How to connect an iMac to an LG TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Wireless connection iMac to the TV LG Wi-Fi opens up new possibilities for working with a large screen: presentations, watching high-definition movies, or even gaming from the comfort of your couch. However, many users encounter difficulties, from devices not being visible on the network to issues with image lag. In this article, we'll explore all the current connection methods, including built-in technologies. Apple AirPlay, standard Miracast (via adapters), branded LG Smart Share, as well as alternative solutions for older models.

It is important to understand that the success of the connection depends on three key factors: macOS versions on yours iMac, LG TV models (especially if the device is older than 2018) and Wi-Fi network stabilityFor example, televisions LG OLED And NanoCell the last generations support AirPlay 2 "Out of the box," while budget series may require additional equipment. We'll cover each scenario in detail so you can choose the best option without spending too much.

If you have previously tried to connect the devices via cable HDMI If you're faced with limitations (such as the inability to run a wire across the room), a wireless method is the ideal alternative. The key is to set up the network and synchronization correctly. Let's start with the simplest and most reliable method.

1. Connect via Apple AirPlay (for LG TVs with AirPlay 2 support)

Since 2019 LG integrated support Apple AirPlay 2 on their TVs on the platform webOS (starting with version 4.0). This means that the owners iMac (starting from macOS Mojave 10.14.5) can broadcast their screen to a TV without additional devices. Here's how it works:

• 🔍 Check compatibility: AirPlay 2 is available on TVs LG OLED (2019–2026), NanoCell SM9X/SM8X, UK6X and newer. For 2018 models (e.g. SK8000) a firmware update may be required.
• 📡 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (frequency 5 GHz preferred for minimal delay).
• 🖥️ On iMac open System Preferences → Displays → Duplicate Screen and select your TV LG from the list.

If your TV does not appear in the list of devices for casting, follow these steps:

1. On the remote control LG press the button Home → go to Settings → All settings → General → Apple AirPlay.
2. Activate the option AirPlay and HomeKit and set the access mode to - "All" or "Only for devices on the same network".
3. On iMac update macOS to the latest version through System Settings → Software Update.

⚠️ Note: On some models LG (For example, UN7300) AirPlay may be disabled by default in regional firmware. In this case, try changing the country in the TV settings. USA or Great Britain.

To optimize broadcast quality:

• 🎮 For games or videos in 4K use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (standard 802.11ax).
• 📶 Place the router closer to the TV or use Mesh system to eliminate "dead zones".
• 🔌 Disable other devices that consume bandwidth (for example, torrent clients).

2. Using Miracast for older LG models (via adapters)

If your TV LG does not support AirPlay (for example, 2016-2017 models on webOS 3.0), the alternative will be the standard Miracast. However iMac does not have built-in support for this technology, so you will need external adapterLet's consider two proven options:

2.1. iMac Adapter: Software Solution

Install on iMac program AirParrot 3 or Reflector 4 (cost ~$20–30). These utilities emulate Miracast and allow you to stream your screen to compatible devices. After installation:

1. Run the program and select the mode Miracast Sender.
2. On TV LG activate the function Screen Share (path: Settings → Network → Miracast).
3. In the list of available devices on iMac Your TV will appear - connect to it.

2.2. TV adapter: hardware solution

For models LG without webOS (for example, on NetCast) an adapter will do Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam Mini2. Connect it to the port. HDMI TV, then:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to a power source (some models require a separate USB port for power).
• 📱 On iMac install the program Miracast Receiver (For example, AirServer).
• 🔄 Restart both devices and try searching for the network again.

⚠️ Attention: Adapters Miracast often conflict with routers using WPA3If the connection fails, temporarily switch the network to WPA2-PSK in the router settings.

Update your LG TV's firmware|Install an emulator on your iMac|Connect the adapter to your TV's HDMI port|Check Wi-Fi compatibility (5GHz recommended)|Disable VPN on your iMac-->

3. LG Smart Share: a proprietary solution for media files

Technology LG Smart Share allows you to broadcast to TV LG media files (photos, videos, music) with iMac Without duplicating the entire screen. This method is suitable if you don't need to display the desktop, but only play content. Here's how to set it up:

1. On TV LG open the application Smart Share (available in the menu Home → Premium).
2. On iMac open Finder, select the files to stream, right-click and select Share → AirDrop.
3. Your TV will appear in the list of devices - confirm the transfer.

For stable operation:

• 📁 Use formats MP4 (H.264), MKV or JPEG - they are supported by all models LG.
• 🚫 Avoid files with higher resolutions 4K@30fps - this may cause lags.
• 🔄 If files are not displayed, check your settings DLNA on TV (Settings → Network → DLNA).

Important: LG Smart Share does not support live screen sharing (for example, for games or presentations). For these purposes, use AirPlay or Miracast.

4. Alternative methods: Chromecast and Steam Link

If none of the above methods work, consider these universal solutions:

4.1. Google Chromecast

Connect the device Chromecast (any version) to HDMI-TV port LG, then:

1. Install on iMac browser Google Chrome.
2. Open a content tab (eg. YouTube or Netflix) and press Broadcast → select yours Chromecast.

To broadcast the entire screen, use the extension Google Cast.

4.2. Steam Link for games

If you want to play with iMac on the big screen:

1. Install the application Steam Link on TV LG (available in LG Content Store).
2. On iMac launch Steam and activate the mode Big Picture.
3. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth to the TV.

⚠️ Caution: When using Chromecast through Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Image artifacts are possible. For a stable broadcast 4K use 5 GHz or wired connection of the adapter to the router.

5. Optimize your Wi-Fi network for minimal latency

Streaming quality directly depends on your Wi-Fi network settings. The following recommendations will help reduce lag and connection interruptions:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz - this reduces the delay to 10–20 ms (against 50–100 ms on 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Activate it in your router settings WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) And QoS to prioritize traffic from iMac.
• 🛡️ Turn it off Band Steering (if enabled) - it can force devices to switch between frequencies.
• 📡 Install the router at a distance of no more than 5 meters from the TV or use signal repeater.

To check your current network settings:

1. On iMac open Terminal and enter:

   netsh wlan show interfaces | grep "Signal"

   The signal level must be no less than 70%.

2. Measure the latency using the command:

   ping 192.168.1.1

   (replace IP with your router's address). The average response time should not exceed 5 ms.

How to check supported Wi-Fi standards on your LG

Open on TV Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced. The "Technical Information" section will indicate the supported standard (for example, 802.11ac or 802.11n).

6. Solving common problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings. iMac:

1. Go to System Preferences → Network.
2. Select your active connection and click – (delete).
3. Reboot iMac and reconnect to the network.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The connection method you choose depends on your needs and equipment. Here's a quick comparison:

• 🎬 For films and presentations: AirPlay 2 (if supported) or Chromecast.
• 🎮 For games: Steam Link (minimal delay) or Miracast with adapter ScreenBeam Mini2.
• 📂 To view photos/videos: LG Smart Share or DLNA.
• 💻 To duplicate your desktop: AirParrot 3 (if there is no AirPlay).

If your TV LG older than 2018 and does not support AirPlay, the best solution would be to buy an adapter Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (~$50) or go to Chromecast (~$30). For new models (OLED C2, QNED80) built-in functions are sufficient.

Remember that broadcast quality on 4K depends directly on your network speed. For stable operation 4K@60fps a speed of at least 25 Mbps (recommended) 50+ Mbps).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

My 2017 LG TV doesn't support AirPlay. What's the cheapest solution?

The most budget-friendly option is an adapter Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (~$50) It works with most models LG on webOS 3.0+ and does not require monthly payments. The alternative is Chromecast (~$30), but it doesn't support screen mirroring, only browser streaming.

Is it possible to connect an iMac to an LG via Wi-Fi Direct, without a router?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is difficult to implement. iMac does not support Wi-Fi Direct directly, and televisions LG require a router for most features (including AirPlay). A workaround is to create an access point on iMac (System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing: Wi-Fi), but this may cause latency issues.

Why is there no sound when connecting via AirPlay?

This is a typical issue when audio formats don't match. Solutions:

1. On iMac open System Preferences → Sound → Output and select a TV LG manually.
2. Check your TV settings Sound → HDMI Output — install PCM instead of Bitstream.
3. Restart both devices.

How to reduce latency when streaming games?

For minimal delay (10–20 ms):

• Use Steam Link instead of AirPlay/Miracast.
• Connect iMac to the router via cable Ethernet, and the TV is through Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
• Set the resolution in the game settings 1080p and turn off vertical sync.

Adapters based on Miracast (For example, ScreenBeam) give a delay 20–40 ms, which is acceptable for most genres except shooters.

Is it possible to mirror an iMac's screen to an LG via Bluetooth?

No, Bluetooth not suitable for video streaming due to low bandwidth (maximum 3 Mbps). It is only suitable for transmitting sound (for example, through A2DP) or control presentations (using a remote control). For videos, be sure to use Wi-Fi or HDMI.