How to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi: all the methods + troubleshooting

Wirelessly connect your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi eliminates the tangle of wires and opens up new possibilities: streaming movies in 4K, big-screen gaming, or presentations without adapters. However, not everyone knows that there is at least 5 different protocols for such a connection - from the standard Miracast to proprietary solutions like Apple AirPlay or Samsung Smart ViewThe choice of method depends on the TV model, PC operating system, and even the tasks: for games, minimal latency is critical, while for video, codec support is crucial.

The main problem users have is an unstable connection or no sound. This is most often due to incompatibility of Wi-Fi versions (For example, 802.11ac on PC and outdated 802.11n On TV) or conflicts in router settings. In this article, we'll examine each connection method, taking into account the nuances, and provide a checklist for diagnosing common errors.

1. Miracast: A universal standard for Windows and Android

Miracast - is a wireless screen transfer technology built into Windows 8.1/10/11 and most modern TVs (since 2013-2014). It works on the point-to-point principle (Wi-Fi Direct), meaning it doesn't require a connection to a router. The main advantage is minimal latency (about 30–50 ms), which is important for playing games or drawing on the TV screen.

To check support on PC, click Win + R, enter dxdiag and find the line Miracast in the section System InformationLook for the function on your TV. Screen Mirroring, Wireless Display or Wi-Fi Direct (on the menu Net or Connections).

• 🖥️ On PC: Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display (or Win + K).
• 📺 On TV: turn it on Screen Mirroring (there may be a button on the remote control Source or Input).
• 🔄 If the TV does not find the PC, restart both devices and make sure that they are connected to the same network (even if you are using Wi-Fi Direct).

Miracast does not support audio transmission in this format. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X — for multi-channel audio, a separate HDMI or optical connection is required.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX200/AX201) There may be a problem with connection breakage at resolution higher than 1080pThe solution is to update the chipset driver or forcefully limit the resolution in the Miracast settings.

Both devices support Miracast (check specifications)

The Wi-Fi adapter on the PC is turned on and operating in 5 GHz mode.

The power saving mode is disabled on the TV (this may block the connection)

The router does not use DFS channels (they can interfere with Wi-Fi Direct)-->

2. DLNA/UPnP: Stream media files without screen mirroring

If you don't need to mirror your entire desktop, but only stream movies, music, or photos, the protocol is suitable. DLNA (or its extension UPnP). It works over a local network and allows you to distribute content from your PC to your TV as if it were a media server. The advantage is that it's not tied to an operating system: even Linux-distributions and macOS.

Setup takes 5-10 minutes:

1. Install a media server on your PC: for Windows built-in will do Media streaming (included in Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced settings...) or programs like Plex, Kodi.
2. On your TV, open the app Media player, SmartShare (LG), AllShare (Samsung) or similar.
3. Select your PC from the list of devices and open the folder with files.

DLNA is not suitable for gaming or running apps, but it is ideal for watching high-quality movies. For example, Samsung QLED 2022+ support playback 4K HDR via DLNA without loss of quality.

⚠️ Please note: Some TVs (eg. Xiaomi Mi TV older than 2020) block playback of files with the extension .mkv via DLNA due to DRM restrictions. The solution is to rename the file to .mp4 or use Plex with transcoding.

3. Steam Link: Play PC games on your TV without lag

For gamers who have their PC and TV in different rooms, the best choice is Steam LinkThis app is from Valve broadcasts games over a local network with minimal latency (from 10 ms under ideal conditions). The main requirement is a powerful router with support Wi-Fi 6 or wired TV connection via Ethernet.

Instructions:

• 🎮 Install Steam on PC and turn it on Settings → Remote Play → Enable Streaming.
• 📺 Install the app on your TV Steam Link (available in Google Play For Android TV or App Store For Apple TV).
• 🔗 Connect a gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualSense) to TV via Bluetooth.
• 🖱️ For strategy games, you can use a mouse and keyboard via a USB hub.

Steam Link automatically optimizes the bitrate depending on the network speed. For 1080p60 at least is required 20 Mbps, and for 4K — from 50 MbpsIf the image is "torn", try:

• Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz with width 80 MHz.
• Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (especially torrents or updates).
• In the settings Steam Link select mode Excellent quality (if the network is stable) or Balance (with a weak signal).

4. Apple AirPlay: for iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV owners

Ecosystem Apple offers its own method of wireless broadcasting - AirPlayIt works between devices. Mac, iPhone/iPad and TVs with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+ or Samsung QLED 2020+). The main advantage is synchronization with other devices. Apple (for example, you can broadcast music simultaneously on TV and HomePod).

How to connect:

1. Make sure your PC (Mac) and the TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Mac open System Preferences → Monitors and select the TV from the list AirPlay Display.
3. To broadcast audio only, use the audio control panel (speaker icon in the menu).

AirPlay supported 4K HDR And Dolby Vision, but only on certified devices. For example, Apple TV 4K transmits sound to Dolby Atmos, and the majority Android TV limited to stereo.

⚠️ Attention: On Mac with chips M1/M2 When streaming via AirPlay, a "pink screen" issue may occur at higher resolutions. 1440pThe solution is to update macOS to the latest version or use a cable USB-C → HDMI.

How do I enable AirPlay on a non-Apple TV?

Many TVs on Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia or Philips) support AirPlay after a firmware update. To check:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Sharing → Apple AirPlay.

2. Enable the option and set a name for the device.

3. On Mac or iPhone The TV will appear in the list of available screens.

If there is no option, update the TV software or use Apple TV as an intermediary.

5. Smart View (Samsung) and similar products: proprietary solutions

TV manufacturers often develop their own protocols for wireless connections. For example, Samsung offers Smart View, LG — Screen Share, A Xiaomi — Mi Screen MirroringThese technologies are optimized for specific models and often perform more reliably than universal solutions.

For Samsung Smart View:

• 🖥️ Install the official app on your PC Samsung SmartThings (available for Windows And macOS).
• 📱 An alternative is to use a smartphone Samsung Galaxy as an intermediary: connect it to the TV via Smart View, and then mirror your PC screen to your phone via Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.
• 🔧 Turn on in your TV settings Settings → General → External devices → Connection devices → Screen Mirroring.

Proprietary solutions usually support HDR10+ And Adaptive Sound, but may limit resolution to 1080p when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. For example, LG OLED C2 automatically reduces the bitrate if the network speed is lower 15 Mbps.

6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, connection interruptions

Even with proper setup, common errors can still occur. Here's how to diagnose them:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔌 Router power supply: some models (eg TP-Link Archer C6) reduce performance when powered by USB instead of the original adapter.
• 📡 Distance between devices: For 5 GHz maximum distance is 10–15 meters without obstacles.
• 🔄 Power saving mode: on laptops, disable it in Control Panel → Power Options.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Sony Bravia 2018–2019 models may have protection against pirated content, blocking Miracast streaming. The solution is to disable it. DRM protection in the settings Security → Content Protection.

7. Wi-Fi Alternatives: When Wireless Isn't Enough

If all attempts to connect via Wi-Fi fail, consider alternatives:

• 🔌 HDMI cable: the most stable solution for 4K@120Hz or 8KModern cables HDMI 2.1 support 48 Gbps and have no delays.
• 💻 USB-C → HDMI: for laptops with Thunderbolt 3/4 (For example, MacBook Pro or Dell XPS). The adapter costs from 500 rubles.
• 📶 Powerline adapters: transmission of a signal through electrical wiring (eg TP-Link AV1000). Suitable if the router is far from the TV.
• 🎮 Consoles as intermediaries: Xbox Series X or PS5 can stream games from PC via Parsec or Moonlight.

Ideal for office tasks (presentations, video conferences) Wireless HDMI - for example, adapters Nyrius Aries Pro or IOGEAR GW3DHDKITThey operate on a frequency 60 GHz and provide delay <20 ms, but they cost from 10,000 rubles.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a PC to a TV via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct (included in standard Miracast). On PC, select Connect to a wireless display, and activate it on TV Screen MirroringPlease note: Some TVs (eg. TCL older than 2017) require preliminary network configuration even for direct connection.

Why is there no sound when connecting via Miracast?

Most often, the problem lies in the Windows audio output settings:

1. Click Win + R, enter mmsys.cpl.
2. On the tab Playback find the device with the name Wireless display or Miracast.
3. Click Use as default.

If there is no sound only in a specific application (for example, in a game), check its audio device settings.

How to reduce latency when streaming games via Steam Link?

The following will help minimize lags:

• Wired connection of TV to the router (even if the PC is via Wi-Fi).
• Enabling the mode Game on TV (disables image post-processing).
• Setting up Steam Link on Speed ​​priority and shutdown Hardware decoding.
• Using a gamepad with a cable connection (Bluetooth adds ~10–20 ms latency).

For competitive games (e.g. CS2 or Valorant) delay over 50 ms will be noticeable.

Is it possible to stream Netflix/Disney+ from PC to TV via Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but there are limitations:

• Miracast/DLNA: Most streaming services block playback over wireless protocols due to DRM (Widevine L1).
• Steam Link: it works, but only if a browser with the service tab open is running on the PC.
• Smart View/AirPlay: Netflix And Disney+ allow broadcasting, but may reduce the quality to 720p.

The best solution is to use official streaming service apps directly on your TV.

What is the minimum Wi-Fi speed required for 4K over DLNA?

To play 4K HDR without buffering required:

• 25–30 Mbps for compressed video (eg Netflix or YouTube).
• 50–70 Mbps for raw files (eg .mkv with bitrate 40–50 Mbps).
• 100+ Mbps For 4K@60Hz With 10-bit HDR.

Check the speed between your PC and TV using this utility iPerf3 (run the server on your PC and the client on your TV via Termux For Android TV).