Modern multimedia capabilities make it possible to turn your smartphone into a powerful remote control for your home theater. The question is, how do you watch content from your phone on your TV? LG Smart TV by using wifi, is becoming especially relevant for device owners who want to share content on a large screen. Wireless connectivity eliminates the need for additional cables and adapters, providing maximum freedom of movement in any room.
Technology Screen Mirroring Data streaming protocols and protocols are built into most modern models, starting with the webOS 3.0 series. For this to work, both devices must be on the same local network, which is a basic requirement for synchronization. In this article, we'll cover all available methods in detail, from native operating system functions to specialized apps.
It's important to understand that the quality of the transmitted image directly depends on the speed of your router and its location. A stable signal 5 GHz preferred for high definition video streaming 4K, while the standard range is suitable for viewing photos 2.4 GHzLet's look at step-by-step instructions for different use cases.
Preparing equipment and a Wi-Fi network
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your TV LG and the mobile device are connected to the same wireless network. This is a fundamental requirement; ignoring it makes it impossible for the devices to discover each other. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices "see" the same SSID (network name), even if the frequencies 2.4 And 5 GHz separated.
Check that the software on both devices is up to date. On the TV, you can do this through the menu. Settings → All settings → Support → Software updateOutdated firmware versions may not support new encryption protocols or standards. Miracast, which will lead to connection errors.
⚠️ Important: If your router has a "Guest Network" feature, make sure AP Isolation is not enabled. This feature blocks data exchange between devices within the same network, making streaming impossible.
You can use built-in tools or third-party apps to diagnose signal quality. A weak signal often leads to audio and video desynchronization. Ideally, the distance between the router and TV should be minimal, and the number of physical obstacles should be limited.
Cast from Android using the "Cast" feature
Owners of smartphones based on Android can use a built-in function, which is often called "Broadcast", "Smart View" or "Projection". This method is based on the standard Miracast and does not require installation of additional software on the TV, as support is built into the platform WebOS.
To get started, pull down the notification shade and look for the corresponding icon. It may have a different name depending on your phone model. Once activated, the system will begin searching for available devices within range.
☑️ Checklist before starting a broadcast
When yours appears on the list LG TV, tap it. A permission request may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to confirm with the remote. After that, the image from your mobile device will be copied completely to the big screen.
It's worth noting that this method doesn't turn off your phone's screen, which can drain your battery. You may also experience some delays if you decide to play a heavy game, as Miracast protocol transmits a video stream in real time with a high bit rate.
⚠️ Note: Some content-protected apps (such as Netflix or banking services) may block Miracast video output due to DRM. In these cases, the screen will remain black, although audio will still be transmitted.
Using AirPlay 2 technology for iPhone
Users iOS will appreciate the support of technology AirPlay 2, which is built into TVs LG Starting with 2019 models, this allows you to stream videos, photos, and music directly from the system interface without third-party apps. Data transfer quality remains high, and latency is minimal.
To get started, make sure AirPlay support is enabled on your TV. This can be done through the menu. Settings → Connection → AirPlay and device listsMake sure the switch is in the "On" position.
Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner or up from the bottom on older models) and tap "Screen Mirroring." Select your TV from the list. If prompted, enter the code displayed on the TV screen into the field on your phone.
What to do if the iPhone doesn't see the TV?
Make sure AP client isolation isn't enabled on your router. Also, try rebooting the router. Temporarily disabling the VPN on your phone, if you're using one, can sometimes help. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices for initial pairing.
AirPlay not only mirrors your screen but also allows you to display specific videos from YouTube or Vimeo apps using your phone as a remote. This significantly reduces battery consumption, as the TV's processor handles the heavy-duty decoding.
LG ThinQ app for complete control
Official app LG ThinQ (formerly LG TV Plus) offers advanced control options. It allows you to not only stream media files but also fully mirror your smartphone's screen, as well as use your phone as a touchpad or keyboard for text input.
Download the app from Google Play or App Store and register in the system LGAfter signing in, click the Add Device button and select your TV. Initial setup may require entering a PIN code that appears on the TV screen.
In the "Screen Share" section, you can choose between mirroring the entire screen or transferring individual files. This app is especially useful if standard methods are unreliable, as it uses its own video stream compression algorithms.
An additional benefit is the ability to create control widgets on your smartphone's lock screen. You can quickly adjust the volume or switch audio sources without leaving the couch.
Stream media via DLNA and media servers
If your goal is to view local video files or photo galleries stored in your phone's memory, the optimal solution would be the technology DLNAIt allows the TV to view your smartphone's folders as network storage. For this purpose, you can easily use the Android app BubbleUPnP or built-in file manager.
Unlike screen mirroring, the TV decodes the video file itself, receiving only the data stream. This relieves the load on the phone's processor and allows it to work in the background or even with the screen off.
In the player app on your phone, select the file, click the "Cast" button, and select the renderer (your TV). Image quality in this case depends solely on the TV's processor power and codec support. H.264, HEVC or VP9.
⚠️ Important: Audio and video formats must be supported by your TV. If the file doesn't play, or there's a picture but no sound, your TV likely lacks codecs. In this case, installing a third-party player on your TV may help, such as VLC for Android from the LG Content Store.
Comparison of connection methods and their characteristics
The method you choose depends on your needs: whether you need to show a presentation, watch a movie from an online cinema, or simply share photos with family. Each protocol has its own strengths and weaknesses, which we've summarized in a table for your convenience.
| Method | Platform | Quality | Delay | Battery load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | Android | High | Average | High |
| AirPlay 2 | iOS | Maximum | Low | Average |
| LG ThinQ | Android/iOS | High | Average | Average |
| DLNA | Android/iOS | Depends on the file | Absent | Low |
As the table shows, Miracast and AirPlay are better for gaming or sharing interfaces, as they provide interactivity. For passive 4K movie viewing, built-in Smart TV or DLNA apps are preferable to avoid overloading the Wi-Fi network and battery.
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper setup, issues can still occur. If the TV stops detecting your phone, try rebooting the router—this solves 90% of packet routing issues on the local network. "Forgetting" the Wi-Fi network on your phone and reconnecting can also help.
Check your router's firewall settings. Sometimes antivirus software on ISP routers blocks ports needed for device detection (usually ports 1900 for DLNA and 7236 for Miracast).
If the image is choppy or intermittent, try lowering the output resolution in your phone's settings or moving closer to the router. Interference from microwave ovens or neighboring Wi-Fi networks can also affect connection stability.
The secret to a stable connection
If your router is old and doesn't support the 802.11ac standard, buy an external Wi-Fi adapter for your TV (if your model supports it) or use a 5 GHz hotspot from a modern smartphone if you need to quickly share photos and your router is down.
Why doesn't my LG TV detect my phone?
Most likely, the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network and the other to the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking local connections.
Is it possible to broadcast a screen without the internet?
Yes, if your router simply shares a local network (even without WAN access), Miracast and DLNA technologies will work. Some TVs allow you to create a direct Wi-Fi connection to your phone without a router.
The video is lagging while streaming, what should I do?
Make sure your phone and TV are using the 5 GHz band. Close background apps on your smartphone. If the problem is with online video, reduce the stream quality in your player.
Do older LG TVs support this feature?
Models prior to 2018 may not have built-in AirPlay 2, but Miracast (Screen Share) is supported by almost all LG Smart TVs from the last 10 years. Very old models will require a Chromecast or Miracast adapter.
How do I turn off the broadcast?
On your phone, press the "Stop" button in the notification or in the casting menu. On your LG remote, you can press the "Back" or "Exit" button to end the connection. You can also simply turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone.