How to Project Your Laptop Screen to a TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly cast your laptop screen to your TV using Wi-Fi It eliminates the tangle of wires and allows you to comfortably watch movies, give presentations, or play games on a big screen. However, not everyone knows that you don't need to buy additional adapters to achieve this—modern Smart TV Operating systems already support several wireless protocols. The key is to configure the connection correctly and take into account the specifics of your device.

In this article we will analyze 5 working methods Wi-Fi screen projection: from built-in functions Windows 10/11 And macOS to universal apps for any device. We'll also explain why image or sound delays sometimes occur and how to avoid them. If your TV doesn't support Miracast or DLNA, we will show workarounds using external adapters or software.

Before you begin setting up, check two key things:

1. The laptop and TV are connected one Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct).
2. The TV is in signal reception mode (usually called Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Display or Smart View).

Method 1: Miracast (built-in Windows function)

Miracast — is a wireless broadcasting standard supported by most modern Smart TV and laptops on Windows 8.1/10/11It allows you to mirror your screen without any additional software, but requires compatible devices.

To check support Miracast on the laptop:

1. Click Win + R, enter dxdiag and press Enter.
2. In the window DirectX Diagnostic Tool go to the tab Screen.
3. Find the line Miracast - if it is written Available, your laptop supports the technology.

To connect:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Wi-Fi Direct).
2. On a laptop, press Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.

⚠️ Note: On some models Samsung (series QLED 2018–2020) Miracast only works when disabled Bluetooth on a laptop. If the image is not transmitted, try turning it off. Bluetooth in the notifications menu.

• ✅ Pros: No delays, supports sound, does not require the Internet (works via Wi-Fi Direct).
• ❌ Cons: Not all older TVs support it Miracast (especially models before 2016).
• 🔧 Alternative: If Miracast doesn't work, use DLNA (see next section).

Laptop and TV on the same Wi-Fi network|

Miracast is supported on both devices|

Screen Mirroring is enabled on TV|

Bluetooth is disabled (for Samsung)|-->

2. Method: DLNA for transferring media files

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for streaming photos, videos and music over a local network. Unlike MiracastIt doesn't mirror the screen, but only streams media files. It's suitable for watching movies or listening to music without lag.

How to set up DLNA on Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
2. Turn on Media sharing and select your network.
3. On your TV, open a media app (e.g. SmartShare on LG or Photos & Videos on Samsung) and select the laptop as the source.

For macOS use the built-in application Home video (previously iTunes):

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Activate Media sharing.
3. On the TV, select the laptop from the list of DLNA devices.

⚠️ Please note: Some TVs (eg. Sony Bravia 2017–2019) block playback DRM-protected files (for example, movies from Netflix or Disney+) via DLNA. In this case, use HDMI or Miracast.

3. Method: AirPlay for Apple devices

If you have MacBook or iPhone, and the TV supports AirPlay (For example, Apple TV, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED 2019+), you can stream your screen wirelessly with minimal latency.

Instructions for macOS:

1. Make sure your laptop and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Click on the icon Screen control in the menu bar (or System Preferences → Monitors).
3. Select your TV from the list AirPlay Display.

For Windows additional software will be required, for example 5KPlayer or ApowerMirror, which emulate AirPlay receiver.

• 🍎 Apple TV 4K: supports 4K HDR And Dolby Atmos.
• 📺 Samsung QLED 2020+: AirPlay only works with iOS Tizen 5.5+.
• ⚡ LG OLED: requires AirPlay to be enabled in settings (All Settings → General → AirPlay).

What should I do if AirPlay can't find my TV?

1. Reboot your router—sometimes the DHCP server issues incorrect IP addresses.

2. Disable the VPN on your laptop (some services block local traffic).

3. Update your TV's firmware (on Samsung come in Settings → Support → Software Update).

4. Check if the power saving mode is enabled on your laptop - it may limit the network.

4. Method: Smart View (for Samsung TVs)

Proprietary technology Smart View from Samsung allows you to broadcast your laptop screen to TVs of the series QLED, The Frame, Crystal UHD (2016 and newer). Unlike Miracast, the company's own software is used here.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download the program Samsung Smart View With official website (or use the built-in app on laptops Samsung).
2. Launch the program and select your TV from the list.
3. Confirm the connection on the TV screen (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

Smart View supports streaming in resolutions up to 4K, but only if the laptop is equipped with a graphics card that supports it. HEVC (H.265). On old video cards (Intel HD Graphics 4000 and below) the maximum resolution is limited 1080p.

⚠️ Caution: When using Smart View on laptops with NVIDIA Optimus (hybrid graphics) image flickering may occur. Solution: in NVIDIA Control Panels install for the program Samsung Smart View usage discrete graphics card.

5. Method: Third-party programs (for any TV)

If built-in methods don't work, use universal wireless streaming software. They even support older TVs without Smart functions, connected via set-top boxes (Xiaomi Mi Box, Amazon Fire Stick).

Top 3 Wi-Fi streaming apps:

• 🖥️ ApowerMirror: works with Windows/macOS, supports 1080p/60fps, there is a screen recording function.
• 🎮 Steam Link: optimized for gamers (supports controllers And 4K).
• 📱 TeamViewer QuickSupport: allows you to not only broadcast your screen, but also control your laptop from your TV.

Example of setup ApowerMirror:

1. Download and install the program on your laptop and TV (if applicable) Android TV).
2. On your laptop, select Phone Screen → Computer Screen.
3. Enter the PIN code displayed on the TV screen.

6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, connection

Even with proper setup, common issues may arise. Here's how to solve them:

• 🐢 Image/sound delay:
  • Switch the router to the range 5 GHz (less interference).
  • Close background programs on your laptop (especially torrents).
  • Reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p in Miracast/DLNA settings.
• 🔇 No sound:
  • On Windows click Win + X → Device Manager → Sound Devices and update the driver.
  • In the broadcast settings, select Transfer audio to [TV name].
  • For DLNA check that the file is not in the format DTS (TVs often don't support it).
• 🚫 The TV is not located:
  • Turn it off VPN And antivirus (they can block local traffic).
  • Reboot your router and make sure it is enabled. Multicast (in settings LAN → IGMP Snooping).
  • Update your drivers Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop (especially relevant for Realtek).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) for correct operation Miracast you need to enable the option manually WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in the wireless network settings.

7. Wi-Fi Alternatives: When Wireless Isn't Enough

If your TV doesn't support Wi-Fi streaming or you're experiencing unsolvable lag, consider these alternatives:

• 🔌 HDMI cable: zero latency, supports 4K/120Hz And HDRSuitable for games and high-quality videos.
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter for TV (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam): connects to the port HDMI and adds support Miracast on old TVs.
• 🖥️ Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick: allow you to broadcast your screen via Google Cast (For Chrome) or Fire TV Mirroring.
• 🔄 Powerline adapters: If Wi-Fi is weak, transmit the signal through electrical wiring (speed up to 1 Gbps).

For Google Chromecast:

1. Connect the adapter to HDMI-TV port.
2. Install the extension Google Cast for browser Chrome.
3. Click on the broadcast icon in your browser and select Chromecast.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about screen mirroring on TV

Is it possible to stream a laptop screen to a TV without a router?

Yes, if your TV supports it. Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastIn this case, the laptop connects directly to the TV without an intermediary. For example, on Samsung turn on Smart View → Wi-Fi Direct, and on your laptop, select the TV network in the Wi-Fi list.

Why is there no sound when streaming via Miracast?

The reasons may be different:

1. The wrong output device is selected in the sound settings on the laptop (check Control Panel → Sound).
2. Drivers Wi-Fi or sound card are out of date (update them through device Manager).
3. The TV does not support the audio codec (try re-encoding the file to AAC or MP3).

How to mirror your laptop's screen to a TV LG?

On TVs LG (With webOS) use:

• Miracast: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Screen Share.
• DLNA: open the application SmartShare.
• AirPlay (on 2019+ models): Settings → General → AirPlay.

For laptops Windows click Win + K and choose yours LG.

What is the minimum Wi-Fi speed required for lag-free streaming?

Recommended values:

• 720p/30fps: from 5 Mbps.
• 1080p/60fps: from 20 Mbps.
• 4K/HDR: from 50 Mbps (preferably 5 GHz).

Check your speed through Speedtest and make sure the laptop is connected to the network 5 GHz (and not 2.4 GHz).

Is it possible to control a laptop from a TV while streaming?

Yes, but this requires special programs:

• TeamViewer: full control with mouse and keyboard.
• ApowerMirror: support for touch control (if TV is on Android).
• Steam Link: control the game with a gamepad connected to the TV.

Built-in protocols (Miracast, DLNA) only duplicate the screen, but do not allow them to be controlled.