How to Stream a Movie on Your TV Using Wi-Fi on Your Phone: A Complete Guide for Android

Do you want to watch movies from your phone on a big screen, but don't know how to transmit the image wirelessly? Modern TVs and smartphones Android Support several wireless streaming technologies, from built-in features to third-party apps. The main advantage of this approach is that you don't need cables, adapters, or additional equipment. Stability is sufficient. Wi-Fi connections and correct settings.

In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for watching movies on your TV via Wi-Fi from your phone. You'll learn which technologies your device supports. Samsung, LG or SonyHow to set up a broadcast via Google Cast, Miracast or DLNA, and what to do if the TV doesn't detect the phone. We'll also cover common issues, such as why video is lagging or why there's sound but no picture.

Important: If your TV was manufactured before 2015, some methods may not work. In this case, you will need Wi-Fi-enabled set-top box (For example, Android TV Box or Amazon Fire Stick).

1. Check compatibility: Does your TV support wireless streaming?

Before setting up the connection, make sure your TV is capable of receiving a signal from your phone via Wi-Fi. Here are the key technologies to look for in the specifications:

• 📺 Miracast — a wireless screen sharing standard that works on most TVs produced since 2013. It doesn't require internet access, only a direct connection between devices.
• 🖥️ Google Cast (or Chromecast built-in) is a technology from Google that allows you to "send" content from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi. Supported on Android TV and many smart TVs.
• 🌐 DLNA — a protocol for transferring media files over a local network. Suitable for watching movies, but not for mirroring a phone's screen.
• 🔗 Apple AirPlay - if you have iPhone, but in the case of Android it only works on some TV models (for example, LG 2020+ or Samsung 2021+).

How to check support:

1. Take the remote control and open it Settings → Network → Wireless Connections (or Screen Mirroring).
2. Look for items like Miracast, Wireless Display, Cast or DLNA.
3. If you can't find anything similar, check the TV model in the instructions or on the manufacturer's website.

⚠️ Attention: Some budget models (for example, TCL 32S5200 or Thomson T24DSE08) do not support Miracast, but can work via DLNA or third-party applications like LocalCast.

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring (Miracast) – screen duplication without the Internet

Miracast — the most universal way to stream your phone's screen to your TV via Wi-Fi. It works without an internet connection, creating a direct connection between devices. This is convenient if you don't have a router or want to show a presentation on the go.

Instructions for Android 9+:

1. Turn on the TV mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Miracast). This is usually done through Settings → Connections → Phone screen.
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (or Smart View (at Samsung).
3. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

After 5-10 seconds, your phone's screen will be displayed on your TV. Now you can open any video player (for example, VLC or MX Player) and start the movie. The sound will be transmitted automatically.

Check if Wi-Fi is turned on on your phone (even if you don't need the internet)

Restart your TV and phone

Update your TV's firmware (see "Settings → Support → Software Update")

Make sure the distance between devices is no more than 5 meters-->

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Xiaomi or Huawei) the Miracast function can be called Wireless Display or CastIf you can't find it in the settings, try searching through the search bar in the settings menu.

Miracast supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz, but on older TVs there may be a sound delay of up to 0.5 seconds. This isn't critical for watching movies, but it can be a hindrance when playing games.

3. Method 2: Google Cast - video transmission without screen mirroring

If you don't need to duplicate the entire screen, but just want to "send" the movie to your TV, use Google CastThis method puts less strain on your phone and allows you to continue using your smartphone while watching.

What you will need:

• 📱 Phone on Android 5.0+ with the application installed Google Home (download in Play Market).
• 📺 TV with support Chromecast built-in (or prefix Chromecast).
• 🌐 Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the app on your phone from which you want to stream video (for example, YouTube, Netflix or KinoPoisk).
2. Find the button in the player Cast (usually in the upper right corner). It looks like a rectangle with waves at the bottom.
3. Select your TV from the list of devices.
4. Launch a movie and it will start playing on your TV, leaving you free to use your phone for other tasks.

Advantages of Google Cast:

• ✅ No audio delay (unlike Miracast).
• ✅ You can control playback from your phone (pause, rewind).
• ✅ Supports 4K HDR on compatible TVs.

4. Method 3: DLNA – watching movies from your phone via your home network

DLNA — is a protocol for sharing media files between devices on the same network. It doesn't mirror the screen, but it allows you to access movies, music, and photos directly on your TV, just like from a flash drive. The main advantage: it doesn't load your phone while watching.

How to set up:

1. Install a DLNA server on your phone. Popular apps:
   • BubbleUPnP (for advanced users)
   • LocalCast (simple interface)
   • Plex (if you need to organize a media library)

On your TV, open the media viewing app (on Samsung — Smart Hub → Multimedia, on LG — SmartShare).

Select your phone from the list of sources.

Find the movie you want and start it.

DLNA limitations:

• ❌ Not all video formats are supported (for example, .mkv may not be playable).
• ❌ No subtitles unless they are embedded in the file.
• ❌ The control interface is inconvenient (you have to use the TV remote control).

What video formats does DLNA typically support?

Most TVs play via DLNA:

- MP4 (H.264, AAC)

- AVI (Xvid, MP3)

- MKV (only if TV supports Matroska)

- MOV (on some models)

Formats like FLV, WMV or HEVC (H.265) most often do not work.

5. Method 4: TV manufacturer applications (Samsung SmartThings, LG TV Plus)

Many brands release their own apps for controlling TVs. These often offer more features than standard apps. Miracast or DLNA, including screen sharing, voice control, and even launching apps on TV from your phone.

Popular apps:

• 📱 Samsung SmartThings — for TVs Samsung With TizenAllows you to broadcast your screen, control your TV as a remote, and send files.
• 📱 LG TV Plus - For LG webOS. Supports Miracast and remote control.
• 📱 Sony Video & TV SideView - For Sony BraviaCan stream video and display additional information about the film.

Example setup for Samsung SmartThings:

1. Download the app from Play Market and register.
2. Add your TV to the list of devices (it must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network).
3. Open the tab Phone screen and select Start broadcasting.
4. Confirm the connection on TV.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers' apps often require you to create an account (for example, Samsung Account or LG Account). Without registration, some features may not be available.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the phone can't see the TV or the video is slow

If the broadcast is not working, please check these points:

Additional tips:

• 🔄 If nothing helps, reset the network settings on your TV: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
• 📶 For stable broadcasting 4K use a router with support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔋 Close background apps on your phone—they can slow down the broadcast.

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

If wireless streaming is not possible (for example, due to a lack of a router or incompatible devices), consider these options:

• 🔌 HDMI cable with adapter - connect your phone to the TV via USB-C/HDMI or Micro-USB/HDMI Adapter. Cons: Your phone's battery will drain faster.
• 📶 Mobile hotspot — If you don't have a router, turn on the hotspot on your phone and connect your TV to it. Then use Google Cast or DLNA.
• 💾 Flash drive or external hard drive — copy the movie to a storage device and connect it to the TV via a USB port.

For adapter USB-C/HDMI Make sure your phone supports it DisplayPort Alt ModeThis is relevant for flagships. Samsung Galaxy S/Note, Google Pixel And OnePlus. Budget models (for example, Redmi or Realme) often cannot output images via HDMI.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about casting from your phone to TV

Is it possible to screencast if the TV does not support Wi-Fi?

Yes, but additional equipment will be required:

• Prefix Android TV Box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) - connects to TV via HDMI and supports Miracast And Google Cast.
• Adapter Wi-Fi Display Dongle (For example, AnyCast) - is inserted into the HDMI port and allows you to receive a signal via Wi-Fi.

The cost of such devices ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles.

Why is there no sound when streaming via Miracast?

This is a typical problem on phones. Xiaomi, Huawei and some models SamsungSolutions:

1. Check if your phone is in silent mode.
2. In the settings Miracast turn on the option on your phone Transmit sound (if any).
3. Connect external speakers to the TV Bluetooth or 3.5 mm jack.

How to stream a movie from your phone to TV without delay?

The delay (lag) occurs due to:

• Uses Miracast (delay 0.3–0.5 sec). Solution: go to Google Cast.
• Weak Wi-Fi. Solution: Connect to the network. 5 GHz or use a cable HDMI.
• Video codec. Solution: Convert the file to MP4 (H.264).

For gaming or sports broadcasts it is better to use wired connection.

Is it possible to stream Netflix or YouTube from your phone to TV?

Yes, but the methods depend on the application:

• Netflix, YouTube, KinoPoisk: use the button Cast in the player (required) Google Cast).
• TNT-Premier, Okko: Check if the app supports broadcasting (not all services allow this due to licensing restrictions).
• Torrent clients: broadcast via DLNA (For example, VLC or LocalCast).

How do I enable subtitles when streaming a movie from my phone?

The methods depend on the broadcast method:

• Miracast: subtitles will only be displayed if they are embedded in the video. External files .srt are not supported.
• DLNA: some players (for example, VLC) allow you to select subtitles during playback.
• Google Cast: subtitles work if the application supports them (for example, in Netflix you can choose the language).

For external subtitles, convert them to video using programs like HandBrake or MKVToolNix.