Modern technology allows you to eliminate unnecessary wires and enjoy content from your mobile device on a large screen. Connecting your phone to an LG TV via WiFi has become the standard for watching movies, photos, and even games. It's convenient, fast, and doesn't require complex hardware setup.
Owners of Android and iOS devices often wonder how to stream images without lag. LG has provided several built-in tools, such as Smart Share and protocol support MiracastThese functions work directly, without the need to purchase additional adapters.
The synchronization process takes only a few minutes if both devices are on the same network. However, there are some nuances depending on the TV model and smartphone operating system version. In this article, we'll cover all the current screen mirroring methods.
Preparing equipment and network
The first step is to ensure a stable connection. For high-quality video streaming without artifacts or interruptions, both the smartphone and the LG TV must be connected to the same wireless network. If your router supports two bands, it's best to use 5 GHz, as it provides higher throughput.
Check that WiFi is enabled on both devices. On LG webOS TVs, network connections are managed through the settings menu. Ensure your TV has the latest software updates, as older firmware versions may not support new video encoding standards.
It's also worth considering the distance between the router and the signal receiver. Walls and household appliances can cause interference.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses the "Guest Network" feature or client isolation, devices may not be able to see each other even when on the same network. For proper streaming, you must disable isolation in your router settings.
It's important to check whether DLNA or Smart Share mode is enabled in the TV settings. Without this option enabled, searching for devices in the list of available devices may not return any results. This feature is usually enabled by default, but on corporate or hotel networks, it may be blocked by the administrator.
Using Smart Share on LG
Technology Smart Share LG's proprietary solution for sharing multimedia content. It not only allows you to mirror your screen but also open files from your phone directly on your TV. To get started, launch the appropriate app on your mobile device or use the built-in system tools.
On Android smartphones, it's often enough to open the gallery, select a video or photo, tap the "Share" button, and select your LG TV from the list. The system will automatically detect a compatible device on the local network. If the TV requires confirmation, a prompt will appear on the screen, which you'll need to accept with the remote.
For more advanced full-screen mirroring, use the "Cast" or "Smart View" feature on Android. In your phone's settings menu, find the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" section. Select "Cast" and wait for your TV's name to appear.
- 📱 Open your smartphone's settings and find the "Screen" or "Connections" section.
- 📡 Click on "Cast", "Smart View" or "Wireless Monitor".
- 📺 Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
- ✅ Confirm the connection on the TV screen if prompted.
It's worth noting that image quality depends on the WiFi channel load. If files are actively downloading or an online game is playing on another device, image flickering may occur. Miracast, used in this case, is sensitive to network delays.
☑️ Check before connection
Stream from iPhone via AirPlay 2
Owners of Apple technology can take advantage of the built-in function AirPlayModern LG TVs support this protocol natively, without the need for additional apps. This ensures high stability and excellent image quality.
To start casting, open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. On devices with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen; on devices with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge. Tap the Mirror icon, which looks like two intersecting rectangles.
Select your LG TV from the list that appears. If your device is password-protected, a four-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your iPhone. The image from your mobile device will then appear on the big screen.
⚠️ Please note: AirPlay 2 is not available on all LG models. Support is available on 2019 and newer TVs, as well as some updated 2018 models. Check your model's specifications on the manufacturer's official website.
You can change AirPlay settings in your TV settings. Go to Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKitHere you can set the device name that the phone will see and the password requirement. It is recommended to set a password to protect against unauthorized access by guests.
What to do if AirPlay isn't working?
If your TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay list, make sure AP isolation isn't enabled on your router. Also, try rebooting your router and TV. Updating your TV's firmware via USB can sometimes help if online updates don't work.
LG TV Plus app for enhanced features
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly LG ThinQ) offers deeper control over your TV. It allows you to not only stream content but also use your smartphone as a remote control. This is especially convenient if the original remote is lost or its buttons are worn out.
After installing the app on your smartphone, you need to register or sign in to an existing LG account. The app will then scan the network and prompt you to add your TV. You'll also need to confirm the pairing on the TV screen by entering a code or tapping "Accept."
The app interface includes a "Screen Share" feature that mirrors the contents of your phone's screen. Unlike standard system mirroring, the app offers additional settings, such as locking the phone's touch buttons while watching to prevent accidentally minimizing the video.
- 📲 Download the LG TV Plus app from Google Play or the App Store.
- 🔗 Run the scan and select your TV from the list.
- 🔢 Enter the confirmation code that appears on the TV screen.
- 🖥️ Use the "Screen Share" button to display the image.
The app also allows you to transfer files directly to the TV's memory or play videos from cloud storage services connected to your account. This frees up your phone's processor resources, as the TV handles the decoding itself.
Comparison of connection methods
The choice of connection method depends on your goals and content type. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. Below is a table to help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Method | Device type | Quality | Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Share / DLNA | Android, iOS | High (up to 4K) | Low (for photos/videos) |
| Miracast | Android, Windows | Medium/High | Average (depending on WiFi) |
| AirPlay 2 | iOS (iPhone, iPad) | Very high | Minimum |
| LG TV Plus App | Android, iOS | Depends on the codec | Low |
For watching high-definition movies, DLNA or AirPlay are best, as they transmit a pre-encoded stream without putting strain on the phone. For sharing presentations or web pages, Miracast is ideal, as it mirrors the entire screen.
If you plan to play mobile games on your TV, pay attention to input lag. Wireless connections always introduce some lag. For fast-paced shooters or racing games, a wired connection or gaming consoles are better.
Solution and optimization
Even with proper setup, connection issues may still occur. These are most often due to software glitches or network congestion. If the TV doesn't detect the phone, try restarting both devices. This is a classic but effective method for resetting network stacks.
Another common cause is the use of different WiFi frequencies. Some older LG TVs only support the range 2.4 GHz, while modern smartphones can be connected to 5 GHzMake sure both devices are in the same sub-band, or that the router is routing traffic between them correctly.
It's also worth checking your router's firewall settings. Sometimes antivirus software or strict security settings block the ports required for DLNA and Miracast protocols. Temporarily disabling the firewall can help diagnose the problem.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface on LG TVs may differ depending on the webOS operating system version (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and later). The layout of menu items may vary, so look for sections with similar meanings if the exact names don't match.
If the image is choppy or has low resolution, try reducing the distance between the router and the TV. You can also temporarily disconnect other devices from the WiFi to check if channel congestion is affecting the streaming quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a phone to an LG TV without WiFi?
Yes, this is possible with a cable. For Android, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and for iPhone, a Lightning to HDMI or USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer models). In this case, the TV will function as a regular monitor, and the image quality will be maximized, without compression.
Why is there only sound but no image?
This most often occurs when using apps like YouTube or Netflix that use the Cast protocol. If you minimize the app or lock the screen, the video may stop, but the audio continues. Also, check if your phone app has a background work restriction.
Does my LG TV support AirPlay?
AirPlay 2 is built into LG TVs released in 2019 and later (B9, C9, E9, W9, SM8xxx, UM7xxx series and newer). Older models can use third-party apps installed through the LG Content Store, such as "AirPlay & Cast Receiver."
How to improve picture quality over a wireless connection?
Use a router that supports WiFi 5 (AC) or WiFi 6 (AX). Place the router within direct line of sight of the TV. Avoid placing metal objects between the transmitter and receiver. Also, make sure your TV's picture settings are set to "Game" or "PC" mode to minimize post-processing.