Modern smartphones have become powerful multimedia centers, capable of storing terabytes of information, but the small screen iPhone doesn't always allow you to fully enjoy high-quality content. When it comes to watching family videos, movies, or presentations, a larger TV screen is much more convenient. LG, which is found in almost every living room. Fortunately, the era of wires and complicated adapters is gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to wireless technologies that make streaming simple and accessible to everyone.
There are several proven methods that allow forward a video from your Apple device to your smart TV using only your home network. WiFiThe main technologies here are protocols AirPlay 2, built into modern LG models, and a universal standard DLNA, which is supported by most media players. The specific method you choose depends on the year of your TV, the version of your iOS operating system, and the format of the video file itself.
In this article, we'll cover all current connection options in detail, from built-in tools to third-party apps that can help resolve issues when standard methods fail. You'll learn how to set up your network, which apps to install, and how to avoid common errors when syncing devices. Proper setup will allow you to enjoy high-definition content without lag or image artifacts.
Preparing equipment and network for stable broadcasting
Before setting up the software, you need to ensure your infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streaming. The most critical requirement is that both devices—the smartphone and the TV—are on the same local network. This means they must be connected to the same router, whether it's a wired connection for the TV or a wireless connection for the phone.
Please pay attention to the frequency of your WiFi connection. For high-resolution video streaming (Full HD or 4K), it is highly recommended to use the band 5 GHz, as it provides higher throughput and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and household appliances. If your router is dual-band, make sure your iPhone is connected to the 5 GHz network, not the congested 2.4 GHz one.
⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (using the Smart Connect feature), the TV may automatically switch to the slower 2.4 GHz band, causing video stuttering. It's best to temporarily separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names, such as "Home_2.4" and "Home_5," and connect to the latter.
It's also worth checking for software updates. LG TVs come with an operating system webOS, which regularly receives security patches and functionality improvements. Go to the TV settings menu, select "General" or "Support," and click "Check for Updates." A similar procedure should be performed on an iPhone via Settings → General → Software Update.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
Using AirPlay 2 technology on LG TVs
Since 2019, LG has introduced support for the technology AirPlay 2 Directly to your Smart TV. This is the highest-quality and easiest way to stream content, as it works at the system level and doesn't require installing additional apps on the TV. AirPlay 2 not only allows you to mirror your screen but also stream video files from your gallery or stream video from browsers in their original quality.
To activate this feature, go to your LG TV's settings. Find a section labeled "Apple Device Support" or "AirPlay," and make sure the switch is set to "On." On some models, this option may be hidden in the "Connection" or "Network" menu. Once enabled, a code may appear on the TV screen that you'll need to enter on your iPhone during initial pairing.
To forward a video, open the Photos app or any video player on your iPhone. Find the video you want and tap the Share icon (the square with the arrow pointing up). From the list of available actions, select Screen Mirroring or the TV icon with the triangle. From the list of devices that appears, select your LG TVIf everything is set up correctly, the video will start playing on the big screen.
What should I do if AirPlay can't find my TV?
Make sure the "Wi-Fi Client Isolation" feature (AP Isolation) is disabled on your router, which prevents devices from seeing each other on the network. Also, try restarting the router and reconnecting both devices to the network. In rare cases, resetting the network settings on your iPhone may help.
It's important to note that AirPlay 2 supports audio streaming to external audio systems connected to the TV, creating a full-fledged cinematic experience. However, if you're using older routers with low speeds, image quality may be automatically reduced by adaptive streaming.
Streaming via built-in LG apps (LG TV Plus and Smart Share)
For TV models released before the introduction of AirPlay, or in cases where the standard protocol is unstable, you can use proprietary solutions from LG. Application LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote) allows you to control your TV and stream media files. While the app's functionality has changed somewhat in recent years, it remains a useful tool for basic photo and video sharing.
An alternative built-in method is to use the function Smart Share or "Media Player" on the TV itself. In this case, the iPhone acts as the server, and the TV reads the data. To do this, you need to install an app that supports the DLNA server on your iPhone, such as "FileBrowser" or "VLC for Mobile." After launching the server in the app, your device will appear in the "Media" section on the TV.
| Connection method | Required software on TV | Required software on iPhone | Transmission quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | Built-in (webOS 4.0+) | Not required (system) | Maximum (up to 4K) |
| DLNA (Smart Share) | Media Player/Smart Share | VLC / FileBrowser | High (depending on codec) |
| LG TV Plus | LG TV Plus (receiver) | LG TV Plus (client) | Medium / High |
| YouTube Cast | YouTube app | YouTube app | Maximum (flow) |
When using third-party DLNA servers on iPhone, such as VLCWith VLC, you get access to a wide range of video formats that your TV's native player may not support. VLC can stream virtually any container format, converting the stream on the fly if necessary.
Third-party streaming apps (Cast to TV, Replica)
If built-in tools aren't up to the task, or your TV is an older Smart TV line, apps from the App Store specifically designed for streaming content can help. The leaders in this niche are Cast to TV, Replica And Web Video CasterThey use proprietary algorithms to capture the screen or video stream and send it to the TV via the DIAL or DLNA protocol.
Application Replica This app is especially useful because it allows you to mirror your iPhone's screen even to TVs without AirPlay support. It creates a virtual receiver that the TV sees as an image output device. The installation process is simple: download the app, open it, and select your LG TV from the list and start broadcasting.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that free versions of such apps often have limitations, such as ads, session time limits, or on-screen watermarks. A subscription is often required for continued use. Furthermore, such apps can put more strain on the iPhone's processor, causing it to overheat during prolonged use.
Some users prefer browser-based solutions. There are web services that open on the TV via the built-in browser and generate a QR code for connection on the phone. This is a good option if you don't want to clutter your device's memory with unnecessary apps.
Streaming videos from YouTube and streaming services
The scenario where the video is not in the phone's memory, but in an online service such as YouTube, Netflix or iviIn this case, there's no need to broadcast your phone's screen, wasting battery life. Simply use the technology Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), which is built into most modern LG TVs.
The mechanism here differs from AirPlay. When you tap the "Cast" button (the rectangle icon with waves) in the YouTube app on your iPhone, you're not sending a video stream through your phone. You're simply telling the TV, "Get the video from this link and play it." The TV automatically downloads the video from the internet, ensuring maximum quality and zero lag.
For proper operation, make sure that:
- 📺 The YouTube app is running on your TV (or updated to the latest version).
- 📱 The YouTube app on iPhone has been updated.
- 📶 Both devices are authorized or on the same network (although for Cast this is less critical if the devices can see each other).
- 🔗 Google accounts can be linked for viewing history, but this is not required for broadcasting.
If the cast button doesn't appear, try restarting the app on your phone. Sometimes logging out and back in helps. It's also worth checking if "Guest Network" mode is enabled on your router, which isolates devices from each other.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often encounter connection issues. The most common one is "Device not found." In 90% of cases, this can be resolved by checking the network: make sure your phone hasn't switched to 4G/5G mobile data, and your TV hasn't lost its connection to WiFi. A simple router reboot also helps.
Another common issue is audio and video desync or constant buffering. This is a clear sign of insufficient WiFi bandwidth. Try moving closer to the router or turning off other devices that are actively consuming bandwidth (for example, torrents on a PC or downloads on consoles).
⚠️ Attention: Operating system interfaces (iOS and webOS) are subject to update. Menu item locations, section names, and icon appearance may differ from those described in the instructions depending on the specific TV model and software version. Always consult the official user manual for your model if you have trouble finding the item you need.
Below are answers to the most common questions users have when trying to establish a connection between an iPhone and an LG TV.
Why doesn't my LG TV see my iPhone when searching for AirPlay?
Most often, the problem lies in the router's security settings or device isolation. Check if AP Isolation is enabled in the router's WiFi settings—it should be disabled. Also, make sure your TV's AirPlay settings are set to allow connection on first request or to "No code required" for easier pairing.
Is it possible to transfer video via Bluetooth?
Technically, Bluetooth isn't designed for transmitting live video streams due to its low data transfer speed. You can only transfer the file itself (like a document) via Bluetooth, but the process is very time-consuming, and playing it directly from your phone to your TV via Bluetooth won't work. Use WiFi.
Video is lagging when streaming from an iPhone. What should I do?
Reduce the video quality in the player settings, if possible. Make sure there are no thick walls or metal structures between the router and the devices. Try disabling the VPN on your iPhone, as it may be creating unnecessary bandwidth or blocking local device discovery.
Do all LG Smart TV models support AirPlay?
No, AirPlay 2 support is available in 2019 and newer models (OLED, NanoCell, and UHD series). Older models (2018 and earlier) do not have built-in AirPlay support but can use third-party receiver apps installed through the LG Content Store, such as "AirPlay & DLNA Receiver."