How to Stream Video to Your TV Using Wi-Fi on Your Mac: A Complete Guide

Wireless image transmission with MacBook or iMac Connecting to a TV via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the clutter of wires. However, not all users know that there are at least five different methods for this—from the built-in AirPlay to universal protocols like Miracast or DLNAThe main problem: the choice of method depends on the TV model, macOS version, and even the router.

In this article we will look at all the working options - from the simplest (if you have Apple TV) to workarounds for older TVs without Smart features. We'll pay special attention to common issues: why the image lags, the sound disappears, or the TV screen remains black. Finally, there's a compatibility table for methods with popular TV brands (Samsung, LG, Sony).

1. AirPlay: The easiest way for the Apple ecosystem

AirPlay - proprietary technology Apple, which allows you to broadcast your screen Mac to compatible devices via a local network. The main requirement is that the TV must support AirPlay 2 (see list of models below) or be connected to a set-top box Apple TV (4th generation and newer).

How does this work:

  • 📱 Automatic detection: Mac and the TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
  • 🔄 Mirroring or expansion: you can duplicate the screen Mac on TV or use the TV as a second monitor.
  • 🎵 Sound transmission: by default, the sound is also transmitted to the TV, but this can be disabled in the settings.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. On Mac open Control Center (icon in the upper right corner).
  2. Click Screen mirroring (or AirPlay (in older versions of macOS).
  3. Select your TV from the list or Apple TV.
  4. If required, enter the confirmation code that appears on the TV screen.

TV and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network|

Firmware updated on both devices|

AirPlay mode is enabled in the TV settings (usually in the "Network" or "General" section)|

On Mac in System Preferences → Display → AirPlay mirroring allowed-->

If your TV doesn't show up in the list of devices, try rebooting your router—sometimes the problem lies in your DHCP settings. Also, make sure that Mac included Bluetooth: It is used for initial synchronization of devices.

⚠️ Note: On some models Samsung (for example, series QLED 2018–2019) AirPlay only works after manually updating the TV firmware. Check the firmware update in the menu. Support → Software Update.

2. Miracast: A universal protocol for Windows and macOS

Miracast - is a wireless image transmission standard supported by most modern TVs (LG WebOS, Sony Android TV, Samsung Tizen since 2016). Unlike AirPlay, it is not tied to the ecosystem Apple, but on Mac requires additional settings.

The problem is that macOS does not support Miracast "Out of the box." The solution is to use third-party utilities:

  • 🖥️ AirParrot 3 (paid, ~$30) — emulates Miracast and allows you to broadcast your screen to any device that supports the standard.
  • 🆓 5KPlayer (free) - supports Miracast and DLNA, but with resolution limitations.
  • 🔧 Reflector 4 (for receiving a stream on a Mac, if you need to broadcast from your phone to TV via a Mac).

Instructions for AirParrot 3:

  1. Download and install the program from official website.
  2. Launch the utility and select your TV from the list of available devices.
  3. In the program settings, specify the screen resolution (recommended) 1920×1080 for stable operation).
  4. Click Start Mirroring.
📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
Another

If the image is lagging, try:

  • 📶 Switch to frequency 5 GHz in the router settings (less interference).
  • 🔌 Connect Mac to the router via cable (if possible), and leave the TV on Wi-Fi.
  • ⚙️ In the settings AirParrot reduce bitrate to 10 Mbps.
⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung With Tizen Before using Miracast, you may need to enable the mode Screen Mirroring manually: Settings → General → External devices → Screen mirroring devices.

3. DLNA/UPnP: Stream media files without mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transferring media files (photos, videos, music) over a local network. Unlike AirPlay or MiracastIt doesn't broadcast the entire screen, but only individual files. This is suitable if you need to show a presentation, movie, or photos on TV.

How it works on Mac:

  • 📁 Built-in support: macOS can share media via General access V System settings.
  • 🎬 Compatibility: most Smart TVs (LG, Sony, Philips) support DLNA through applications like SmartShare or Media Player.
  • 🔄 Restrictions: You can't stream your desktop or games - only files.

Step-by-step setup:

  1. On Mac open System Preferences → Sharing.
  2. Turn on File sharing and add a folder with media (for example, Documents → Presentations).
  3. In the shared folder settings, allow access for All users (or create a separate user).
  4. On your TV, open a DLNA app (e.g. SmartShare on LG or Media Player on Sony).
  5. Choose yours Mac in the list of devices and open the desired file.

If the TV doesn't see Mac, check:

  • 🔒 On Mac V System Preferences → Network → Advanced → WINS the parameter is enabled Enable SMB sharing.
  • 🌐 TV and Mac are in the same subnet (for example, both have IP of the type 192.168.1.x).
  • 🔄 The router does not block multicast traffic (necessary for DLNA).

4. Apps from TV manufacturers

Many brands release their own utilities for wireless streaming from computers to TVs. These are often more stable than universal protocols, but require software installation.

List of official applications:

Brand TV Mac Software Name Supported models Peculiarities
Samsung SmartThings QLED, The Frame, Crystal UHD (2018–2026) Requires Samsung account registration
LG LG TV Plus WebOS 3.0 and later (since 2016) Supports screen sharing and TV control
Sony Video & TV SideView Android TV (X800H, X900H series and later) Works only with videos and photos
Xiaomi Mi Home Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 and newer Need to connect to the Xiaomi ecosystem

Example setup for LG TV Plus:

  1. Download the app from Mac App Store.
  2. Register or log in to your account LG.
  3. Turn on the TV mode Screen Share (Settings → Network → Screen Share).
  4. In the application on Mac select your TV and press Start Mirroring.

The advantages of this approach:

  • ⚡ More stable connection than universal protocols.
  • 🎮 Keyboard control of the TV is often supported Mac.
  • 🔒 Fewer issues with DRM-protected content (e.g. Netflix or Disney+).
⚠️ Attention: Applications from Samsung And LG may conflict with VPN on MacBefore using, disable the VPN or add the local network to the exceptions.

5. Workarounds for Older TVs Without Smart TV

If your TV was released before 2015 and does not support Wi-Fi or Smart functions, there are three options:

  1. Set-top boxes with AirPlay/Miracast support:
    • 📺 Apple TV (from 4th generation) - for AirPlay.
    • 🖥️ Amazon Fire TV Stick (with installed AirScreen or Miracast Receiver).
    • 🤖 Android TV box (For example, Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box).
  2. HDMI adapters with Wi-Fi:
    • 🔌 Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (supports Miracast).
    • 📡 ScreenBeam Mini2 (works with macOS via AirParrot).
  • Wired connection with adapter:
    • 🔗 If Wi-Fi is unstable, use USB-C/Thunderbolt → HDMI adapter (for example, from Anker or Belkin).

      • Let's look at the setting as an example Amazon Fire TV Stick:

      1. Connect the set-top box to the HDMI port of the TV.
      2. In the settings Fire TV turn on Display Mirroring (Settings → Display & Sound → Enable Screen Mirroring).
      3. On Mac install AirScreen from Amazon Appstore on the set-top box.
      4. Start broadcasting via Control Center → Screen Mirroring on Mac.

    Important: When using adapters like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter on Mac Be sure to disable power saving mode for your Wi-Fi card. You can do this via Terminal with the following command:

    sudo pmset -a tcpkeepalive 1

    sudo pmset -a womp 0

    This will prevent connection drops during the broadcast.

    6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, black screen

    Even with proper setup, common errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The image lags/slows down Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion
    • Switch to 5 GHz in the router settings.
    • Disconnect other devices from the network.
    • Reduce the broadcast resolution in the program settings (for example, to 1280×720).
    No sound On Mac Incorrect audio output selected
    • IN Control Center Click on the volume icon and select TV as the output device.
    • Check if the sound on the TV is muted (button Mute).
    The TV does not appear in the list of devices Devices on different networks or blocked by a firewall
    • Check that Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    • Temporarily disable the firewall on Mac (System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall).
    • Reboot your router.
    Black screen on TV Permissions mismatch or DRM protection
    • In the broadcast settings, select the resolution 1024×768 (universal).
    • If you are streaming video from Netflix or Apple TV+, use official apps on TV.

    If none of the methods helped, try alternative method:

    • 🌐 Through Browser: Open on Mac and TV are the same service (for example, YouTube or Google Photos) and synchronize playback.
    • 📱 Via smartphone: Cast your screen iPhone on TV via AirPlay, and on Mac turn on Screen mirroring on iPhone (through QuickTime Player).
    Why does AirPlay only work with video on some Samsung TVs and not with screen mirroring?

    This is a limitation of the proprietary Tizen firmware. Samsung artificially blocks full screen mirroring on models below the 2020 QLED in order to promote its services (for example, Samsung TV Plus). This can only be circumvented using third-party set-top boxes like Apple TV.

    7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

    The method you choose depends on your devices and needs. Below is a comparison table with recommendations.

    Method Compatibility with Mac Broadcast quality Lag When to use
    AirPlay ✅ Native (macOS 10.14+) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 4K HDR) ~50–100 ms For the Apple ecosystem (Apple TV or Smart TV with AirPlay 2)
    Miracast ❌ Requires third-party software ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 1080p) ~100–200 ms For Android TV or Windows PC
    DLNA ✅ Native (macOS 10.10+) ⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the file) No lag (media only) To display photos, videos, music
    Brand applications ✅ Via the App Store ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 4K) ~80–150 ms For Smart TV Samsung, LG, Sony
    Set-top boxes (Fire TV, Apple TV) ✅ Universal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the console) ~30–80 ms For older TVs or gaming consoles

    Recommendations for selection:

    • 🍎 If you have Apple TV or TV with AirPlay 2 - use built-in mirroring.
    • 🖥️ It's better suited for presentations or working with documents Miracast through AirParrot (less lags in text).
    • 🎬 Ideal for watching movies DLNA or brand applications (eg LG TV Plus).
    • 🕹️ For gaming or high-definition video, only a wired connection via HDMI.

      • FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

      Is it possible to stream a Mac screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?

      Yes, there are three options:

      1. Wired connection: via adapter USB-C/Thunderbolt → HDMI (For example, Anker USB-C to HDMI).
      2. Bluetooth + HDMI: some TVs (Sony Bravia) support screen transmission via Bluetooth with subsequent output to HDMI (but the quality will be low).
      3. Mobile hotspot: If you don't have a router, you can create an access point on iPhone and connect to it Mac and TV.

      However, for stable video streaming, a Wi-Fi or wired connection is recommended.

      Why does the video lag when streaming via AirPlay, but the sound is fine?

      This is a typical problem when:

      • An overloaded Wi-Fi network (for example, if other devices are downloading files at the same time).
      • Low router throughput (older models with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
      • High resolution broadcast (for example, 4K with a weak signal).

      Solutions:

      1. Switch to frequency 5 GHz in the router settings.
      2. Reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings AirPlay (V AirParrot or System Preferences → Displays).
      3. Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi while broadcasting.
      How do I stream audio from my Mac to my TV when the video is via HDMI?

      If you are using a wired connection via an adapter, the default sound may remain on MacTo redirect it to TV:

      1. Open System Preferences → Sound.
      2. In the tab Conclusion Select your TV (it should show up as HDMI or by model).
      3. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check that the adapter supports audio transmission (not all cheap adapters do).

      To wirelessly broadcast sound separately from the image, you can use Bluetooth (but there will be a delay) or AirPlay (if TV supports it).

      Is it possible to stream my Mac screen to a TV over the internet (not a local network)?

      Technically yes, but with some caveats:

      • TeamViewer or AnyDesk: You can connect to another computer that is already connected to the TV.
      • Steam Link: if the application is installed on the TV Steam, you can broadcast your screen Mac through Steam Remote Play (but this is more for games).
      • Plex: for broadcasting media files (not the screen!) over the Internet.

      However, to fully mirror your screen over the Internet, you will need:

      • Dedicated IP address or port forwarding settings on the router.
      • High internet speed (from 50 Mbps symmetrical).
      • Special software like Parsec (but it is optimized for games).

      For most tasks, it is easier to use a local network.

      How to mirror your Mac screen to an Android TV (e.g. Sony Bravia)?

      For Android TV There are several ways:

      1. Google Cast (Chromecast):
        • Install the extension Google Cast for browser Chrome.
        • Open in Chrome the desired tab and click Broadcast → select TV.
      2. Miracast:
        • Turn on the TV Screen Mirroring (Settings → Network → Screen Mirroring).
        • On Mac use AirParrot 3 for broadcast.
    • Application Video & TV SideView (from Sony):
      • Download it from Mac App Store.
      • Connect to your TV via the same Wi-Fi network.

      On some models Sony Bravia (for example, series X90J) also works AirPlay 2 - check the TV settings section Apple AirPlay.

    • 📖 Read also

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