How to connect your phone to a TCL TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Wirelessly connect your phone to your TV TCL Wi-Fi opens up a ton of possibilities, from viewing photos on a big screen to streaming high-definition videos without the hassle of wires. However, many users face difficulties setting up such a connection—especially when it comes to budget TV models or outdated software. In this article, we'll explore all current connection methods (including hidden features), and we'll also tell you how to avoid common errors that cause your phone to not "see" your TV or the connection to keep dropping.

It is important to understand that the connection method depends on three key factors: your TCL TV model (series C6, P6, 6-Series and others support different protocols), smartphone operating system (Android or iOS) and firmware versions both devices. For example, TVs TCL 2020–2023 With Google TV or Android TV on board offer more options than models on Roku TV or outdated Linux firmwareWe'll cover solutions for all situations, from standard features to workarounds for stubborn devices.

If you have previously tried to connect and received errors like Miracast: Device not supported or DLNA: No compatible devicesDon't rush to blame the technology. In 80% of cases, the problem lies in incorrect router settings (for example, splitting the network into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or protocol conflict between your phone and TV. We'll take a detailed look at how to diagnose and fix these issues.

1. Preparing your TCL TV and phone for connection

Before setting up the connection, make sure both devices are ready to communicate. This step is often overlooked, leading to problems with device detection or connection stability later on.

On TV TCL follow these steps:

• 📺 Turn on your TV and go to Settings → Network. Make sure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. If you are using dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), select 2.4 GHz - it is more stable for streaming.
• 🔄 Update your TV firmware: Settings → Support → Software UpdateOutdated versions often do not support modern wireless transmission protocols.
• 🔍 Activate wireless connection features:
  • For Android TV/Google TV: Settings → Devices → Connection and Sharing → Miracast.
  • For Roku TV: Settings → System → Screen Mirroring.

On a smartphone (Android or iOS):

• 📱 Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the same network as your TV. Avoid guest networks or VPNs, as they can block local connectivity.
• 🔄 Update your operating system to the latest version. For example, Miracast On Android 10+ it works more stable than on Android 8.
• 🚫 Close background apps that may use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth (such as file-sharing apps or fitness trackers).

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports the function AP Isolation (Client Isolation) - Disable it in your router settings. This option blocks communication between devices on the local network, making it impossible to connect your phone to the TV.

2. Method 1: Connecting via Miracast (Screen Mirroring)

Miracast - is a universal wireless screen sharing protocol supported by almost all modern TVs TCL (except for the most budget models). It allows mirror your phone screen on TV in real time without lag, which is ideal for gaming, presentations or watching videos.

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (item name may differ: Screen Mirroring, Smart View, Wireless Display).
2. Turn on device search. Your TV should appear in the list. TCL (usually with the model name, for example, TCL 55C635).
3. Select your TV and confirm the connection on both devices. After 5-10 seconds, your phone's screen will appear on the TV.

For iPhone/iPad this method doesn't work - Apple uses its own protocol AirPlay, which we'll cover below. However, iOS owners can use a workaround through third-party apps (e.g., ApowerMirror), but the transmission quality will be worse.

⚠️ Attention: If the picture on the TV lags behind the sound or you experience stuttering when connecting via Miracast, try reducing the screen resolution of your phone to 720p in the mirroring settings. Also, check that your phone isn't charging—some models experience reduced performance when connected to a power source.

3. Method 2: Using DLNA to transfer media files

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol that allows transfer photos, videos, and music From your phone to your TV without screen mirroring. Unlike Miracast, you control playback directly from your phone, and the TV acts as a "receiver." This method is suitable for watching movies, listening to music, or sharing photo albums.

How to enable DLNA on your TV TCL:

1. Go to Settings → Network → DLNA or Settings → Connections → Media Sharing (the name depends on the model).
2. Activate the function and set the device name (for example, TCL_LivingRoom).
3. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

For Android:

• 📱 Use the default app Gallery or Files:
  1. Select a file (photo/video).
  2. Click "Share" → "Play on device" (or "Cast").
  3. Select your TV from the list. TCL.

🎵 For music: open the app Google Play Music or YouTube Music, select a track and click the icon Cast (screen icon with waves).

For iPhone/iPad:

• 🍎 Install a media server application, e.g. VLC or Infuse.
• Activate it in the application settings DLNA/UPnP and select a TV TCL in the list of devices.
• Upload files to the app and play them along with the TV show.

⚠️ Attention: Televisions TCL on the platform Roku TV support DLNA only through third-party applications (e.g. Roku Media Player). Roku's standard "Screen Mirroring" feature is not DLNA compatible!

What video formats does DLNA support on TCL?

Most TCL TVs play via DLNA:

• Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (up to 1080p), AVI (Xvid)
• Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV
• Photo: JPEG, PNG

Formats 4K HDR or HEVC (H.265) may not play - in this case, use Miracast or a USB drive.

4. Method 3: Manufacturer's apps (TCL iMediaShare, Roku App)

Company TCL developed its own apps to simplify connecting smartphones to TVs. Their advantage is optimization for specific models and additional features (such as using your phone as a remote control). However, these apps often require registration and may contain advertising.

For TVs on Android TV/Google TV:

• 📱 Install the application TCL iMediaShare (available for Android And iOS).
• 🔗 Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🖥️ In the app, select Screen Mirroring or Media Share (depending on the required function).

For TVs on Roku TV:

• 📱 Install the official app Roku.
• 🔍 In the section Devices select your TV TCL.
• 🎬 To share your screen, use the function Screen Mirroring (Android only) or Play on Roku for media files.

Important: The TCL iMediaShare app may not work on TVs with firmware versions older than 2019. In this case, use universal solutions like Google Home or ApowerMirror.

5. Method 4: Apple AirPlay for iPhone and iPad

If you have a phone iPhone or iPad, and the TV TCL supports Apple AirPlay, you can share your screen or stream media without additional apps. This feature is available on models TCL 2020 and newer with firmware based on Android TV 9.0+ or Google TV.

How to connect:

1. Make sure your TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On TV TCL Turn on AirPlay:
   • Go to Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
   • Activate the option AirPlay and set the device name.

On iPhone:

• To share your screen: swipe down from the top right corner (Center Control) → tap Screen Mirroring → select your TV TCL.
• To stream media: open a video/photo → click the icon AirPlay (rectangle with triangle) → select TV.

If the AirPlay feature is missing from your TV settings, update your firmware or use an alternative - Apple TV (connects to TV via HDMI) or app ApowerMirror.

⚠️ Attention: When using AirPlay to stream video from Netflix or Disney+ an error may appear HDCP (content protection). In this case, try connecting via HDMI cable or use built-in TV apps.

6. Method 5: Alternative solutions (Chromecast, adapters)

If none of the above methods worked (for example, you have an older model TCL without Miracast or DLNA support), please consider external devices for wireless connection:

• 📺 Google Chromecast:

  Connects to the port HDMI TV and allows you to stream content from your phone via Wi-Fi. Supports 4K HDR and works with most applications (YouTube, Netflix, browser).

• 🔌 Wi-Fi adapters (Miracast Dongle):

  Devices like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or AnyCast connect to the HDMI port and add Miracast support for older TVs.

• 🎮 Game consoles:

  Xbox or PlayStation can act as intermediaries for transmitting the phone screen to TV via special applications.

The advantage of external adapters is independence from TV firmware. For example, Chromecast will work even with TCL 2015, if your TV has a free HDMI port. However, keep in mind that such devices require separate power (via USB) and may introduce a delay when transmitting the screen.

Device	Cost (approximately)	4K support	Lag
Google Chromecast 4K	~5 000 ₽	✅ Yes	Minimum (1–2 sec)
AnyCast M8	~2 500 ₽	❌ No (up to 1080p)	Medium (3-5 sec)
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter	~4 000 ₽	❌ No	Low (1–2 sec)

7. Troubleshooting: Why your phone won't connect to your TV

If you followed the instructions and still can't connect, check the following:

• 🔌 Wi-Fi issues:
  • Make sure your phone and TV are connected one network (not to guest or VPN).
  • Reboot your router - sometimes the DHCP server "forgets" devices.
  • If your router is dual-band, try connecting to the network. 2.4 GHz (5GHz may not be stable for streaming).
• 📱 Phone settings:
  • On Android: Check if it is enabled Wi-Fi Direct V Settings → Connections → Advanced.
  • On iPhone: Turn off Modem mode (it may conflict with AirPlay).
  • Close all background applications, especially instant messengers and file sharing applications.
• 📺 TV settings:
  • Reset your TV's network settings: Settings → Network → Reset.
  • Update your TV firmware (see section 1).
  • If you use Roku TV, check if the mode is turned on Guest access in the network settings.

Critical error: If the TV is connected via Miracast TCL displays a message "The device is not certified."This means the TV firmware is blocking your phone. The solution is to update the TV firmware or use an alternative method (such as Chromecast).

⚠️ Attention: On some models TCL (For example, 32S325) function Screen Mirroring is disabled by default to save resources. To enable it, go to Settings → System → Advanced → Developer Mode and turn on the option Wireless display.

8. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose

To decide on the best method, evaluate your priorities:

Criterion	Miracast	DLNA	AirPlay (iOS)	TCL Applications	Chromecast
Screen mirroring	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Transferring media files	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
4K support	⚠️ Partially	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Lag	Low	Absent	Low	Average	Minimum
Difficulty of setup	Average	Low	Low	High	Low

Recommendations for selection:

• 🎮 For games or presentations (minimal delay required) - Miracast or Chromecast.
• 🎬 For watching movies (picture quality) - AirPlay (iOS) or DLNA (Android).
• 📱 For old TCL models (until 2018) — external adapter (AnyCast, Chromecast).
• 🔧 For maximum compatibility — TCL applications (iMediaShare, Roku App).

If you're still unsure which method to choose, answer two questions:

1. Do you need to duplicate? full screen phone or is it enough to transfer only media files?
2. What model of TV do you have? TCL and phone (Android/iOS)?

For example, for iPhone 13 And TCL 55C735 the best choice is AirPlay, and for Samsung Galaxy S22 And TCL 43P635 — Miracast.

❓ How do I know if my TCL TV supports Miracast?

Go to Settings → Network → Miracast or Settings → Display → Wireless DisplayIf there is no such option, your model does not support Miracast. An alternative is to use DLNA or an external adapter.

❓ Why does the image lag when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct?

This is related to network congestion or low bandwidth. Try:

• Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router supports it).
• Reduce phone screen resolution to 720p in the mirroring settings.
• Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (smartphone, tablet, smart speakers).

❓ Is it possible to connect a phone to TCL without Wi-Fi (for example, via Bluetooth)?

No, Bluetooth on TVs TCL It is used only for connecting audio devices (headphones, soundbars). For video streaming or screen mirroring, it is required. Wi-Fi (or wired connection via HDMI/USB).

Exception - some models support Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router), but it works unstable and only for file transfer, not screen.

❓ How do I connect my phone to TCL via USB?

For this you need USB cable (preferably original) and support function USB OTG on TV. Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the port USB on TV (use the port marked MHL or OTG, if any).
2. On your TV, select the signal source USB.
3. On your phone (Android), enable File transfer or USB modem (depending on the model).

⚠️ Limitations:

• iPhone does not support USB connection to TV (only via Lightning→HDMI adapters).
• Not all models TCL support USB OTG — check the instructions.

❓ Why is the sound transmitted but the image is not?

This problem is typical for connections via DLNA or TCL applicationsCauses and solutions:

• Incompatible video format: The TV does not support codecs. HEVC or VP9The solution is to convert the file to MP4 (H.264).
• DRM restrictions: Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime block video mirroring. The solution is to use built-in TV apps.
• HD settings