How to Connect a TV to Your Android Phone via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Modern TVs and smartphones on Android support multiple wireless communication methods via Wi-FiThis allows you to stream videos, photos, games, and even mirror your phone's screen to a larger screen without the hassle of wires. However, not all users know how to properly set up such a connection, especially if the devices are from different manufacturers—for example, Samsung Galaxy And LG OLED.

In this article we will look at all the current connection methods: from standard screen-mirroring through Miracast before use DLNA/UPnP for streaming media files. You'll learn which settings to check on your TV and phone, and how to solve common problems (for example, no sound during broadcasting or connection drops), and what alternative applications will help if the built-in functions do not work.

We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands: why Xiaomi may not see Sony Bravia in the list of available devices, how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on older models Samsung, and what to do if the TV only supports Miracast, but the phone doesn't. All instructions have been tested on the latest versions. Android 12–14 and Smart TV firmware versions from 2020 to 2026.

1. Preparing devices: what to check before connecting

Before attempting to connect your phone and TV, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. This will save you time and frustration.

TV requirements:

• 📺 Smart TV with support Wi-Fi (even if it is Samsung Series 5 2018 or LG WebOS 3.0).
• 🔄 Enabled feature Miracast (sometimes called Screen Mirroring or Wireless Display).
• 📶 Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (for most methods, except Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔄 Updated software: check in Settings → Support → Software Update.

Phone requirements:

• 📱 Android 5.0+ (For Miracast needed Android 4.2+, but stable operation starts with version 6).
• 🔍 Enabled Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (for some methods).
• 🔄 Lack of activity VPN or modem mode - They can block the broadcast.
• 📱 Sufficient battery charge (below 20%, the phone may automatically turn off power-intensive functions).

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Sony And Philips function Miracast hidden in the developer menu. To activate it, you may need to enter a service code or enable the option via Settings → Network → Advanced.

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring (Miracast)

This is the most universal method that works on most devices without additional applications. Miracast transmits the image from the phone screen to the TV in real time, but there may be a delay (lag) when playing games or videos.

How to connect:

1. Turn on the TV Screen Mirroring (see table above).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Connections → Screencasting (on Samsung) or Settings → Display → Wireless Display (on Xiaomi).
3. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

If the phone does not find the TV:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📶 Make sure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or turn it on Wi-Fi Direct on TV).
• 🔍 Check if it's blocking antivirus or power saving mode broadcast.

⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei And Honor function Miracast can be called Huawei Share or Multi-screenIt requires an installed application to work. Huawei HiSuite.

TV and phone on the same Wi-Fi network

Screen Mirroring is enabled on the TV.

The VPN is disabled on the phone.

Phone battery charge > 30%

Software updated on both devices-->

3. Method 2: DLNA/UPnP – transfer media files without screen mirroring

If you don't need to duplicate the entire screen, but only broadcast photos, music or videos, use the protocol DLNAIt works on almost all Smart TVs and does not require any special skills.

How to set up:

1. Make sure your TV is turned on. DLNA (usually in Settings → Network → Home Network).
2. Install a media server application on your phone, for example:
   • BubbleUPnP (for advanced users),
   • LocalCast (simple interface),
   • VLC (built-in DLNA support).

In the application, select the file to stream and select the TV in the list of devices.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎵 No audio delay (unlike Miracast).
• 📂 You can stream files from external storage or clouds.
• 🔄 Works even on old TVs without Miracast.

⚠️ Attention: Some televisions (eg. Samsung Series 6 2017) do not support formats MKV or FLAC via DLNA. In this case, use VLC for on-the-fly conversion.

4. Method 3: Manufacturer's applications (Samsung SmartThings, LG TV Plus)

Major brands offer their own connection solutions. These are often more stable than universal methods, but they only work with devices of the same brand.

For TVs Samsung:

• 📱 Install SmartThings from Google Play.
• 🔍 Register or log in to your account Samsung.
• 📺 Add your TV to the app via Add a device → TV.
• 🔄 Use the feature Mirror Screen or Media for broadcast.

For TVs LG:

• 📱 Install LG TV Plus.
• 📶 Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same network.
• 🔍 In the app, select Screen Share or Media Player.

Advantages of branded applications:

• 🎮 Support gamepad (for example, for games through Samsung Gaming Hub).
• 📱 Ability to control the TV from your phone (like a remote control).
• 🔄 Automatic discovery of devices on the local network.

Brand TV	Application	Supported functions	Minimum Android version
Samsung	SmartThings	Mirroring, media, management	Android 6.0
LG	LG TV Plus	Screen Share, remote, media	Android 5.0
Sony	Video & TV SideView	Media, remote control, voice search	Android 7.0

Why might branded apps not work?

If your TV and phone are connected to different router subnets (e.g. 192.168.0.x and 192.168.1.x), the app won't see the device. Solution: Configure your router so all devices are on the same subnet, or use Wi-Fi Direct.

5. Method 4: Google Cast (Chromecast) - for Android TVs

If your TV is running on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia With Google TV or Xiaomi Mi TV), you can use technology Google CastIt allows you to stream content from supported apps (YouTube, Netflix, Chrome browser) directly to the screen.

How to set up:

1. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube).
3. Click on the icon Cast (usually in the upper right corner).
4. Select your TV from the list.

List of supported applications Google Cast:

• 🎬 YouTube, Netflix, Disney+
• 🎵 Spotify, Google Play Music
• 🌐 Google Chrome (tab broadcast)
• 📱 Google Photos (slide show)

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Google Chrome There may be a delay of up to 2-3 seconds. For games or video chats, it is better to use Miracast.

6. Method 5: Wi-Fi Direct – direct connection without a router

If you don't have a Wi-Fi router or want to connect directly (for example, on the road), use Wi-Fi DirectThis method creates a direct network between the phone and the TV.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV Wi-Fi Direct (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (or Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung).
3. Select your TV from the list and confirm the connection.
4. Now you can use it Screen Mirroring or transfer files.

Limitations of the method:

• 📶 There is no internet access on the phone during connection.
• 🔋 Fast battery drain (phone works as a hotspot).
• 📱 Not all applications support work via Wi-Fi Direct.

If Wi-Fi Direct doesn't work:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📱 Turn it off on your phone Modem mode And VPN.
• 🔍 Check if your TV supports it Wi-Fi Direct (on some models Philips (This feature is disabled).

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

Even with the correct settings, errors can still occur. Here are the most common causes and how to fix them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The TV does not appear in the list of devices	Different Wi-Fi networks or disabled Miracast	Connect both devices to the same network, turn on Screen Mirroring on TV
The connection is lost after 10-30 seconds	Power saving mode on your phone	Add the streaming app to battery optimization exceptions
No sound during broadcast	The wrong audio source is selected on the TV.	Check the sound settings on your TV (Settings → Sound → Source)
Lags and delays when watching videos	Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion	Connect to your router via cable (if possible) or switch to 5 GHz

If nothing helps:

• 🔄 Reset network settings on your phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Update your TV's firmware (instructions are usually in the menu) Support).
• 🔍 Check if it's blocking router firewall multicast traffic (needed for DLNA And Miracast).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link with firmware until 2022) function AP Isolation Client isolation can block communication between devices on the local network. Disable it in your router settings.

8. Alternative connection apps

If built-in features don't work, try third-party apps. They often offer additional features, such as streaming. PC or screen recording.

Top 5 streaming apps:

• 📱 ApowerMirror - supports Miracast And Google Cast, allows you to control TV from your phone.
• 🎮 TeamViewer QuickSupport — for remote assistance (showing the phone screen on TV via a PC).
• 📺 AllCast — a universal DLNA player with cloud storage support.
• 🔄 Mirroring360 - for professional use (low latency).
• 📱 Scrcpy (for PC) - broadcast your Android screen to your computer and then to your TV.

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• 🔒 Some applications (eg. ApowerMirror) require always-on-top permissions.
• 📶 For stable operation, it may be required subscription (free versions often limit resolution).
• 🛡️ Check reviews before installing - some apps contain ads or collect data.

How to stream your screen to TV via PC?

If the phone does not support Miracast, but you have a computer connected to your TV via HDMI, use Scrcpy:

1. Download Scrcpy With official website.
2. Connect your phone to PC via USB (with USB debugging).
3. Launch scrcpy — the phone screen will be displayed on the PC, and from there you can broadcast it to TV.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting your phone to your TV

❓ Is it possible to connect a phone to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. Wi-Fi Direct - direct connection without a router.
2. HDMI adapter (For example, USB-C to HDMI) - for phones with support DisplayPort Alt Mode.
3. MHL adapter - for older phones (requires support) MHL on TV).

The most versatile option is Wi-Fi Direct, but it does not provide internet access.

❓ Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔊 The wrong audio source is selected on the TV - check Settings → Sound → Source.
• 📱 The media volume is muted on your phone. Increase the volume using the buttons.
• 🔄 Codec incompatibility - try another application (e.g. VLC for video).
• 📶 Wi-Fi problems - reconnect or use 5 GHz.

❓ How do I connect my iPhone to my TV via Wi-Fi?

For iPhone use AirPlay:

1. Make sure your TV supports it. AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2019+, LG OLED 2018+).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On iPhone, open Control Center → Screen Mirroring and select TV.

For older TVs you will need Apple TV or adapter AirPlay (For example, Roku Streaming Stick+).

❓ Is it possible to play mobile games on TV via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🎮 Miracast gives a delay of 50-100 ms - suitable only for simple games.
• 🕹️ For shooters or racing games it is better to use HDMI adapter (delay 10-20 ms).
• 📱 Some games (for example, PUBG Mobile) block screen broadcasting.

For the best experience please use gamepad, connected to the phone via Bluetooth.

Why doesn't my Samsung TV detect my Xiaomi phone?

Possible reasons:

1. Different Miracast standards: Xiaomi can use Miracast over Wi-Fi Direct, A Samsung - classic Miracast.
2. MAC address blocking: On some routers, you need to manually allow devices to communicate.
3. Outdated firmware: Update software on both devices.

Solution: Try connecting via Google Cast (if TV is on Android TV) or use the app ApowerMirror.