confirmation upon first launch.
To start casting, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner on models with Face ID or swipe up on models with a home button). Tap the Screen Mirroring button (two rectangles) and select your LG TV from the list. You may see a screen icon appear on your TV. confirmation code, which must be entered on the smartphone to establish a secure connection.
☑️ AirPlay Test
Once successfully connected, your smartphone's screen will be fully mirrored on the TV. You can switch between apps, reply to messages, or scroll through your social media feed, all while viewing it on the big screen. To stop streaming, tap the icon in Control Center again and select "Stop Repeat."
⚠️ Please note: When using AirPlay 2, your iPhone's battery may drain faster than usual because the video stream encoding process requires significant processor resources.
Method 2: Streaming via the LG TV Plus app
If your TV model doesn't support AirPlay 2 or you're experiencing compatibility issues, the official app is a great alternative. LG TV PlusIt's available as a free download from the App Store and offers advanced control features, including the ability to stream photos, videos, and music from your mobile device to your TV.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your TV. The app scans the network and finds available LG devices. Unlike simple screen mirroring, this method allows you to stream specific media files using the TV as a powerful decoder, which often results in better picture quality and reduces the load on your smartphone's processor.
What should I do if the app doesn't detect the TV?
Make sure your router's firewall isn't blocking the ports used by the app. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software on your PC if it controls your network, or reboot your router.
The app's interface features tabs for different content types: "Photos," "Videos," and "Music." After selecting a file from your iPhone's memory, you can play it. The app also lets you use your smartphone as a remote control, which is especially convenient for typing on the phone's keyboard when searching for movies.
Method 3: Screen Share (Miracast)
Technology Miracast, which LG implemented under the name Screen Share, is a universal standard for wireless image transmission. While the iPhone doesn't natively support Miracast as well as AirPlay, there are workarounds and intermediary apps that allow you to use this protocol. However, this method is most often relevant if you want to connect a device other than an iPhone, but in the context of LG TVs, it's an essential built-in module.
On your LG TV, launch the "Screen Share" app (or find it in the list of signal sources). Once launched, the TV will enter connection standby mode. For iPhone, you may need a third-party app from the App Store that can emulate Miracast signal transmission, or use the "Cast" feature in some video players that support DLNA/UPnP.
The advantage of this method is the ability to connect devices across different ecosystems, but stability with iPhones may be lower than with AirPlay. Latency during image transmission can range from 1 to 3 seconds, making this method unsuitable for fast-paced games, but suitable for viewing presentations or static photos.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter technical issues. One of the most common problems is that the TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices on the iPhone. In this case, the first step is to perform a full reboot of the router, as the network table cache may be full or an IP address conflict may have occurred.
Another reason could be outdated software. Check for updates for webOS in TV settings: go to All settings → General → About TV → Check for updatesLikewise, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as Apple regularly improves network protocols.
- 📶 Make sure both devices are in the same frequency range (for example, both in 5 GHz or both in 2.4 GHz), some routers separate them into different subnets.
- 🔄 Try resetting the network settings on your TV and re-entering your Wi-Fi password.
- 🔌 Disable the VPN on your iPhone if it's activated, as the virtual tunnel can hide the device from the local network.
If the image is streaming but is choppy or low-resolution, check the Wi-Fi channel load. Downloading large files on other devices on the network can choke the video stream. In this case, switching to a less congested channel in the router settings or using a wired connection for the TV via a LAN cable, leaving Wi-Fi for the smartphone only, may help.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may differ slightly depending on the webOS version and regional firmware of your LG TV.
Optimizing image and sound quality
To get the most out of your iPhone and LG TV, pay attention to the picture settings. In the TV menu, select the picture mode that best suits your content: "Movie" for movies, "Game" to minimize input lag, or "Standard" for general use. Keep in mind that the "Vivid" mode can distort colors and make the picture appear unnatural.
Regarding audio, when connecting via AirPlay 2, the audio stream is transmitted separately, allowing you to use the TV as an external speaker system for your iPhone. If you're connected to a soundbar or home theater system via optical output or HDMI ARC, make sure the correct output format is selected in the TV's audio settings, for example, PCM or Dolby Digitalto avoid echo or lack of sound.
Why can't my LG TV detect my iPhone via Wi-Fi?
Most often, the problem lies in the devices being connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network and one to the main network) or client isolation being enabled on the router. Also, check whether your antivirus software on your PC (if it's part of the network) is blocking data exchange between devices.
Can you play iPhone games on an LG TV?
Yes, this is possible with minimal latency via AirPlay 2. However, for games that require instant reaction, it's better to use a wired connection or streaming services optimized for TV, as wireless transmission always introduces a small amount of latency.
Does connecting to TV use a lot of traffic?
The connection itself (screen mirroring) doesn't consume internet traffic, as data is transferred within the local network. Traffic is only consumed when you stream online videos (YouTube, Netflix) from your phone to your TV.
How do I disable the code request every time I connect?
In the AirPlay settings on your LG TV (usually in the Home Dashboard app or general connection settings), you can change the code requirement to "First Time Only" or "Never" if you're confident in the security of your home network.
Does the old LG TV support the new iOS?
Yes, new versions of iOS are compatible with older TVs, but functionality will be limited by the TV's capabilities. You will be able to use the LG TV Plus app or DLNA players even if native AirPlay 2 is not supported by the hardware.