Modern technologies make it possible to transform simple content viewing on a smartphone into a full-fledged multimedia experience on the big screen. If you own an ecosystem Apple and TV LG, then wireless connection will be the ideal solution for you. Technology AirPlay 2, built into many modern TV models, allows you to broadcast images and sound without delays and the need for additional cables.
For successful synchronization of devices, it is critical that both gadgets are on the same local network. AirPlay 2 wireless streaming is supported by LG models from 2019 and newer, as well as some earlier models with updated webOS firmware. The setup process is intuitive, but it does require certain conditions to be met, which we will discuss in detail in this guide.
In this article, we'll cover not only the standard methods but also alternatives if your TV doesn't support Apple's native protocol. You'll learn how to adjust picture quality, troubleshoot common connection issues, and use additional smart screen features. Let's figure out how to get the most out of your iPhone and LG Smart TV.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your equipment is technically ready to work with Apple protocols. Most TVs LG, released after 2018 and equipped with an operating system WebOS 4.0 and above have built-in AirPlay support. This means you don't need additional adapters or set-top boxes like Apple TV.
However, if you have an older model, functionality may be limited. In such cases, you'll need to use third-party apps or connect via DLNA. It's important to check your TV's software version, as support for new standards is often added through updates.
⚠️ Note: Some budget LG TV models may not support audio streaming via AirPlay, even if the video signal is streaming correctly. In these cases, audio will only play on the iPhone.
Make sure your router supports the standard. 5 GHzThis frequency range provides higher throughput, which is critical for transmitting high-resolution video without buffering. Also, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as older versions may have issues detecting new devices on the network.
- 📺 Make sure your LG TV is running webOS 4.0 or later.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
- 🔄 Update iOS on your iPhone to the latest available version through Settings.
- ⚡ Restart your router if your network is unstable or devices cannot see each other.
Setting up native AirPlay on an LG TV
If your TV is a supported model, the first step is to enable AirPlay in the device's menu. This option is usually enabled by default, but in some cases, manual activation or security settings may be required. To do this, go to the main menu and find the section for connecting external devices.
Click the button Settings on your remote control to open the quick access panel. Then go to the section General (General) or Connection (Connection), depending on your interface version. Here you will find the item AirPlay, which must be transferred to an active state.
☑️ Setting up AirPlay on TV
In the AirPlay settings menu, you can choose how your TV will prompt for connection confirmation. Options include "First Time," "Every Time," or "Code." For home use, it's best to select "First Time" to avoid entering a code each time you connect, while still maintaining security.
| Setting parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | Turn the function on/off | On |
| Require code | Request a password upon connection | First time |
| Device name | Name of the TV on the network | LG Living Room (or any convenient one) |
| List of devices | Approved iPhones and iPads | All devices or selected |
Once enabled, your TV will become visible to Apple devices within range. If you've changed the device name, it will appear as such in the list of available screens on your iPhone. This is especially useful if you have multiple LG TVs in your home.
Start screencasting from iPhone
Once the TV is ready, you can set up your smartphone. The process of starting the stream, or "mirroring," takes just a few seconds. This is done using the standard iOS tool called "Screen Mirroring," which is located in Control Center.
Open Control Center on your iPhone. On models with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. On models with a Home button (Touch ID), swipe up from the bottom edge. Look for the icon with two rectangles—that's it. Screen mirroring.
In the list of available devices that opens, select your TV. LGIf this is your first connection, a four-digit code may appear on your TV screen. Enter it on your iPhone to confirm pairing. Your phone's image will then instantly appear on the big screen.
It's important to understand the difference between full mirroring and media streaming. Full mirroring copies your phone's screen 1:1, including notifications and interface. When streaming via AirPlay within apps, the phone's interface remains clear, allowing you to use other features while the video plays on your TV.
- 📲 Open Control Center by swiping down (or up for older models).
- 📺 Click on the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two rectangles).
- 🔗 Select your LG TV from the list provided.
- 🔢 Enter the confirmation code if it appears on the TV screen.
Using the LG TV Plus app
In situations where native AirPlay doesn't work or deeper integration is required, the official app LG TV Plus (formerly LG ThinQ) is becoming an indispensable assistant. Available for free in the App Store, it allows you to control your TV as a fully-fledged smart device directly from your iPhone interface.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to search for devices. The app will scan your local network and find compatible LG TVs. The pairing process is similar: you'll need to confirm the connection on the TV screen, possibly also by entering a code.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to not only mirror the screen but also transfer photos and videos from the phone's gallery directly to the TV's media player. This relieves the smartphone of the burden of decoding the video stream and saves battery life, as the TV processes the content independently.
⚠️ Please note: LG TV Plus app functionality may vary depending on the TV's year of manufacture and webOS operating system version. Some older models may only support basic control, without Smart View.
The app interface features a separate tab for content management. You can select a photo album or video, and it will open on your TV. The app also lets you use your smartphone as a touchscreen control panel (Magic Mobile Remote), which is especially convenient if the remote is lost or the battery is dead.
Alternative methods via third-party applications
If your LG TV is an older model and doesn't support AirPlay 2 out of the box, don't despair. There are proven third-party solutions that emulate AirPlay signal reception on the TV or use alternative data transfer protocols.
One of the most popular solutions is to install the receiver app directly on the LG TV through the store LG Content StoreApplications like AirScreen, Receiver for AirPlay or TV Assist create a virtual device on the TV that the iPhone perceives as a native signal receiver.
After installing the app on your TV, launch it. The device name and possibly instructions will appear on the screen. The next steps are standard: open "Screen Mirroring" on your iPhone and select the device that appears. The quality of the streaming depends on the TV's processor and the speed of the WiFi network.
Why might the image lag when using third-party applications?
Third-party apps often aren't as optimized as native AirPlay. They may use software decoding, which puts a strain on the TV's processor. Lag can also be caused by the app developer's implementation of the protocol. To improve the situation, try closing unnecessary apps on your TV or lowering the resolution of the video being streamed.
Another method is to use a protocol DLNAMany iPhone video players (such as VLC for Mobile or nPlayer) can send video files directly to your TV via DLNA. In this case, there's no screen mirroring; you simply select the file on your phone and specify the output device.
- 📥 Go to the LG Content Store on your TV.
- 🔍 Search for the app by searching for "AirPlay" or "Mirror".
- 📲 Install and launch the app on your TV.
- 📡 Connect your iPhone to the device created by the app.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users sometimes encounter issues: the TV isn't visible in the list, the connection drops, or there's no sound. Most often, the problem lies in the network settings. Make sure WiFi client isolation (AP Isolation) isn't enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other.
If the image is choppy or has low resolution, the problem may be a congested connection. Try switching your router to a less congested channel or using the 5 GHz band, which is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and household appliances.
If you have sound but no picture (black screen), check your HDCP settings. This is a digital content protection technology. If the transmission chain doesn't meet protection standards (for example, an old adapter or adapter cable is used in the chain), the content may be blocked.
It's also worth checking your date and time settings. If the time on your iPhone and TV is significantly different, security certificates may not be verified, and the connection will fail. Set both devices to automatically sync their time over the network.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the AirPlay list?
This could be due to several reasons: the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest WiFi network and the other to the main network), client isolation is enabled on the router, or AirPlay is disabled in the TV's settings. Also, check whether the router's firewall is blocking local traffic.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG TV without a WiFi router?
Yes, some LG TV models support Wi-Fi Direct or the ability to create a personal hotspot. This allows your phone to connect directly to the TV's Wi-Fi signal. However, the transfer speed may be lower, and your phone's internet connection will not work.
How to disable screen mirroring?
To stop mirroring, open Control Center on your iPhone again, tap the "Screen Mirroring" icon, and select "Stop Mirroring." Alternatively, you can simply turn off your phone's screen or launch a heavy app, which will break the connection.
Does AirPlay work over mobile internet (4G/5G)?
Standard AirPlay requires both devices to be on the same local WiFi network. Direct connection via mobile data is not possible. However, there are cloud services and dedicated intermediary apps that allow you to stream content over the internet, but this requires installing additional software on both devices.