Modern smartphone users often face the need to display multimedia content on a large screen to enjoy high-quality images and sound. Video broadcast Connecting from a mobile device to a TV has become standard thanks to the widespread adoption of smart TVs and high-speed wireless networks. LG's Smart TV technologies offer a variety of ways to achieve this, but not all of them are obvious to the average user.
The main advantage of using Wi-Fi connections The key is the absence of unnecessary wires that can get tangled and spoil the room's decor. For successful data transfer, both devices—the smartphone and the TV—must be on the same local network, ensuring a stable exchange of data packets. In this article, we'll cover all current connection methods in detail, from built-in operating system functions to specialized apps.
Before you begin setup, make sure your LG TV supports Smart TV and has a wireless module. Most modern models released after 2015 are equipped with the necessary hardware to work with these protocols. Miracast And DLNAIf you're using an older router, video transfer speeds may be limited, so it's recommended to use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi standard to view 4K content.
Wireless data transmission technologies: Miracast, DLNA and AirPlay
Understanding the differences between the major media transfer protocols will help you choose the most appropriate method for your situation. Miracast (implemented by LG as Screen Share) creates a direct connection between devices, mirroring the phone's screen 1:1. This means that if a message or notification rings on your smartphone, it will also appear on the TV screen.
⚠️ Please note: When using the mirroring mode (Miracast), the smartphone battery drains significantly faster, as the processor and Wi-Fi module operate in an enhanced mode of constant video stream encoding.
Unlike mirroring, the technology DLNA Allows you to stream only media files (videos, photos, music) from your device's memory or streaming service, without duplicating the operating system interface. This is a more energy-efficient method, allowing you to control playback from your phone while the TV decodes the video stream. Picture quality is often higher, as the load is transferred to the TV's powerful processor.
Apple device owners can take advantage of the protocol AirPlay 2, which is natively supported by new LG models. This technology ensures minimal latency and high-quality transmission, allowing you to stream content from apps or fully mirror your iPhone screen. It's important to note that AirPlay requires a router that supports WPA2 or WPA3 security standards.
Preparing equipment and setting up the network
The foundation for stable streaming is proper local network configuration. The first step is to ensure that your LG TV and mobile phone are connected to the network. the same Wi-Fi networkA common mistake users make is connecting one device to the router's guest network and another to the main network, making them invisible to each other.
Check your TV's software version, as older firmware may not support new codecs or have vulnerabilities in communication protocols. To update, go to the menu Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updatesIf the system prompts you to install a new version of the software, be sure to accept it, as this often fixes connection errors.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
In some cases, routers with the "AP Isolation" feature block communication between devices within the network. If you can't find your TV in the list of available devices, go to your router settings and make sure this feature is disabled. You should also try rebooting the router if your network is overloaded with multiple connected devices.
Broadcasting from Android smartphones via Screen Share
Android device owners have a built-in option to display images without installing additional software using Wi-Fi Direct technology. On LG TVs, this feature is called Screen ShareTo get started, launch the app of the same name on the Smart TV panel or select a signal source. Screen Share in the list of inputs.
On your Android smartphone, open the notification shade and find the "Cast," "Smart View" (Samsung), "Wireless Projector" (Xiaomi), or "Cast" function. After scanning the network, your phone will detect your LG TV. Tap the model name, and after a few seconds, the image will appear on the big screen.
| Phone model | Function name | Menu location | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy | Smart View | Notification shade | DeX mode support |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Broadcast | Settings → Connection | Works via Mi Drop |
| Huawei / Honor | Projection | Notification shade | High stability |
| Google Pixel | Broadcast | Notification shade | Clean Android interface |
It's worth noting that some content-protected apps (such as Netflix or online movie theaters) may block Miracast video output due to HDCP copyright protection. In such cases, a black screen with working audio is a normal security response, not an error.
What to do if the phone doesn’t see the TV?
Make sure the Screen Share app is running on your TV and is waiting for a connection. Also, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall software on your phone if they're blocking local connections.
Using the LG TV Plus app for DLNA
For more advanced content management and streaming files from your smartphone's memory, the official app is best. LG TV PlusIt uses the DLNA protocol and allows you to not only watch videos but also use your phone as a remote control with advanced features. Download the app from the Google Play Market or App Store.
After launching the app and selecting your TV from the list, a confirmation code may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to enter on your smartphone. In the app interface, go to the "Media" or "Gallery" section, select the desired video file, and press the play button. The TV will automatically download and play the file, offloading the phone's processor.
⚠️ Important: Video file formats must be supported by your TV's codecs. If the file doesn't play, try using a third-party video player on your phone with the Cast feature or convert the video to a compatible format (MP4, MKV).
The advantage of using LG TV Plus The ability to create playlists and manage playback queues is a plus. You can add multiple video files from your phone, and the TV will play them sequentially. This is especially convenient when showing photos or presentations.
Stream from iPhone and iPad (AirPlay 2)
Apple ecosystem users can enjoy seamless integration thanks to AirPlay 2 support on modern LG TVs (2019 and newer models, as well as older models with firmware updates). To start streaming, ensure AirPlay is enabled in your TV's connection settings.
Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner or swipe up on older models) and tap the "Screen Mirroring" button (the two rectangular shapes). Select your LG TV from the list. If everything is set up correctly, your smartphone screen will instantly mirror to the TV.
Many apps, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and online movie theaters, have a built-in Cast button (a rectangle with waves) that works even without full screen mirroring. This allows you to use your phone to type or skip tracks without interrupting your viewing experience on the big screen. Image quality when using AirPlay typically surpasses that of Miracast.
Troubleshooting connection and latency issues
Even with proper setup, users may experience image artifacts, audio desync, or intermittent connection drops. Most often, this is due to Wi-Fi congestion, especially in apartment buildings where dozens of neighboring networks create interference.
Try changing your router's broadcast channel through its web interface. Channels 1, 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz band are considered optimal, or you can use a clear channel in the 5 GHz band. Also, make sure there are no thick walls or metal structures between the router and the TV that could block the signal.
⚠️ Note: Smart TV interfaces and app names may vary depending on the webOS operating system version and model year. If you don't see the described option, please consult the official documentation for your specific TV series.
If lag is only observed when streaming from a browser, try clearing the app cache or using a dedicated TV browser. If all else fails, a temporary solution might be to use an HDMI cable with the appropriate adapter for your smartphone, which will guarantee a 100% stable signal.
Why does video lag even with perfect Wi-Fi?
The issue may be with your internet speed, not your local network. Viewing 4K content requires a stable speed of at least 25 Mbps. Check the speed on your TV using the built-in browser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to stream video if there is no internet, only Wi-Fi?
Yes, Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct technologies create a direct connection between your phone and TV without requiring internet access. However, online services (YouTube, Netflix) still require internet access.
Why is there sound but a black picture when streaming video from a phone?
This is HDCP copy protection. The source app is blocking the video stream from being transmitted to external displays. Try playing the video through the built-in YouTube app on the TV itself.
Does my old LG TV support AirPlay?
Native AirPlay 2 support is available in 2019 and newer models. For older models, you can use third-party receivers connected via HDMI or emulator apps, if available in the LG Content Store.
How to reduce audio latency when playing phone games on TV?
In mirrored screen mode, lag is inevitable. For gaming, it's best to use a wired connection or special gaming modes on your TV if they support low input lag (Low Latency) over a wireless connection.
Is it possible to control the TV volume from your phone while streaming?
Yes, when using the LG TV Plus app or native Smart View/Screen Share features, the phone's volume buttons often control the TV's volume. Controls are also synchronized in AirPlay mode.