How to watch movies on your LG TV via Wi-Fi from your phone: all the methods + instructions

You've downloaded a movie to your phone, but want to watch it on the big screen. LG Smart TV without unnecessary wires? Video transmission via Wi-Fi — the most convenient solution, but not always obvious. Depending on the TV and smartphone model, up to five different methods are available: from built-in functions LG Smart Share to universal protocols DLNA And MiracastThe main thing is to set up the network correctly and choose the optimal method.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions For all relevant methods, including solutions to common problems: why the TV isn't detecting the phone, how to eliminate lag during viewing, and what to do if the audio is transmitted but the video isn't. We'll also compare methods based on connection speed, streaming quality, and compatibility with different models. LG (from webOS 3.0 to webOS 23).

1. Preparation: Checking network compatibility and settings

Before you start streaming, make sure your devices meet the following key requirements:

• 📺 LG TV with support Smart TV (models with webOS 2.0 and newer). Old TVs on NetCast may not support wireless broadcasting.
• 📱 Smartphone on Android 5.0+ or iOS 11+ with module Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast.
• 🌐 Router with standard support 802.11n (or newer) and frequency 5 GHz for stable Full HD transmission.

It is critical that the phone and TV were connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you use Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast, the network is created automatically, but in this case other devices will temporarily lose access to the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG OLED And QNED 2022–2026 release function Screen Share may be disabled by default for security reasons. To enable it, go to Settings → All settings → Connection → On-screen display.

On LG TVs 2020 and newer Smart Share automatically enables support Google Cast (analogous to Chromecast), even if the specifications do not indicate this. This allows you to stream videos directly from apps like YouTube or Netflix without additional settings.

2. Method 1: Smart Share (built-in LG function)

Smart Share — a proprietary solution from LG, which works on all TVs with webOSIt supports streaming photos, music, and videos from your phone without installing third-party apps. Its main advantage is minimal latency and support for most formats (including MKV And MP4).

Instructions for Android:

1. On your TV, open the app Smart Share (icon with two arrows).
2. Turn on your phone Wi-Fi and connect to the same network as the TV.
3. Open gallery or file manager, select a movie and click “Share” → “Smart Share” (or “LG TV”).
4. Confirm the connection on the TV.

For iPhone an additional application will be required LG TV Plus (available in App Store). After installation:

1. Launch LG TV Plus and select your TV from the list.
2. Click on the icon Screen Share (in the upper right corner).
3. In the gallery iOS Select a video and click “Share” → “LG TV Plus”.

⚠️ Attention: If your TV does not appear in the list of devices, check if the feature is enabled. Mobile TV On in the settings LG (Settings → General → Mobile TV Control). On some models it is disabled by default.

TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network | Smart Share is enabled on the TV | File access is enabled on the phone | VPN and proxy are disabled -->

3. Method 2: Miracast (wireless screen mirroring)

Miracast — a universal standard for mirroring a smartphone screen to a TV without connecting to a routerIt creates a direct connection between devices, which is useful if you don't have a home network or a weak Wi-Fi signal. However, this method has its drawbacks:

• ⚡ High latency (up to 2 seconds) - not suitable for gaming.
• 🔋 Fast phone battery drain (up to 30% in an hour).
• 📶 Resolution limit: on most LG TV maximum quality - 1080p.

How to connect:

1. On TV: Settings → Connection → Screen Share → Miracast.
2. On Android: open Settings → Connections → Screen Sharing (or Smart View at Samsung).
3. Choose yours LG TV from the list and confirm the connection.

For iPhone Miracast not supported - please use instead AirPlay (see next section).

4. Method 3: AirPlay 2 (for iPhone and Mac)

If you have iPhone or MacBook, the most reliable way to broadcast is AirPlay 2It is supported on all LG TV With webOS 4.0 and newer (2018 and later). Advantages:

• 🎬 Support 4K HDR And Dolby Vision (on compatible models).
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of audio and video (no delays).
• 🔒 Encrypted data transmission.

How to broadcast:

1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On TV: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit → Enable AirPlay.
3. On iPhone open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner) → tap Screen mirroring → choose yours LG TV.
4. To broadcast only video (without screen mirroring), use the icon AirPlay in applications (YouTube, Photo and others).

⚠️ Attention: On some models LG (For example, UK6300) AirPlay It only works after updating the firmware to the latest version. Check the software's current status in Settings → Support → Software Update.

5. Method 4: DLNA (for files from your phone)

DLNA — a protocol for transferring media files over a local network. Unlike MiracastIt doesn't mirror the screen, but only streams the selected video. This saves battery life and reduces the load on the phone's processor. Suitable for:

• 🎥 Movies in formats MP4, AVI, MKV.
• 🎵 Music and photographs.
• 📂 Playlists (for example, from VLC or Kodi).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV DLNA: Settings → Network → DLNA.
2. Install a media server application on your phone, for example:
   • 🤖 Android: BubbleUPnP or LocalCast.
   • 🍎 iOS: nPlayer or 8player.

In the app, select the file and click “Play on” → select yours LG TV.

If your TV does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔌 Both devices are connected to the same network.
• 🔒 The firewall on the router does not block ports 1900/TCP And 1901/UDP.
• 📱 The phone has permission to access local files for the selected app.

Why doesn't DLNA work with MKV?

Some LG TV models (for example, the series LJ550V) do not support hardware decoding MKV with a high bitrate. Solution: convert the file to MP4 by using HandBrake or use Miracast to duplicate the screen.

6. Method 5: Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)

Many people don't know, but televisions LG With webOS 5.0+ support Google Cast - the same technology that is used in ChromecastThis allows you to stream videos directly from apps (YouTube, Netflix, KinoPoisk) without duplicating the entire screen.

How to use:

1. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same network.
2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube).
3. Click on the icon Cast (usually in the upper right corner) and select your LG TV.
4. Launch the video and it will start playing on your TV.

List of supported applications Google Cast:

• 🎬 YouTube, Netflix, Disney+.
• 🎵 Spotify, Yandex Music.
• 📱 Google Photos, Chrome (for tab streaming).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG 2019–2020 (webOS 4.5–5.0) function Google Cast may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings → All settings → General → Mobile TV control → Google Cast.

7. Troubleshooting: What to do when nothing works

If your TV doesn't see your phone or the video is interrupted, check the following:

If the problem persists, try:

1. Reboot your router and TV (unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds).
2. Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → Network → Network Reset.
3. Install an alternative broadcasting app on your phone (for example, ApowerMirror For Miracast).

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each streaming method has its pros and cons. Here's a brief comparison for different scenarios:

• 🎥 For movies from your phone: DLNA or Smart Share (minimal delays, subtitle support).
• 📱 To duplicate your screen: Miracast (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone).
• 🌐 For streaming from apps: Google Cast or AirPlay.
• 🏠 For a guest network without a router: Wi-Fi Direct (built in Smart Share).

If you need maximum quality (4K HDR), choose AirPlay 2 (For iPhone) or Google Cast (For Android). To save battery life, it is better to DLNA.

❓ Which method is the fastest for connection?

Wi-Fi Direct (within the framework Smart Share) connects in 2–5 seconds, as it does not require router configuration. Miracast And AirPlay may take up to 10-15 seconds due to compatibility checking.

❓ Is it possible to stream video from my phone to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, use it. Wi-Fi Direct (built in Smart Share) or MiracastBoth methods create a direct connection between devices without a router. However, the phone's internet connection will not work in this case.

❓ Why is there no sound on my TV when streaming from an iPhone?

Check if the "Quiet" mode is enabled on iPhone (swipe down → bell icon). Also, make sure that in the settings AirPlay Sound output is enabled on the TV: Settings → Sound → Sound Output → TV Speaker.

❓ How to stream YouTube videos in 4K?

Use Google Cast from the application YouTube (icon Cast in the upper right corner). On TVs LG With webOS 6.0+ This will allow you to play videos in resolutions up to 4K 60fps, while the built-in application YouTube on TV it's often limited 1080p.

❓ Is it possible to mirror my PC screen to an LG TV using my phone?

Yes, but only indirectly:

1. Connect your PC and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install on PC ApowerMirror or TeamViewer.
3. Connect your phone to PC via these applications.
4. Then broadcast your phone screen to LG TV through Miracast or Smart Share.