Modern technology has transformed smartphones into versatile media centers, but a small screen still can't compete with a home theater. When you want to enjoy your favorite movie in high definition, it's natural to want to stream content from your phone to the big screen. Tech owners LG can do this without unnecessary wires, using the capabilities of a wireless network WiFi.
This method is convenient because it allows you to use your phone as a remote control without leaving your couch. You don't need to buy additional cables or complicated adapters if both devices support standard data transfer protocols. The main thing is to make sure that your Android The smartphone and TV are on the same local network, which is a basic requirement for stable operation.
In this article, we'll explore all the current ways to accomplish this task: from built-in operating system functions to using third-party applications. You'll learn how to set up DLNA, use the function Smart View or take advantage of opportunities Google HomeEach of these methods has its own characteristics, which we will examine in detail.
Preparing the equipment and WiFi network
Before setting up the broadcast, you need to make sure the basic system elements are working correctly. The first and most important requirement is a stable connection. Both devices—your smartphone and your Android and TV LG with support Smart TV — must be connected to the same router.
⚠️ Important: If your router supports dual-band networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try connecting both devices to the same frequency. Sometimes routers isolate clients on different frequencies, which can prevent devices from discovering each other.
Check the software version on your TV. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve the stability of video transmission protocols. Go to the TV settings menu and select General and find the item Software updateIf a new version is available, install it.
It's also worth paying attention to signal strength. To transmit a high-quality video stream, especially in high-resolution 4K or Full HD, high channel bandwidth is required. A weak signal can lead to audio and video desynchronization or the appearance of artifacts.
- 📶 Make sure the WiFi signal strength on both devices is above average.
- 🔄 Restart your router if your network is unstable or slow.
- 📱 Disable mobile internet on your smartphone so that traffic flows exclusively through WiFi.
- 📺 Check if Smart Share or Screen Share is enabled in your TV menu.
Neglecting network preparation is the most common cause of problems. If the router is old or overloaded with neighboring networks, streaming quality will be the first to suffer. Ideally, for watching movies, you should use a router with the standard AC or AX (WiFi 6).
Using LG's built-in Screen Share feature
Televisions LG are equipped with a native function for wireless screen mirroring, which is based on the standard MiracastThis protocol allows for direct transmission of images and audio, without the need for external servers. To get started, press the button on the remote control. Input or All entrances.
In the list of signal sources that appears, select the item Screen Share (or Broadcast). A waiting-for-connection message will appear on the TV screen. Now pick up your smartphone. In modern versions Android The function is called by swiping down to open the quick settings panel.
Look for an icon that may be called Smart View, Broadcast, Wireless monitor or Cast. The name depends on the model of your phone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). After scanning the network, the phone will detect your TV. LG.
Tap the TV's name in the list. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen. Allow it using the remote. After this, your smartphone's screen will be mirrored to the TV. You can start any movie, and it will play on the big screen.
- 🖥️ The image from the phone is duplicated in real time.
- 🔊 The sound is also transmitted through the TV speakers.
- 📵 When there is an incoming call, the image on the TV may be interrupted or show a notification.
- 🔋 Screencasting significantly increases smartphone battery consumption.
This method is great because it doesn't require installing any additional software. However, it's important to remember that when mirroring your screen, your phone must be unlocked, and any actions you take (incoming messages, notifications) will be visible on the larger screen.
Streaming via Google Home and Chromecast
If your TV LG works on the platform webOS or Android TV, it can support built-in technology Google CastEven if you don't have a built-in Chromecast, you can use an external set-top box or stream content directly from player apps. An app is often used for control. Google Home.
Install the application Google Home from the store Play Market, if it's not installed. Open it and make sure you're signed in to the same Google account as on your other devices (if you're using the ecosystem). The app will automatically search for available Cast devices on the network.
Select your TV from the list of devices. In the control menu that opens, press the button. Broadcast your screen (Cast my screen). The system will notify you that everything that happens on the screen, including notifications, will be broadcast.
☑️ Pre-broadcast check
An alternative and often more convenient method is to use the cast button within the apps themselves. Open YouTube, Netflix or a video player on your phone. Look for the rectangle icon with waves (Chromecast) in the corner of the video.
Click on it and select TV LGIn this case, the phone acts only as a remote control, and the TV downloads the video directly from the internet. This frees up the smartphone and allows it to be used for other tasks while watching.
- 🎬 Ideal for streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, IVI).
- 📱 The phone can be used for calls or games while watching.
- 🌐 Stable internet access is required on the TV itself.
- ⚙️ Video quality depends on your internet speed, not your phone's power.
⚠️ Note: Some apps may block Cast streaming due to copyright restrictions (DRM). In such cases, only screen mirroring (Miracast), described in the previous section, can help.
Watching movies via DLNA and the LG TV Plus app
For those who store movies locally in the smartphone's memory or on a memory card, the optimal solution is the technology DLNAIt allows you to stream media files directly, bypassing complex screen settings. The official app from the manufacturer is LG TV Plus - provides a convenient interface for this.
Download and install the application LG TV Plus (or LG ThinQ for new models) on your Android Smartphone. Launch the app and follow the instructions to pair with your TV. Typically, you'll need to enter the code displayed on the TV screen.
Once connected, go to the media section. The app will scan your phone's memory and offer to select photos, videos, or music to play. Select the desired movie, and it will start playing on your TV.
| Characteristic | Miracast (Screen Share) | DLNA (LG TV Plus) | Google Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | Streaming a file | Streaming from the network |
| Phone addiction | High (screen on) | Average (control) | Low (remote control) |
| Video quality | Depends on WiFi | Original file | Adaptive |
| Format support | Any (as on the screen) | Depends on TV | Depends on the application |
The advantage of DLNA is that the TV decodes the video stream itself. This relieves the load on the smartphone's processor and allows for high-bitrate video playback without stuttering, if the network allows. However, not all video file formats are supported by the TV.
What should I do if my TV can't see the file?
If the built-in LG player can't play a file (for example, due to a rare audio codec), try using a third-party DLNA server on your phone, such as BubbleUPnP. It can transcode the stream on the fly or stream it bypassing system restrictions.
DLNA also lets you view photos taken on your phone directly on the big screen, making it convenient for sharing with friends. Simply select an album in the app and start the slideshow.
Third-party apps for advanced features
Sometimes built-in tools aren't enough, especially if you want to stream content from apps that don't support Cast, or if you have specific file formats. In these cases, third-party solutions from the store come to the rescue. Google Play.
One of the most popular applications is AllCastIt allows you to send videos, music and photos to your TV. LGThe interface is simple: select a file, click the streaming icon, and choose a device. The app will automatically detect the best transfer protocol.
Another powerful tool is Web Video CasterThis solution is especially useful if you watch videos on websites without native apps on your phone's browser. It extracts the video stream from the page and sends it directly to your TV, saving battery life.
- 📂 Support for a huge number of file formats (MKV, AVI, MP4).
- 🌐 Ability to broadcast browser tabs.
- 🎮 Support for subtitles, which can be customized directly in the app.
- 📡 Work via a local network without internet access (for local files).
When using third-party software, it's important to pay attention to the permissions they request. They require access to the local network and files to function. Some apps may be paid or contain ads, which is normal practice for developers.
⚠️ Note: App interfaces and feature names may change with updates. If you can't find the button described above, look for the three-dot icon or gear icon in the corner of the screen.
Quality solution and optimization
Even with proper setup, technical difficulties can arise. The most common problem is desynchronization of sound and image. If the actors' lips are moving out of sync with their voices, try finding the "Synchronization" option in your TV settings. Audio and use the function Sync or Audio delay correction.
If the video is constantly buffering or choppy, the problem is most likely due to WiFi congestion. Try disabling other devices that consume bandwidth (such as torrents or PC downloads). Moving the router closer to the viewing area or using a repeater may also help.
Another common issue is that the phone can't see the TV. Make sure "AP Isolation" is disabled on your router. This prevents devices on the network from seeing each other, making it impossible for the phone to connect to the TV.
For owners of older models LG, which do not have Smart functions, you can use external adapters Miracast or Chromecast, plugged into the HDMI port. They will add WiFi capability to the TV.
- 🔇 Check if the TV is in mute mode or at low volume.
- 🔄 Reset network settings on both devices and try connecting again.
- 📶 Make sure your phone's antivirus software isn't blocking local connections.
- 📺 Update your TV's firmware via USB if it doesn't update via WiFi.
Picture quality also depends on the resolution. If on a TV 4K, and the phone broadcasts 1080p, the image may appear stretched or blurry. You can try changing the output resolution in your phone's settings if this option is available in developer mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG TV via WiFi?
Yes, modern LG TVs support the technology AirPlay 2Make sure your TV's software is updated. Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your LG TV. Older models will require an app. LG TV Plus or third-party AirPlay receivers.
Why is there no sound when watching a movie via WiFi?
Check the audio settings in the app you're streaming from. Sometimes the audio remains on your phone. Also, make sure the correct audio source is selected in your TV settings (not optical output if audio is streaming over WiFi). Restarting the app often resolves the issue.
Does video lag when connected via WiFi?
Delays are possible due to a weak signal or slow router speed. For 4K movies, a network speed of at least 25-30 Mbps is recommended. Using an HDMI cable or an Ethernet adapter for your TV will ensure smooth playback.
Do I need internet to connect my phone to LG?
Local streaming (DLNA, Miracast) doesn't require internet access; both devices need to be connected to the same router (even without internet access). However, internet access is required for online movie streaming (YouTube, Netflix).
How to improve picture quality during broadcasting?
Use a router that supports 5 GHz, move closer to the access point, and close background apps on your phone that consume data. You can also select the "Cinema" or "Movie" picture mode in your TV settings for better color reproduction.