How to connect a TV as a second monitor via Wi-Fi: 5 working methods

Using your TV as a second monitor Wi-Fi — a convenient solution for expanding your workspace, presenting, or viewing multimedia without unnecessary wires. However, many encounter issues such as image lag, no sound, or device incompatibility. In this article, we'll explore all the current connection methods, from built-in features Windows 11 And Miracast to third-party applications like SpaceDesk or ApowerMirror.

It is important to understand that wireless screen mirroring And using TV as a second monitor — different tasks. In the first case, you'll see a copy of your main screen on your TV; in the second, you can expand your desktop by dragging windows between devices. We'll focus on the second option, as it's popular for document management, programming, and multitasking.

Before you begin, please check:

• 📶 Yours router supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) - this is critical for minimal delays.
• 🖥️ The latest drivers are installed on your PC/laptop video cards And Wi-Fi adapter.
• 📺 The TV was released no earlier than 2018 - older models may not support modern protocols.

1. Connect via Miracast (built-in Windows function)

Miracast — a wireless image transmission standard supported by most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia) and Windows starting from version 8.1This method does not require additional software, but only works within a single Wi-Fi network.

To activate second monitor mode:

1. Turn on the function on your TV Screen Mirroring (at Samsung — Smart View, at LG — Miracast). It is usually located in the menu. Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring.
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. In the projection window, select the mode Expand (Not Duplicate!).

If your TV does not appear in the list:

• 🔄 Restart your router - sometimes changing the Wi-Fi channel helps.
• 🔧 Update your driver Intel Wireless Display (for laptops on Intel) or NVIDIA/AMD (for PCs with discrete graphics).
• 📵 Make sure that the TV is in the "Off" mode. Miracast - some models (Xiaomi Mi TV) require manual switching in the developer settings.

Your PC supports Miracast (check via Win + R → dxdiag → Save report → search for "Miracast")

The TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.

The VPN or proxy is disabled on the TV (it may block the connection)

The router is operating in the mode 802.11ac (5 GHz) for minimal lags-->

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Samsung (series QLED 2020-2022) function Screen Mirroring automatically switches to duplicate mode even if selected in Windows ExpandTo get around this, use third-party utilities like SpaceDesk (see section 3).

2. Using AirPlay for Apple devices

If you have MacBook, iPhone or iPad, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (LG OLED C1/C2, Sony X90J, Samsung QN90B and newer), you can use your TV as a second monitor without any additional software. This method ensures minimal latency and supports sound.

Instructions for macOS:

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Activate on TV AirPlay in the network settings (Settings → General → Apple AirPlay).
3. On Mac, open System Preferences → Monitors.
4. Click the button Add a monitor and select your TV.
5. In the section Location Drag the white rectangle (representing the TV) to the desired position relative to the main screen.

For iPhone/iPad:

• Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control center.
• Click Screen mirroring and select TV.
• 🔹 Limitation: On iOS, you can't extend the screen—you can only duplicate it. A second monitor requires a Mac.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung With Tizen before version 6.0 (2019 and older) may not be supported AirPlay 2 even if this feature is in the specifications. Check the software version in the menu Settings → Support → Software Update.

3. Wireless Second Monitor Apps: SpaceDesk and ApowerMirror

If built-in tools (Miracast or AirPlay) don't work, third-party utilities come to the rescue. The two most reliable options are SpaceDesk (for Windows) and ApowerMirror (cross-platform solution). Their advantage is support screen extension mode even on old TVs.

SpaceDesk (free for personal use):

• 🖥️ Install server software on PC.
• 📺 On your TV, open your browser and go to http://[your_PC_IP_address]:8081 (You can find out the IP through Win + R → cmd → ipconfig).
• 🔗 Connect as HTML5 client.
• 🎯 In Windows settings, select the mode Expand for the new display.

ApowerMirror (paid version - ~$30/year):

• 📱 Download the app to your TV (Google Play For Android TV or LG Content Store).
• 💻 Install the desktop version on your PC.
• 🔗 Connect your devices to the same network and follow the on-screen instructions.
• 🔧 Turn it on in the settings USB Debugging (for Android TV) or use PIN code for pairing.

Critical detail: When using SpaceDesk through a browser, audio is not transmitted to the TV. To stream audio, you'll need a separate solution like Voicemeeter or AudioRelay.

4. Connecting via Steam Link (for gamers)

If you plan to use your TV as a second monitor for games or streaming broadcast with a PC, the optimal solution would be Steam LinkThis app is from Valve allows you to stream images from your computer to your TV with minimal delays (up to 10–20 ms in the local network).

How to set up:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV (available for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
2. Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to the TV via Bluetooth.
3. In the settings Steam activate Enable streaming (Settings → Online).
4. Launch Steam Link on TV, select your PC and connect.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎮 Support 4K@60fps (if you have a powerful PC and a router Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔊 Audio transmission without additional settings.
• 🖱️ Possibility to use mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Attention: For stable operation Steam Link A router with support is required MU-MIMO and channel 160 MHz (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000). On budget router models, image artifacts are possible.

5. Alternative solutions: Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer

If your goal is not so much to expand the screen, but remote access to a PC with output to a TV, services like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewerThey're not ideal for gaming or video (due to lag), but they handle office tasks just fine.

Chrome Remote Desktop (for free):

• 🌐 Install the extension in the browser on your PC and TV (if your TV has it) Chrome or Edge).
• 🔑 Generate an access code on your PC and enter it on your TV.
• 🖥️ In the remote session settings, select Switch to second monitor mode.

TeamViewer (free for non-commercial use):

• 📥 Download the app on both devices.
• 🔢 Connect to your PC's ID from your TV.
• 🎛️ On the menu View activate Full screen mode and adjust the resolution to the TV size.

6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, connection

Even with proper setup, common issues can still arise. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the image slows down a bit even at 5 GHz:

• 📡 Check your channel's load using the app Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) and change the channel in the router settings.
• 🔌 Use Powerline adapters (For example, TP-Link AV1000) to connect a PC to a router via electrical wiring.
• 🔄 Reduce the resolution of the second screen in Windows settings to 1600×900.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

sudo apt install gnome-network-displays