How to Connect a Laptop to an Android TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly broadcast your screen from your laptop to TV with Android TV Wi-Fi opens up a wealth of possibilities, from watching movies in high definition to presenting without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter compatibility issues, image lag, or setup difficulties. In this article, we'll explore all current connection methods — from built-in technologies Miracast And Google Cast to third-party applications, and we will also provide recommendations on choosing the optimal method depending on your technology.

It is important to understand that not all laptops and TVs support the same protocols. For example, old Lenovo models may not have Miracast, and some Xiaomi TVs limit functionality DLNA in the latest firmware. We tested all methods on devices from 2020–2026 and highlighted key nuances that will help avoid common errors. If you've previously tried unsuccessfully to set up a connection, these instructions will help you find an alternative.

1. Preparing devices: what to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure your devices meet the minimum requirements. This will save you time and avoid frustration.

Laptop requirements:

• 🖥️ Operating system: Windows 10/11 (with an update no later than 2022), macOS 12+ or Linux with support Wayland/X11On . Windows 7/8 Many functions work unstably.
• 📶 Wi-Fi adapter: must support the standard 802.11ac (or newer) for minimal delays. Check in Device Manager (section "Network adapters").
• 🔄 Drivers: updated drivers for the video card (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and a Wi-Fi adapter. Outdated versions often cause artifacts during streaming.

TV requirements:

• 📺 Android TV version: not lower Android 9.0 (For Google Cast) or Android 8.0 (For Miracast). On Sony Bravia 2019–2026 And LG with webOS (yes, this is not Android!) the methods will differ.
• 🔌 Network connection: TV and laptop must be in one Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct For Miracast). Avoid guest networks with restrictions on multicast traffic.
• 🔧 Free space: to install applications (if required) - not less than 200 MB on TV.

Critical Note: If your TV was released before 2018, check support Miracast on the menu Settings → Devices → Wireless ProjectionOn some models Philips And Toshiba This function is not available even after firmware update.

⚠️ Please note: Manufacturers regularly update Android TV firmware, which may disable or change the location of wireless streaming features. For example, in Xiaomi TV A2 2023 after upgrading to Android 12 the item disappeared Wi-Fi Display - it was replaced by Screen Mirroring in another section.

2. Method 1: Miracast (Wi-Fi Display) - Built-in wireless projection

Miracast — is a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern devices. It doesn't require internet access, but both devices must be within range of each other (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Minimal delays (up to 50 ms) - suitable for games and videos.
• 🔒 Doesn't depend on a router: creates a direct connection between your laptop and TV.
• 🎮 Supports sound and keyboard/mouse control (on some models).

How to connect:

1. On TV: Open Settings → Devices → Wireless Projection (or Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Display). On Sony the path may be different: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On a laptop with Windows 10/11:

   1. Press Win + K
   2. Select your TV from the list
   3. Confirm the connection on both devices

3. On macOS: use the app AirParrot or Reflector (paid), since there is no native support Miracast No.

The laptop and TV are on the same network (or Wi-Fi Direct is enabled)

The "Search for devices" mode is activated on the TV.

VPN is disabled on the laptop (it may block multicast)

The sound on the TV is not muted (a common error during the first broadcast) -->

Typical problems and solutions:

⚠️ Note: On some laptops with Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX200, AX210) Miracast It works unstable due to a conflict with technology. MU-MIMOSolution: Disable it. MU-MIMO in the router settings or use a different connection method.

3. Method 2: Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) - for streaming content

If your TV supports Google Cast (built-in Chromecast), you can broadcast only browser tabs or media files, rather than the entire screen. This method is less hardware-intensive, but has some limitations:

Restrictions:

• 🚫 Doesn't broadcast desktop (browser only) Chrome/Edge or apps like YouTube, Netflix).
• 🕒 Delay until 200–500 ms - not suitable for games.
• 📶 Requires a stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps for Full HD).

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Make sure your TV and laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On TV: turn on Google Cast in the settings (Settings → Devices → Screen Sharing → Turn on wireless projection).
3. On the laptop:

   1. Open Chrome/Edge
   2. Click the three dots → "Broadcast..."
   3. Select your TV from the list
   4. Specify the source: "Tab" or "File"

Compatible applications:

• 🎬 YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ — support live broadcasting from the "Cast" button.
• 📁 VLC, Plex — for local videos/music.
• 🖼️ Google Photos — to display a slide show.

⚠️ Please note: Some services (for example, Amazon Prime Video) block the broadcast through Google Cast due to DRM protection. In this case, use Miracast or HDMI cable.

4. Method 3: DLNA - for media files without screencasting

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows you to stream to your TV media files only (videos, music, photos), but not the entire laptop screen. This method is convenient for watching movies or listening to music without putting unnecessary strain on the processor.

How to set up:

1. On TV: turn on DLNA in the network settings (Settings → Network → DLNA/UPnP). On Samsung this can be called AllShare.
2. On the laptop:

   1. Install a media server (for example, Plex, Kodi or built-in "Windows Media Player")
   2. Add folders with files to the server library
   3. On your TV, select the "DLNA" or "Local Network" source.

Pros and cons:

What video formats does DLNA support on Android TV?

Most Android TVs support:

- Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (H.264), AVI (Xvid)

- Audio: MP3, AAC, FLAC

- Photo: JPEG, PNG

Not supported:

- Video with codec H.265 (HEVC) on older models

- Audio DTS or Dolby TrueHD (requires server-side encoding)

5. Method 4: Third-party applications - when standard methods don't work

If built-in features aren't suitable (for example, due to outdated hardware or protocol incompatibility), use third-party apps. We've tested the top three solutions for Android TV:

1. ApowerMirror

• 🔹 Supports Miracast and broadcasting via a local network.
• 🔹 Powered by Windows/macOS/Android/iOS.
• 🔹 Delay: ~100 ms (decent for presentations).
• 🔹 Minus: The free version adds a watermark.

2. TeamViewer QuickSupport

• 🔹 An unusual way: remotely control your TV from a laptop.
• 🔹 Suitable for setting up TV or showing presentations.
• 🔹 Minus: You can't broadcast your laptop screen to TV.

3. LocalCast (for media files)

• 🔹 Alternative DLNA with support MKV, FLAC and subtitles.
• 🔹 Can stream with Google Drive or NAS.

How to choose?

• 🎮 For games → Miracast or ApowerMirror (minimal lags).
• 🎬 For movies → Google Cast or LocalCast (best quality).
• 📊 For presentations → TeamViewer or Miracast.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the connection isn't working

If none of the methods worked, check these points:

Common causes of problems:

• 🔌 Various networks: the laptop is connected to 5 GHz, and the TV is to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa). Solution: connect both devices to the same frequency.
• 🛡️ Firewall/Antivirus: Blocks multicast traffic. Add an exception for streaming apps.
• 🔄 IP conflict: If your router is distributing the same IP addresses, reset its settings (192.168.1.1 →"DHCP").
• 📱 Energy saving: On your laptop, disable sleep mode for the Wi-Fi adapter Control Panel → Power Options.

Specific errors:

Error	Cause	Solution
"The device does not support Miracast."	Outdated Wi-Fi adapter or driver	Please update your driver or use an external USB adapter that supports it. Miracast (For example, TP-Link Archer T3U)
"Unable to connect to Google Cast"	Port blocking 5353 (mDNS) or 32400 (Plex)	Set up port forwarding on your router or disable it AP Isolation
There is sound, but no picture.	Screen resolution mismatch	Set the resolution on your laptop 1920×1080 with frequency 60 Hz

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose

To make your choice easier, we have compiled a comparison table of all connection methods:

Method	Delay	Requires internet	Supports sound	Broadcasts the screen	Difficulty of setup
Miracast	30–100 ms	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⭐⭐ (average)
Google Cast	200–500 ms	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ Tabs/Media Only	⭐ (simple)
DLNA	1000+ ms	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	⭐⭐ (average)
Third party applications (ApowerMirror)	80–150 ms	❌ No (or Yes)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)

Recommendations for selection:

• 🎮 For gamers: only Miracast (if TV supports it) or wired HDMI.
• 🎥 For movies: Google Cast (if the content is from the Internet) or DLNA (for local files).
• 💼 For work/presentations: Miracast or TeamViewer.
• 👨‍💻 For older devices: third party applications or DLNA.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a laptop to Android TV without Wi-Fi (for example, via USB)?

No, USB connection On Android TV, it's only designed for flash drives or keyboards/mouses. Wi-Fi (or an Ethernet adapter for some models) is required for screen sharing. An alternative is HDMI cable or USB-C → HDMI adapter (if the laptop supports it) DisplayPort Alt Mode).

Why does the image lag when connecting via Miracast, but the sound is fine?

This problem arises due to:

1. Weak Wi-Fi signal (switch to 5 GHz or bring the devices closer).
2. Laptop CPU overload (close background programs after Task Manager).
3. Conflict with VPN or antivirus (disable them during the broadcast).

If nothing helps, try reducing the screen resolution on your laptop to 1280×720.

How to mirror your macOS screen to Android TV?

On macOS no built-in support Miracast, but there are workarounds:

• 🔹 Use AirParrot 3 (paid, ~$30) or Reflector.
• 🔹 For Google Cast install the extension Google Cast V Chrome.
• 🔹 For DLNA will do Plex Media Server or VLC.

On macOS Ventura and newer you can also use the built-in function AirPlay, but for this you need a TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED C2 or Sony X90J).

Is it possible to control the TV from a laptop after connecting?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🔹 When connecting via Miracast some televisions (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S) allow you to use your laptop's keyboard/mouse to navigate the TV menu.
• 🔹 Through TeamViewer QuickSupport You can fully control Android TV, but this requires installing an app on your TV.
• 🔹 For Google Cast control is only possible in the broadcast application (for example, pause in YouTube).

Why doesn't the TV see the laptop in the list of devices for Screen Mirroring?

Check the following:

1. The TV is in the "Standby" mode. Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Mirroring (sometimes it is hidden in Settings → Network → Advanced).
2. The laptop has updated Wi-Fi and video card drivers (especially important for Intel UHD Graphics).
3. The router does not block multicast traffic (disable it) AP Isolation or Client Isolation in its settings).
4. The laptop and TV are connected to the same network (not to a guest network or different VLANs).

If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings on your TV (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings).