Modern technologies allow you to turn your smartphone into a powerful remote control for multimedia content, and integration The Apple ecosystem and LG's webOS platform open up a wealth of possibilities. Users often wonder how to display their gadget's display on a larger screen without the hassle of cables. This is truly convenient for viewing photos, presentations, or movies in high definition.
The main tool for achieving this task is technology AirPlay 2, built into many LG TV models released after 2018. However, there are alternative methods, such as using proprietary apps or third-party solutions, if your TV model doesn't support Apple's native protocol. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to sync devices on the same wireless network in detail.
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that both devices – your smartphone and TV – are connected to the same access point. Wi-FiThis is a critical requirement, as direct device connections (Wi-Fi Direct) are rarely used in this context and require specific settings. Let's look at the main data transfer methods.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to verify the technical specifications of your TV. Not all models LG Smart TV have built-in AirPlay support, although most devices running webOS 4.0 and later are already equipped with this module. Check the year of your TV: models from 2018 and later typically support this feature out of the box.
You also need to update the software on both devices to the latest versions. On an iPhone, go to Settings and check for iOS updates, as older versions of the operating system may not work correctly with new data transfer protocols. On an LG TV, this can be done through the menu. Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updates.
⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts the network on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with different names (SSIDs), make sure both devices are connected to the same one. Separating the frequencies can result in devices simply not being able to see each other on the local network.
The stability of your wireless connection directly impacts the quality of the streamed image. If the signal is weak, lag or artifacts may appear on the screen. It's recommended to move the router closer to the viewing area or use a repeater to boost the signal in the room where the TV is located.
☑️ Check before connection
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
The easiest and highest quality way to stream content is to use the native feature. AirPlayIt allows you to stream videos, photos, and even mirror your smartphone's entire screen in high definition without any loss of quality. First, make sure the feature is activated on your TV.
On your LG remote control, press the button Home (house) and find the tile in the lower left corner of the application panel Apple AirPlayIf you're seeing this feature for the first time, the system may prompt you to accept the terms of use or show a pairing code. Select "AirPlay & HomeKit Settings" to activate the feature and set a password if necessary.
Now pick up your iPhone. Open Control Center (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 icon (two rectangles). Select your device from the list of available devices. LG TV.
- 📱 A 4-digit code may appear on the TV screen, which you need to enter on your iPhone to confirm the connection.
- 📺 The image from your phone will instantly be displayed on the full TV screen in horizontal orientation.
- 🔊 The sound will also be transmitted through the TV speakers or a connected audio system.
- 🛑 To stop the broadcast, open Control Center again and tap "Stop Repeat."
This method ensures minimal latency and the best color reproduction, as it utilizes the hardware capabilities of both devices. However, it's worth keeping in mind that some content-protected apps (such as Netflix or Disney+) may block screen mirroring via AirPlay due to DRM, requiring the use of the built-in app on the TV.
Streaming via the LG TV Plus app
If built-in AirPlay isn't working for some reason, or your TV model is an older generation, you can use the manufacturer's official app. LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote) allows you to not only control your TV but also stream media content.
Download the app from the App Store on your iPhone. After installation, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to search for your TV. The app will ask for permission to access your local network—be sure to agree, otherwise it won't be able to search for devices.
In the app interface, select the "Media" section or the file transfer icon. Here, you can select photos or videos saved on your phone's memory and send them to the big screen. Unlike AirPlay, slideshows or file list playback are often available.
| Function | AirPlay 2 | LG TV Plus | Third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image quality | High (HD/4K) | Average | Depends on the application |
| Latency | Minimum | Noticeable | High |
| DRM support | Partial | No | No |
| TV control | No | Complete | Limited |
Using the official app is especially useful if you need to show photos to friends or play a video file in a format that is not supported by the TV's built-in player but is decoded by an intermediary app.
Alternative streaming apps
When standard tools fail to cope with the task, third-party applications come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is Replica or Cast to TVThese programs use screen mirroring technologies, emulating the behavior of AirPlay.
Installing such an app requires simple steps. Download the selected app from the App Store. Open it and wait for it to scan the network and find your LG TV. Some apps may require installing an additional receiver on your TV via the LG Content Store.
The main advantage of these solutions is their versatility. They often allow you to stream content blocked by standard AirPlay or work with older TV models that don't support Apple protocols. However, be aware that free versions may contain ads.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party apps, your data may be transmitted through the developer's servers. Do not use these methods to display sensitive information, passwords, or banking apps.
It's also worth mentioning the possibility of using DLNA players. Applications like VLC for Mobile or Infuse Allows you to stream video files directly to your TV using the DLNA/UPnP protocol. This isn't full screen mirroring, but rather a media stream, which reduces the load on the smartphone's processor.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Even with proper setup, issues may still occur. The most common issue is that the TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices on the iPhone. In this case, the first thing to do is check the firewall settings on the router. Sometimes, AP Isolation prevents devices on the same network from communicating.
Another common issue is audio and video desync. This often happens when neighboring networks overload the Wi-Fi channel. Try changing the broadcast channel in your router settings or switching to the 5 GHz band, which is less congested.
If the connection keeps dropping, check your power saving settings. On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → AirPlay and Handoff and make sure the feature is activated. On your LG TV, try disabling the "Quick Start+" mode in the Settings → General → Advanced, as it sometimes causes errors in the operation of network modules.
What to do if nothing helps?
Try performing a full network reset on your iPhone (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings). This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, but it often resolves issues with device discovery protocols.
In rare cases, the problem may lie with the antivirus software installed on the router or the TV's operating system itself. Temporarily disabling the protection will help diagnose the source of the connection blockage.
Comparison of wired and wireless connections
Although this article focuses on Wi-Fi, it's important to mention wired alternatives. Using an adapter Lightning to HDMI (or USB-C to HDMI (for new iPhones) provides an absolutely stable picture without compression and delays.
Wireless connections offer convenience and portability, allowing you to control content from anywhere in the room. However, for high-motion gaming or professional video editing, a wired connection remains the undisputed leader in reliability.
Power consumption is also worth noting. When actively streaming via Wi-Fi, the iPhone's battery drains significantly faster, as the wireless module operates under constant high load. Conversely, when connected via a wired connection, the device charges from the TV or adapter.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?
Without a Wi-Fi router, a direct connection is impossible, as AirPlay and DLNA require a local network. You can create a hotspot on another phone, but this will consume your mobile data. An alternative is to use an HDMI cable.
Why is only the video being broadcast and not the entire screen?
It depends on the app. AirPlay within video players (YouTube, Netflix) only streams the video (Cast), saving battery life. To mirror the entire iOS interface, you need to use the "Screen Mirroring" feature in Control Center.
Does my LG TV support AirPlay?
AirPlay 2 technology is available on LG webOS 4.0 TVs (2018 models) and newer. The exact list of supported models can be found in the specifications on the manufacturer's official website or by checking for the corresponding icon in the app menu.
How to improve picture quality during broadcasting?
To improve quality, make sure your router supports the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard or later. Place the router within direct line of sight of your TV. You can also try changing the resolution or frame rate in the AirPlay settings on your TV, if available.
What to do if there is sound but no picture?
This indicates a bandwidth or codec issue. Try lowering the video quality on the source. If the issue persists, reset the network settings on your TV using the menu. Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset Smart Hub.