How to Connect an LG TV to a Laptop via Wi-Fi: 4 Proven Methods

Transferring images from a laptop to a large TV screen LG Wireless networking is a convenient way to give presentations, watch movies, or play games without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter problems: the TV doesn't detect the laptop, the picture lags, or the sound disappears. In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods, from the standard Miracast to proprietary technologies LG Smart Share And Wi-Fi Direct, and we will also give advice on how to eliminate typical errors.

It is important to understand that the connection method depends on the TV model (series) NanoCell, OLED, QNED or budget LED), laptop operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux) and even firmware versions. For example, old TVs LG 2015-2017 may not be supported Miracast, but they work great DLNA for streaming media files. But for screen mirroring with a latency of less than 100 ms, you'll need Wi-Fi Direct or specialized programs.

We tested all methods on TVs LG C2 OLED (2022), LG UK6200 (2018) and laptops with Windows 11, macOS Ventura, and also on Ubuntu 22.04At the end of the article, you'll find a table of method compatibility with various devices and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Preparing your LG TV and laptop for wireless connection

Before setting up a connection, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements:

• 📺 LG TV: must support at least one of the technologies - Miracast, Wi-Fi Direct or DLNAYou can check this in the menu. Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct or Connecting to devicesModels older than 2016 may require a firmware update.
• 💻 Laptop: For Windows version not lower is required 8.1 (better 10/11) with support MiracastOn . macOS will be required macOS Monterey 12.0+ or program AirParrot. For Linux - plastic bag wfd (Wireless Display).
• 🔄 Wi-Fi network: Both devices must be connected to the same network (for DLNA And Smart Share) or the TV should distribute its network (Wi-Fi Direct). Use the range 5 GHz for lower delays.

Also check:

• 🔋 Laptop charge: When streaming video over Wi-Fi, battery consumption increases by 20–30%. Plug in the power adapter if the battery level is below 50%.
• 📶 Wi-Fi signal - if the TV and laptop are in different rooms, use repeater or Mesh system for a stable connection.
• 🔒 Firewall and antivirus software - temporarily disable them if the TV doesn't detect the laptop. For example, Kaspersky And Avast often blocked Miracast.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG With webOS versions below 4.0 (released before 2018) may not be supported MiracastIn this case, use Wi-Fi Direct or DLNA.

If you are unsure of your TV model, find it on the sticker on the back or in the menu. Settings → General Information → TV InformationFor a laptop, check support. Miracast through device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager → Network Adapters) - there should be an adapter with support Wi-Fi Display or Wireless Display.

2. Method 1: Connecting via Miracast (screen mirroring)

Miracast — a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most modern TVs LG (starting from webOS 3.0, 2016 year of release) and laptops on Windows 8.1/10/11The advantage of this method is minimal latency (50–100 ms), which is suitable for games and videos. However, sound is not always transmitted, and resolution may be limited. 1920×1080.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. On TV LG open Settings → Connect to devices → Screen Share.
2. Select Miracast (may be called Wireless Display or Screen Mirroring).
3. On a laptop, press Win + K (or Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
4. Select your TV from the list of available devices. LGConfirm the connection on both devices.

For macOS And Linux additional programs will be required:

• 🍎 macOS: install AirParrot 3 or Reflector (paid, ~$15–20).
• 🐧 Linux: use gnome-network-displays (For GNOME) or wfd (For KDE). Install via terminal:

  sudo apt install gnome-network-displays

⚠️ Attention: If the TV LG not displayed in the list Miracast, update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your laptop. To do this, download the latest version from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Intel AX200 - With intel.ru).

On LG TVs with webOS 5.0+ (2020 and newer), Miracast works more reliably if you enable the "Prioritize Video Quality" option in the network settings. Find it in the menu. Settings → Network → Additional Wi-Fi settings.

The laptop and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network | Miracast is enabled in the TV settings | The Wi-Fi drivers on the laptop are updated | The firewall is temporarily disabled -->

3. Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Wi-Fi Direct — technology for directly connecting devices without a router. Suitable for TVs LG all series (including older models on NetCast) and laptops with Windows 7+The main advantage is that you don't need to connect to a public network, the disadvantage is that there may be lags when transferring video in 4K.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On TV LG go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct and remember the name of the network (for example, DIRECT-LG-XXXXX) and password.
3. On your laptop, connect to this network through the standard Wi-Fi menu.
4. Start screencasting:
   • 🪟 Windows: Win + K → Connect to a wireless display.
   • 🍎 macOS: use AirPlay (if TV supports) or ApowerMirror.

If the laptop does not see the TV Wi-Fi Direct, try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📡 Manually enter the TV's IP address in the connection settings (you can find it in the menu Settings → Network → Network Status on TV).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware via Settings → General information → Software update.

Data transfer rate Wi-Fi Direct depends on the Wi-Fi standard:

4. Method 3: Smart Share and DLNA (media streaming)

LG Smart Share And DLNA intended for broadcasting photo, video And music From a laptop to a TV, but not for screen mirroring. This method works on all TVs. LG With webOS or NetCast, as well as on laptops with any OS. The main requirement is that both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

How to set up Smart Share:

1. On TV LG enable the function: Settings → Network → Smart Share.
2. On the laptop:
   • 🪟 Windows: open Conductor, right-click on the file → Transfer to device → select TV.
   • 🍎 macOS: use VLC or Plex Media Server.
   • 🐧 Linux: install rygel or minidlna:

     sudo apt install rygel

Supported file formats for Smart Share:

• 🎬 Video: MP4, MKV, AVI (codecs H.264, H.265).
• 📷 Photo: JPEG, PNG, BMP.
• 🎵 Music: MP3, FLAC, WAV.

⚠️ Attention: Televisions LG With webOS below 4.0 do not support MKV with codec H.265 (HEVC)Convert files to MP4 (H.264) through HandBrake.

If the TV doesn't see the laptop on the network DLNA:

• 🔧 Check that device discovery is enabled on your laptop: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Sharing Options (turn on Network discovery).
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes it blocks the multicast traffic needed for DLNA.
• 📡 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, from Auto on 6 or 11).

How to speed up file transfer via DLNA?

Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and connect the TV via an Ethernet cable (if there is a port). Disabling the function will also help. QoS in the router settings - it sometimes limits the speed for DLNA traffic.

5. Method 4: Special programs for screen broadcasting

If standard methods don't work, use third-party programs. They support additional features, such as audio streaming, screen recording, or TV control from a laptop.

Top 3 programs for connection:

Instructions for ApowerMirror:

1. Download and install the program from official website.
2. On TV LG turn on Screen Share (Settings → Connect to devices).
3. Launch ApowerMirror on your laptop and select Phone Screen Mirroring → TV.
4. Connect to your TV by following the on-screen instructions.

For Linux will do Scrcpy (to control TV from a laptop) or GNOME Network Displays (for screencasting). Install them via the terminal:

sudo apt install scrcpy gnome-network-displays

⚠️ Attention: When using ApowerMirror or AirParrot on TVs LG With webOS 3.0–4.0 There may be no sound. Solution: connect external speakers to your laptop or use Bluetooth for audio transmission.

6. Solving common problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at typical cases and how to resolve them.

Problem 1: TV LG does not see the laptop in the list of devices.

• 🔧 Check if it's enabled Miracast on the laptop:

  Win + R → enter dxdiag → go to the tab Save All Information and find the line Miracast.

  If it's worth it Not Available, update your video card and Wi-Fi adapter drivers.

• 🔄 Restart your router and change the Wi-Fi channel to 5 GHz (in the router settings).
• 📡 Turn off VPN on a laptop - it can block local traffic.

Problem 2: The image is slow or choppy.

• 🎮 Reduce your laptop screen resolution to 1280×720.
• 🔌 Connect your laptop to a power source—the Wi-Fi adapter may reduce performance when running on battery power.
• 📶 Move the router closer to the TV or use Mesh system.

Problem 3: No sound when connected via Miracast.

• 🔈 On a laptop with Windows check playback device: Right-click on the sound icon → Open sound settings → Select the LG TV in the list of output devices.
• 🎧 If the sound still doesn't appear, connect Bluetooth speaker to the laptop.

Problem 4: The connection is broken after 1-2 minutes.

• ⚡ Disable your Wi-Fi adapter's power saving mode:

  Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced settings → Wireless adapter settings → Power saving mode: Maximum performance

• 🔄 Update your TV's firmware LG through Settings → General information → Software update.

What should I do if my LG TV says "Format not supported"?

This error occurs when you try to play a video with an incompatible codec (for example, AV1 or VP9). Convert the file to MP4 (H.264) through HandBrake or use Plex Media Server, which transcodes video on the fly.

7. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

The method you choose depends on your needs and equipment. Below is a comparison table with recommendations.

For most users, the best choice is Miracast (if supported) or Wi-Fi Direct (for older models). If you only need to transfer media files, it will be enough DLNAThird-party programs should only be considered if problems arise with standard methods.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a laptop to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three alternative ways:

1. HDMI cable — the most stable connection without lag. Compatible with all models.
2. USB-C → HDMI - if the laptop has a port USB-C/Thunderbolt with support DisplayPort Alt Mode.
3. Bluetooth — only for transmitting sound or controlling TV (for example, via the remote control in the application) LG ThinQ).

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔈 The TV isn't selected as the audio output device on the laptop. Fix this in Sound Settings → Select Device.
• 🎵 TV LG does not support audio transmission Miracast (valid for models up to 2019). Use Bluetooth or HDMI.
• 🔧 Your sound card drivers are out of date. Update them via device Manager.

How to connect a MacBook to an LG TV via Wi-Fi?

On macOS no built-in support Miracast, but there are alternatives:

1. AirPlay - works only on TVs LG With webOS 5.0+ (2020 and newer). Turn on Settings → General → AirPlay on TV.
2. ApowerMirror or AirParrot — paid programs for screen broadcasting.
3. DLNA - through VLC or Plex for transferring media files.

For models LG older than 2020 the only reliable way is HDMI adapter (For example, USB-C to HDMI).

Is it possible to play games from a laptop on an LG TV via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🎮 For Miracast the delay will be 50–100 ms - acceptable for strategies or RPGs, but not for shooters.
• 🖱️ For Wi-Fi Direct lags reach 150–200 ms — it will be difficult to play.
• 💻 Better to use Parsec or Moonlight (for PC gaming). These programs are optimized for streaming games with lag. 20–50 ms.

For competitive games (eg. CS2, Fortnite) we recommend wired HDMI connection.

How do I update the firmware on my LG TV to support Miracast?

Instructions:

1. Connect your TV to the Internet via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings → General information → Software update.
3. Select Check for updates and follow the instructions.
4. If the update is not found, download the firmware from the website LG support, write it to a flash drive and update it manually via Settings → General information → Software update → Update from USB.

After the update, restart your TV.