Projecting Your Phone Screen to an LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct: A Complete Guide (2026)

Wirelessly broadcast your smartphone screen to a big-screen TV LG through Wi-Fi Direct — a convenient way to display photos, videos, or even run mobile games without wires or additional devices. Unlike the classic Miracast or Google CastThis method works directly between the phone and TV, without requiring a home network or router connection. However, many users encounter issues: the phone "doesn't see" the TV, the image lags, or the sound cuts out.

In this article we will look at all stages of setup — from checking the compatibility of your devices to troubleshooting common errors. We'll pay special attention to the nuances of working with different models. LG (including OLED, NanoCell and budget series) and smartphones on Android/iOSYou will also find out why Wi-Fi Direct on LG TV may automatically turn off after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. and how to fix it.

If you have previously tried to connect via Screen Share or SmartShare, but without success - here you will find alternative methods and explanations of why the standard instructions from LG often don't work. All steps are illustrated with current interface screenshots. webOS 6.0–7.0 and the latest versions Android 14/iOS 17.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and how is it different from Miracast?

Before we move on to setup, it's important to understand how it works. Wi-Fi Direct and what are its advantages over other wireless broadcasting technologies. This protocol creates direct connection between two devices without an intermediary such as a router. In the case of LG TV the phone connects to the TV as an access point, and the TV, in turn, receives a video stream via the protocol DLNA or Miracast (depending on the model).

The main differences from the classic Miracast:

• 🔄 Two-way communication: Wi-Fi Direct allows you to not only broadcast your screen, but also control your TV from your phone (on some models).
• 📶 Without a router: It works even if there is no home Wi-Fi - it is enough that both devices support the protocol.
• 🔒 Secure connection: Data is transmitted over an encrypted channel (WPA2), unlike open networks Miracast on older devices.
• ⚡ Less latency: In games and videos, the lag is ~50–100 ms versus ~150–300 ms for alternatives.

However, there are also limitations:

• 📱 Not all smartphones support it.: On iPhone (to iOS 17) Wi-Fi Direct only works with certain models LG TV (list below).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: When actively broadcasting, the phone discharges 15-25% faster.
• 🎮 Limited DRM support: Services like Netflix or Disney+ may block image output via Wi-Fi Direct.

Device Compatibility: Which LG Phones and TVs Support Wi-Fi Direct?

Before setting up, please check if your devices support it. Wi-Fi Direct. U LG TV This feature is available on all models with webOS 3.0 and newer (released after 2016), but there are some nuances:

From the smartphone side:

• 🤖 Android: All devices on Android 4.2 and newer (released after 2013) support Wi-Fi Direct. The exception is some Chinese brands (Xiaomi, Realme), where the function can be disabled in the firmware.
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Officially Apple does not support Wi-Fi Direct for screen sharing. However, LG TV With webOS 5.0+ you can use a workaround through the app LG TV Plus (required) iOS 13+).

How to check the webOS version on an LG TV?

Open Settings → General → About TV → TV Info. Version webOS The software version is listed in the "Software Version" line. If the version is lower than 3.0, Wi-Fi Direct is not supported.

Important! Even if your devices are compatible, Some apps (such as banking apps or apps with DRM protection) may block Wi-Fi Direct streaming.This is due to security restrictions. HDCP.

Preparing your LG TV for Wi-Fi Direct connection

Before connecting your phone to your TV, you need to activate the corresponding functions on LG TVThe interface may differ slightly depending on the version. webOS, but the general logic remains the same.

Steps for webOS 6.0–7.0 (2021–2026 models):

1. Turn on your TV and go to Settings (the button with a gear on the remote control).
2. Select a section Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Activate the slider Wi-Fi Direct (should turn green).
4. Click Wi-Fi Direct settings and select Device Mode → Access Point (AP).
5. Specify a network name (eg. LGTV-WiFiDirect) and password (minimum 8 characters).
6. Save your settings and return to the main menu.

For webOS 3.0–5.0 (2016–2020 models):

1. Open Settings → Networks → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on the function and wait until the TV becomes "visible" to other devices.
3. If required, set a password in the section Security.

Enable Wi-Fi Direct in network settings

Set the "Access Point (AP)" mode

Set network name and password

Restart your TV (recommended)

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Warning: On some models LG after activating Wi-Fi Direct the main internet connection is disconnectedTo avoid this, before setting up:

1. Connect your TV to your router via cable Ethernet (if possible).
2. Or use the function Dual connection (available at webOS 6.0+ V Settings → Network → Advanced).

⚠️ Attention: If after enabling Wi-Fi Direct the TV stops detecting your home Wi-Fi, reset the network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Network resetThis does not affect other TV settings.

Connecting an Android smartphone to an LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct

On Android the connection process is simpler than on iOS, but there are some nuances. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for the latest versions of the system.

Step 1: Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your phone

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Wi-Fi Direct (on some firmware versions - More → Wi-Fi Direct).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your LG TV (For example, LG_OLED55C2).
4. Connect by entering the password you set on your TV.

Step 2: Start screencasting

Once connected to Wi-Fi Direct, there are two options for streaming:

• 📱 Via the system menu:
  1. Open Settings → Display → Cast.
  2. Choose yours LG TV from the list.
  3. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may need to enter a PIN code from the TV screen).

🎬 Via the app SmartShare (for older models LG):

1. Download LG SmartShare from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and select Connect to TV.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Solutions to typical problems:

• 🔍 The phone doesn't see the TV: Make sure your TV is in the "On" mode. Access point (AP), and not Client. Restart both devices.
• 🔒 Authentication error: Please make sure you entered your password correctly (case sensitive!). On some TVs LG The password is displayed as a QR code - it can be scanned with your phone.
• 📶 Low image quality: In the broadcast settings on your phone, select Quality → High (1080p)On . webOS 7.0 also available as an option Low latency for games.

Connecting iPhone to LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct (workaround method)

As already mentioned, Apple does not officially support Wi-Fi Direct for screen sharing to third-party devices. However, for LG TV With webOS 5.0 and newer there is a workaround via the app LG TV PlusIt doesn't work on all models, but it's worth a try.

Step 1: Install the app

1. Download LG TV Plus from App Store (for free).
2. Make sure yours is iPhone and the TV are connected to one Wi-Fi network (yes, Wi-Fi Direct is not used directly here, but it is the only working method for iOS).

Step 2: Connecting to your TV

1. Launch the app and click Add TV manually.
2. Enter your IP address LG TV (you can find out about it in Settings → Network → Network Status on TV).
3. Confirm the connection on the TV screen (a request with a code will appear).

Step 3: Screencasting

Unfortunately, LG TV Plus does not support full screen broadcasting (as AirPlay), but allows:

• 📷 Show photos and videos from the gallery iPhone.
• 🎵 Play music through TV.
• 🎮 Use your phone as remote controller or a gamepad (for built-in games) webOS).

Alternative methods for iPhone:

• 🔌 Lightning → HDMI adapter: Wired connection via an adapter (for example, Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter). Quality - 1080p, the delay is minimal.
• 📡 Apple TV + AirPlay: If you have Apple TV, use the built-in AirPlay for wireless broadcasting.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting iPhone To LG TV through LG TV Plus some functions (for example, DRM-protected video from Apple TV+) may not work due to restrictions Apple.

Stream Quality Optimization: Eliminating Lag and Breakups

Even if the connection is established, users often encounter image delays, artifacts or connection breaksHere's how to improve stability:

1. TV settings LG:

• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi Direct channel: IN Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Advanced select a channel 5 GHz (if supported) This reduces interference from other devices.
• 🔄 Disable automatic reconnection: IN Settings → Network → Advanced deactivate Automatic connection to the network.
• 🎮 Enable low latency mode: For games, activate Settings → Picture → Game Mode → On.

2. Settings on your smartphone:

• 📱 Disable background apps: Close all programs except the one you are streaming (especially instant messengers and cloud services).
• 🔋 Activate Performance Mode: On Android turn on Game mode or Maximum performance in the battery settings.
• 📶 Secure the connection: In the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, tap on the network LG TV and select Advanced → Always connect to this network.

3. External factors:

• 📡 Reduce the distance: The optimal distance between your phone and TV is up to 3 meters. Walls and furniture will reduce the signal.
• 🔌 Use a stable power supply: Connect your phone to a charger while streaming to avoid performance drops.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Check that your TV software is up to date (Settings → General → About TV → Software Update).

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The image is lagging	Weak Wi-Fi Direct signal	Switch to the channel 5 GHz or reduce the distance
No sound	The wrong audio source is selected on the TV.	Check it out Settings → Sound → Sound Source → TV
The connection will be disconnected after 5 minutes.	Power saving mode is activated	Turn it off Eco mode And Auto power off in TV settings
Black screen during broadcast	DRM protection in the app (e.g. Netflix)	Use the official app Netflix on the TV itself

Alternative ways to stream to LG TV (if Wi-Fi Direct isn't working)

If Wi-Fi Direct If the broadcast quality is not working or you are not satisfied with it, consider alternative methods:

1. Google Cast (Chromecast built-in)

Many models LG TV (starting from webOS 4.0) support Google Cast without additional devices:

• 📱 On Android: Use the function Broadcast in the notification shade or in applications (YouTube, Google Photos).
• 🍎 On iPhone: Install the application Google Home and choose yours LG TV as a broadcasting device.

2. Miracast (for Android)

If Wi-Fi Direct is unstable, try Miracast:

1. On TV: Settings → Network → Miracast → On
2. On the phone: Settings → Display → Wireless Display.

3. Wired connection (HDMI)

For maximum quality and minimum latency:

• 📱 Android: Use an adapter USB-C/HDMI (For example, Samsung DeX or Google USB-C to HDMI).
• 🍎 iPhone: Adapter Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter (supports 1080p).

4. Third-party applications

If the built-in tools don't work, try:

• 🤖 Android: ApowerMirror, TeamViewer QuickSupport (requires installation of the server part on the TV).
• 🍎 iOS: AirScreen (installed on the TV via LG Content Store).

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party broadcasting apps never enter bank card details or passwords from accounts. Some programs may transmit this data through unsecured channels.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about streaming on LG TV

My LG TV doesn't see my phone in the Wi-Fi Direct device list. What should I do?
Try the following:
1. Restart both devices.
2. Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → Network → Network Reset.
3. On your phone, enable developer mode and activate it. Debugging over Wi-Fi (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options).
4. If used Xiaomi or Realme, check if Wi-Fi Direct is disabled in Settings → Advanced → Lab.
Is it possible to mirror an iPhone's screen to an LG TV without a router?

No, for iPhone It is essential to have a public Wi-Fi network (even if it is a hotspot from a TV). Workarounds like LG TV Plus require connection to the same network. An alternative is a wired connection via Lightning → HDMI adapter.

Why does the video lag, but the sound is fine?
This is a typical issue with a weak Wi-Fi Direct signal. Try:
• Switch to channel 5 GHz in TV settings.
• Reduce the broadcast resolution on your phone (in settings) Cast or Miracast).
• Close all background apps on your phone.
• Turn off the function on the TV Triple tuner (Settings → Channels → Advanced), if it is active.
How to mirror your PC (Windows) screen to LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

On Windows 10/11:

1. Make sure your PC has a Wi-Fi adapter that supports it. Miracast (check through Win + R → dxdiag → Save information and find the line Miracast).
2. Click Win + K and choose yours LG TV from the list.
3. If TV is not displayed, turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your TV and connect to it as an access point, then repeat step 2.

For Windows 7 or older PCs use programs like ApowerMirror or LetsView.

Is it possible to play mobile games on LG TV via Wi-Fi Direct without lag?
Yes, but with some reservations:
• Delay (input lag) with Wi-Fi Direct is ~50–100 ms, which is acceptable for most games, but critical for shooters (PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile).
• On LG OLED With webOS 6.0+ turn on Game mode (Settings → Picture → Game Mode) and select Low latency in the Wi-Fi Direct settings.
• For minimal lag, use a wired connection via HDMI or adapter USB-C/HDMI with support Game Mode.