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

Do you want to stream your favorite video from your phone to the big screen? LG Smart TV, but don't know how to do it wirelessly? This article will help you understand all the nuances of wireless content transfer via Wi-Fi - from standard TV functions to third-party apps. We'll cover not only basic methods like Screen Share or DLNA, but also little-known tricks for a stable connection, as well as ways to troubleshoot common errors.

The main advantage of wireless streaming is the lack of cables and adapters. However, many users encounter issues: video lags, audio lags behind the picture, or the TV doesn't detect the phone at all. These issues may be due to router settings, firmware versions, or protocol conflicts. In this article, you'll find answers. Unique recommendations for optimizing your Wi-Fi network specifically for streaming video on LG Smart TVs, which are not found in standard instructions.

It doesn't matter if you use it Android or iPhone — we have covered all relevant methods for modern models LG (starting from webOS 3.0 and newer). If your TV is older, there's a section with alternative solutions at the end of the article.

1. Preparing your TV and phone for broadcasting

Before you start streaming video, make sure both devices are ready to connect. Let's start with the TV. LG Smart TV:

• 📺 Turn on your TV and make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. To do this, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
• 🔄 Update your TV firmware to the latest version via Settings → General → Software UpdateOutdated software often causes broadcasting failures.
• 🛠️ Activate the feature Screen Share (aka Miracast on some models) in Settings → Network → Screen Share.

Now prepare your phone:

• 📱 On Android: turn on Wi-Fi Direct or Smart View (the name depends on the manufacturer) in the notification shade or in the connection settings.
• 🍎 On iPhone: make sure the function AirPlay active (it turns on automatically when you try to broadcast).
• 🔋 Your phone's battery should be at least 30% charged—streaming video uses a lot of energy.

⚠️ Attention: If your LG Smart TV released before 2016 (since webOS 2.0 and older), built-in function Screen Share may operate unstable. In this case, we recommend using the alternative methods in Section 5.

Also check your router settings:

• 🌐 Open your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• 🔗 Make sure the mode is enabled WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) - it prioritizes multimedia traffic.
• 📶 If your router supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), connect both devices to the network 5 GHz - It provides more stable video transmission.

2. Method 1: Screen Share (Miracast) - the standard method for LG

Screen Share - this is a built-in function LG Smart TV, which uses the protocol Miracast for wireless screen mirroring. It works without any additional apps, but requires Miracast support on your phone.

Instructions for Android:

1. On TV: Open Settings → Network → Screen Share and select Turn on.
2. On your phone: Open the notification shade and find the button Broadcast, Smart View or Wireless Display (the name depends on the model).
3. From the list of available devices, select yours LG Smart TVConfirm the connection on both devices.

Instructions for iPhone:

Unfortunately, iPhone does not support Miracast directly. However, you can use a workaround through the app. LG TV Plus (more details in section 4). An alternative is broadcasting via AirPlay, but for this you need a TV with support AirPlay 2 (models LG OLED And NanoCell 2019 and newer).

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting via Screen Share There may be a delay in audio transmission. If the delay between video and audio exceeds 0.5 seconds, try:

• 🔊 Disable Bluetooth headphones on your phone—they may interfere with audio streaming.
• 🎵 In the TV settings (Sound → Sound Sync) increase the delay by 50–100 ms.

The phone and TV are connected to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network|

Screen Share enabled on TV|

The power saving mode is disabled on the phone|

Closed background applications that consume internet (torrents, cloud syncs)-->

3. Method 2: DLNA – streaming video without screen mirroring

If you don't need to duplicate the entire phone screen, but only transfer video files, DLNA — the optimal solution. This protocol allows you to stream media files directly from your phone to your TV without any loss of quality.

For Android:

1. Install a media server application like BubbleUPnP or Plex.
2. In the application, select a video file and click the button Broadcast or Cast.
3. In the list of devices, select yours LG Smart TV (it should show up as LG_YourTVModel).

For iPhone:

On iOS There is no built-in DLNA support, but you can use apps like 8player or nPlayerThe algorithm is similar:

1. Open the app and select a video.
2. Click the broadcast icon (usually a screen with waves).
3. Select LG Smart TV from the list.

Advantages of DLNA:

• 🎬 There is no delay between video and audio (unlike Screen Share).
• 📂 You can stream entire folders of videos without manually selecting each file.
• 🔋 Less battery consumption since the entire screen is not duplicated.

⚠️ Note: Some video formats (eg. .mkv with codec HEVC) may not be playable on LG Smart TV via DLNA. In this case, use conversion via HandBrake or broadcast via YouTube (method 4).

What formats does LG Smart TV support via DLNA?

LG Smart TV (webOS) supports the following formats via DLNA: Video: MP4 (H.264), AVI (Xvid), MKV (H.264), TS, M2TS (up to 1080p). Audio: MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC. Not supported: MKV with HEVC (H.265), WMV, MOV with ProRes.

4K playback via DLNA requires a TV model no older than 2018.

4. Method 3: LG TV Plus app - official solution for iPhone and Android

Official app LG TV Plus (available for Android And iOS) allows you to not only control your TV from your phone, but also stream video to it. Unlike Screen Share, there are additional features such as a virtual remote control and voice search.

How to stream video:

1. Download LG TV Plus from App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the application and select your TV from the list.
4. Click on the icon Broadcast (in the form of a phone with an arrow) and select a video file.

Peculiarities LG TV Plus:

• 🎮 You can use your phone as a gamepad for playing games on TV.
• 🔍 Built-in browser for searching videos online directly from your phone.
• 📱 Supports screen sharing on models LG With webOS 4.0 and newer.

If the app doesn't find your TV:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
• 🔒 Disable it in your router settings Isolation of clients (Client Isolation).
• 📋 Check that the TV is turned on Mobile TV On V Settings → General → Mobile Control.

5. Method 4: YouTube is the most versatile method

If the previous methods did not work, broadcast via YouTube — a reliable option. It works on all models. LG Smart TV (even old ones) and does not require additional settings.

Algorithm for Android And iPhone:

1. Open the video on YouTube in the mobile application.
2. Click the icon Broadcast (in the upper right corner).
3. Choose yours LG Smart TV from the list of devices.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 Works on all models LG, even without Smart functions (via YouTube app).
• 🎥 Supports 4K HDR without lag.
• 🔄 You can control playback from your phone (pause, rewind).

If your TV does not appear in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Update the application YouTube on TV through LG Content Store.
• 🔒 Make sure you're using the same account on your phone and TV Google.
• 🌐 Make sure both devices are connected to the internet (even if they are on the same network, internet access must be active).

6. Method 5: Third-party applications for advanced users

If standard methods aren't suitable (for example, due to poor quality or latency), specialized apps can be used. They offer more customization options but require additional configuration.

Top 3 streaming apps:

How to set up ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and TV (via LG Content Store).
2. On your phone, select Broadcast on TV and connect to the TV.
3. In the application settings, enable Game broadcast mode to reduce latency.

For LocalCast:

This app is ideal for streaming local video files. It automatically converts incompatible formats to supported ones. LG Smart TV:

1. Open LocalCast and select a video file.
2. Click Broadcast to and select TV.
3. If the file does not play, click Transcode and wait for the conversion.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications to broadcast video from your phone to LG Smart TV There may be a problem with Wi-Fi DRM protectionServices like Netflix or Disney+ block broadcasting via Miracast or DLNA. In this case, the only option left is YouTube or HDMI cable.

7. Troubleshooting common problems

Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Let's look at common errors and their solutions:

Problem 1: The TV does not see the phone in the list of devices for Screen Share.

• 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
• 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (sometimes your phone may automatically switch to mobile data).
• 🛠️ Update your TV firmware and phone software.

Problem 2: The video is slow or choppy.

• 📶 Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi (if your router supports it).
• 🚫 Turn off other devices that consume traffic (torrents, online games).
• 🔧 Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for the TV.

Problem 3: There is no sound during broadcast.

• 🔊 Check if the sound on your TV or phone is muted.
• 🎧 Turn off Bluetooth headphones on your phone.
• 🔄 In the broadcast settings (for example, in LocalCast) select Transmit sound to TV.

Problem 4: Low video quality.

• 🎥 In the broadcast settings, select the maximum resolution (for example, in ApowerMirror).
• 📡 Reduce the distance between your phone and the router.
• 🔌 Connect your TV to your router via Ethernet (if possible) for stability.

What to do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, try:

1. Reset the network settings on your TV (Settings → Network → Network Reset).

2. Install the application on your phone TeamViewer QuickSupport and connect to the TV via PC (if available).

3. Use Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick as an intermediary for broadcasting.

8. Alternative methods for older LG models

If your LG Smart TV released before 2016 (since webOS 1.0–2.0 or NetCast), built-in broadcasting functions may work unstable. In this case, the following will help:

1. HDMI adapter (for iPhone):

• 📱 Buy Lightning to HDMI adapter (for iPhone) or USB-C to HDMI (for new ones) Android).
• 🔌 Connect the adapter to your phone and then to your TV via an HDMI cable.
• 🎬 On iPhone the screen is duplicated automatically. Android may need to be enabled HDMI mode in the display settings.

2. Chromecast or Fire TV Stick:

• 📦 Connect Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick to the TV's HDMI port.
• 📱 Install the application on your phone Google Home (for Chromecast) or Fire TV (for Fire Stick).
• 🔄 Stream video through these devices—they support all modern formats.

3. DLNA via PC:

If the phone does not want to connect directly:

1. Download the video to your computer.
2. Install a media server on your PC (for example, Plex or Kodi).
3. Connect your TV to this server via DLNA.

For models LG With NetCast (2012-2013) may require:

• 🔧 Manually specify the media server's IP address in the TV settings.
• 📂 Using only standard formats (.mp4 With H.264).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about streaming video to LG Smart TV

Is it possible to stream videos from iPhone to LG Smart TV without Apple TV?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. Via the app LG TV Plus (required) webOS 4.0+).
2. Through YouTube (universal method).
3. Through AirPlay, if the TV supports AirPlay 2 (2019 models and newer).

For older models LG will be needed Chromecast or HDMI adapter.

Why does video lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

Main reasons:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (switch to 5 GHz or move the router closer).
• Network congestion (disconnect other devices downloading files).
• Slow phone performance (close background apps).
• Suboptimal router settings (enable QoS for multimedia).

Also try reducing the broadcast resolution in the app settings.

How to stream video from your phone to an LG Smart TV without Wi-Fi?

There are three options:

1. Wi-Fi Direct: some models LG support direct connection of the phone to the TV without a router. Included in Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. HDMI adapter: physical connection via Lightning/USB-C to HDMI.
3. USB cable: connect your phone to your TV via USB (support needed) MTP or PTP on TV).

Wi-Fi Direct may be slower than regular Wi-Fi due to bandwidth limitations.

What is the maximum video quality that can be streamed?

Depends on the method:

• Screen Share (Miracast): up to 1080p@30fps (on new models) LG — 4K@30fps).
• DLNA: up to 4K, but depends on the codec (H.264 plays better than HEVC).
• YouTube: up to 4K HDR (if TV supports it).
• HDMI adapter: up to 4K@60fps (limited only by phone capabilities).

For stable 4K streaming, Wi-Fi speed must be at least 30 Mbps.

Is it possible to stream videos from apps (Netflix, Kinopoisk) on LG Smart TV?

It depends DRM protection:

• 🚫 It won't work. broadcast via Screen Share or Miracast — Netflix and similar services block screen mirroring.
• ✅ It will work through:
• Built-in apps on your TV (Netflix, Kinopoisk and others).
• YouTube (if the video is uploaded there).
• Google Chromecast (supports most streaming services).

There are no workarounds for DRM - it's a service-level limitation.