How to connect a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi: all working methods

Connecting your laptop to your TV wirelessly via Wi-Fi saves time on cables and opens up new possibilities for streaming content. However, not all users know that stable operation requires not only Wi-Fi but also support for specific protocols— Miracast, DLNA or AirPlayIn this article, we'll cover all current connection methods, including hidden Windows and macOS settings, and address common errors that cause image lag or failure to transfer at all.

It's important to understand that even if your TV and laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, this does not automatically guarantee compatibility. For example, Samsung Smart TV 2020-2022 model years may not be supported Miracast through built-in functions, but it works great with proprietary technology Smart View. And to the owners Apple MacBook will have to be used AirPlay, which doesn't work on most Android TVs without additional devices. We tested all methods on current 2026–2027 models and highlighted the key nuances.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before attempting to connect devices, make sure they meet the minimum requirements. Here's a checklist of required requirements:

The laptop and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

The TV supports at least one of the following protocols: Miracast, DLNA, AirPlay, Smart View

The laptop has the latest drivers for Wi-Fi and video card installed.

VPNs, proxies, and firewalls blocking the local network are disabled

The laptop screen resolution does not exceed the maximum resolution for your TV (for example, 4K@60Hz)

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Pay special attention Wi-Fi frequencyMany modern televisions (for example, LG OLED C3 or Sony Bravia X90K) work better at frequency 5 GHz, but some budget models only support 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts on two bands, try connecting both devices to the same frequency—this will reduce latency when streaming video.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Xiaomi And TCL with firmware below MIUI TV 4.0 support may be lacking Miracast even with Wi-Fi Direct. Check the software version in the menu. Settings → About TV.

If you are using a laptop on Windows 11, update the adapter driver Intel Wi-Fi 6 or Qualcomm Atheros through device ManagerOutdated drivers are often the cause of the error. "The device does not support Miracast.", even if there is hardware support. On macOS Ventura and newer check if it is enabled AirPlay V System Preferences → Display → AirPlay Mirroring.

2. Method 1: Miracast (Wireless Display) for Windows and Android TV

Miracast — is a universal wireless image transmission protocol built into Windows 8.1/10/11 and most modern TVs on Android TV (For example, Sony KD-55X80K or Philips The One). The main advantage is that there is no need for a router: devices are connected directly via Wi-Fi Direct.

To activate the broadcast:

1. Turn on the TV mode Miracast (may be called in the menu "Wireless Display", "Screen Mirroring" or "Wi-Fi Direct").
2. On a laptop with Windows click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📡 Switch Wi-Fi on your TV 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz (or vice versa).
• 🔧 Update the video adapter driver on your laptop (especially relevant for Intel UHD Graphics).
• 🛠️ Manually add a device via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a device.

⚠️ Note: On some TVs Samsung (series QLED Q60B and below) function Miracast may be disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → General → External devices → Connection devices → Miracast display settings.

3. Method 2: DLNA for media file transfer

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for streaming photos, videos, and music from a laptop to a TV over a local network. Unlike MiracastIt doesn't mirror the screen, but only streams media files. It's suitable for watching movies, listening to music, or showing presentations.

To use DLNA:

1. Make sure your TV is turned on. DLNA server (may be called in the menu Media Server, Network Services or "Home Network").
2. Install a media server program on your laptop, for example:
   • Windows Media Player (built into Windows)
   • Plex Media Server (cross-platform)
   • Kodi (with UPnP plugin)

In the program, select folders with media files for sharing.

On your TV, open the app Media Player or Photo/Video/Music and select your laptop from the list of DLNA devices.

Advantages of DLNA:

• 🎬 Supports formats MKV, MP4, FLAC without conversion.
• 📂 You can stream entire folders instead of individual files.
• 🔌 Works even on older TVs (for example, Samsung Series 5 2014).

Flaws:

• ❌ Does not transfer laptop screen (only files).
• ⏳ There may be a delay in playback 4K HDR-video.
• 🔒 Some TVs block playback of files with DRM (for example, downloaded from Netflix).

How to speed up playback via DLNA?

If the video is lagging, try:

1. Reduce the file bitrate to 10 Mbps (for example, through HandBrake).

2. Connect your laptop and TV to the router via cable (if supported) Powerline or MoCA).

3. Disable background downloads on your laptop (torrents, updates).

4. Method 3: Smart View (for Samsung) and Screen Mirroring (for LG)

TV manufacturers often develop their own technologies for wireless broadcasting. For example, Samsung uses Smart View, A LG — Screen Mirroring (previously LG TV Plus). These solutions are optimized for specific models and often work more reliably than a universal one. Miracast.

For Samsung Smart TV (2016–2026):

1. Install the official application on your laptop Samsung SmartThings (available for Windows And macOS).
2. Turn on the TV Smart View through Settings → General → External devices → Connection devices.
3. In the appendix SmartThings select your TV and press Duplicate Screen.

For LG webOS (2018–2026):

1. Download the utility LG Screen Share from the official website.
2. Activate on TV Screen Mirroring V Settings → Network → Miracast/Screen Share.
3. Run the program on your laptop and select your LG TV from the list.

Advantages of proprietary solutions:

• 🎮 Gamepad support (for example, for streaming games from a laptop to a TV).
• 🔊 Sound synchronization without delay (important for movies and music).
• 📱 Ability to control your TV from your laptop (for example, adjusting the volume).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG OLED 2020–2021 when used Screen Mirroring the mode may turn on automatically "Game", which results in a reconfiguration of the color profile. To return to the original settings, go to Settings → Picture → Picture Modes.

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5. Method 4: AirPlay for Apple MacBook and iPhone

If you have MacBook or a laptop with macOS, the most reliable way to broadcast to TV is AirPlayThis protocol works with Apple TV and some smart TVs (eg. Samsung QLED 2022–2026 with support AirPlay 2, LG OLED C2/G2 or Sony Bravia X95L).

To connect:

1. Make sure the TV and MacBook connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on the TV AirPlay on the menu Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.
3. On MacBook open System Preferences → Displays and select your TV in the section AirPlay Mirroring.
4. To broadcast a separate window (for example, a browser), click on the icon Screen Management in the menu bar and select "Transmit to [TV name]".

Peculiarities AirPlay:

• 🎵 Supports music streaming via Apple Music without screen duplication.
• 🖥️ You can broadcast only the selected window, not the entire desktop.
• 🔒 Requires authorization (a code will appear on the TV that you need to enter on your laptop).

If the TV does not support AirPlay-native, can be used Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and newer) or adapters like AirServer (installed on Android TV). However, in this case, there may be a delay in sound up to 200–300 ms, which is critical for games or videos.

6. Method 5: Third-party programs (for old TVs and specific tasks)

If built-in methods don't work (for example, on TVs before 2015 or due to protocol incompatibility), you can use third-party programs. They are suitable for:

• 🖥️ Broadcast your screen to TV without Miracast/DLNA.
• 🎮 Streaming games from a laptop (for example, via Steam Link).
• 📺 Watch IP-TV or online cinemas while bypassing geoblocks.

Popular programs:

For stable operation of third-party programs:

• 🔌 Connect your laptop to the router via cable (if possible).
• 📶 Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000).
• ⚙️ Select the resolution in the program settings 1080p@30Hz instead of 4K to reduce lags.

⚠️ Caution: When using TeamViewer or AnyDesk To broadcast your screen to TV, your IP address may be visible to third parties. Disable this feature. "Public Access" in the program settings after use.

7. Troubleshooting: Why the connection isn't working

If your TV isn't visible in the list of devices or the stream keeps dropping out, check the following:

Common mistakes and their causes

"The device does not support Miracast." - outdated Wi-Fi drivers on the laptop or disabled Wi-Fi Direct on TV. "No sound during broadcast" — the wrong sound source is selected on the TV (for example, HDMI ARC instead of TV Speakers). "The screen is flickering or slowing down." - weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion (turn off other devices). "The TV can't find the laptop." - different Wi-Fi subnets (for example, a laptop on 5 GHz, and TV on 2.4 GHz).

Diagnostic instructions:

1. Check compatibility: Make sure both devices support the same protocol (see the table in the section about Miracast).
2. Wi-Fi Speed ​​Test: Run on a laptop speedtest.net and check that the download speed is not lower 25 Mbps (For 1080p required 10–15 Mbps, For 4K — 50+ Mbps).
3. Reset network settings: On your TV, perform a network reset. Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
4. Firmware update: Check that the software on your TV and laptop is up to date. For example, on Samsung Tizen update firmware via Settings → Support → Software Update.

Critical Information: On TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S And Redmi Smart TV with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 function Miracast may conflict with the connection via BluetoothBefore broadcasting, turn off all Bluetooth devices (headphones, keyboards) on your laptop.

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

If all Wi-Fi connection attempts fail, consider alternative methods:

• 🔌 HDMI cable: The most stable method without delays. Suitable for 4K@120Hz and games.
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter with HDMI: Devices like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam convert the TV's HDMI port into a receiver Miracast.
• 📶 Powerline adapters: Transmission of a signal through electrical wiring (eg. TP-Link AV1000). Suitable if Wi-Fi is weak.
• 🖥️ Google Chromecast: Connects to the HDMI port of the TV and works via Google Home. Supports 4K HDR.

Comparison of methods:

If you need a connection for online games or professional work with video, it's better to use HDMI or PowerlineIt is enough for watching movies and presentations. Wi-Fi (subject to a stable signal).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastFor example, on Windows 11 select from the menu Win + K option Connect to a wireless display - the laptop will create a direct network with the TV. Android TV turn on "Wi-Fi Direct" in the network settings.

Why is there no sound when connected via Wi-Fi?

The reasons may be different:

• The wrong audio source is selected on the TV (check Settings → Sound → Sound Output).
• The wrong playback device is selected in the sound settings on the laptop (right-click on the speaker icon in the tray and select TV).
• Audio codecs are not supported (eg. DTS or Dolby Atmos may not play on budget TVs).

Try reconnecting or using HDMI for sound transmission.

How to reduce lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

Ways to reduce lag:

• Switch the router to a frequency 5 GHz (less busy than 2.4 GHz).
• Reduce the broadcast resolution to 1280×720 or 1080p@30Hz.
• Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (smartphones, tablets).
• Use a router with support QoS (traffic prioritization for video).
• Connect your laptop to the router via cable (if your TV supports it) Wi-Fi + Ethernet).

For games, the recommended delay is no more than 50 ms.

Is it possible to stream Netflix/YouTube from a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• Through Miracast or AirPlay You can duplicate the screen from the browser, but the quality 4K may not be due to DRM.
• It's better to use built-in applications Netflix/YouTube on TV - they are optimized for HDR And Dolby Vision.
• On Samsung Tizen And LG webOS You can send a video directly from the mobile app YouTube on TV (icon "Broadcast").

For Disney+ And Apple TV+ may be required HDMI due to content protection.

Does my TV support Miracast/AirPlay?

Check by model:

• Miracast support:
  • All Android TV (Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, TCL) on Android 5.0 and later.
  • Samsung Tizen (series QLED, CU8000 and above).
  • TVs with Wi-Fi Direct in the specifications.
• AirPlay support:
  • Samsung QLED 2018–2026 (with firmware) Tizen 4.0+).
  • LG OLED/CX/GX 2020–2026 (from webOS 5.0+).
  • Sony Bravia series X90J, X95J and newer.
  • Any TV with a set-top box Apple TV 4K.