Modern technologies make it possible to transform any Smart TV into a powerful multimedia center, and the Apple ecosystem is no exception. Owners iPhone People often wonder how to display images or videos from a small smartphone screen on a large TV without the need for extra cables. Fortunately, LG has implemented support for the protocol. AirPlay 2 into many of its new models, making the synchronization process as simple and fast as possible.
However, not all users are aware of the setup details or encounter models that require this feature to be activated. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection methods. iPhone To LG Smart TV via a wireless network. You'll learn about native system tools, third-party apps, and troubleshooting methods for common connection errors.
To get started, you don't need any advanced technical knowledge or additional equipment other than the TV and smartphone. The key is to ensure a stable connection and properly configure the network settings. Let's look at the requirements before beginning the pairing process.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
The first and most important step is to make sure that your LG TV supports wireless data transfer technology. Since 2019, most mid- and high-end models are equipped with a built-in module. AirPlay 2If you have an older model, you may need to use third-party solutions or additional adapters, as native support may not be available.
Both devices – the smartphone and the TV – must be connected to the same network. Wi-FiThis is critically important, as data transfer occurs locally within your home network. If your router broadcasts signals on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with different network names (SSIDs), make sure both devices can see each other within the same segment.
It is also worth checking the version of the operating system on your iPhoneFor most functions to work correctly, it is recommended to use iOS 12.3 or a later version. It's a good idea to update the TV's software. webOS to the current state through the settings menu to avoid software conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Some corporate or public Wi-Fi networks may block direct connections between devices (client isolation). In these cases, standard connection methods will not work.
Before using the app, check the list of supported formats. Not all video or audio codecs can be played natively, so buffered conversion in intermediary apps may be necessary.
Setting up AirPlay 2 on an LG TV
If your TV is one of the supported models, the function AirPlay It may already be built in, but disabled by default. To activate it, take the remote control. Magic Remote and click the settings button (gear). In the menu that opens, select the section Connection or General, and then find the item Apple AirPlay.
Inside the menu you will see a switch that needs to be set to the position ONYou can also configure security settings here. For example, you can require a code every time you connect or restrict connections to devices on your network. This protects you from unauthorized access by your neighbors.
For ease of use, it is recommended to enable the function Automatic connectionIn this case, when you bring the unlocked iPhone When connected to a TV, the system will automatically offer to stream content without requiring additional confirmation each time. This is especially convenient for displaying photos or videos from your gallery.
After activation, an icon may appear on the TV screen AirPlayThis means the device is ready to receive a signal. Now you can proceed directly to setting up your smartphone.
Mirror your iPhone screen using Control Center
The fastest way to display an image on the entire screen iPhone to the TV - use the "Screen Mirroring" feature. To do this, unlock your smartphone and open Control centerOn models with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner, and on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.
Find the icon with two intersecting rectangles - this is the button Screen mirroringClick on it, and the system will start searching for available devices on the Wi-Fi network. Yours should appear in the list. LG TV. Tap its name.
If a four-digit code appears on the TV screen, enter it iPhoneAfter successful authorization, the image from your smartphone will be fully mirrored on the big screen. You can switch between apps, and everything will be visible on the TV in real time.
- 📱 Vertical orientation: The image will appear with black borders on the sides unless you rotate your phone.
- 🔄 Horizontal orientation: When you rotate your smartphone, videos or games will take up the entire TV screen.
- 🔊 Sound: The audio stream will also switch to the TV speakers, providing surround sound.
To end the broadcast, open Control Center again, tap on the active Screen Mirroring button and select Stop repeatingThis will instantly break the connection and return control to the smartphone.
☑️ Checklist for a successful broadcast
Using the LG TV Plus app
For those who find AirPlay functionality insufficient, LG offers its own app. LG TV PlusAvailable in the App Store, it allows you to not only stream media files but also use your smartphone as an advanced remote control. This is especially useful if your original remote is lost or its batteries are dead.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically scan the network and find your Smart TVTo pair, you may need to confirm the connection by pressing the Accept button on the TV screen or entering a PIN.
There is a section inside the application Media, through which you can select photos, videos or music stored in the memory iPhone, and send them for playback. Unlike simple screen mirroring, the TV decodes the file itself, reducing the strain on the smartphone's battery.
| Function | AirPlay 2 | LG TV Plus | Third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screencasting | Yes | No (media only) | Yes |
| TV control | Limited | Complete | Partial |
| Picture quality | High | Depends on the file | Average |
| Latency | Minimum | Absent | Possible |
The app also allows you to create user profiles and customize quick access to your favorite streaming services, making content navigation more convenient for the whole family.
Stream from YouTube, Netflix, and other apps
Most popular streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, IVi or Kinopoisk, have a built-in "Cast" feature. This is the most convenient way to view content, as it doesn't overload the phone's processor and allows you to use your smartphone for other tasks while watching.
Open an app like YouTube on iPhoneIn the top or bottom corner of the interface, look for the rectangle icon with Wi-Fi waves in the corner. Clicking on it will display a list of available devices. Select yours. LG TV.
Once connected, the video will start playing on your TV, and a control panel will appear on your smartphone screen. You can pause, rewind, and adjust the volume. You can also minimize the YouTube app and open Instagram or reply to a message without interrupting the video.
⚠️ Note: The app casting feature only works if the accounts in the app on your phone and on your TV are authorized or on the same network. Sometimes you need to be logged into the same Google account for viewing history to work correctly.
It's important to note that picture quality in this case depends on the internet speed, as the TV will download the stream directly from the network, bypassing the smartphone. This ensures maximum stability and smooth playback, even when watching 4K video.
Why might 4K video lag?
If your router is located far from your TV or operates on the congested 2.4 GHz band, the bandwidth may not be sufficient for streaming 4K video. It's recommended to use the 5 GHz band or connect your TV with an Ethernet cable.
Third-party streaming apps
In situations where native tools don't work or the TV model is too old, third-party solutions from the App Store come to the rescue. Apps like TV Assist, Cast to TV or AllCast They can find DLNA servers and stream content to almost any Smart TV.
The principle behind these programs is simple: you select a file in the app, it encodes the video stream into a format the TV can understand, and sends it over the network. Some of them even allow you to stream content from Safari or other browsers, emulating AirPlay software.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that free versions of such apps often contain ads, and image lag can be noticeable. This isn't a problem for viewing photos or slideshows, but they may not be suitable for fast-paced games or interactive content.
- 📺 Supported formats: Many applications support rare video codecs that the TV itself cannot read.
- 🔒 Confidentiality: Be careful when sharing personal information through third-party services.
- 💰 Paid features: Often high resolution (HD/4K) is only available in PRO versions.
Use this method as a backup if the primary connection methods are unavailable or not working correctly for some reason.
Solution and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, technical glitches may occur. If iPhone If your TV isn't showing up, first check to see if AP Isolation is enabled on your router. This prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other.
A simple hardware reboot often helps. Turn your router, TV, and smartphone off and on again. This will clear the network settings cache and refresh the IP addresses, which often resolves the "invisibility" issue.
If the image is broadcast but there is no sound, check the audio output settings on the device itself. iPhoneSometimes the system defaults to audio on the phone. Also, make sure your TV isn't set to "Video Only" in AirPlay settings.
If your connection is constantly interrupted, try reducing the load on your Wi-Fi channel by disabling file downloads on other devices or switching your router to a less congested frequency.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the AirPlay list?
This could be due to outdated TV firmware, differences in Wi-Fi networks (for example, one network is for guests), or firewall settings on the router that block Bonjour/mDNS ports.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG without Wi-Fi?
Natively, no. AirPlay and DLNA require a local network. However, you can use Lightning-to-HDMI adapters (Digital AV Adapters) by connecting them directly to the TV's HDMI port, if supported.
The picture is lagging during broadcasting, what should I do?
Try lowering the video quality in the source app, moving your router closer to your TV, or switching to a wired LAN connection for your TV to free up airtime for the video stream.
Does AirPlay work on older LG TVs (2017 and earlier)?
Official AirPlay 2 support began with 2019 models. Older models (2018 and earlier) lack the native feature and will require the use of third-party repeater apps or adapters like the Apple TV.