Modern smart TVs They provide access to a huge amount of media content, but sometimes the standard app store selection doesn't include the services they desire. LG owners often face the issue of integrating Russian online movie theaters, such as "Smotrim," into the ecosystem. WebOSDirect installation of a native app may not be possible depending on the model and year of manufacture, but there are several effective ways to bypass this limitation.
Using a wireless connection Wi-Fi is the most convenient method, as it eliminates unnecessary wires and allows you to control content directly from your smartphone. The "Watch" service doesn't have an official native app for older versions of WebOS, so the key solution is DLNA technology or a built-in browser. This allows you to broadcast images from a mobile device or computer to a large screen without loss of quality.
In this article, we'll cover all available connection options in detail, focusing on network setup and device compatibility. You'll learn how to use your TV's built-in screen mirroring features and what nuances to consider when working with multimedia content. Proper setup will ensure a stable picture and comfortable viewing of your favorite shows.
Hardware and WebOS version requirements
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment meets the minimum technical requirements. The key element is the LG TV, which must support Smart TV functionality. Models released after 2014 are usually equipped with the operating system WebOS, the versions of which range from 1.0 to the latest 23+.
An important condition for stable operation is the presence of a module Wi-FiOlder models may lack this feature, requiring a LAN cable or an external USB adapter, although the latter is rare. The wireless connection speed should be sufficient to transmit high-definition video, preferably at least 20 Mbps for comfortable viewing of HD content.
You should also check your TV's firmware version. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve the performance of network modules and data transfer protocols. If your Smart TV If your device hasn't been updated for a long time, we recommend going into your system settings and checking for a new version of the software, as this may resolve compatibility issues with modern Wi-Fi encryption protocols.
Setting up a Wi-Fi connection on an LG TV
The basic step is to properly configure the network connection. Without a stable internet connection, no services will work. The setup process is standardized for most LG models, but the interface may vary slightly depending on the version. WebOS.
To begin, you need to enter the main menu of the TV by pressing the button with the image of a house on the remote control Magic RemoteNext, go to the settings section, which is usually marked with a gear in the upper right corner of the screen. Here, we're interested in the "Network" section.
- 📡 Select "Wi-Fi connection" or "Wireless Connection".
- 🔍 Find the name of your home router in the list of available networks.
- 🔑 Enter the Wi-Fi network password using the on-screen keyboard.
- ✅ Wait for the connection to be confirmed and for the network icon to appear in the corner of the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the devices are on different subnets (for example, one on a guest network and the other on the main network), they may not be discoverable.
After a successful connection, the system may prompt you to update the time and date or agree to the user agreement. These steps are required for the security certificates used by video streaming services to function correctly. Without the correct time, some applications may simply fail to launch or return a connection error.
☑️ Connection check
Using the built-in browser to view
One of the easiest ways to access "Watch" content without using third-party devices is the built-in web browser. It's included in all modern LG models and allows you to open websites just like on a computer. While the interface may not be as user-friendly with a remote control, it's a completely standalone solution.
To use this method, find the "Web Browser" icon (usually looks like a planet or the letter "e" or "g") on your main app drawer. Once it's open, enter the website's address in the address bar. smotrim.ruThe site will automatically detect the device and offer an adapted version of the interface.
Use your remote control to navigate the site. Magic Remote, which functions as a laser pointer, or standard directional buttons. This allows you to easily select videos, control volume, and switch tabs. However, it's worth keeping in mind that some video players on websites may not work correctly with remote controls, requiring a wireless mouse or keyboard.
How to connect a keyboard to an LG TV?
To enter text, you can use the LG TV Plus app on your smartphone, which will turn it into a touchpad and keyboard, or connect a regular USB keyboard/mouse to the TV's port.
If you plan to use your browser frequently, it's a good idea to bookmark the website. This will speed up access to your favorite service in the future. You can also clear the cache and cookies in your browser settings if a page isn't loading correctly or a video is constantly buffering.
Broadcasting via Screen Share (Miracast) technology
Technology Screen ShareBased on the Miracast standard, this feature allows you to fully mirror your smartphone or tablet's screen to your TV. It's a universal method that works with virtually any content, including apps that don't directly support casting. For Android devices, this feature is often called "Cast" or "Smart View."
On your LG TV, launch the "Screen Share" app (on newer models, it may be called "Mobile Device Connection" or located in the "Home Dashboard" section). Once launched, the TV will enter connection standby mode. On your smartphone, find the corresponding function in the notification bar and select your TV from the list.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Miracast / Wi-Fi Direct | Use as default |
| Delay | Minimal delay | Important for games |
| Quality | Depends on the signal | Move closer to the router |
| Battery | High consumption | Put your phone on charge |
⚠️ Attention: When using Screen Share, your smartphone's screen must be constantly on, which significantly drains battery power. It's recommended to keep your device connected to a charger while viewing.
The advantage of this method is the ability to control playback directly from your phone, using the familiar interface of the "Watch" app. You can pause, rewind, and change the volume without leaving your couch. The image is transmitted in real time, so quality depends on the strength of your Wi-Fi signal.
Using LG Smart View and DLNA technology
An alternative to full screen mirroring is DLNA technology, which allows you to stream only media files or video, leaving your smartphone free for other tasks. Official app LG TV Plus (formerly LG Smart View) provides a convenient interface for managing content and transferring photos, videos and music to your TV.
Install the LG TV Plus app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Launch the app, and it will automatically find your TV. From the app interface, you can select a file to play or stream video from supported sources.
- 📱 Open the "Watch" app on your smartphone and find the video you want.
- 📺 Click the broadcast button (rectangle icon with waves) in the player.
- 🔗 Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
- ▶️ The video will start playing on the big screen, and you can use your phone as a remote control.
This method is preferable if you want to watch videos without draining your phone's battery or being distracted by notifications. The TV decodes the video stream itself, which often provides a more stable picture than screen mirroring. However, it's worth noting that not all websites support external streaming via DLNA due to DRM restrictions.
Solution and troubleshooting
During setup, users may encounter various difficulties, from signal drops to the inability to play videos. Most often, problems are related to an unstable Wi-Fi signal or outdated software. If the TV stops detecting the network or the video constantly buffers, try restarting the router.
Another common cause of crashes is an overflowing browser or app cache. Clearing temporary files in the TV settings (All Settings → General → Storage) often helps restore the system to normal operation. It's also worth checking whether the antivirus software on your router or computer is blocking multimedia streams.
If none of these methods work, the issue may lie in format or security protocol incompatibility. In this case, you might consider using an external TV set-top box (such as an Android TV box) that connects to the HDMI port and has full access to the Google Play app store, which is sure to have the necessary services.
Why does video lag when streaming from a phone?
Slowdowns are most often caused by low Wi-Fi speed or interference. Try switching your router to the 5 GHz frequency, if supported, or moving the router closer to the TV. Also, closing background apps on your smartphone can free up resources for data transfer.
Is it possible to install the APK file of the Watch on LG app?
No, the webOS operating system does not support installing APK files designed for Android. Installing third-party software requires complex manipulations with developer mode, which does not guarantee stable operation and may void the warranty.
What should I do if the sound disappears during a broadcast?
Check your TV's audio settings. Sometimes the audio output changes when switching sources. Also, make sure your smartphone isn't in "Mute" mode and that the media volume is turned up to maximum.