How to watch movies from your phone on an LG Smart TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

Modern LG Smart TV support wireless streaming of content from a phone, but not all users know how to set up the connection correctly. If you tried to send a movie from Android or iPhone If you're trying to connect to a TV but are experiencing connection errors, video freezing, or no sound, these instructions will help you figure out the causes and choose the best method.

The main problem is the diversity of protocols: Miracast, DLNA, Google Cast and branded solutions LG work differently. For example, Screen Share (built-in function LG) may not support formats .mkv with multi-channel sound, and DLNA- the server on the phone is slow when broadcasting 4KWe've tested all current methods and compiled a checklist with nuances for each technology.

In this article you will find:

  • 🔹 Comparison of 5 methods broadcasts (with bit rate and format support)
  • 🔹 Step-by-step instructions For Android And iOS with menu screenshots LG TV
  • 🔹 Compatibility table protocols with models LG (2018–2026)
  • 🔹 Solutions to common mistakes: "Device not found", "No sound", "Lagging playback"
📊 What protocol do you usually use for streaming?
Miracast/DLNA
Google Cast (Chromecast)
Firmware LG (Screen Share)
Apps like VLC
I don't know what this is

1. Preparing your TV and phone: essential settings

Before broadcasting, make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networkIf the TV uses 5 GHz, and the phone is 2.4 GHz, the connection will be impossible. Check the network for LG TV you can in the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection.

On the phone Android open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi and make sure the mode is enabled Visibility for other devices (in some firmware it is called WLAN Direct or Wi-Fi Direct). On iPhone This option is activated automatically the first time you connect to Apple TV or compatible device.

Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Screen Share/Miracast mode is enabled on the TV. Media streaming over the local network is enabled on the phone. VPN and proxy are disabled (they may block the broadcast). Free space on the TV is checked (for buffering).

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Critical setting for LG TV: on the menu Settings → General → Mobile devices the item must be included LG Connect Apps (or TV Cast (in new models). Without this, the TV will not appear in the list of available screens on the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If you are using guest network on the router or a function like "Client Isolation" (AP Isolation), the broadcast will not work. These modes block communication between devices on the local network.

2. Method 1: Screen Share (LG built-in function)

The most reliable method for owners LG Smart TV 2019 and newer. Technology Screen Share uses the protocol Miracast, but with manufacturer optimizations. Supports screen mirroring of the entire screen or just media files (without the phone interface).

How to turn on on TV:

  1. On the remote control LG press the button Home (home).
  2. Go to Settings → Connection → Screen Share.
  3. Select Miracast or LG Screen Share (depending on the model).
  4. Wait for the inscription to appear "Ready to connect".

How to connect from your phone:

  • Android: open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (or Smart View at Samsung). Choose yours LG TV from the list.
  • iPhone: use the function Screen Mirroring V Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
What should I do if my TV is not showing up in the list?

1. Reboot the router and both devices.

2. On the TV in the menu Screen Share select "Reset connection settings".

3. On the phone Android enable developer mode (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times) and activate Debugging over Wi-Fi V Developer settings.

4. If you use iPhone, make sure that in Settings → General → Restrictions Screen sharing is allowed.

Screen Share on LG TV supports streaming in up to 4K resolution, but only if the phone and TV are connected to a 5 GHz network. On a 2.4 GHz network, the maximum quality is 1080p with a bitrate of up to 10 Mbps.

3. Method 2: DLNA server (for files, not screen)

Protocol DLNA allows you to broadcast media files only (video, music, photos), but not the entire phone screen. The advantage of this method is the absence of lag when playing large files (for example, .mkv With DTS-sound), since the content streams directly from phone to TV without re-encoding.

Setting up on TV:

  1. Go to Settings → Network → DLNA.
  2. Enable the option Remote Control or Media Server.
  3. In the main menu LG an application will appear Photo & Video or Media Player - open it.

Setting up on your phone:

  • Android: use applications BubbleUPnP, VLC or built-in "Transfer to device" in the gallery. In VLC Click on the file → Play on device → select LG TV.
  • iPhone: install DLNA application (For example, iMediaShare or 8player).
File format Screen Share (Miracast) DLNA Google Cast
.mp4 (H.264) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
.mkv (H.265) ❌ No (screen only) ✅ Yes (with recoding) ⚠️ Partially (depending on TV model)
.avi (Xvid) ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No
DTS/AC3 sound ❌ No (PCM only) ✅ Yes (if your TV supports it) ⚠️ Only on LG OLED 2022+
⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via DLNA some models LG (for example, series UK6300) do not support subtitles in the format .srtTo make them visible, embed them into the video using programs like MKVToolNix.

4. Method 3: Google Cast (Chromecast) for Android and iOS

If your LG Smart TV supports Google Cast (built-in in models with webOS 4.0 and newer), you can use applications like YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos for live broadcasting. The main difference from Miracast: content streams directly from the internet, not from your phone, which reduces the load on the battery.

How to use:

  1. Make sure that the TV menu has Settings → General → Devices the item is included Google Cast.
  2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube) on the phone.
  3. Tap on the icon "Broadcast" (usually in the upper right corner).
  4. Choose yours LG TV from the list.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🔸 Works only with online content (cannot stream local files).
  • 🔸 On iPhone application installation required Google Home.
  • 🔸 Some services (for example, Kodi) block the broadcast due to DRM.

5. Method 4: Manufacturer's applications (LG TV Plus)

Official app LG TV Plus (available for Android And iOS) allows you to not only stream content but also control your TV as a remote control. Supports sending photos, videos and music directly to the media player LG, as well as screen duplication (analog Miracast).

How to set up:

  1. Download LG TV Plus from App Store or Google Play.
  2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. In the app, click Connect to TV and select your model.
  4. To stream files, go to the tab Media and select the desired file.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔹 More stable Miracast on weak routers.
  • 🔹 Supports playlists and file folders.
  • 🔹 You can stream 3D content (if TV supports it).

Cons:

  • 🔸 The app may "forget" connected devices after an update.
  • 🔸 On iPhone No screencast support (media files only).

6. Method 5: Third-party applications (VLC, Kodi, Plex)

If built-in methods don't work, use universal media players. For example, VLC can stream video over DLNA, UPnP and even SMB (network folders). Kodi on TV + Yatse on the phone allows you to organize a full-fledged media server.

Instructions for VLC:

  1. Install VLC on the phone and TV (via LG Content Store).
  2. On your phone, open the file in VLC, tap on the icon "Broadcast".
  3. Select "UPnP/DLNA" and indicate yours LG TV.

Instructions for Plex:

  1. Install Plex Media Server on a PC or NAS.
  2. Add movie folders to the library Plex.
  3. Install the app on your TV Plex and log in.
  4. You can control playback from your phone via the app Plex.
⚠️ Attention: When using Kodi on LG TV (through sideload) sound in the format may be blocked DTS:X due to restrictions webOSSolution: Convert the audio to AC3 or PCM before the broadcast.

7. Solving typical problems

1. The TV is not visible in the list of devices:

  • 🔹 Reboot your router (sometimes DHCP doesn't assign the correct IP addresses).
  • 🔹 On the TV menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct turn on the mode Always available.
  • 🔹 If you use Miracast, make sure that the phone is turned off Power saving mode (it blocks background data transfer).

2. The video slows down or stops:

  • 🔹 Switch from 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa - sometimes 2.4 GHz more stable over longer distances).
  • 🔹 Disable it in your router settings QoS or Band Steering (they may prioritize traffic incorrectly).
  • 🔹 For DLNA Reduce the video bitrate to 8 Mbps by using HandBrake.

3. No sound during broadcast:

  • 🔹 On LG TV on the menu Sound → Sound Output select "TV Speaker" (sometimes it gets confused HDMI ARC).
  • 🔹 If you use Miracast, sound may not be transmitted due to restrictions webOS. Try it. DLNA.
  • 🔹 On iPhone check if the mode is on Quiet mode (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
Why is there no sound when using Miracast on some LG TVs?

In models LG on webOS 3.5 and below is the protocol Miracast It only transmits video, but the sound comes through the phone's speaker. Solution:

1. Connect an external sound system to the TV via Optical Out.

2. Use DLNA or Google Cast instead of Miracast.

3. Update your TV firmware (in new versions webOS (The problem has been fixed).

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Criterion Screen Share (Miracast) DLNA Google Cast LG TV Plus VLC/Kodi
Local file support ✅ (full screen) ✅ (media only) ❌ (online only) ✅ ✅
Max. permission 4K (at 5 GHz) 4K 1080p 1080p 4K
Lag 200–500 ms 50–200 ms 100–300 ms 150–400 ms 50–150 ms
iPhone support ✅ (screen only) ✅ (with attachments) ✅ ⚠️ (media only) ✅
Difficulty of setup ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆

Recommendations for selection:

  • 🎬 For high quality movies: DLNA (through VLC or BubbleUPnP).
  • 📱 To duplicate your screen: Screen Share (on Android) or LG TV Plus.
  • 🌐 For online content: Google Cast (YouTube, Netflix).
  • 🍎 For iPhone: LG TV Plus or Apple AirPlay (if TV supports it).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream a movie from your phone to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but only through Wi-Fi Direct or USB-OTG:

  • 🔹 Wi-Fi Direct: turn on the TV Wi-Fi Direct on the menu Net, and on your phone, connect to the created access point.
  • 🔹 USB-OTG: Connect your phone to the TV's USB port using an adapter OTG (does not work on all models) LG).

Both methods have limitations: Wi-Fi Direct often breaks off, and USB-OTG does not support all formats.

Why is the video lagging even though the internet is fast?

The problem is not the internet speed, but local networkReasons:

  • 🔹 The router is overloaded (turn off other devices).
  • 🔹 An outdated standard is used 802.11n (needed) 802.11ac for 4K).
  • 🔹 In the settings LG TV mode is on Energy Saving (turn off in Settings → General).

Solution: Connect your phone and TV to the router via cable (via an adapter) USB-Ethernet for phone) or use Powerline adapters.

How to stream a movie with subtitles?

Methods depending on the method:

  • 🔹 DLNA: subtitles in format .srt must be in the same folder as the video and have the same name (for example, film.mkv + film.srt).
  • 🔹 Miracast/Screen Share: Subtitles are not transmitted. Solution: embed them into the video via MKVToolNix.
  • 🔹 VLC/Kodi: Support external subtitles - select file .srt manually during playback.
Is it possible to stream from a phone to an LG TV via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

  • 🔹 Create access point on your phone and connect your TV to it.
  • 🔹 Use DLNA or VLC for broadcasting (Miracast will not work).
  • 🔹 Please note that your traffic will be doubled (your phone downloads the video and streams it to your TV).

For 4K-content will require a tariff with unlimited Internet - 5 minutes of video in the resolution 2160p "eat" ~1.5 GB.

Why is there no sound on my LG TV when streaming via Miracast from Android?

This is a known issue. webOS before version 5.0Solutions:

  1. Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
  2. In the phone settings (Settings → Sound) turn it off Sound Enhancement or "Effects".
  3. Use alternative methods: DLNA or Google Cast.

If nothing helps, connect an external sound system to the TV via HDMI ARC or Optical.

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