How to Mirror Your PC Screen to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Wirelessly streaming your computer's screen to your TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient solution for presentations, gaming, watching movies, or working with a large display. However, not everyone knows that this doesn't require running cables: modern technologies allow you to duplicate or extend your desktop wirelessly. In this article, we'll explore all the current connection methods, their pros and cons, and setup details for different operating systems.

The main problem with this type of connection is image lag and possible artifacts. These depend on the router's power, the distance between devices, and the chosen streaming method. We've tested five working methods and compiled step-by-step instructions to help you avoid common pitfalls. Important: Not all TVs support wireless projection. - Check the compatibility of your model before setting up.

1. Checking the compatibility of your TV and PC

Before attempting to connect, please ensure that your TV and computer support the required technologies. Modern Smart TV (2018 and newer) usually come with built-in wireless streaming modules, but budget models may require additional devices.

The main standards to look for in specifications are:

• 📺 Miracast — a universal protocol for Windows and Android. Supported by most TVs Android TV, Samsung Tizen (2016+), LG webOS (2017+).
• 🍎 AirPlay — technology from Apple. Works only with Apple TV or TVs certified for AirPlay 2 (for example, Sony Bravia, LG OLED 2019+).
• 🎮 Steam Link — optimized for gamers. Requires Steam on PC and a supporting app on TV.
• 🖥️ DLNA/UPnP — an outdated standard for transferring media files (not screens!). Suitable only for viewing photos and videos.

To check support on your TV:

1. Open Settings → Network → Wireless Projection (the name may differ).
2. On Samsung look for Screen Mirroring, on LG — Screen Share, on Android TV — Cast.
3. If this option is missing, your TV does not support Miracast/AirPlay directly. You will need an external adapter (e.g. Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick).

⚠️ Attention: Televisions Samsung series J (2015–2017) and LG on webOS 3.0 and below often have problems with Miracast. For them, it is better to use Steam Link or Chromecast.

2. Connecting via Miracast (Windows 10/11 → Smart TV)

Miracast — the most universal method for Windows users. It's built into the system and doesn't require any additional software, but it only works if both devices support the standard. Maximum resolution — 1920×1080 at 30 Hz (on some TVs it is possible 60 Hz, but with lags).

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct on TV).
2. On your TV, activate projection mode:
   • For Samsung: Sources → Screen Mirroring.
   • For LG: Settings → Connection → Screen Share.
   • For Android TV: Settings → Devices → Wireless Projection.

If Miracast doesn't work:

• 🔄 Update your graphics card drivers (especially for Intel UHD Graphics And AMD Radeon).
• 📡 Reconnect to the Wi-Fi frequency 5 GHz (less interference).
• ⚙️ In Parameters → System → Projection select mode "Screen 2 only" to minimize lags.

Update your graphics card drivers|Connect your PC and TV to the same 5 GHz network|Enable Screen Mirroring on your TV|Disable VPN/firewalls|Restart your router-->

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with hybrid graphics (NVIDIA Optimus or AMD SwitchableMiracast may not work with the integrated graphics card. Force switching to the discrete GPU in the driver control panel.

3. Using AirPlay (macOS/Windows → Apple TV or compatible TV)

AirPlay — Apple's proprietary technology, but some TVs have supported it since 2019. Sony, LG And Samsung (The list of models is available on the Apple website). For PCs, installation is required. iTunes or third-party software like 5KPlayer.

How to connect from Mac:

1. Make sure your Mac and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable AirPlay on your TV:
   • For Apple TV: Settings → AirPlay & HomeKit → On
   • For LG/Sony: Settings → General → AirPlay → On

For Windows:

1. Install iTunes or 5KPlayer (free versions support AirPlay).
2. IN 5KPlayer open AirPlay → Enable AirPlay Server.
3. On your TV, select your PC as the signal source.

AirPlay Features:

• ✅ Minimal delays (up to 20 ms) - suitable for games and videos.
• ❌ Works only with a limited list of TVs.
• 🔒 Requires Apple ID authorization on some devices.

4. Streaming via Steam Link (for gamers)

If you need to play on a big screen without wires, Steam Link — the optimal solution. The technology uses video compression and adaptive bitrate, which reduces lag to an acceptable level (approx. 30–50 ms with good Wi-Fi).

Requirements:

• 💻 PC with installed Steam and a video card NVIDIA/AMD/Intel (2015 and newer).
• 📺 TV with Android TV or prefix (NVIDIA Shield, Fire TV Stick 4K).
• 📶 Router with support 5 GHz and speed from 300 Mbps.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Install the application Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play for Android TV).
2. On PC in Steam go to Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play.
3. Launch Steam Link on TV and select your PC from the list.
4. Connect the gamepad to your TV (via Bluetooth or USB).
5. In Steam Link settings, select:
   • Quality → Balanced (or High, if the router is powerful).
   • Network → Speed ​​Priority.

To reduce lags:

• 🎯 Use a wired connection from your PC to the router (even if your TV is connected via Wi-Fi).
• 📡 Switch your router to the mode 802.11ac (5 GHz) and disconnect other devices from the network.
• 🔧 In Steam turn it off Enable hardware encoding, if artifacts occur.

5. Alternative methods: Chromecast and third-party programs

If your TV does not support Miracast/AirPlay, you can use external devices or software:

Google Chromecast:

• 📌 Connect Chromecast to the TV's HDMI port.
• 📱 Install Google Home on your smartphone for setup.
• 💻 On PC in Braum Chrome select Broadcast → Broadcast tab.

Cons: delay up to 200 ms, only the browser tab is broadcast (not the entire screen).

Broadcast programs:

• 🖥️ ApowerMirror — supports Miracast and works with any TV via an HDMI adapter.
• 🎮 Moonlight — an analogue of Steam Link for non-gaming applications (requires NVIDIA GPU).
• 📺 TeamViewer - remote access with screen sharing (delays ~150 ms).

⚠️ Caution: When using Chromecast or ApowerMirror On public Wi-Fi (for example, in a hotel), streaming may be blocked due to network restrictions. In such cases, create a hotspot on your smartphone and connect your PC and TV to it.

6. Optimizing your Wi-Fi network for wireless streaming

Streaming quality depends 80% on your router settings. Even if you're using Miracast or Steam Link, incorrect network settings can cause lag and connection drops. Here are some key recommendations:

Router settings:

• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz (less busy than 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in QoS settings.
• 🔒 Set a fixed channel (eg. 36 or 149) instead of Auto.
• 🚀 Activate Mu-MIMO (if supported) to work with multiple devices simultaneously.

Position of devices:

• 📡 The distance between the PC and the router is no more than 5 meters (without obstacles).
• 🚪 Avoid thick walls and metal partitions between devices.
• 📶 Point the router antennas vertically for better coverage in one room.

Critical point: If your router doesn't support 5 GHz, screen sharing will be impossible without significant lag. In this case, use Powerline adapters (which transmit internet over the power line) or install a network cable.

7. Solving typical problems

If the screen is not broadcast or the image is lagging, check these points:

Problem: The TV does not see the PC in the list of devices.

• ✅ Make sure that the TV is in the "Off" mode. Screen Mirroring.
• ✅ Restart both devices and the router.
• ✅ Disable your VPN and firewall on your PC (they may block Miracast).

Problem: Severe lags or artifacts.

• ⚡ Check your network load (disable torrents and updates).
• 📉 Reduce the broadcast resolution in the Miracast/Steam Link settings.
• 🔌 Connect your PC to the router with a cable (if your TV is connected via Wi-Fi).

Problem: No sound during broadcast.

• 🔈 In Windows, check that Sound parameters TV is selected as the output device.
• 🎵 On Android TV may need to be installed SoundAssistant for manual audio routing.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung With Tizen Sound can only be transmitted via Miracast in the following format: Stereo (no support 5.1 or Dolby Digital). For multi-channel audio, use HDMI or Steam Link.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

sudo apt install gnome-network-displays