Modern multimedia systems allow you to turn ordinary viewing of content into a real cinema, using a large screen LG Smart TVApple smartphone owners often face the need to display high-quality images from a small display on a 55- or 65-inch panel. Fortunately, the ecosystem Apple and software webOS from LG interact perfectly with each other thanks to wireless data transmission technology.
The main tool for implementing this task is the protocol AirPlay 2, which is built into most modern TV models from the South Korean brand. This allows you to stream video, photos, and even mirror the entire screen without the need for extra cables and adapters. Picture quality remains high, and latency is minimal if the network is configured correctly.
However, the process doesn't always go smoothly on the first try, as there are many nuances associated with firmware versions and router settings. It is critical that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi subnet and not simply connected to the same router via guest access. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps, possible errors, and troubleshooting steps to ensure stable operation of your multimedia system.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
Before setting up, you need to make sure your equipment technically supports wireless streaming. Not all LG TV models, even those with Smart TV functionality, have built-in AirPlay support. Typically, this technology is available on models released after 2018 and running webOS 4.0 or higher.
You'll need to check your TV model, which is usually listed on a sticker on the back of the TV or in the system menu. If you have an older model, don't worry, as alternative software solutions exist, but native support ensures the best stability. Also, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
Connection stability directly depends on the power of your wireless router. If the router is located too far from the TV or behind thick walls, the video stream may be interrupted or have reduced quality. For 4K video streaming, the 5 GHz band is recommended, as it offers higher throughput.
- 📺 LG TV with AirPlay 2 support (2018 models and newer)
- 📱 iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS/iPadOS
- 📡 A Wi-Fi router that supports 802.11ac or ax (Wi-Fi 5/6)
- 🔌 Stable power supply for all devices during setup
Setting up a Wi-Fi network for uninterrupted transmission
The foundation of successful streaming is proper local network configuration. Users often make the mistake of connecting their phone to a 4G/5G mobile internet connection and their TV to their home Wi-Fi. In this case, the devices won't physically "see" each other because they're on different network segments.
Both devices must be connected to the same wireless network. If your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), it's best to have both devices connected to the 5 GHz network for maximum speed. However, if the devices are located far from the router, the 2.4 GHz band will provide a more stable, albeit slower, signal.
Some corporate networks or complex home systems with mesh routers may have AP Isolation enabled. This prevents devices connected to the Wi-Fi network from communicating with each other for security reasons. For AirPlay to work, this feature must be disabled in the router settings.
| Network parameter | Recommended value | Impact on broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 5 GHz | High speed, less interference |
| Security protocol | WPA2/WPA3 | Protection from unauthorized access |
| Isolation of clients | Disabled | Allows communication between iPhone and TV |
| Wi-Fi channel | Auto or free | Reduces interference levels |
Activating AirPlay on an LG TV
After checking the network, you need to activate the signal receiver on the TV. This feature may be enabled by default on newer LG models, but on older firmware versions, it must be activated manually through the settings menu. The interface may differ slightly depending on the webOS version, but the steps remain the same.
Take the remote control Magic Remote and click the gear button to enter the settings menu. You'll need to find the section responsible for general system settings or connecting external devices. In some interface versions, this menu is called "Support" or "Connection."
⚠️ Note: If you can't find the AirPlay option in the menu, check for system updates. The feature may have been added by the manufacturer in a later software version.Inside the menu, find the item
Apple AirPlay and HomeKitGo to this section and toggle the switch to the "On" position. Here you can also set up an access code: you can set an automatic code that changes each time you connect, or set a permanent PIN code to simplify the process.☑️ Setting up AirPlay on TV
Completed: 0 / 4Starting a broadcast from iPhone
Once your TV is ready to receive a signal, you can proceed to setting up your smartphone. The image display process depends on what you want to stream: video from a specific app (YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk) or the entire device screen (games, presentations, photos).
To start a video from within apps, find the standard streaming icon—a rectangle with waves in the corner. Tap it and select your LG TV from the list. The video will start playing on the big screen, and you can use your phone as a remote control or set it aside.
If you need to mirror your entire screen, for example, to show a presentation or a game that doesn't support native streaming, use the Screen Mirroring feature. Open Control center on iPhone (swipe down from the upper right corner on newer models or swipe up from the bottom on models with a button).
Click on the icon with two rectangles (
Screen mirroring). Select your TV from the list that appears. If this is your first time pairing, a connection request with a code may appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your smartphone screen to confirm pairing.What to do if the TV is not found?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone—it's used for initial AirPlay device discovery. Also, try restarting your router.
Using the LG TV Plus app
In situations where native AirPlay is unstable or your TV model doesn't support this technology, you can use the manufacturer's official app. LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote) allows you to control your TV and stream media content from your phone.
Download the app from the App Store and launch it. The program will automatically scan the network and prompt you to connect to your TV. Once paired (confirm the code on the TV screen), you'll gain access to the advanced control menu.
In the application interface, select a section
Mediaor "Media." Here you can select files stored on your iPhone and send them for playback. The app also allows you to mirror Safari browser tabs, which is a great alternative to full screen mirroring.
- 📲 Ability to control the TV as a remote control
- 🖼️ Broadcast photos and videos from your gallery
- 🌐 Sending web pages to the big screen
- ⌨️ Use your phone's keyboard to enter text on TV
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper setup, technical issues can still occur. Most often, users encounter a situation where the TV appears in the list, but the connection fails, or the video lags. This can be caused by a full network cache or a temporary glitch in the Bonjour service, which is responsible for discovering devices on the Apple network.
Try rebooting both devices. Unplug your TV for 30 seconds to reset the power circuits, and reboot your iPhone. It's also recommended to reboot your router, as it may have exhausted its IP address pool or encountered a software error.
⚠️ Caution: Antivirus programs or firewalls on your computer, if they manage the network, may block the ports required for AirPlay to work (usually UDP ports 5353).If the issue persists, check the date and time on both devices. Clocks out of sync for more than a few minutes may result in connection authorization failure due to security certificate errors. Set automatic time synchronization over the network.
Alternative methods of broadcasting via third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, third-party applications from the App Store come to the rescue, such as Replica, TV Cast or Web Video CasterThese programs use their own algorithms for screen capture and data transfer, often ignoring some iOS system limitations.
Most of these apps work by installing a server/receiver on your TV (via the LG Content Store) or use the DLNA protocol. You'll need to install the appropriate app on both your TV and iPhone, then follow the in-app instructions to pair.
It's worth keeping in mind that free versions of these apps often contain ads or have session time limits. However, for a one-time streaming of a large file or a specific video, they may be the only viable solution for older devices.
Why does AirPlay video streaming keep interrupting?
This is most often due to an unstable Wi-Fi signal. Try moving closer to the router or turning off other devices consuming bandwidth (torrents, downloads). Also, make sure heavy apps are closed on the TV.
Is it possible to transmit sound only to external speakers?
Yes, if your speaker supports AirPlay 2 or is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. In Control Center, tap the audio output icon and select the desired device. The video will remain on the TV screen.
How to improve image quality when there are lags?
In the settings of the app you're streaming from, try reducing the video quality from 4K to 1080p. This will significantly reduce the load on your Wi-Fi channel and eliminate image stuttering.