How to Turn Your TV into a Second Computer Monitor via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Using your TV as a second monitor wireless network — a convenient solution for expanding your workspace, watching movies on a big screen, or streaming games without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter issues such as image lag, unstable connections, or complete device incompatibility. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all current methods connecting TV to PC via Wi-Fi - from built-in technologies (Miracast, AirPlay) to specialized applications (Steam Link, SpaceDesk).

It is important to understand: Wireless screen mirroring will always be inferior to wired HDMI in terms of latency and stability.But for office tasks, web surfing, or video viewing, a difference of 30–50 ms is often unnoticeable. We tested all methods on TVs. Samsung QLED 2022–2026, LG OLED C2/C3 And Sony Bravia X90J — the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

If your TV was released before 2018, check support Miracast on the menu Settings → Network → Screen Mirroring. Obsolete models (eg. Samsung J series or LG WebOS 2.0) may require additional adapters or not support wireless connectivity at all. For these cases, we'll look at workarounds.

1. Built-in technologies: Miracast and AirPlay

The easiest way to connect is to use built-in protocols wireless screen sharingThey don't require any third-party software, but only work on compatible devices.

Miracast (standard Wi-Fi Direct) is supported by most modern TVs Android TV, WebOS (LG) and Tizen (Samsung). For Windows 10/11, the feature is built into the system, but on macOS it was replaced by AirPlay (only for Apple TV or TV with support AirPlay 2, For example, Samsung Q-Series 2020+).

• 🔹 Windows → TV (Miracast): click Win + K, select your TV from the list. If the TV is not displayed, check if it is turned on. Screen Mirroring in its settings.
• 🍎 macOS → TV (AirPlay): open Control Center → Screen Mirror, select your device. Your TV may require a confirmation code.
• ⚙️ Android TV: path Settings → Connection devices → Screen Mirroring (item name may differ).

The main drawback of Miracast is delay 50-100 ms, which is critical for gaming or graphics work. The technology also doesn't support screen expansion (only mirroring). To resolve these issues, see the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2016–2019 function Screen Mirroring may work unstable due to an outdated version TizenUpdate your TV firmware before connecting.

2. Steam Link: The best choice for gamers and low latency

If you need expand the screen (and not just duplicate) or play with minimal lags, Steam Link — the optimal solution. The app was originally developed for game streaming, but is also suitable for general tasks. The main requirement is that the platform must be installed on the PC. Steam (even if you don't play).

Installation takes 5 minutes:

1. Download Steam Link on TV from Google Play Store (For Android TV) or LG Content Store (WebOS). On Samsung Tizen The application is not available - please use Moonlight (analogue for NVIDIA GPU).
2. Launch Steam on PC, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn on the option Enable remote playback.
3. Connect a gamepad (optional) or use a mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth.
4. In the appendix Steam Link On your TV, select your PC from the list. When connecting for the first time, enter the PIN code on the computer screen.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎮 Support 4K@60Hz (with stable Wi-Fi 5/6).
• 🖥️ Possibility to use TV as second independent monitor (desktop extension).
• 🔌 Low latency (10–40 ms) thanks to the codec HEVC.

Update your PC's graphics card drivers | Connect your PC and TV to the same 5GHz Wi-Fi network | Close any background apps that are consuming bandwidth | Check your internet speed (minimum 25 Mbps for 1080p) -->

⚠️ Attention: For stable operation Steam Link the router must support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. On frequency 2.4 GHz image artifacts and delays are possible.

If you have NVIDIA GeForce (series 10/20/30/40), alternative - Moonlight (free analogue Steam Link with support GameStream). This solution provides even lower latency (up to 5 ms in a local network), but requires configuration in NVIDIA Control Panels.

3. SpaceDesk: Screen Extension for Windows

SpaceDesk — a unique application that turns TV into a full-fledged second monitor with support desktop extensions (and not just duplication). Unlike Miracast, here you can drag windows between screens, adjust resolution and orientation.

Setup instructions:

1. Download SpaceDesk Driver (server) on PC with official website and install.
2. Install SpaceDesk Client on TV (available in Google Play For Android TV). For LG WebOS or Samsung Tizen use the version for Android through Send Files to TV.
3. Launch the app on your TV and select your PC from the list. On your computer, confirm the connection in the system tray (icon SpaceDesk).
4. IN Windows Display Options (Win + P) adjust the position of the second monitor.

Peculiarities SpaceDesk:

• 🖥️ Support multi-monitor configurations (up to 4 additional screens).
• 🔧 Flexible resolution settings (up to 4K, but with loss of smoothness).
• 📶 Works via local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), but not via the Internet.

How to reduce latency in SpaceDesk?

Use an Ethernet cable connection (if supported by your TV) instead of Wi-Fi. In the client settings, select "Fast Update" mode and reduce the bitrate to 10–15 Mbps. Disable hardware acceleration in your graphics card drivers (in some cases, this can paradoxically improve performance).

The main disadvantage is paid version (from $10) required for higher resolutions 1920×1080 and higher frequencies 30 HzThe free version is sufficient for office tasks, but for video or gaming, it's better to consider alternatives.

4. Alternative applications: ApowerMirror, TeamViewer, AnyDesk

If none of the previous methods work, try universal remote access programs. They're not optimized for gaming, but they can handle screen sharing for work or media viewing.

Comparison of popular solutions:

• 🔄 ApowerMirror: screen mirroring with support 4K, but high latency (100+ ms). There is a screen recording function. Paid version — $30/year.
• 💻 TeamViewer: It's more suitable for remote control, but can be used as a second screen. The downside is its dependence on TeamViewer servers (possible lag).
• 🖱️ AnyDesk: low latency (20-50ms), but no support hardware acceleration — the load on the PC CPU will increase.
• 🎮 Rainway: Optimized for gaming, but requires a powerful PC (video card not lower than NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580).

To install any of these applications:

1. Download the server part to your PC and the client part to your TV (via Google Play or APK for non-certified TVs).
2. Register (if required) and log in on both devices.
3. On your PC, allow the connection in the application settings.
4. On TV, enter the ID or select the computer from the list.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like TeamViewer or AnyDesk They transmit images through external servers, which may violate corporate network security policies. Do not use them for working with sensitive data.

5. Configuring your router for minimal latency

Even the most optimized software will slow down if The Wi-Fi network is overloaded or configured incorrectly. The following recommendations will help reduce latency and improve stability:

• 📶 Use the 5 GHz band: It is less congested and supports higher speeds. In the router settings (192.168.1.1) turn on 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔗 Disable Wi-Fi power saving: V Control Panel → Power Options → Adapter Settings (Windows) Select mode Maximum performance.
• 🚫 Block background updates: Disable automatic updates for Windows, Steam, and other programs while using the second screen.
• 🎯 Prioritize traffic (QoS): in the router settings (Asus, TP-Link, Keenetic) add PC and TV to the list of priority devices.

For advanced users:

• Install static IP for PC and TV in the local network (via DHCP reservation in the router).
• Use channel 149–165 in the 5 GHz range (less crowded, but may require manual configuration).
• If the router supports MU-MIMO, enable this feature to transfer data to multiple devices at the same time.

If lags remain even after optimization, try wired connection through Powerline adapters (use electrical wiring) or MoCA (coaxial cable). These technologies provide stability similar to Ethernet, but without the need for new cables.

6. Troubleshooting: No sound, lag, connection drops

Let's look at typical errors and how to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

1. Check it out compatibility your TV with the selected connection method (see the table at the beginning of the article).
2. Update TV firmware And video card drivers (especially for Intel Arc or AMD Radeon 6000+, where Miracast bugs often occur).
3. Try it alternative software (for example, if it doesn't work Steam Link, test Moonlight or Parsec).
4. Connect TV to PC via HDMI cable To check: if the lag remains, the problem is in the TV itself (for example, a slow panel on budget models).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a TV as a second monitor via Wi-Fi on a MacBook?

Yes, but with limitations. macOS does not support Miracast, so use:

• AirPlay: only for TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+ or LG OLED with WebOS 5.0+).
• Steam Link: works on macOS, but requires installation Steam.
• SpaceDesk: There is no official support for macOS, but you can use Duet Display (paid, ~$10).

For M1/M2 MacBook the best option is AirPlay or wired connection via USB-C → HDMI.

What is the minimum Wi-Fi router required for stable operation?

To transfer video to 1080p@60Hz The router must support the following without lags:

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with a throughput of at least 867 Mbps.
• Dual-band mode (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
• MU-MIMO (for simultaneous work with several devices).

Recommended models (2023–2026): TP-Link Archer AX55, Asus RT-AX58U, Xiaomi AX3600For 4K streams, it's better to choose a router with Wi-Fi 6 (Netgear Nighthawk AX12).

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

This is a typical Windows problem. Solutions:

1. Click Win + I → System → Sound and select TV as the output device.
2. If your TV doesn't appear in the list, reinstall the driver. Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter through device Manager.
3. In some cases, disabling it helps Audio via HDMI in the sound card settings (if it is integrated into the motherboard).

If the sound still does not appear, use a separate Bluetooth speaker or optical cable to output sound to TV.

Can I use my phone as a PC monitor via Wi-Fi?

Yes, using the same applications:

• SpaceDesk: there is a client for Android And iOS.
• TeamViewer QuickSupport: Allows you to control your PC from your phone, but is not suitable for gaming.
• ApowerMirror: duplicates the PC screen on the phone (and vice versa).

For iPhone there is also an option Screen mirror (through AirPlay), but it only works with Apple TV or compatible TVs.

How to reduce lag when watching videos?

Latency depends on the connection method:

• Miracast/AirPlay: 50–100 ms – cannot be fixed, it is a protocol limitation.
• Steam Link: 10–40 ms — reduce the bitrate to 10 Mbps and select the codec HEVC.
• SpaceDesk: 20–60 ms — turn on the mode Low latency in the client settings.

General tips:

• Use Wi-Fi 6 or wired connection.
• Close all background programs that consume internet (torrents, cloud synchronization).
• Reduce the screen resolution on your TV to 1280×720 (if lags are critical).