How to Connect a Computer to a TCL TV via Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

Connecting a computer to a TV TCL wireless connection opens up new possibilities for watching movies, playing games, and working with a big screen. Unlike a wired connection via HDMI, a Wi-Fi connection eliminates the tangle of cables and allows you to move freely around the room with your laptop. However, not everyone knows that modern Smart TV from TCL support several wireless transmission protocols - from standard Miracast to proprietary solutions like Google Cast.

In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods—from built-in TV features to third-party software. You'll learn how to set up a connection on Windows 10/11, macOS and even Linux, as well as what nuances are important to consider for stable operation. We will pay special attention to common errors such as "Device not found" or "No sound" and ways to eliminate them.

1. Preparing your TCL TV for wireless connection

Before setting up the connection, make sure your TV is TCL supports wireless image transmission. Most models with Android TV (series C6xx, P6xx, QLED) And Google TV (new models 2023-2026) have built-in support Miracast And Google CastBudget models on Roku TV (series 3-Series, 4-Series) are limited only DLNA And Apple AirPlay (starting with firmware 11.0).

To check compatibility:

• 📺 Go to the TV menu: Settings → Network → Network StatusMake sure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• 🔍 Check your firmware version: Settings → Support → About TV. For Miracast firmware version not lower than is required 6.0 (For Android TV).
• 🔄 Update your TV software: Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.

⚠️ Attention: If your TCL works on Roku TV, for wireless screen mirroring you will need a third party device like Chromecast or Fire TV Stick - built-in support Miracast absent.

Also check if the required features are enabled:

• 🔗 Miracast: Settings → Devices → Screen Mirroring (For Android TV).
• 📱 Google Cast: Settings → Google → Cast (requires a Google account).
• 🍎 AirPlay: Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit (only for models with Roku TV 2022 and newer).

2. Method 1: Connecting via Miracast (built-in mirroring)

Miracast - is a wireless image transmission standard supported by most modern TVs TCL on Android TVIt allows you to mirror your computer screen without any additional software, but requires compatibility on both sides. The advantage of this method is minimal delays (up to 50 ms), which is important for games and videos.

To connect:

1. On TV TCL Enable mirroring standby mode:

   Settings → Devices → Screen Mirroring → Enable

   The TV should appear in the list of available devices as TCL-XXXX.

2. On a computer with Windows 10/11:
   • 🖥️ Click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
   • 🔍 Select your TV TCL from the list.
   • ✅ Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

For macOS And Linux additional programs will be required:

• 🍎 On Mac: use AirParrot or Reflector (paid).
• 🐧 On Linux: install gnome-network-displays (For GNOME) or scrcpy (for transfer from Android devices).

⚠️ Note: If your TV does not appear in the list of devices, check:

• 🔌 Both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not to different bands) 2.4 GHz/5 GHz).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes the DHCP server assigns IP addresses incorrectly.
• 🛠️ Update your video adapter drivers on your PC (especially for Intel UHD Graphics And AMD Radeon).

Both devices are on the same network|Miracast is enabled on the TV|Video adapter drivers are updated|VPN and proxy are disabled-->

3. Method 2: Using Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)

Televisions TCL on Android TV/Google TV have built-in support Google Cast - technology similar to ChromecastIt allows you to not only mirror your screen, but also stream individual browser tabs or media files with minimal load on your PC. The main difference from Miracast - less delay when watching videos (up to 200 ms), but the impossibility of duplicating the desktop for games.

Connection instructions:

1. On TV:

   Settings → Google → Cast → Standby

   Make sure the feature is enabled and the TV is visible on the network.

2. On the computer:
   • 🌐 In the browser Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge click ⋮ → Broadcast.
   • 📺 Select your TV TCL and indicate the source:
     • Broadcast tab — to display web pages.
     • Stream file — for video/photo.
     • Broadcast your desktop - full duplication (requires Chrome 72+).

To stream local files (for example, movies in .mkv):

• 🎬 Use VLC Player with plugin Cast (menu Playback → Playback Device).
• 📁 Or upload files to Google Photos/YouTube and broadcast from there.

Function	Miracast	Google Cast
Screen mirroring	✅ Complete	❌ Tabs/files only (no desktop in the basic version)
Latency	30–50 ms	150–200 ms
Requires internet	❌ No (works on a local network)	✅ Yes (for Google authorization)
4K support	❌ Before 1080p	✅ Before 4K HDR (depending on TV model)

4. Method 3: Apple AirPlay for TCL TVs with Roku TV

Models TCL on the platform Roku TV (for example, series 5-Series or 6-Series 2022–2026) support Apple AirPlay — a protocol for wireless transmission from devices AppleThis is convenient for owners. MacBook, iPhone or iPad, but requires adjustment on both sides.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On TV TCL Roku TV:

   Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit → Enable AirPlay

   Specify a name for the device (e.g. "TCL-Guest-Room") and set a password if necessary.

2. On the computer Mac:
   • 🖥️ Open System Preferences → Monitors.
   • 🔍 Click Duplicate screen and select your TV TCL.
   • 🔑 When connecting for the first time, you may be asked to enter a code from the TV screen.

For Windows:

• 🪟 Install iTunes And Bonjour Print Services (to discover Apple devices on the network).
• 🖥️ Use the program 5KPlayer or AirParrot to emulate AirPlay.

Features of AirPlay on TCL Roku TV:

• 🎵 Supports broadcasting Dolby Atmos (if the TV is equipped with appropriate speakers).
• 📱 You can broadcast your screen iPhone/iPad swipe up from Control Center → Screen Mirroring.
• 🚫 No support 4K@60Hz — maximum resolution 1080p.

⚠️ Note: If your TV does not appear in the list of AirPlay devices, check:

• 🔌 Both devices are connected to the same network (not to a guest Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 The TV is in the "Sleep" mode "Everyone can broadcast" (or add your Mac to the list of allowed devices).
• 📡 Turn off VPN on your computer - it may block local detection.

How to stream audio separately from video?

On Mac open System Preferences → Sound → Output and select a TV TCL as an output device. For Windows use Voicemeeter for separate audio routing.

5. Method 4: DLNA for viewing media files

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transferring media files (video, music, photos) over a local network. Unlike Miracast or AirPlayIt doesn't mirror the screen, but only streams files. This method is suitable for watching movies or listening to music without putting a strain on the PC.

How to set up:

1. On TV TCL:

   Settings → Network → DLNA → Enable

   Or open the app Media Player (on Android TV) or "Roku Media Player" (on Roku TV).

2. On the computer:
   • 🪟 Windows: Turn on Media sharing:

     Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings → Stream media

   • 🐧 Linux: Install MiniDLNA or Rygel:

     sudo apt install minidlna

   • 🍎 Mac: Use Plex Media Server or Kodi.

On your TV, select the source:

Applications → Media Player → [Your PC's name]

A list of folders with allowed access will open (usually "Video", "Music", "Images").

Common problems and solutions:

• 🚫 "Device not found":
  • Check that the PC is enabled Media sharing (see point 2).
  • Turn off your firewall (Windows Defender or third-party antivirus).
• 🔊 "No sound":
  • Make sure the file has a supported audio codec (AAC, MP3, Dolby Digital).
  • On TV, select Sound Settings → Output → HDMI ARC (if external speakers are connected).

6. Method 5: Steam Link for gamers

If you plan to play on the big screen, Steam Link — one of the best solutions for wirelessly streaming games from PC to TV TCLThe technology uses video compression with minimal delays (10–30 ms on a local network), which is critical for shooters or racing games.

How to set up:

1. On the computer:
   • 🎮 Install Steam and log in to your account.
   • 🔧 Go to Settings → Remote Play → Enable Remote Play.
   • 🔒 In the section Additionally install:
     • Quality → Balanced (or Fast to reduce lag).
     • Codec → H.264 (better supported by most TVs).

On TV TCL:

• 📺 Install the application Steam Link from Google Play Store (For Android TV) or Roku Channel Store (For Roku TV).
• 🔗 Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to the TV Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Launch Steam Link, select your PC from the list and enter the PIN code.

Optimization for games:

• 📶 Connect your PC to the router via cable (Ethernet), and leave the TV on Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
• 🔌 Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) for traffic prioritization Steam.
• 🖥️ On your PC, disable background programs (especially torrents or updates).

⚠️ Attention: For Steam Link A PC with a video card is required NVIDIA (series GTX 9xx and newer) or AMD (series Radeon RX 4xx and newer). Integrated graphics Intel UHD may not provide sufficient performance.

7. Troubleshooting common problems

Even with proper setup, your Wi-Fi connection may be unstable. Below are solutions to the most common errors.

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
"Device not found" (Miracast/Google Cast)	Different Wi-Fi subnets (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)	Connect both devices to the same network (preferably 5 GHz for stability)
"No sound" during broadcast	Incompatible audio codec (DTS, TrueHD)	Recode the file to AAC or MP3 by using HandBrake
Video lag and stuttering	Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion	Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz with width 80 MHz or use Ethernet-TV adapter
"Resolution not supported"	The TV does not support 4K@60Hz via Wi-Fi	Set the resolution on your PC 1920×1080@60Hz in the screen settings
Application Steam Link doesn't start	Outdated TV or Steam firmware	Update your TV software and Steam to the latest version

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔄 Restart the router and both devices (PC + TV).
• 📡 Check your Wi-Fi speed with Speedtest - For 4K- broadcasts require at least 25 Mbps.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings on your TV:

  Settings → Network → Reset network settings

What should I do if my TV freezes when connected?

Turn off the power to the TV 30 seconds (Unplug the power cord), then plug it back in. If the problem persists, perform a factory reset: Settings → Support → Reset → Reset all settings.

8. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect an old PC without Wi-Fi to a TCL TV?

Yes, but it will be required Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N for ~500 ₽) or Powerline adapter (for transmitting internet through electrical wiring). You can also use HDMI-cable with USB-Wi-Fi set-top box (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).

Why does the picture lag when connecting via Miracast?

Reasons:

• Weak processor/graphics card on PC (especially on Intel Atom or AMD APU).
• Congested Wi-Fi network (many connected devices or neighboring networks on the same channel).
• Low router bandwidth (e.g. standard 802.11n instead of 802.11ac).

Solutions:

• Reduce your PC screen resolution to 1280×720.
• Connect the router to the TV via cable (Ethernet).
• Turn on the mode "Game" on the router (if supported).

How to screencast from macOS to TCL without AirPlay?

If your TV does not support AirPlay, use:

• Google Cast: Install Google Chrome and broadcast the tab.
• Miracast: Programs AirParrot 3 or Reflector (paid).
• DLNA: Set up Plex Media Server or Kodi.

Suitable for games Steam Link or Moonlight (for broadcasting from PC to NVIDIA GPU).

Is it possible to connect a phone to a TV via the same Wi-Fi as a PC?

Yes, but only one connection can work at a time (for example, either a PC Miracast, or phone by Google Cast). To broadcast simultaneously from multiple devices, you will need:

• 📱 Use HDMI switch (for wired connection).
• 🖥️ Set up DLNA server on PC and stream from your phone via VLC or BubbleUPnP.

How to improve sound quality over a wireless connection?

For better sound:

• 🔊 Connect an external sound system to your TV (Soundbar or AV receiver) through HDMI ARC or Optical.
• 🎵 In your PC settings, select the audio format PCM or Dolby Digital (instead of compressed AAC).
• 📶 Use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to reduce packet loss.

If the audio lags behind the video, reduce buffering in the protocol settings (for example, in Steam Link or Kodi).