How to Use Wi-Fi Direct on an LG TV After Connection: A Complete Guide (2026)

You have successfully connected your smartphone, laptop or other device to your TV. LG through Wi-Fi Direct, but don't know what to do next? This technology opens up the possibility of wireless content transfer without a router, but many users encounter difficulties when first using it. Unlike the classic Miracast or DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV requires a special approach to setting up and managing the connection.

In this article we will look at All available Wi-Fi Direct features on LG TVs from 2018 to 2026, including hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't advertise. You'll learn how to stream video from your phone without lag, transfer photos in original quality, and configure the connection so it doesn't drop when switching apps. We'll pay special attention to models with webOS 4.0–23, where the technology's operating algorithm differs from earlier versions.

What you can do with Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV: a complete list of features

Many people mistakenly believe that Wi-Fi Direct The TV is only needed for mirroring your smartphone's screen. In reality, the range of possibilities is much broader—from file transfer to using the TV as a wireless monitor for a PC. Here's the full list of available options:

• 📱 Screen Mirroring — mirroring your Android/iOS screen to your TV (Miracast alternative).
• 🎬 Media streaming — playback of video/music from a mobile device directly on TV (without downloading to TV memory).
• 📁 File transfer — sending photos, documents and archives from your phone to your TV (and back on some models).
• 🖥️ Second monitor mode - connecting a laptop/PC to a TV as a wireless display (requires support WiDi or AirPlay).
• 🎮 Game mode - streaming games from a PC or cloud services (for example, GeForce NOW) with minimal delay.

It's important to understand that not all features are available on all models. For example, TVs LG OLED C1/C2 (2021–2022) support file transfer in both directions, while budget series UK6300 or UN7300 can only receive content. To check your model's capabilities, check the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Advanced.

How to enable and configure Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV: step-by-step instructions

If you've just connected your device to your TV but aren't sure all the settings are set up correctly, follow these instructions. This applies to webOS 4.0–23 (models 2018–2026).

1. Activating Wi-Fi Direct on your TV:

   Go to Settings (⚙️) → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and turn on the switch. The TV will become visible to other devices within a radius of about 10 meters.

2. Connecting a smartphone (Android):

   Open it on your phone Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct (on Samsung) or Settings → Network → Advanced → Wi-Fi Direct (on Xiaomi/Redmi). Choose yours LG TV from the list and confirm the connection.

3. Connecting iPhone/iPad:

   On devices Apple use Control Center → Screen Mirroring and select your TV. To transfer files, you will need a third-party app (for example, FileExplorer).

4. Security settings:

   By default, the connection is not encrypted. To protect the data transferred, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Security and set a password (not available on all models).

If your TV doesn't see your device, check:

• 🔄 Restart both devices (sometimes resetting the network settings on the TV helps) Settings → General → Reset).
• 📶 Make sure the distance between devices does not exceed 7-10 meters, and there are no thick walls or metal objects in the way.
• 🔒 On some models LG (For example, NanoCell NANO85) you need to manually allow the connection in the menu Wi-Fi Direct → Manage Devices.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG 2020 and newer (eg CX/OLED55C1) After connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, internet access is automatically disabled. To restore the network, go to Settings → Network → Internet connection and select your router manually.

How to transfer files from your phone to your LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct

One of the most popular features is the ability to transfer photos, videos, and documents directly to a TV without using flash drives or cloud services. The process varies depending on the smartphone's operating system.

For Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.)

1. Connect to TV via Wi-Fi Direct (as described above).
2. Open Gallery or File manager, select the files you want and click "Share".
3. From the list of options, select Wi-Fi Direct or LG TV [model].
4. Confirm the program on your TV (a notification will appear in the upper right corner of the screen).

For iPhone/iPad

On iOS There are no standard tools for transferring files via Wi-Fi Direct. You'll need a third-party app, such as:

• 📲 FileExplorer — allows you to send files to your TV as if it were a network drive.
• 📲 Send Anywhere — generates a QR code for quick transfer.
• 📲 LG TV Plus (official) - supports a limited set of formats.

The transmission speed depends on the TV model:

Streaming Video and Music: How to Avoid Lags and Freezes

The main problem when playing content through Wi-Fi Direct - delays and "slowdowns". This is due to the fact that the technology uses the same frequency 2.4 GHz, like regular Wi-Fi, but without the multimedia optimization. Here's how to minimize lag:

• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi Direct channel: Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Advanced → Channel and select 1, 6 or 11 - they are the least susceptible to interference.
• 🔄 Disable background apps: On your smartphone, close all programs except the player. On your TV, turn it off. Live tiles V Settings → Display → Home screen.
• 🎵 For music use Bluetooth: If you're streaming audio, it's best to connect via Bluetooth—the latency will be lower than via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔧 Lower the resolution: Set the maximum resolution in the player settings on your phone. 720p for smooth playback.

For streaming with YouTube or Netflix It's better to use the TV's built-in apps rather than screen mirroring. If you need to show content from an app that isn't on your TV, webOS (For example, TikTok or Twitch), follow the instructions:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct and connect your smartphone.
2. On your phone, open the desired application and start the video.
3. Bring up the notification panel and tap "Broadcast" (or "Smart View» on Samsung).
4. Choose yours LG TV from the list.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG With webOS 5.0 and older (2020–2026) when streaming via Wi-Fi Direct, the sound is automatically muted through HDMI ARCTo restore sound to the soundbar, go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select Internal speakers or Optical.

Using LG TV as a wireless monitor for a PC or laptop

If your laptop or PC supports WiDi (Intel Wireless Display) or MiracastYou can use your TV as a second screen wirelessly. This is convenient for presentations, gaming, or working with graphics. To do this:

1. Turn on the TV Wi-Fi Direct and remember the network name (for example, DIRECT-LG-WebOS_XX).
2. On PC with Windows 10/11 click Win + P and select "Connect to a wireless display».
3. Find your TV in the list and connect. When prompted, enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.
4. In the screen settings (Win + I → System → Display) select the duplicate or extend mode.

For MacBook third-party software will be required, for example AirParrot or Reflector, because macOS does not support Miracast directly.

Important nuances:

• 🖥️ Screen resolution: Maximum supported resolution - 1920×1080 at 60 Hz. On 4K TVs (For example, LG OLED A1) the image will be automatically scaled.
• 🎮 Lag in games: For cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud) use a wired connection HDMI — Wi-Fi Direct latency can reach 100–150 ms.
• 🔌 Nutrition: With prolonged use, your laptop's battery may drain faster due to active wireless transmission. Please connect it to a power outlet.

Why does the image on the TV flicker when connected as a monitor?

This is due to the automatic screen refresh rate switching. On a PC, set a fixed 60Hz in the graphics settings (for NVIDIA: Control Panel → Display → Change resolution → Refresh rate).

Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi Direct issues on LG TVs

Even after a successful connection, users still encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the above methods help, reset the network settings on your TV:

1. Go to Settings → All settings → Network → Network reset.
2. Confirm the action (the TV will reboot).
3. Re-enable Wi-Fi Direct and try connecting again.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG 2019 and older (e.g. SM9000) After a network reset, you may lose access to some streaming services (for example, Disney+). In this case, update the firmware via Settings → Support → Software Update.

Hidden Wi-Fi Direct Features on LG TVs You Didn't Know About

The manufacturer doesn't advertise all the technology's capabilities. Here are a few features available on most models:

• 📺 Guest access mode: On some TVs (eg. LG G1) you can create a temporary Wi-Fi Direct session that will automatically disconnect after 30 minutes. This is convenient for sharing content without the risk of unauthorized access. Activated in Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Guest Mode.
• 🔄 Automatic connection: Save the device to the trusted list (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Manage devices), and the TV will connect to it automatically when turned on.
• 📡 Signal Boost: If the connection is unstable, in the menu Wi-Fi Direct → More you can enable the option "Signal amplifier» (available on models with webOS 6.0+).
• 🎛️ Setting up traffic priority: In the same menu you can set the priority for the video (Multimedia), games (Low latency) or file transfer (Max. speed).

On TVs LG OLED ZX (2020) and newer there is another hidden option - Direct Play modeIt allows you to play video from external devices without re-encoding, reducing latency to 20–30 ms. To activate it:

1. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On the remote control, press and hold the button ⚙️ (Settings) 5 seconds until the developer menu appears.
3. Select Direct Play Mode → On.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV

Is it possible to connect multiple devices simultaneously via Wi-Fi Direct?

No, LG TV supports connection only one device via Wi-Fi Direct at a time. For simultaneous streaming from multiple sources, use a router and the DLNA or AirPlay 2 (on 2020 and newer models).

Why don't some file formats open on TV when transferring files?

Televisions LG support a limited set of formats:

• Video: MP4 (H.264), MKV (H.265), AVI (Xvid).
• Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV.
• Photo: JPEG, PNG, BMP.

For other formats, use converters (for example, HandBrake for video).

How do I disable automatic connection to Wi-Fi Direct?

Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Manage devices, select the device from the list and click "Delete" or "Forget" On some models (webOS 5.0+) there is a separate option "Auto-connection" - turn it off.

Is it possible to connect a TV to the Internet via Wi-Fi Direct?

No, Wi-Fi Direct intended for direct connection of devices only without internet accessTo connect your TV to the network, connect it to the router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Why isn't Wi-Fi Direct file transfer working on my iPhone?

Apple limits the functionality of Wi-Fi Direct in iOSTo transfer files, use:

• Third party applications (FileExplorer, Send Anywhere).
• Cloud services (iCloud, Google Drive) and then opened on TV via a browser.
• Wired connection via Lightning → USB (if the TV supports USB OTG).