Sharing Wi-Fi from Your Phone to an LG TV: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Modern televisions LG with support Smart TV Require a stable internet connection for streaming services, updates, and even some remote control functions. But what if you don't have a router handy and need internet access urgently? The solution is simple: share Wi-Fi directly from your phone. This method works with both Android, and with iPhone, but there are nuances that many people forget about.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for both platforms, comparison of connection methods (including the hidden "Wi-Fi Direct" mode, which is often ignored in standard guides), as well as an analysis of typical errors—from the "invisible network" to IP address issues. We tested all methods on TVs. LG series OLED C2, NanoCell 86 And UK6200 (2018–2026), so the instructions are relevant for most models.

Before you start, make sure your phone supports Wi-Fi sharing (on Android This is the "Access Point" function, iPhone — "Modem mode"). Also check that the TV LG Wi-Fi module is turned on: press and hold the button Settings on the remote control → All settings → Net → Connecting to Wi-Fi.

1. Sharing Wi-Fi from an Android Phone: Step-by-Step Instructions

On Android the process is as standardized as possible, but manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei may slightly change the names of menu items. We will describe a universal algorithm that works on pure Android 10–14 and most shells.

First of all, open Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modemThere are two parameters of interest here:

• 📶 Network name (SSID) - come up with a simple name without spaces and Cyrillic (for example, LG-TV-Hotspot).
• 🔒 Password - use a combination of 8+ characters with numbers and letters (e.g. LgTv2026!). LG may not connect to networks with simple passwords like 12345678.
• 📡 Frequency range — choose 2.4 GHz (5 GHz may not be supported by older models LG).

After setting, activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspotNow on TV LG go to Settings → Net → Wi-Fi and select the created network. Enter the password and wait for the connection. If the TV doesn't detect the network, check if your phone's power saving mode is enabled—it often turns off the hotspot after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.

VPN is disabled on the phone | Airplane mode is off | The TV software is updated | The access point is visible in the list of networks -->

2. Sharing Wi-Fi from iPhone: Features and Limitations

On iPhone the process is called "Modem mode", and there are several key differences from Android:

• 🔄 Apple automatically disables hotspot sharing after 90 seconds if no devices connect to the network. To avoid this, connect a second device (such as a tablet) to the hotspot.
• 📵 On some models LG (especially those released before 2020) the error "Failed to obtain IP address" The solution is to manually enter a static IP address on the TV (instructions below).
• 🔋 Tethering drains battery significantly. Please connect iPhone to charge if you plan to use it for a long time.

To enable distribution:

1. Open Settings → Modem mode.
2. Activate the slider Allow others.
3. Remember the password from the field Wi-Fi password (it cannot be changed, only a new one can be generated).
4. On TV LG connect to a network with a name like iPhone [your name].

If your TV stubbornly refuses to connect, try alternative method via USB (works on iPhone with iOS 13+ and TVs LG with webOS 4.0+). To do this:

1. Connect iPhone and TV with cable USB-C/Lightning → USB-A (The port on the TV is usually located on the side).
2. On your TV, select the signal source USB device.
3. On the menu iPhone an option will appear Trust this device - confirm it.

3. Wi-Fi Direct: A Hidden Way to Connect Without a Router

Few people know, but televisions LG support technology Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to connect to devices directly without creating an access point. This method is useful if:

• 📱 Your phone doesn't support Wi-Fi hotspots (rare, but it happens on budget models).
• 🔌 You want to save battery power (Wi-Fi Direct consumes less energy).
• 🛡️ You need a temporary connection without the risk of strangers connecting to your network.

Connection algorithm:

1. On TV LG open Settings → Net → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Activate device search.
3. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your phone:
   • On Android: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct.
   • On iPhone: This feature is not available, but you can use AirPlay (if your TV supports it) Apple TV prefix).

Select your TV from the list of found devices and confirm the connection.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 No internet access - only a local connection (for example, to transfer files or control the TV via an app) LG ThinQ).
• 📶 The speed is lower than that of a standard access point (maximum ~50 Mbps versus 100+ Mbps).

Why might Wi-Fi Direct not work?

If the TV does not find your phone, check:

1. Both devices must support Wi-Fi Direct (on LG (these are all models with webOS 2.0+).

2. The distance between devices is no more than 5 meters (without obstacles).

3. Other wireless connections (Bluetooth, NFC) are disabled on the phone.

4. On some firmware versions LG You need to turn on regular Wi-Fi first, and then activate Wi-Fi Direct.

4. Troubleshooting: TV won't connect to access point

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. We have collected top 5 mistakes and their solutions based on forum analysis LG And 4PDA:

If your TV stubbornly refuses to receive an IP address, try entering it manually:

1. On TV LG go to Settings → Net → Wi-Fi → select your network → Additional settings.
2. Install Obtaining an IP in position Manually.
3. Enter:
   • IP address: 192.168.43.100 (if the phone has an access point with IP 192.168.43.1)
   • Gateway: 192.168.43.1
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)

5. Speed ​​Optimization: How to Speed ​​Up Data Transfer

Sharing Wi-Fi from your phone is always slower than connecting through a router, but you can increase the speed by 30–50% with a few tricks:

🔹 Change Wi-Fi channel:

By default, the phone selects a channel automatically, but it may be overloaded. Set the channel manually. 6 or 11 (less congested in urban areas). Android This is done in the access point settings → Additionally → Wi-Fi channel.

🔹 Disable background apps:

Close all programs that use the Internet (especially torrents, cloud storage, and instant messengers with automatic updates). Android turn on the mode Do not disturb, on iPhone — Airplane mode (but leave Wi-Fi on).

🔹 Use a USB cable (for Android):

If the TV supports USB-ethernet (check the model specifications), connect the phone with a cable USB-C → USB-A and turn it on USB modem in your phone settings. The speed will be higher than over Wi-Fi, and the battery will drain more slowly.

🔹 Update your TV firmware:

On models LG Versions older than 2019 may have bugs with connecting to mobile hotspots. Check for updates in Settings → Service → Software update.

6. Alternative methods: if Wi-Fi doesn't work

If sharing Wi-Fi from your phone is not possible (for example, your carrier has blocked the feature), consider these options:

📡 Use your phone as a bridge:

If you have a router but it is far from your TV, connect your phone to its Wi-Fi and then turn it on Repeater mode (on some firmware versions Android (There is such an option). The TV will connect to the phone, and the phone will "transmit" the signal from the router.

🖥️ Connecting via a laptop:

If you have a laptop at hand Windows or MacOS, distribute Wi-Fi from it:

• On Windows: Run Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

  netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=LG-TV key=12345678
  netsh wlan start hostednetwork

  Then turn on internet sharing in Connection properties.

• On MacOS: System Preferences → General access → Public Internet → select Wi-Fi.

📶 4G router or USB modem:

If you often have to distribute the Internet to your TV, buy a portable 4G router (for example, TP-Link M7350 or Huawei E5577). It is cheaper than mobile data and provides a stable connection.

Is it possible to connect a TV? LG to the Internet via Bluetooth?

No, TVs LG do not support internet traffic transfer via Bluetooth. This technology is only used for connecting wireless headphones, keyboards, or remote controls (e.g. LG Magic Remote).

7. Security: How to protect your access point

Sharing Wi-Fi from your phone creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Follow these guidelines:

🔐 Always use a password:

Even if you share the Internet "for five minutes," do not leave the network open. Android The default password may be simple - replace it with a strong one (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols).

🕵️ Turn off the hotspot when it is not needed:

Many people forget to turn off the data connection, and the phone continues to “glow” on the air, draining the battery and opening access to the local network. iPhone the access point turns off automatically, but on Android it needs to be turned off manually.

📵 Limit the number of connected devices:

In the access point settings (Android) Set a limit of 1–2 devices. This will prevent unauthorized devices from connecting, even if they know the password.

🛡️ Use a VPN on your phone:

If you share the Internet in a public place, turn on a VPN (for example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe). This hides your real IP address from devices connected to your access point.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a TV? LG without password?

Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Without a password, unauthorized devices can connect to your network, creating security risks. If you need a password urgently, use a simple combination like 12345678, but immediately after connecting the TV, turn on the protection.

Why TV? LG Connects to the access point but the internet doesn't work?

There are several reasons:

1. It's turned on on the phone. traffic saving mode (disable it in your SIM card settings).
2. Your mobile operator is blocking internet tethering (check your tariff or call support).
3. The DNS settings on the TV are incorrect (try to enter 8.8.8.8 manually).
4. IPv6 conflict (disable IPv6 in the access point settings, if there is such an option).

How to share Wi-Fi from your phone to your TV LG, if the operator has blocked this function?

There are workarounds:

• Use apps like NetShare or PdaNet+ (require root rights to Android).
• Connect your phone to your laptop via USB and share Wi-Fi from the laptop (instructions above).
• Buy an inexpensive 4G router (from 1,500 ₽) and insert a SIM card into it.

AttentionBypassing operator blocks may violate the user agreement. Check your plan's terms before using such methods.

How many devices can I connect to my phone's hotspot?

It depends on the phone model:

• Android: usually 5-10 devices (on flagships up to 15).
• iPhone: up to 5 devices (iOS limit).

However, for stable operation of the TV LG It's best to connect no more than 2-3 devices at a time. Each additional device reduces speed by 20-30%.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a TV? LG and use the internet on your phone at the same time?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• On Android It works without restrictions - you can surf the internet as long as your TV is connected to your access point.
• On iPhone When the modem mode is active, the mobile Internet on the phone is disabled (only Wi-Fi remains).

If on Android If your phone's internet speed is dropping significantly, try limiting the bandwidth for connected devices in your hotspot settings (if available).

📊 What connection method did you use?

Hotspot with Android

Personal Hotspot with iPhone

Wi-Fi Direct

USB cable

Another method

⚠️ Attention: On some models LG (for example, series UK6300 2018) after connecting to a mobile hotspot, the sound may disappear in some applications (for example, Netflix or YouTube). This is a firmware bug. Solution: reboot the TV or connect to the network via cable.

⚠️ AttentionIf you are distributing the Internet from your phone to your TV LG for viewing IPTVMake sure your mobile operator isn't blocking streaming video. Some plans limit streaming speeds to 480p. Check this by running a speed test on your TV.