How to Access a Device via Wi-Fi: From a TV to a Smart Home

Remote access to devices via Wi-Fi saves time and simplifies equipment management. For example, you can stream video to Smart TV from a smartphone, print documents from a laptop on a printer in another room or set up IP camera wirelessly. However, not all users know how to properly organize such a connection, especially if the devices are from different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, TP-Link) or work on different platforms (Android, iOS, Windows).

In this article we will analyze 5 working methods connecting to a device via Wi-Fi - from standard protocols like DLNA to specialized smart home applications. We will pay special attention Setting up a router for local access without the Internet, as this is the most reliable method, independent of cloud services. We'll also explain why some devices don't "see" each other on the network and how to fix it.

1. Connect to Smart TV via Wi-Fi: DLNA, Miracast and Screen Mirroring

TVs with support Smart TV (LG WebOS, Samsung Tizen, Android TV) most often connect to other devices via protocols DLNA (for media files) or Miracast (for screen duplication). Let's look at both options.

DLNA Allows you to stream photos, videos, and music from your phone or computer to your TV. To do this:

• 📱 On Android: use apps BubbleUPnP or LocalCast. Turn on the "Media Sharing" option in your TV settings (usually under Network → DLNA).
• 🖥️ On Windows: Open Media Transfer Options (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center) and allow access for your TV.
• 🍎 On iPhone: install VLC or Infuse, since the standard protocol AirPlay works only with TVs Apple TV or supporting AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+).

Miracast/Screen Mirroring Mirrors your smartphone or PC screen to your TV. Activate as follows:

• 📺 On the TV: turn on the mode Screen Mirroring (on the menu Network → Wireless or via button Source on the remote control).
• 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Connected devices → Screen mirroring and select your TV.
• 🖥️ On Windows 10/11: click Win + K and select the TV from the list.

⚠️ Note: If your TV is not displayed in the device list for Miracast, check if it supports this protocol. For example, Samsung Until 2016, it often used its own technology Screen Mirroring, incompatible with the standard Miracast.

2. Remote access to a printer or MFP via Wi-Fi

Connecting your printer to a Wi-Fi network allows you to print wirelessly from any device. The methods vary depending on the model:

For Wi-Fi printers (For example, HP OfficeJet, Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank):

1. Connect the printer to the router via WPS (button on the router) or enter the Wi-Fi password in the printer menu (Settings → Wireless Network).
2. Install the drivers from the manufacturer's official website (for example, HP Smart For HP or Epson iPrint For Epson).
3. Add a printer to the system: Windows through Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners, on Mac — System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.

For printers without Wi-Fi (USB only):

• 🖨️ Connect the printer to a router with a USB port (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer C8).
• 🌐 Enable the "Print Server" function in your router settings (USB Applications → Print Server).
• 📱 Manually set the printer's IP address on the devices (you can find it in the router's web interface).

Turn on the printer and check the ink levels.

Connect to the router (WPS or entering a password)

Install the manufacturer's official software

Check compatibility with your operating system-->

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected to the router, but does not print from the phone, check if it supports the protocol mDNS (For example, Bonjour For Apple). Some budget models require manual IP address entry in the print settings.

3. Access to an IP camera or DVR via Wi-Fi

IP cameras (Xiaomi Mi Home, TP-Link Tapo, Hikvision) and dashcams connect to Wi-Fi for remote video viewing. Basic steps:

Local access (within the home network):

1. Connect the camera to the router via manufacturer's application (For example, TP-Link Tapo or Mi Home).
2. Find the camera's IP address in your router settings (DHCP clients or Connected devices).
3. Enter the IP address into your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.100) or use software like iSpy for viewing.

Remote access (from anywhere in the world):

• 🌍 Set up port forwarding (port forwarding) on ​​the router for the camera port (usually 80, 554 or 8000).
• 🔒 Use DDNS (For example, No-IP), if you have a dynamic IP address from your provider.
• 🛡️ Enable encryption RTSP or HTTPSto protect data transmission.

How to find out the IP camera port?

The port is usually listed in the instructions or on the device's sticker. If not, check the camera's web interface (under "Network" or "Network Settings"). Popular ports:

- 80 — HTTP (web interface)

- 554 — RTSP (streaming video)

- 8000 - alternative port for some models Hikvision

For cameras with support ONVIF (For example, Dahua, Axis) you can use universal programs like ONVIF Device Manager for configuration without proprietary software.

4. Configuring the router for local access to devices

If devices can't see each other on the network, the problem often lies in the router settings. Check the following settings:

1. Single subnet for all devices

Make sure all devices are receiving IP addresses from the same range. For example, if the router is distributing addresses 192.168.1.2–192.168.1.254, and the printer has a static IP 192.168.0.100, they won't see each other. Fix this in the settings. LAN router.

2. Disabling AP Isolation

Some routers (eg. TP-Link in Guest Network mode) block communication between devices. Disable this option. AP Isolation or Client Isolation in the section Wireless Mode → Advanced Settings.

3. Enabling multicast (for DLNA and IP cameras)

Protocols like DLNA And RTSP use multicast traffic, which may be blocked by your router. Enable multicast support in the settings. IGMP (usually in the section Local Area Network → IGMP Snooping).

5. Remote access to devices via cloud services

If local setup is too complex, you can use cloud services from manufacturers:

• 📺 For Smart TV: Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ.
• 🖨️ For printers: HP Smart, Epson Connect, Google Cloud Print (outdated, but some devices still support it).
• 📹 For cameras: Xiaomi Cloud, TP-Link Tapo Care, YooSee (For HiWatch).

Cloud services are convenient, but they have their downsides:

• ⚠️ Internet dependence - without connection, access will be lost.
• 🔒 Risk of data leakage (especially for cameras that record to the cloud).
• 💰 Fees for advanced features (e.g. TP-Link Tapo Care (requires a subscription to store videos longer than 7 days).

6. Troubleshooting connection issues

If your device won't connect to Wi-Fi or isn't responding, check:

1. Compatibility of Wi-Fi standards

Legacy devices (e.g. printers Canon MG3500 or cameras Foscam FI8910W) can only work with the standard 802.11n (2.4 GHz). If the router is configured to 802.11ac (5 GHz), they will not connect. Solution:

• 📶 Switch your router to the mode 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz only).
• 🔄 Enable support WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in the router settings.

2. Firewall and antivirus

Programs like Kaspersky, Avast or built-in firewall Windows may block access. Add device IP addresses to exceptions or temporarily disable protection to test.

3. Firmware update

Outdated firmware on your router or device often causes problems. Update the firmware through the router's web interface (Administration → Software Update) or the official device application.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the router firmware the devices stop connecting, perform a reset (Reset) and set up the network again. Some manufacturers (for example, ASUS) change the menu structure after updates.

7. Remote Access Security

Open access to devices via Wi-Fi can be dangerous. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords for Wi-Fi (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Turn it off WPS on the router - this protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
• 🌐 For IP cameras, configure VLAN or a separate guest network to isolate them from the main devices.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware of your router and devices (especially critical for IoT devices like Xiaomi or Tuya).

If you are setting up port forwarding For remote access, it is necessary:

• 🔒 Change the default port (for example, from 80 on 8085).
• 🔑 Set up fail2ban on the router (if supported) to block password guessing.
• 📡 Use VPN (For example, WireGuard or OpenVPN) instead of direct port forwarding.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect to the device via Wi-Fi without a router (directly)?

Yes, some devices support the mode. Wi-Fi Direct or Ad-Hoc:

• 📱 Android: turn on Wi-Fi Direct in the settings and connect to your TV or printer.
• 🖥️ Windows: create Ad-Hoc network via command line (netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow).

However, in this mode, there will be no Internet access, and the connection speed will be lower than through a router.

Why doesn't the TV see the phone via Wi-Fi, even though they are on the same network?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📵 It's turned off on the TV DLNA or Miracast.
• 🔄 The devices are connected to different Wi-Fi bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
• 🛡️ The firewall on your phone or router is blocking the connection.

Solution: Check the network settings on both devices and reboot the router.

How to connect to a printer via Wi-Fi from an iPhone?

On iPhone use:

• 📱 Manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Epson iPrint).
• 🖨️ Function AirPrint (supported by most modern printers).
• 🌐 Cloud printing via Google Drive or Dropbox (upload the file and select "Print").

If the printer does not support AirPrint, try connecting it to the router and specifying the IP address manually in the print settings.

Is it possible to access the device via Wi-Fi from another country?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Tune port forwarding on the router.
2. Use DDNS (if the provider has a dynamic IP).
3. Connect via VPN or TeamViewer (for PC).

Please note that some ISPs block incoming connections to home IP addresses.

What devices can't be connected via Wi-Fi?

The following devices do not connect to Wi-Fi:

• 🖥️ Old printers without a Wi-Fi module (USB or LPT only).
• 📺 TVs produced before 2010 (without Smart TV).
• 🎮 Consoles PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 (only via cable or adapters).

For such devices use USB-Wi-Fi adapters or Ethernet-Wi-Fi bridges (For example, TP-Link TL-WR702N).