Modern technologies allow you to turn your smartphone screen into a powerful remote control for entertainment content, but a small display iPhone It's not always convenient for browsing family archives. When you want to show friends the highlights of your latest trip or examine the details of a photo on a big screen, you need to stream the image. Fortunately, the ecosystem Apple and platform webOS LG offers several native and third-party solutions to solve this problem without unnecessary wires.
The main advantage of wireless connection is the lack of need for cables or complex adapters. The entire process is protocol-based. DLNA, AirPlay 2 or proprietary solutions from the manufacturer. All you need is a stable local network and a few minutes of free time for the initial setup. In this article, we'll cover all available methods, from built-in features to specialized apps.
It's worth noting that data transfer quality directly depends on your router's speed and location. If you plan to view high-resolution photos or even 4K videos, make sure both devices are within a strong signal range. For AirPlay 2 and Smart Share to work properly, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (same SSID).
Preparing devices for wireless connection
Before you begin setting up the stream, you need to make sure your equipment is ready to use. The first step is checking the software version on your LG TV. Menu navigation may vary depending on the model year, but the general principle remains the same. Go to Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updates and make sure you have the latest version installed webOS.
The next important step is checking the network. Users often encounter a problem where their phone and TV appear to be connected to the router but cannot see each other. This happens if one device operates in the 2.4 GHz band and the other in the 5 GHz band, and the router isn't configured to combine clients into a single subnet (although this is rare in modern routers). It's also critical to disable Wi-Fi client isolation in the router settings, if it's enabled.
⚠️ Note: On some corporate or guest Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in hotels or offices), device-to-device communication may be blocked. In these cases, direct AirPlay or DLNA connections will not work, even if both devices are connected to the same access point.
For iPhone owners, it's also important to check your privacy settings. Make sure the local network is accessible to the required apps. Go to Settings → Privacy → Local Network and check if the toggle is enabled for the system services or applications you plan to use for broadcasting.
☑️ Preparation checklist
AirPlay 2 streaming: a native method for new models
Owners of LG TVs released in 2019 and later, as well as some 2018 models with updated firmware, have access to the technology AirPlay 2This is the preferred method, as it's built directly into the iOS operating system and doesn't require any additional software. It ensures minimal latency and high image quality.
To start using it, make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV. Press the button on your remote control. Home, then select the tile Apple AirPlay or go to Settings → Connection → Apple AirPlay and HomeKitHere you can set an access code or allow connection without confirmation, which will simplify the process in the future.
Transferring photos from your iPhone is incredibly simple. Open the Photos app, select the desired photo or album, and tap the Share button (the square with an arrow). From the list of available options, select Screen mirroring or the TV icon with a triangle. Select your LG TV from the list, and the image will instantly appear on the big screen.
What should I do if AirPlay doesn't detect my TV?
Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV in the settings. Try restarting your router. Check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking local connections. Removing the TV from your iPhone's device list and re-scanning it may also help.
A key advantage of AirPlay 2 is the ability to control playback directly from the iPhone lock screen or via Control Center. You can scroll through photos, pause, or change the volume without interrupting your viewing experience. This technology also supports audio streaming to external audio systems if they're connected to the TV.
Using the LG TV Plus app for advanced features
If your TV doesn't support AirPlay 2 or you want to access your smartphone's file system more deeply, the official app LG TV Plus will be a great solution. It is available in App Store It's free and allows you to not only stream media but also use your phone as a remote control.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically scan the network and prompt you to select your TV. To confirm the connection, a 4-digit code may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to enter on your iPhone. Once paired, you'll have access to your device's gallery.
In the application interface, select a section Photo or GalleryHere you can select images by folder, create slideshows, or broadcast individual photos. The app supports the format JPG, PNG and even HEIC (with on-the-fly conversion), which is important for iPhone users who use the standard shooting format.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Photo broadcast | Displaying images on a TV screen | Wi-Fi network |
| Remote control | Volume and channel control | Bluetooth (optional) |
| Slideshow | Automatic frame change | LG TV Plus app |
| Multitasking | Using a phone during a show | No |
It's worth noting that the app may be slightly slower than native AirPlay due to the specifics of the data transfer protocol. However, it offers more flexible display settings, such as choosing a background or crop mode. This is especially useful if you're preparing a presentation or want to create a specific atmosphere.
Alternative DLNA apps for iPhone
When standard methods aren't enough or support for specific formats is required, third-party media player apps come to the rescue. The leaders in this niche are VLC for Mobile, Infuse And BubbleUPnPThese programs use the protocol DLNA/UPnP, which is built into most Smart TVs, including LG.
Let's look at an example of a setup based on a popular player VLCAfter installing the app, open the "Network" tab and enable "Wi-Fi Sharing" (though for TV output, we need the "Local Networks" or "Renderer" section). Your LG TV should appear in the list of available rendering devices. By tapping it, you can select any photo or video from your phone's memory to output to the big screen.
The advantage of such apps is their omnivorous nature. They can decode formats that the TV's standard firmware might not understand and broadcast a ready-made video stream or image. This solves compatibility issues between codecs and file containers.
⚠️ Note: Third-party app interfaces may be updated by developers. If you don't see the Cast button, look for an icon resembling a screen with Wi-Fi waves or the "Open with" option in the file menu.
Another advantage of using VLC or Infuse The ability to create playback queues is a plus. You can pre-sort photos, add music, and customize slideshow timing, turning your TV into a digital photo frame with your personalized content.
Troubleshooting connection and visibility issues
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter a situation where devices simply cannot see each other. One of the most common reasons is a router setting called AP Isolation (Access Point Isolation) or "Client Isolation." This feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from communicating with each other for security reasons. It must be disabled in the router settings.
Another common issue is different frequency ranges. A router can broadcast two networks: MyWiFi_2.4G And MyWiFi_5GIf the TV is connected to one network and the phone to another, they may be on different subnets, preventing detection. Ideally, they should be combined into a single network or connected to the same frequency band.
It's also worth checking your firewall settings. Some routers or antivirus software installed on your phone (if you're using a corporate profile) may block ports used for DLNA (usually 1900) or AirPlay. Checking your router's event logs can tell you whether traffic is being blocked.
If nothing helps, perform a full reset of network settings on your iPhone (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings). This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, but often solves problems with incorrect IP addresses or DNS cache.
Comparison of image output methods
The optimal method depends on your specific needs and hardware model. For quickly viewing a couple of photos, AirPlay is best, as it doesn't require launching additional apps. However, if you're planning a longer presentation or viewing an archive, specialized apps with slideshow functionality are more convenient.
DLNA technology, used in third-party apps and LG TV Plus, is more versatile but can introduce a slight delay when scrolling through large photos. AirPlay, on the other hand, operates more smoothly but is more demanding on the TV's firmware version. We won't cover direct cable connection (Lightning to HDMI) in the context of Wi-Fi, but it's worth keeping in mind as a backup option.
Power consumption is also important to consider. Wi-Fi streaming, especially in high definition, can quickly drain your iPhone's battery. For long sessions, it's recommended to keep your phone connected to a charger or use wireless charging, as long as it doesn't interfere with the signal.
Why can't my LG TV see my iPhone via AirPlay?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different networks (guest and main) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check that AirPlay is enabled in the TV settings (Settings → Connection). Sometimes, rebooting the router helps.
Is it possible to transfer photos in HEIC format without conversion?
Not all LG TV models have native HEIC support. AirPlay 2 usually handles transcoding on the fly. When using DLNA apps (VLC, BubbleUPnP), the conversion is done internally before sending to the TV, so format issues shouldn't arise.
Does the image slow down when transmitted via Wi-Fi?
Delays are possible if the Wi-Fi signal is weak or the channel is congested with neighboring networks. This is less of a concern for photos than for video. To improve the situation, connect the TV to the router via a LAN cable (Ethernet), leaving the phone connected to Wi-Fi—this will significantly stabilize the data flow.
Is it safe to use third-party streaming apps?
Popular apps from the App Store (VLC, Infuse) are safe, as data transfer occurs within your local network and doesn't go over the internet. However, avoid unknown free apps with questionable reviews, as they may request excessive permissions.