How to Mirror Your Laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly streaming your laptop screen to your TV via Wi-Fi saves time on cables and opens up new possibilities for multimedia. However, not everyone knows that there's at least 5 different technologies — from built-in Windows/macOS solutions to specialized programs. The choice of method depends on the model of your TV, operating system laptop and even from the version Wi-Fi router.

In this article, we will look at all the current connection methods - from the standard Miracast before the game Steam LinkWe'll also explain why streaming sometimes lags or doesn't start at all. You'll learn how to bypass limitations of older TVs, which router settings affect picture quality, and what to do if your laptop screen isn't displayed on your TV. For your convenience, we've compiled a a comparison table of methods indicating supported devices and maximum resolution.

1. Preparing the equipment: what you need to check before connecting

Before attempting to screencast, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. A common mistake many users make is trying to use Wi-Fi Direct on TVs that don't support it, or ignoring the protocol version Miracast in the laptop.

Here are the key points to check:

• 📺 TV model: Modern Samsung (2018+), LG (2017+), Sony Bravia (2016+) and Xiaomi TV support Miracast or Google Cast "out of the box". For older models (before 2015) it may be necessary Android TV set-top box (For example, Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box).
• 💻 Laptop operating system:
  • Windows 10/11 - built-in support Miracast (if the video card drivers are updated).
  • macOS - only AirPlay (required) Apple TV or TV with support AirPlay 2).
  • Linux - additional utilities are needed like scrcpy or gnome-network-displays.
• 📶 Wi-Fi router: For stable broadcasting it is recommended Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. On Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) lags are possible, especially at higher resolutions 1080p.
• 🔌 Power supply for devices: Your laptop and TV must be connected to the network - running out of battery while streaming can interrupt the connection.

⚠️ Note: If your TV was released before 2016, check for the presence of the port HDMI ARC or support DLNAOtherwise, you will need an external device (set-top box or Chromecast).

Also pay attention to laptop screen resolution. For example, if your MacBook Pro gives out 2560×1600, and the TV supports a maximum 1920×1080, the image will be automatically scaled, which may result in a loss of clarity. In such cases, it's best to manually set the resolution on your laptop before broadcasting.

2. Method 1: Miracast (for Windows and Android TV)

Miracast — is a wireless broadcasting standard built into Windows 8.1/10/11 and most modern TVs. It works without the internet, directly connecting the laptop and TV via the protocol Wi-Fi DirectThe main advantage is minimal latency (about 30–50 ms), which is important for gaming or presentations.

To connect:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share). This is usually done through the menu. Settings → Network Connections → Screen Mirroring.
2. On a laptop with Windows click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices. If it's not there, update the drivers. Wi-Fi adapter And video cards.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices. A PIN code may appear on the TV screen; enter it on your laptop.

If the connection is not established:

• 🔄 Reboot your router and disable the function on it Band Steering (it can interfere Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🛠️ Update your TV firmware (relevant for Sony Bravia 2018–2020).
• 🖥️ On the laptop in Device Manager check that the adapter Wi-Fi supports Miracast (there should be a corresponding tab in the device properties).

⚠️ Note: On some laptops with Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX200/AX201) Miracast It may not work due to a driver conflict. The solution is to roll back to driver version 22.50.1 (download from the Intel website).

The TV is in Screen Mirroring mode.

The laptop is connected to a 5 GHz network (not 2.4 GHz)

Wi-Fi and video card drivers have been updated.

The "Guest Network" mode is disabled on the router.

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3. Method 2: Google Cast (Chromecast and Android TV)

Technology Google Cast (formerly known as Chromecast) allows you to broadcast not only your screen, but also individual browser tabs or media files. Unlike Miracast, yours is used here Wi-Fi router as an intermediary, so the quality depends on the network speed.

To connect:

1. Make sure both your laptop and TV are connected. one Wi-Fi network (not to different ranges 2.4GHz/5GHz!).
2. On TV:
   • If you have Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia or Philips), open the application Google Home.
   • If used Chromecast, connect it to HDMI-TV port and configure it through the app Google Home on a smartphone.

On the laptop:

• For Windows/macOS: install the browser Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
• Open the tab you want to broadcast, click the three dots in the upper right corner and select Broadcast....
• In the list of devices, select your TV or Chromecast.

Peculiarities Google Cast:

• ✅ Supports broadcasting 4K HDR (on Chromecast Ultra or Android TV 9+).
• ❌ Delay until 200–300 ms - not suitable for games, but ok for movies.
• 🔒 Requires authorization in Google account on both devices.

For broadcast entire screen (not just the browser) in Windows use the app Chrome Remote Desktop or expansion Cast StreamOn . macOS the utility will do AirParrot 3 (paid, but supports Google Cast).

4. Method 3: AirPlay (for Apple devices)

If you have MacBook and a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+ or Samsung QLED 2020+), this method will provide the most stable connection with minimal latency. AirPlay works according to protocol Wi-Fi Direct, but with improved optimization for Apple-ecosystems.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV AirPlay in the network settings (usually Settings → General → Apple AirPlay).
2. On MacBook open Control Center (icon in the upper right corner) and select Screen mirroring.
3. Your TV will appear in the list of devices - click on it.
4. If necessary, enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.

Advantages AirPlay:

• 🎮 Delay of everything 20–40 ms - suitable for games through Apple Arcade.
• 🔊 Simultaneous broadcast of audio and video without desynchronization.
• 📱 Support Continuity Camera - can be used iPhone as a webcam for broadcasting to TV.

⚠️ Attention: On MacBook with a chip M1/M2 during broadcast 4K@60Hz Overheating may occur. In this case, reduce the resolution to 1080p or use a cooling pad.

If your TV does not support AirPlay directly, you can use Apple TV 4K (2021 or newer) as an intermediary. Connect it to HDMI-TV port and follow the same instructions.

How to stream audio separately from video?

IN macOS open System Preferences → Sound → Output and select your TV or Apple TV as an output device. This way, the sound will go to the TV, and the video will remain on the laptop screen (useful for presentations).

5. Method 4: Steam Link (for gamers)

If you want to play from your laptop on a big screen, Steam Link — one of the best solutions. This technology from Valve optimized for broadcasting games with minimal lag (up to 10–15 ms in a local network). It works even on weak laptops, since the main load falls on Wi-Fi router.

How to set up:

1. Install Steam on your laptop and register.
2. On TV:
   • Install the application Steam Link (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen And LG webOS).
   • Or connect Raspberry Pi With Steam Link to TV on HDMI.

Launch Steam Link on TV and follow the instructions to connect to your laptop (you will need to enter a PIN code).

In the settings Steam turn on the laptop Big Picture Mode for convenient control with a gamepad.

Recommendations for better performance:

• 🎮 Use a gamepad Xbox or DualSense, connected directly to the laptop (not to the TV).
• 📶 Configure it on your router QoS (Quality of Service) for traffic prioritization Steam.
• 🖥️ On the laptop in the settings Steam Link select Preset "Premium" (maximum quality) or "Balanced" (for weak networks).

6. Method 5: Third-party programs (for older devices)

If none of the above methods work (for example, you have an old TV without Miracast or Windows 7 on a laptop), you can use third-party programs. They usually require installing the server part on the laptop and the client part on the TV (via Android TV or prefix).

Top 3 programs for wireless broadcasting:

• 🖥️ ApowerMirror:
  • Supports Windows 7/10/11 And macOS.
  • Works through Wi-Fi or USB (to reduce lags).
  • Max. permission: 1080p@30Hz.
  • Price: Free (with watermark) or $29.95/year.
• 🎮 Parsec:
  • Optimized for gaming (lag 10–20 ms).
  • Requires a powerful laptop (from Intel i5 or Ryzen 5).
  • Supports 4K@60Hz and gamepads.
  • Price: Free for personal use.
• 📺 TeamViewer QuickSupport:
  • Allows you not only to broadcast your screen, but also to control your laptop from your TV.
  • Works even on Windows XP and old Android TV.
  • Delay: 100–200 ms.
  • Price: Free for non-commercial use.

Instructions for ApowerMirror:

1. Download and install the program on your laptop official website.
2. Install the app on your TV ApowerMirror from Google Play (If Android TV) or use a browser to access the web version.
3. Run the program on your laptop and select Phone Mirroring → Computer Screen Mirroring.
4. Enter PIN code, which will be displayed on the TV screen.

⚠️ Caution: When using TeamViewer or ApowerMirror Using public Wi-Fi (for example, in a cafe) can allow third parties to intercept your screen. Always use VPN or home network.

7. Troubleshooting: Why the screen isn't broadcasting

If the connection fails, please check the following:

Problem 1: TV does not appear in the list of devices

• 🔌 Make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to different ranges!).
• 🔄 Reboot your router and disable the function on it AP Isolation (it blocks interaction between devices on the network).
• 🛠️ Update your laptop drivers Wi-Fi adapter And video cards (especially relevant for Intel UHD Graphics).

Problem 2: The image is slow or choppy

• 📶 Switch your router to the mode 5 GHz (on 2.4 GHz the bandwidth is not enough 1080p).
• 🖥️ Reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings (for example, with 4K to 1080p).
• 🚫 Close all background programs, especially torrents or cloud syncs.

Problem 3: No sound during broadcast

• 🔊 In the laptop sound settings (Control Panel → Sound) select TV as the output device.
• 🎵 If you use Google Cast, check that the browser tab is not in mode No sound.
• 🔌 For Miracast may need to be enabled HDMI CEC in TV settings.

Problem 4: The screen is broadcast, but with artifacts

• 🎨 Try changing color profile on a laptop (with RGB on YCbCr444).
• 🔧 Disable it on your router WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) - sometimes he conflicts with Miracast.
• 🖼️ If you use Nvidia-video card, in Nvidia Control Panels turn it off G-Sync for external displays.

8. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

Is it possible to stream a laptop screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🔴 Miracast And Wi-Fi Direct work without a router, but require support for these technologies by both devices.
• 🔴 For Steam Link or Google Cast a local network is absolutely necessary (at least a temporary one, created through Hotspot on a smartphone).
• 🟢 Alternative - USB-C/HDMI adapter (For example, DeX For Samsung or USB-C Multiport For MacBook).

Why is the image compressed at the edges when streaming via Miracast?

This is due to a mismatch aspect ratio laptop and TV screen. Solutions:

• On Windows: go to Display Settings → Scale and Layout and select Duplicate instead of Expand.
• Turn on the TV mode Just Scan or 1:1 Pixel Mapping (in image settings).
• If you use MacBook, V System Preferences → Monitors turn it off Scaling.

How to stream only video and not the entire screen?

The following are suitable for this:

• 🎬 Google Cast: broadcast only the browser tab with the video (eg. YouTube or Netflix).
• 🎥 VLC Player: open the video, click Playback → Playback Device → [your TV].
• 📱 Plex Media Server: install the server on the laptop and the client on the TV Plex.

For Miracast or AirPlay Broadcasting only video without a desktop is not possible - these protocols transmit the entire screen.

Is it possible to play games via Steam Link on a TV with less than 20ms latency?

Yes, but for this you need:

• 📶 Use Wi-Fi 6 router (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) or cable connection Ethernet.
• 🖥️ On the laptop in the settings Steam choose Preset "Quality" and turn on Hardware encoding (NVENC/AMF).
• 🎮 Connect the gamepad directly to the laptop (not via Bluetooth, but via USB or 2.4GHz adapter).

Under ideal conditions (router Wi-Fi 6, laptop with Nvidia RTX, TV LG C2) the delay can drop to 8–12 ms.

How do I connect my laptop to my TV if it doesn't have Wi-Fi?

Options:

• 📺 Buy Android TV box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S or Nvidia Shield) and connect it to the TV via HDMI.
• 🔌 Use HDMI cable (the most reliable method without delays).
• 📡 If the laptop has USB-C, buy an adapter USB-C → HDMI (For example, Anker 565).
• 🌐 For old TVs with VGA or Composite you will need a converter (for example, HDMI-to-VGA).

Wireless solutions (like Miracast) in this case will not work - they require support