How to Connect an iPhone to an LG TV via Wi-Fi: 4 Proven Methods

Conjugation iPhone with TV LG Wireless networking opens up a wealth of possibilities, from viewing photos on a large screen to streaming high-definition videos. However, many users encounter difficulties when first attempting to connect—the TV may not detect the smartphone, there may be image lag, or the sound may disappear. The cause is most often incorrect settings. Wi-Fi Direct, disabled AirPlay or outdated TV firmware.

In this article we will look at all current wireless connection methods — from standard Screen Mirroring to alternative protocols like MiracastYou will find out which models LG Smart TV support live streaming from iOS, how to set up a router for a stable connection, and what to do if the image is lagging. And also— A unique life hack for owners of older LG TVs (2016–2018) that don't officially support AirPlay 2..

1. Preparing your LG TV and iPhone for connection

Before pairing, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. For stable operation Necessarily:

  • 📱 iPhone with iOS 12.3 or later (for AirPlay 2). On older versions it is only available Screen Mirroring with restrictions.
  • 📺 LG TV with support WebOS 4.0+ (2018 and newer models) For WebOS 3.5 (2017) will require a workaround.
  • 🌐 Shared Wi-Fi networkBoth devices must be connected to the same router (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is not important, but 5 GHz provides lower latency).
  • 🔄 Updated softwareCheck the TV firmware update in the menu. Settings → General → About TV → Software Update.

Pay special attention to your router settings. If you have enabled AP Isolation (client isolation) or Client Separation, disable this option—it blocks communication between devices on the local network. It is also recommended to temporarily disable VPN on iPhone, as it may interfere with TV detection.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG 2016 and later (series LJ*, UJ*, SJ*) function AirPlay may be missing even after the update. In this case, use the method Smart Share or third-party applications like ApowerMirror.
📊 What LG TV do you have?
2023–2026 (WebOS 23/24)
2019–2022 (WebOS 5/6)
2017–2018 (WebOS 3.5/4.0)
Older than 2016
Don't know

2. Method 1: Connecting via AirPlay 2 (the easiest method)

AirPlay 2 - this is a proprietary protocol from Apple, which allows you to stream content from iPhone to compatible devices, including TVs LG starting from WebOS 4.0The main advantage is minimal delays and sound support (unlike Screen Mirroring).

To activate AirPlay on LG TV:

  1. Press the button on the TV remote control Home (home).
  2. Go to Settings → All Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
  3. Turn on the switch AirPlay and select the access mode: All or Only for devices on this network (recommended).
  4. Think of a name for the TV (eg. LG Living Room) - it will be displayed on iPhone.

Now on iPhone:

  1. Open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner on models with Face ID or up from the bottom edge on models with a button Home).
  2. Click on the block Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring).
  3. Select your TV from the list of devices LGIf a code is requested, enter it from the TV screen.

Done! You can now stream videos from YouTube, Netflix or even mirror your smartphone's screen. To stop the broadcast, press again. Screen mirroring and select Stop mirroring.

TV and iPhone on the same Wi-Fi network|

AirPlay is enabled in LG TV settings|

VPN and power saving modes are disabled on iPhone|

Firmware has been updated on both devices-->

3. Method 2: Screen Mirroring

If your TV LG does not support AirPlay (for example, 2017 models), you can use the universal protocol Screen Mirroring (aka Miracast). This method works on most Smart TV, but may cause delays when watching videos.

Instructions for LG WebOS 3.5–6.0:

  1. On your TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and activate the function.
  2. On iPhone open Control center and select Screen mirroring.
  3. In the list of devices, find your TV (the name may begin with DIRECT-xx-LG).
  4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

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

  • 🔄 Reboot the router and both devices.
  • 📶 Switch Wi-Fi on your TV from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).
  • 🔧 Disable it in your router settings WPA3 and leave only WPA2-PSK (some models LG (do not work well with the new encryption standard).
⚠️ Caution: When using Screen Mirroring sound with iPhone may continue to play through the smartphone's speakers. To redirect it to the TV, Control center hold your finger on the music playback block and select LG TV in the list of output devices.
Parameter AirPlay 2 Screen Mirroring (Miracast)
Sound support ✅ Yes ❌ Requires manual configuration
Lag ~50 ms ~200–500 ms
Permission Up to 4K HDR Up to 1080p
Support for older LG models ❌ WebOS 4.0+ only ✅ WebOS 3.0+

4. Method 3: Connecting via Smart Share (for older LG models)

If your TV LGReleased before 2017 (series LH*, LH6*, UH6*), most likely, it does not support either AirPlay, no MiracastIn this case, the function will help Smart Share - proprietary technology from LG for streaming content from mobile devices.

Connection algorithm:

  1. On your TV, open the app Smart Share (usually located on the home screen or in the app drawer).
  2. In the settings Smart Share select Devices → Add device.
  3. On iPhone install the official app LG TV Plus from App Store.
  4. In the app, tap the TV icon and follow the pairing instructions.

Smart Share It only allows you to stream media files (photos, videos, music), but not mirror your screen. For full mirroring on older models, you'll need to use third-party solutions like ApowerMirror or LetsView, but they require the installation of additional software on the TV (via LG Content Store).

How to install ApowerMirror on LG TV?

1. On your TV, open LG Content Store.

2. Enter in the search ApowerMirror and install the application.

3. Download on iPhone ApowerMirror from the App Store and connect to the same Wi-Fi.

4. Launch the app on both devices and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Some LG models may require enabling developer mode (Settings → General → About TV → press "Software Version" 7 times).

5. Method 4: Using DLNA (for viewing media files)

Protocol DLNA It's not suitable for screen mirroring, but it's great for streaming photos, videos, and music. Its main advantage is that it works even on very old TVs. LG (2012–2015) and no need for additional applications.

To take advantage DLNA:

  1. Turn on the function on your TV DLNA on the menu Settings → Network → File Sharing.
  2. On iPhone install any DLNA server, for example VLC or MediaMonkey.
  3. In the application, select the file to play and press Play on..., then select your TV LG.

DLNA supports most formats, but there may be a problem with MKV or FLAC - in this case, use a converter (for example, HandBrake) to convert files to MP4.

6. Solving common problems

Even with proper setup, your connection may be unstable. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

  • 🔴 The TV does not appear in the list of devices

    Check if the TV mode is enabled Wi-Fi Direct or AirPlayRestart your router and try connecting again. If you're using dual-band Wi-Fi, try connecting both devices to the 2.4 GHz network.

  • 🔴 The image is slow or choppy.

    Reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings iPhone (Settings → Screen Mirroring → Video Quality). If you use Screen Mirroring, switch to AirPlay (if supported). Also, check if anyone on your network is downloading torrents—they can eat up your bandwidth.

  • 🔴 No sound when mirroring

    IN Control center on iPhone hold the playback control and select LG TV as the audio output device. If the sound still doesn't appear, check if it's muted on the TV (the button Mute on the remote control).

  • 🔴 The connection keeps dropping out

    Your router may be automatically switching devices between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Disable this feature. Band Steering in the router settings or fix both devices on the same range.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG OLED series C1/C2 When mirroring the screen for a long time, it may occur automatic dimming (ABL) due to pixel burn-in protection. To avoid this, reduce the screen brightness in the settings. iPhone (Settings → Display & Brightness).

7. Alternative solutions for non-standard situations

If none of the above methods work, consider the following options:

  • 🔧 Apple TV Adapter

    Connect Apple TV 4K to the TV through HDMI and use it as a go-between for AirPlayThis solution guarantees minimal latency and support for all functions. iOS.

  • 🔧 Lightning to HDMI cable

    For models iPhone without port USB-C (to iPhone 14) you will need an official adapter Apple Lightning Digital AV AdapterConnect it to your TV via HDMI - delays will be minimal, but the cable limits mobility.

  • 🔧 Streaming apps

    Services like YouTube, Netflix or Disney+ have a built-in TV casting feature. Just open the video and click the icon. Cast (usually in the upper right corner of the player).

If you frequently stream content from iPhone on LG TV, consider purchasing Wi-Fi 6 router (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000). New wireless communication standards significantly reduce latency and improve connection stability.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting an iPhone to an LG TV

My 2016 LG TV doesn't support AirPlay. Is there a workaround?

Yes, you can use the app. ApowerMirror or LetsViewInstall it on your TV via LG Content Store, and on iPhone - from App StoreThese programs emulate AirPlay and allow screen mirroring even on older models. An alternative is to connect via DLNA (for media files only).

When mirroring, the video lags, even though the internet is fast. What's wrong?

The problem is not the internet speed, but local network. Try:

  1. Switch both devices to the 5 GHz band (if the router is dual-band).
  2. Disable the function on the router QoS (it may limit traffic for multimedia).
  3. Reduce the broadcast resolution in the settings iPhone (Settings → Screen Mirroring → Video Quality → 720p).

If nothing helps, use a cable Lightning/USB-C → HDMI.

Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with restrictions:

  • Through Wi-Fi Direct (if your TV supports it). Activate the mode on your TV and connect to it as an access point with iPhone.
  • Through cable (adapter Lightning/USB-C → HDMI).
  • Through Bluetooth (only for photo transfer, no video).

For full screen mirroring, Wi-Fi is still required.

Why does the sound come from the phone and not from the TV?

This is a typical problem when using Screen Mirroring (Not AirPlay). To redirect sound:

  1. Open Control center on iPhone.
  2. Hold your finger on the music playback control block.
  3. Select your TV from the list of output devices. LG.

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, check if it's turned on. AirPlay or Smart Share.

How do I turn off mirroring if the "Stop" button doesn't work?

If iPhone stuck while streaming, try:

  • Reboot iPhone (hold down the power button + any of the volume buttons).
  • Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone, then turn it on again.
  • On TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and manually break the connection.