Using a wireless connection to display content from your Apple laptop on a large screen is a standard feature of the modern multimedia ecosystem. You no longer need to search for HDMI cables or adapters if both devices are on the same network. This technology allows you to stream movies, presentations, and photos directly from macOS to the display. webOS or Android TV from a South Korean manufacturer.
However, the process is not always automatic, as there are several data transfer protocols. AirPlay 2 is the preferred method for Apple device owners, ensuring minimal latency and high picture quality. However, older TV models may require alternative solutions, such as DLNA or third-party software.
In this guide, we'll cover all available methods, troubleshoot common errors, and set up a stable connection. You'll learn how to activate hidden features in the TV menu and which macOS security settings may be blocking the connection. Hardware readiness and up-to-date software are crucial here.
Hardware and software requirements
Before you begin setup, you need to ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Not all LG TV models support native Apple protocols, especially if the device was released several years ago. It's crucial to check the year your TV was manufactured and the version of its operating system.
To work through AirPlay 2 Requires LG models with webOS version 4.0 or higher, which typically applies to devices manufactured in 2018 or later. If you have an older model or an Android TV, functionality may be limited or require installing an additional app from a content store.
Both devices must be on the same local Wi-Fi network. This means they must be connected to the same router, even if they use different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Wireless mirroring will not work in some corporate networks or guest areas with client isolation.
⚠️ Important: Make sure that the "Client Isolation" feature is not enabled on your router, as it prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other, making it impossible to connect.
Check your firmware is up to date. On your MacBook, go to System Settings → General → Software UpdateOn your LG TV, press the settings button on the remote control, select All Settings → Support → Software Update and run the scan. Software version mismatch is the cause of 80% of device detection issues.
Connect via built-in AirPlay 2
The easiest and highest-quality method is to use built-in AirPlay 2 support. This protocol allows you to stream video, audio, and mirror the entire screen without loss of quality. First, make sure this feature is enabled in the TV menu, as it may be disabled by default for security reasons.
Press the button on the remote control Home (house) and find the "AirPlay" tile in the top menu or in the app list. If the tile is missing, go to Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKit and turn the switch to the "On" position. Here you can also set a device name and "Require an access code."
Now let's move on to setting up your MacBook. In the menu bar (at the top of the screen), click the Control Center icon (two switches) or the Screen Mirroring icon (two rectangles). Your LG TV should appear in the list of available devices. When you connect for the first time, the system will ask you to enter the code displayed on the TV screen.
- 📺 Select your LG TV from the list.
- 🔢 Enter the 4-digit code that appears on the TV screen.
- ✅ Select "Mirror" or "Use as separate display" mode.
- 🔊 Make sure the audio is playing through your TV and not your Mac's speakers.
If you plan to use your TV as a second monitor to extend your desktop, select "Use as separate display." This will allow you to drag windows between screens. For watching movies, "Mirror" mode, which duplicates the image, is better.
☑️ AirPlay Test
Setting up DLNA and media sharing
If your goal is not to mirror your desktop, but to view movies or photo galleries stored on your Mac's hard drive, then the protocol DLNA (or its implementation via SMB) will be more efficient. It doesn't overload the laptop's processor with real-time video rendering, but simply transmits the data stream.
To implement this method on a Mac, open System Preferences, go to the General section, and select Sharing. Here, enable File Sharing. Click the "i" (information) button next to the switch and add the media folder to the list of shared folders, setting the permissions to "Read and Write" or "Read Only."
On your LG TV, open the Media Player or Photos app, depending on the content type. Your Mac should appear in the Source list. When you first connect, the TV may ask for permission to access the TV. If prompted, confirm it on your Mac.
| Parameter | AirPlay 2 | DLNA / SMB |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | File transfer |
| Delay | Minimum | Absent |
| Quality | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | Original (uncompressed) |
| Background work | The Mac must be awake. | Mac can sleep (during setup) |
Using DLNA is especially convenient when you want to share photos with guests or watch a movie without using your laptop entirely. However, this method isn't suitable for navigating computer menus, as it only streams media content.
Using third-party applications and software
Owners of older LG TV models that don't natively support AirPlay shouldn't despair. There are software solutions that emulate AirPlay signal reception on the TV. One of the most popular and stable apps is AirBeamTV or TV Assist.
To get started, go to the LG Content Store on your TV. Search for the app name (for example, "AirPlay" or "Screen Share") and install it. Once launched, the app will create a virtual device that your Mac will see as a standard AirPlay receiver.
An alternative option is to install a client app on your Mac itself, which will search for the TV by IP address. Such programs often offer advanced functionality, allowing you to control the mouse cursor with a remote control or stream audio separately from video. However, it's important to note that free versions often have session time or image quality limitations.
Third-party application security
By installing apps from the LG Content Store, you're trusting a third-party developer with access to your local network. We recommend using only popular apps with numerous positive reviews and regular updates to minimize the risk of data leakage.
Some users prefer to use the Google Chrome browser and Chromecast if their TV supports it or has Chromecast built-in. In the browser on a Mac, click the menu (three dots) → "Cast" and select the target device. This method is universal, but may result in a higher image lag compared to native AirPlay.
Solving common connection problems
Even with ideal setup, users may encounter a situation where the Mac doesn't detect the TV or the connection constantly drops. Most often, the problem lies with the macOS firewall settings, which block incoming connections for device discovery services.
Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall. Click Settings and ensure that the AirPlay Receiver and File Sharing services are allowed incoming connections. If blocked, manually add these services to the exceptions list.
Another common cause is using different subnets. If your router assigns 192.168.1.x addresses to one device and 192.168.0.x to another (for example, when using range extenders or a guest network), they won't see each other. Check the IP addresses in the network settings of both devices.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus software installed on your Mac (e.g., Norton, McAfee) may have its own built-in firewall that overrides macOS system settings. Check your antivirus's firewall settings.
If the image is streaming but choppy or has low resolution, try rebooting your router. Wi-Fi congestion can also affect stream stability. Switching your router to the less crowded 5 GHz frequency, if both devices support this standard, may help.
Optimizing image and sound quality
Once connected, it's important to adjust the output settings to ensure the image appears as clear as possible. By default, macOS may select the wrong resolution or refresh rate, resulting in blurry fonts or jerky cursor movements.
Go to System Preferences → Displays. Select your LG TV from the list. Here you can change the resolution to its native value (usually 3840x2160 for 4K TVs) and refresh rate. For LG TVs, it is recommended to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz, as many models do not support higher values via AirPlay.
Pay special attention to the sound. If the sound is coming from your Mac speakers rather than your TV, click the speaker icon in the menu bar and select the LG TV as the output device. In the Sound settings (System Preferences → Sound → Output), you can also adjust the balance and output format (e.g., stereo or surround sound).
- 🎨 Calibrate the color rendering in the TV menu by selecting the "Movie" or "Game" mode.
- 🔇 Mute your Mac to avoid echo if your TV doesn't switch automatically.
- ⚙️ In AirPlay preferences on your Mac, select "Optimize for: Video" for the best smoothness.
- 📉 If you experience lag, reduce the resolution in the display settings to 1080p.
To watch HDR movies, make sure "High Dynamic Range" is enabled in your display settings. This will deliver a wider range of colors and brightness if the content and TV support this technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the AirPlay list on my Mac?
Most likely, the devices are on different Wi-Fi networks or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if your TV's software is updated to the latest version that supports AirPlay 2. Sometimes, simply restarting both devices helps.
Is it possible to connect a Mac to an old LG TV without a set-top box?
If your TV doesn't natively support AirPlay 2, you can use apps from the LG Content Store (such as AirBeamTV) that emulate the signal. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an external Apple TV or Chromecast set-top box.
How to remove audio delay when watching videos?
Lag often occurs when using highly compressed codecs. Try using players that support hardware acceleration or switch to DLNA file transfer instead of screen mirroring. Also, make sure there are no heavy background processes running on your Mac.
Does my LG TV support AirPlay?
This information can be found in the TV menu: press the settings button, go to "Support" → "TV Information." 2018 and newer models with webOS 4.0+ typically support this feature. A complete list of models is available on the manufacturer's official website.