How to share internet from your phone to your TV: all the methods for 2026

Want to stream video from your phone to a big screen but don't have a router? Or do you urgently need to connect your TV to the internet but don't have a wired connection? Sharing Wi-Fi from your phone to your TV solves both problems—and allows you to use your smartphone as a full-fledged internet source for Smart TV, Android TV or even an older model with an external adapter.

In this article - 5 proven methods connections, including hidden settings that work even if the TV doesn't support modern protocols. We'll explore the nuances for iPhone And Android, we will explain why sometimes the speed drops to 1 Mbps, and we'll show you how to bypass carrier restrictions on data sharing. All instructions are applicable to TVs. Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia, Xiaomi and other brands.

Spoiler: the most reliable method is access point, but if you have Apple TV or TV with Miracast, you can do without the internet altogether. And for owners of older TVs, a method with USB modem (yes, it works!).

1. Hotspot on your phone: a universal method

The easiest method is to turn your smartphone into Wi-Fi routerThis works on all TVs with wireless network support (even budget models without Smart TV, if you connect an external adapter). The main advantage: no additional equipment is needed, and the disadvantage is Sharing the internet consumes battery power 30-50% faster.

How to set up:

• 📱 Android: Open Settings → Connections → Hotspot & Tethering → Mobile Hotspot. Turn on the slider and set the network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
• 🍎 iPhone: Go to Settings → Tethering and activate Allow others to connectThe password cannot be changed—it is generated automatically (see it in the same menu).
• 📺 TV: In the network menu, select the created access point, enter the password and connect. Samsung path: Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wireless.

Important: If the Internet is not distributed, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes the Wi-Fi module freezes.
• 📶 Make sure your phone has a mobile network signal (not E or H+, but at least 4G).
• 🔒 On iPhone You may be asked to confirm the connection of the new device in a pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (eg. Tele2 or Iota) block internet tethering on plans without the "Modem" option. If the TV shows "No internet access" after connecting, call your operator and activate the feature (sometimes it's free).

2. Miracast: Screen Sharing Without Internet

Miracast - a technology that allows Mirror your phone's screen to your TV without a routerThe main requirement is that both devices must support this protocol. It's built into:

• 📺 Televisions: all models Samsung since 2013, LG With WebOS 2.0+, Sony Bravia 2015+ and most Android TV.
• 📱 Phones: Android 4.2+ (except for some budget models Xiaomi And Realme), Windows Phone 8.1+On . iPhone Miracast not working - using instead AirPlay.

Instructions for Android:

1. Turn on the TV Miracast (on Samsung: Settings → General → External devices → Screen Mirroring).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (on Xiaomi: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Sharing).
3. Select your TV from the list. If it asks for a PIN, view it on the TV screen.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Click Win + K and select TV.
2. If the device is not displayed, check if it is turned on. Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings.

What to do if Miracast is not working?

If the TV doesn't see the phone, try:

1. Restart both devices.

2. Disable VPN on your phone (it blocks local connections).

3. Make sure that the TV and phone are connected to the same network (even if it is an access point from the phone).

4. On some TVs LG you need to turn it on first LG TV Plus in the app store.

3. DLNA: Stream media without screen mirroring

If you don't need to display the entire phone screen, but only need to transfer videos, music or photos, use DLNAThis protocol works even on older TVs (for example, Samsung Series 5 2012) and does not require the Internet.

How to set up:

• 📱 Install the media server application on your phone: BubbleUPnP (Android), AllConnect (iOS/Android) or built-in Google Photos (for photographs).
• 📺 Turn on DLNA on your TV: on Samsung This Settings → Network → DLNA, on LG — Settings → Network → Remote Access.
• 🔗 In the app on your phone, select the file and click "Play on...", then select the TV.

Advantages of DLNA:

• ⚡ Does not load the phone's processor (unlike Miracast).
• 🎵 Supports playlists and background playback.
• 📁 You can transfer entire folders of files.

⚠️ Attention: DLNA not working with Netflix, YouTube and other streaming services due to DRM protection. For these, use Google Cast (if the TV supports it) or HDMI adapter.

4. USB modem: if Wi-Fi doesn't work

Few people know, but many televisions (especially Samsung And LG) can connect to the Internet via USB cable from the phone. This is a lifesaver if:

• 📶 The Wi-Fi signal in the room is poor.
• 🔌 There is no router, and the access point on the phone is glitching.
• 🔒 The TV does not support wireless networks (older models).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your TV via USB cable (use the original cord!).
2. Turn on your phone USB modem mode:
   • Android: Settings → Connections → Hotspot & Tethering → USB Tethering.
   • iPhone: Connect the cable - the modem mode will be turned on automatically (if allowed in Settings → Tethering).

On your TV, select the signal source USB (sometimes it is called Media Player or USB Device).

Restrictions:

• 🐢 The speed is lower than Wi-Fi (maximum 100 Mbps against 300+ Mbps at 5 GHz).
• 🔋 The phone's battery will drain more slowly than when using Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Not all TVs support USB modem (check the model manual).

5. Streaming apps: An alternative to built-in features

If standard methods don't work, try specialized apps. They often bypass manufacturer restrictions and add additional features (such as gesture control or streaming). 4K).

Top 5 Screen Sharing Apps:

How to choose:

• 🎮 For games: ApowerMirror (minimal delay).
• 🎬 For movies: LocalCast or AirScreen (support 4K HDR).
• 🌍 For remote access: TeamViewer.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the TV doesn't see the phone

If the connection fails, please check these points:

Problem 1: The TV cannot find the access point from the phone.

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📶 Check that the phone is turned on Wi-Fi (yes, even if you are distributing the Internet!).
• 🔒 Make sure the access point password does not contain Cyrillic or special characters (some TVs do not support them).

Problem 2: There is a connection, but the Internet does not work.

• 📱 On Android check if the option is enabled Allow other users to manage the connection (in the access point settings).
• 📡 On iPhone turn it off Traffic limit V Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Data Limit.
• 🔧 Call your operator and check if tethering is allowed on your plan.

Problem 3: The video lags or slows down.

• 📉 Lower the screen resolution in the transmission settings (for example, in Miracast select 720p instead of 1080p).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to a charger—when the battery is low, the processor limits performance.
• 📶 Switch the access point frequency 5 GHz (if the TV supports it).

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs LG after updating the firmware to WebOS 6.0+ support is lost MiracastIn this case, use the app LG TV Plus or AirScreen from the app store.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a TV without the Internet?

Yes, but only for screen sharing (via Miracast or DLNA). To access the Internet on your TV, you need mobile traffic or another network.

Why doesn't iPhone have Miracast?

Apple uses its own protocol AirPlay, which only works with Apple TV or TVs with support AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2018+, LG OLED 2019+). For other TVs you need Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.

How can I share Wi-Fi from my phone to my TV if my carrier is blocking my modem?

There are 3 ways to bypass it:

1. Use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN) - sometimes this resets the operator's restrictions.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB, and share Wi-Fi from your computer via Settings → Mobile Hotspot (Windows).
3. Buy external 4G modem (For example, Huawei E8372) and connect it to the TV.

Can I connect my TV to the Internet via my phone if I have an unlimited data plan?

Yes, but keep in mind:

• Operators may limit the distribution speed (for example, MTS reduces it to 10 Mbps after 50 GB).
• On iPhone An unlimited plan doesn't always mean unlimited data sharing—check the terms in your personal account.
• For 4K- streaming is needed at least 25 Mbps stable speed.

What is the fastest way to play online games on TV?

For minimal delay (<50 ms) use:

1. USB modem (if the TV supports it).
2. 5 GHz access point + TV 1 meter from the phone.
3. Application ApowerMirror in mode Game Mode.

Miracast And DLNA do not fit - the delay reaches 200+ ms.