Modern smart TVs Smartphones have ceased to be simple devices for receiving broadcast signals, becoming powerful multimedia centers capable of playing content from the internet. However, mobile device screens are often more convenient for navigating movie catalogs, viewing personal photo galleries, or showing work presentations. This naturally raises the question: how to quickly and without loss of quality stream content from a smartphone display to a larger screen. LG Smart TV, using only your home WiFi network.
There are several proven methods that allow you to organize wireless connection between a gadget and a TV, each with its own features and software requirements. The optimal method depends on your phone's operating system (Android or iOS), your LG TV model (different versions of WebOS), and the availability of third-party apps. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the system's native features, such as Miracast And AirPlay 2, and we will also consider the work of specialized programs for streaming video files.
For successful synchronization, it's critical that both devices are on the same local network, meaning they're connected to the same router. Trying to connect your phone via 4G/5G mobile internet and your TV via WiFi will fail, as the devices simply won't "see" each other in the network environment. Before setting up, make sure your router supports the standard. DLNA and does not have Client Isolation enabled, which often blocks interaction between gadgets within the network.
Basic requirements and equipment preparation
Before proceeding with the active setup phase, you need to ensure that your equipment is compatible and ready to transmit data. Most modern TVs LG, released after 2018, run on the operating system WebOS, which has built-in support for wireless broadcast protocols. Older models may require additional apps from the store. LG Content Store or using external adapters.
The first step should always be checking the software versions. Outdated TV firmware may not contain the necessary drivers to work with new versions of Android or iOS. Go to the settings menu, select General → About TV → Check for updates and if the system offers a new version, be sure to install it.
It's also worth paying attention to the WiFi signal frequency. For transmitting high-resolution video (Full HD and 4K), it's recommended to use the band 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput than the traditional 2.4 GHz band. If your router is dual-band, make sure both your phone and TV are connected to the 5 GHz network to avoid lag and image artifacts.
⚠️ Note: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (SSID) for 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, devices may automatically switch between them, resulting in connection interruptions. For stable operation, it's best to separate the network names in your router settings.
Using Screen Share (Miracast) on Android
The most universal way for Android smartphone owners is technology Miracast, which LG implemented under the name Screen ShareThis protocol allows you to stream your screen image in real time without lag, making it ideal for gaming or demonstrating app interfaces. Unlike DLNA, which only transfers files, Miracast clones the phone's entire screen.
To start using the LG TV remote control, press the button Input or select the icon from the application launcher menu Screen ShareA message saying "Ready to connect" will appear on the screen. Now go to your smartphone's settings. On Samsung devices, this feature is called Smart View, in Xiaomi — Broadcast or Cast, in pure Android - Screencasting.
Once the feature is activated, the phone will begin searching for available devices. When yours appears in the list LG TV, tap it. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen. Allow it using the remote. If the connection is successful, the image from your phone will appear on the big screen.
☑️ Screen Share Checklist
It is worth noting that some content-protected apps (such as Netflix or online cinemas) may block image transmission via Miracast due to copyright protection policies. HDCPIn such cases, the screen may remain black, although sound will still play. For viewing licensed content, it's best to use the built-in apps on the TV itself.
Stream from iPhone and iPad via AirPlay 2
Owners of Apple technology are the luckiest, as modern LG TVs support the technology AirPlay 2 Natively. This means you don't need to install any additional apps on your TV—everything works out of the box, software-wise. AirPlay traditionally delivers higher image and sound quality, and minimal latency.
To start broadcasting, make sure that in the settings on your TV Connection and control → AirPlay the feature is activated. Then on your iPhone or iPad, open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner on new models or swipe up on older models). Tap the icon Screen mirroring (two intersecting rectangles).
In the list that appears, select your TV. LGIf this is your first time pairing, a four-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Enter it on your iPhone to pair. After that, your smartphone's screen will be mirrored on the TV. You can switch between apps, reply to messages, and see everything on the big screen.
What to do if AirPlay isn't working?
If your TV isn't visible in the AirPlay list, try rebooting your router. Also, make sure AP Isolation isn't enabled on your router. Sometimes, temporarily disabling your smartphone's VPN can help, if you're using one.
A key advantage of AirPlay is the ability to play videos from apps (such as YouTube or VLC) without locking the phone's screen. In this mode, the phone acts as a remote control, and the video stream is streamed directly from the TV, saving battery life and allowing the device to be used for other tasks.
Video Streaming Apps: LG TV Plus and Third Parties
If standard methods don't satisfy you in terms of functionality or quality, you can use specialized apps. Official app LG TV Plus (formerly LG TV Remote) not only controls your TV but also transfers photos and videos from your phone. However, more advanced users have more powerful alternatives.
One of the best solutions is the app Web Video Caster or BubbleUPnPThey allow you to stream video files directly to your TV player, bypassing screencasting. This means your phone stays cool and battery life is minimal, as the TV decodes the video stream itself. Simply open the video in the app, tap the Cast button, and select LG WebOS.
Another popular option is to use a media server. You can install the server on a computer or NAS storage. DLNA (for example, Plex or Kodi), while the TV and phone act as clients. This is ideal for a home media library with large 4K HDR files, which can be a bit sluggish when mirrored over WiFi.
| Method | Transmission type | Delay | DRM support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Share (Miracast) | Screen mirroring | Low | Partial |
| AirPlay 2 | Mirroring / Streaming | Minimum | Full |
| DLNA / In-app Cast | Streaming video | Absent | Full |
| LG TV Plus | Files / Photos | N/A | No |
Setting up a DLNA server to access files
Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) remains one of the most reliable ways to view local content. Unlike mirroring, DLNA allows the TV to independently read files from a phone or computer. This requires a server app installed on the phone, such as VLC for Mobile or BubbleUPnP.
After launching the server in the app on your phone, go to your LG TV and open the app. Photos and videos or Media Connection (Depending on your webOS version). Your smartphone should appear in the list of available devices. Logging in will give you access to all shared media files.
This method is especially useful if you want to share vacation photos with friends or watch a high-quality movie downloaded that's not available online. The main advantage is that it's independent of your phone's interface: you can turn off your smartphone's screen or leave the house (if remote access is set up), and the movie will continue playing on your TV.
However, it's important to remember about WiFi speed limitations. If your router is old or the signal is weak, viewing large files (over 20-30 Gbps) may be accompanied by buffering. In such cases, direct connection via LAN cable for the TV, which will free up the wireless channel for other devices.
Solving connection and quality issues
Even with proper setup, users may encounter issues: the image flickers, the audio lags behind the video, or the TV doesn't detect the phone at all. Most often, this is due to a congested WiFi channel. If there are many neighboring networks in your home, try changing the broadcast channel in your router settings to a less congested one (for example, 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
Another common problem is an antivirus or firewall on the router that blocks ports required for protocols. Cast And AirPlayTry temporarily disabling traffic filtering or adding devices to the trusted list. Also, check if "Guest Network" mode is enabled on your router—in this mode, devices are prohibited from communicating with each other.
If all else fails, perform a full network reset on both devices. On an LG TV, this can be done via Settings → General → Reset to factory settings (Be careful, this will delete all installed apps.) On your phone, simply select "Forget Network" for your WiFi and reconnect.
⚠️ Note: The LG TV menu interface may vary depending on the webOS version (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and later). If you can't find the option you're looking for, use the settings search (magnifying glass in the menu) or refer to the manual for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't my LG TV see my phone in the list of devices?
Most likely, the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network, the other to the main network) or to different router frequency bands that are isolated from each other. Also, check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking local network discovery.
Is it possible to display the screen on an old LG TV without Smart functions?
Natively, no. For older models, you'll need to purchase an external adapter, such as a Google Chromecast, Apple TV, or Miracast dongle, which plugs into the HDMI port and handles signal reception.
The video is lagging when streaming from my phone. What should I do?
Try lowering the video quality in the source app settings. Make sure your phone isn't too far from the router. For large files, the ideal solution is to use DLNA or connect the TV via a LAN cable.
Is sound transmitted to the TV when mirroring?
Yes, when using AirPlay and Miracast, audio is transmitted along with the video. However, when using some third-party apps, you may need to manually select the audio output device in your phone's Bluetooth or media output settings.