Modern Smart TV Transforms a regular TV into a powerful multimedia center capable of playing content from any source. However, built-in apps don't always support the video formats you need or the specific streaming services you use on your smartphone. In these cases, you need to stream images directly from your mobile device to the big screen using a wireless connection.
Technologies LG Electronics allow you to implement this task in several ways, from the standard Miracast protocol to proprietary solutions like Smart Share. The key condition for stable operation of all methods is that the smartphone and TV are located on the same local Wi-Fi network. A lost connection or the use of guest access on a router often leads to device detection errors, so properly organizing a home network is the first step to success.
In this article, we'll cover all current connection methods, explore the specifics of working with various operating systems, and troubleshoot common issues with buffering or audio desync. You'll learn how to set up DLNA server, use functions AirPlay 2 for iPhone owners and what third-party apps might be needed for specific tasks.
Preparing equipment and setting up the network
Before setting up your stream, you need to ensure your infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streaming. Older 802.11n routers may struggle to handle 4K video, causing constant lag. Ideally, use a router that supports 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks.
It is important to check what is on the TV LG Smart TV The latest version of the webOS operating system is installed. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve the stability of wireless modules and add support for new codecs. To check, go to the menu Settings → All settings → Support → Software update and run the scan.
⚠️ Note: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try temporarily separating them or forcing both devices to connect to the same frequency. Smartphones sometimes automatically switch to a weaker signal, which disrupts the connection to the TV.
It's also worth paying attention to your router's power-saving settings. Some models may go into sleep mode or reduce signal strength when there's no active file download, which can negatively impact video streaming. Make sure this feature is enabled. QoS (Quality of Service) is configured to prioritize multimedia traffic if this option is available in your router's interface.
Using the built-in Smart Share feature
The most native way to stream media files to TVs LG — is a Smart Share technology based on the protocol DLNAIt allows you to stream photos, videos, and music stored on your smartphone directly to the big screen without loss of quality, as the file is transmitted in its original format rather than being broadcast as a screen video stream.
To get started, you need to activate the function in the TV menu. Go to Settings → Connection → Smart Share and make sure the switch is set to "On." After this, the TV will become visible to other devices on the network. On a smartphone, this feature may be called "Cast," "Smart View" (Samsung), "Media Cast," or simply a screen icon with an arrow.
☑️ Check Smart Share settings
The process for starting playback is as follows: open the gallery or video player on your phone, select the desired file, and press the connect button. From the list of available devices that appears, select yours. LG Smart TVIf the list is empty, try restarting the Media Server app on your TV using the button. Home → LG Content Store → My Apps.
It's worth noting that Smart Share doesn't support app interface mirroring. You won't be able to launch YouTube or Netflix on your phone and mirror it to your TV—that requires other methods. Protocol DLNA It is intended solely for playing local files.
Android Screen Share/Miracast
If your goal is to share a presentation, game, or content from an app that doesn't have built-in Cast support, you'll need screen mirroring technology. In the ecosystem LG It is often called Screen Share and is based on the standard MiracastUnlike DLNA, it transmits a video stream of everything that happens on the smartphone display.
To connect, launch the app on your TV. Screen Share (usually found in the list of signal sources or in the Smart Home menu). On an Android smartphone, the option may be in the notification shade under the name "Cast," "Smart View," or "Wireless Monitor." After selecting the TV from the list, the pairing process will begin.
| Parameter | DLNA (Smart Share) | Miracast (Screen Share) |
|---|---|---|
| Image quality | Original (uncompressed) | Compressed (depending on signal) |
| Control | Play/pause/stop only | Full control from your phone |
| Battery consumption | Short | High |
| Latency | Absent | Present (0.5-2 sec) |
When using Miracast, it's important to understand that the phone encodes the video signal in real time, which puts a strain on the processor and quickly drains the battery. Furthermore, there may be a noticeable delay between the action on the phone screen and its display on the TV, making this method unsuitable for fast-paced games.
Why does the sound disappear when screen sharing?
Sound often fails to transmit due to DRM (copyright protection) restrictions in some apps or because the phone is trying to output audio through a Bluetooth headset instead of the TV. Check the audio output settings in the Android media menu.
Connecting iPhone and iPad via AirPlay 2
For equipment owners Apple I was luckier because modern TVs LG (2019 and newer models with webOS 4.0+) have built-in protocol support AirPlay 2This allows you to stream your screen or specific video with minimal latency and high quality using Apple's optimized codecs.
To activate the function, go to the TV settings: Settings → Connection → AirPlayMake sure the feature is enabled. On your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom on older models) and tap the Screen Mirroring button (the two rectangles).
When you first connect, a code may appear on your TV screen that you'll need to enter on your Apple device. Once paired, you won't need to sign in again unless you reset your network settings. AirPlay 2 also allows you to use your phone as a remote control or output audio to external speakers that support the protocol.
⚠️ Please note: When streaming via AirPlay, vertical video (such as that shot on a phone) will appear with black bars on the sides. The TV cannot stretch the image to fill the entire screen without distorting the aspect ratio, as the TV's display is horizontal.
Using the LG ThinQ app and third-party services
Official app LG ThinQ It serves as a universal remote control and monitoring center, but its media streaming capabilities are limited. However, it is indispensable for initial TV setup and checking network connection status. For more advanced content streaming, especially from browsers or file managers, it's better to use specialized software.
A popular solution is the app Web Video Caster or BubbleUPnPThey allow you to open videos in the app's built-in browser and send the stream directly to the TV's renderer (DLNA or Chromecast built-in). This relieves the load on the phone, as the TV downloads the video directly from the link.
Another option is to use technology Chromecast built-in, which is built into many LG models. In this case, you simply select the output device from an app on your phone (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos). This differs from Screen Share in that the phone acts only as a remote control, and the video is loaded directly from the internet by the TV.
Troubleshooting connection and buffering issues
Despite the apparent simplicity, users often encounter the problem that their phone can't detect their TV. First, check if the "AP Isolation" feature is enabled on your router. If enabled, devices on the Wi-Fi network are prevented from communicating with each other, making it impossible to detect. Smart TV.
The second common issue is audio and video desynchronization or constant buffering. This is a clear sign of insufficient bandwidth. Try lowering the video bitrate in the player settings or switching to a 2.4 GHz network if 5 GHz is congested, although 5 GHz is preferable for 4K.
It's also worth checking your router's firewall settings or your phone's antivirus software. Sometimes they block ports required for protocols to work. SSDP (device search) and media streaming. Temporarily disabling the firewall will help diagnose the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the list of available devices?
Most likely, the devices are on different networks (for example, one on a guest Wi-Fi network and the other on the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if the TV firmware requires a firmware update.
Is it possible to stream audio from my phone to my LG soundbar via Wi-Fi?
Yes, as long as the soundbar and phone support the same protocol (Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast). In the LG Sound Bar app or through the standard Bluetooth/Wi-Fi menu on Android/iOS, select the soundbar as the audio output device.
The video is lagging when streaming from my phone. What should I do?
Try moving closer to the router, closing background apps on your phone that are consuming data, or reducing video quality. Restarting the router to clear the cache may also help.
Do older LG TVs (2015-2018) support AirPlay?
Natively, no. AirPlay 2 was introduced in 2019 and newer models. For older models, you can use third-party receiver apps installed on your TV (such as AirScreen) or stream via Chromecast if it's built-in.