How to stream images to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the methods and life hacks

Transferring images to a large TV screen via wireless Wi-Fi network has become a standard feature of modern devices. It's convenient for watching movies on a phone, presentations on a laptop, or even mirroring a tablet's screen for gaming. However, not everyone knows that there are several streaming methods—and they vary greatly in speed, image quality, and hardware requirements.

In this article we will look at all current methods image transmission via Wi-Fi: from built-in technologies such as Miracast And AirPlay to universal protocols like DLNA and branded solutions from Samsung, LG or XiaomiYou'll learn which method to choose for your device, how to set up a lag-free connection, and what to do if your TV doesn't detect your device. Finally, you'll find a compatibility comparison chart and answers to frequently asked questions.

Spoiler: if your TV was released after 2018, it most likely supports at least one of the methods described. Older models will require additional equipment, but this can be resolved.

1. Miracast: A universal standard for Android and Windows

Miracast - is a wireless screen sharing technology built into most devices on Android (starting with version 4.2) and Windows (starting with 8.1). It operates on a point-to-point basis (Wi-Fi Direct), meaning it doesn't require a connection to a router—both devices need to support the standard.

The main advantages of Miracast:

• 🔄 Low latency - suitable for games and videos (up to 1080p at 60 Hz).
• 🌐 Cross-platform: Works between Android, Windows and many Smart TVs.
• 🔒 Security: data is transmitted directly, without the involvement of a router.

To enable Miracast on your TV, you usually need to go to Settings → Network → Miracast (or Screen Mirroring). On your smartphone or PC, activate the "Screen Casting" function (on Android) or "Connect to a wireless display" (on Windows - a combination Win + K).

⚠️ Note: On some TVs Sony And Philips Miracast can only work if the VPN is disabled on the signal source. If the image is lagging, check this in the network settings.

If your TV doesn't support Miracast, you can buy an external adapter (for example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or AnyCast). They connect to the HDMI port and add support for the standard.

2. AirPlay: Exclusive to the Apple ecosystem

AirPlay - proprietary technology from Apple, which allows you to broadcast your screen from iPhone, iPad or Mac to compatible devices. Unlike Miracast, a Wi-Fi router is required—direct streaming is not supported.

List of devices that support AirPlay:

• 📺 TVs: Apple TV 4K/HD, models Samsung (2018+), LG (2019+), Sony Bravia (2020+).
• 💻 Computers: MacBook (macOS Monterey and later), iMac.
• 📱 Mobile: iPhone 6s and newer, iPad Pro/Air/Mini (2015+).

For broadcast:

1. Connect your TV and Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone/iPad, swipe down to call Control center → Click Screen Mirroring → Select TV.
3. On Mac: System Preferences → Displays → Duplicate Screen.

⚠️ Note: When streaming via AirPlay on TVs Samsung Sometimes the sound settings get lost. Before you start, check that Settings → Sound → Output chosen TV Speaker, and not HDMI ARC.

If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, you can use Apple TV (connects via HDMI) or adapters like Belkin AirPlay Receiver.

3. DLNA and Smart Share: for media files without screen mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transmitting media files (videos, photos, music) over a local network. Unlike Miracast or AirPlay, it doesn't mirror the device's screen, but only streams the selected content.

How does this work:

• 📁 You select a file on your smartphone/PC (for example, a movie in .mp4 format) .mp4).
• 📡 The device sends it to the TV via Wi-Fi.
• 🎬 The TV plays the file on its own (as if it were connected via USB).

To use DLNA:

1. Make sure your TV and source are connected to the same network.
2. Turn on the function on your TV Smart Share (LG), AllShare (Samsung) or Media Server (Sony).
3. On your smartphone, use an app like BubbleUPnP (Android) or Infuse (iOS). On PC - Windows Media Player or VLC.

The main disadvantage of DLNA is Not all TVs support modern codecs (for example, H.265 or Dolby Vision)If the video doesn't play, try converting it to MP4 with H.264 codec.

Make sure the TV and device are on the same network | Check the TV manual for format support | Disable the VPN on your smartphone/PC | Update the TV firmware

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4. Proprietary technologies: Smart View, Chromecast, Apple TV

TV and streaming device manufacturers often develop their own streaming solutions. These are typically easier to set up than universal protocols, but only work within a single ecosystem.

Samsung Smart View:

• 📱 Works with phones Samsung Galaxy (Android 8.0+).
• 🖥️ A program is required on the PC Samsung Flow.
• ⚡ Supports screen mirroring and streaming of individual files.

To connect: swipe down on your smartphone screen → Smart View → select TV.

LG Screen Share:

• 🎯 Compatible with LG ThinQ (Android/iOS).
• 🖼️ Supports mirroring and streaming of content.
• ⚠️ A separate app is required on iPhone LG TV Plus.

Google Chromecast:

• 🌐 Works with any device via a browser Chrome or applications (YouTube, Netflix).
• 📶 Requires connection to one Wi-Fi network.
• 🎮 Supports games via Google Stadia or GeForce NOW.

To broadcast: open a supported app → tap the icon Cast → Select Chromecast.

⚠️ Caution: When using Chromecast with TVs Xiaomi Sometimes there are problems with sound. Solution: Disable the option in the Chromecast settings. Automatic sound tuning.

If you have a TV without built-in smart features, you can buy external devices:

• 🔴 Google Chromecast 4K (~3,500 ₽) — for streaming from apps.
• 🍎 Apple TV 4K (~12,000 ₽) — for AirPlay and App Store.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (~2,500 ₽) — a budget option with Miracast support.

What should I do if my TV doesn't see Chromecast?

1. Restart your router and Chromecast (unplug for 30 seconds).

2. Check that the protocol is enabled on the router Multicast (in LAN settings).

3. If you are using dual-band Wi-Fi, connect all devices to the same frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz).

4. Reset your Chromecast (press and hold the button on the device for 25 seconds).

5. Broadcast from a computer: Windows, macOS, Linux

If you need to duplicate the screen laptop or PC There are several options for connecting to a TV via Wi-Fi. Let's look at them by operating system.

Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Built-in function Win + K → "Connect to a wireless display" (Miracast).
• 🌐 Alternative: program SpaceDesk for broadcasting over a local network.
• 🎮 For gamers: Steam Link (broadcasting games from PC to TV).

macOS:

• 🍎 AirPlay (if your TV supports it).
• 🖥️ Programs AirParrot or Reflector for Miracast.
• 📺 For older Macs: JustStream (paid, but supports 4K).

Linux:

• 🐧 Utility scrcpy (for Android devices as a source).
• 📡 GNOME Network Displays (for Miracast).
• 🔧 Setup via ffmpeg + VLC for media streaming.

Valid for all OS:

1. Check that the router is turned on UPnP (in LAN settings).
2. If the image is lagging, reduce the screen resolution on your PC to 1920×1080.
3. For gaming, use a wired connection (Wi-Fi 6 may not prevent lag).

6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, connection errors

Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem: The image is slow or choppy.

• 📶 Check your Wi-Fi speed: 4K requires at least 25 Mbps (use 5 GHz).
• 📵 Reduce the broadcast resolution to 1280×720.
• 🔌 Connect your TV and router via cable (if supported) Wi-Fi Bridge).
• 🔄 Restart your router and disconnect other devices from the network.

Problem: No sound during broadcast

• 🔊 On your TV, check that Settings → Sound → Output chosen TV Speaker.
• 📱 On your smartphone, there may be a "Mute TV" button in the notification bar.
• 🎧 If you use Chromecast, in the application (for example, YouTube), select the audio output device.

Problem: The TV does not detect the device.

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📡 Make sure they are connected to the same network (not a guest network!).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware and software on your smartphone/PC.
• 🛡️ Disable the firewall or VPN on the signal source.

If all else fails, try an alternative casting method. For example, instead of Miracast, use DLNA for video or HDMI cable for games.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs TCL With firmware older than 2021, Wi-Fi settings sometimes get lost after updating. If streaming stops working, reset your TV's network settings to factory defaults (Settings → System → Network reset).

7. Alternative methods: without Wi-Fi or for older TVs

If your TV doesn't support Wi-Fi or you want to do without a router, there are a few workarounds:

1. Wi-Fi adapters → HDMI

• 🔌 Devices like AnyCast or EzCast connect to the HDMI port and create their own Wi-Fi network.
• 💰 Cost: from 1,500 to 4,000 ₽.
• ⚡ Supports Miracast, DLNA, and even AirPlay (on some models).

2. Powerline adapters

• 🔌 They use electrical wiring to transmit the Internet (speed up to 1 Gbps).
• 📡 Connect one adapter to the router and the second to the TV via Ethernet.
• 💡 Suitable for houses with thick walls where Wi-Fi coverage is poor.

3. USB-Wi-Fi adapter for TV

• 🖧 If your TV has a USB port, you can buy an adapter (for example, TP-Link TL-WN725N).
• ⚠️ Before purchasing, check compatibility with your TV model on the manufacturer's website.

4. Cable alternatives

• 📺 HDMI: best quality without delays (cable length up to 15 m).
• 🔄 HDMI over Ethernet: adapters for signal transmission via twisted pair (up to 100 m).

For older TVs without HDMI you can use composite (RCA) or component adapters, but the quality will be much worse.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about TV Broadcasting

🔍 Why does the video lag when streaming via Miracast, but the sound is fine?

This is a typical issue with a weak Wi-Fi signal. Video requires more bandwidth than audio. Solutions:

• Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router is dual-band).
• Reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p.
• Connect your TV to your router via cable (if supported) Wi-Fi Bridge).
• Close background apps on your smartphone/PC that consume traffic.

If your router is older than 5 years, it might be time to upgrade it to the standard Wi-Fi 6.

📱 Is it possible to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV without Apple TV?

Yes, if the TV supports it AirPlay 2List of compatible models:

• Samsung: QLED series (2018–2026), The Frame (2020+), Crystal UHD (2021+).
• LG: OLED (2019+), NanoCell (2020+), QNED (2021+).
• Sony: Bravia with Android TV (2020+).
• Xiaomi: Mi TV Q1 (2021+), Mi TV 6 (2023+).

If your model is not listed, purchase an external adapter with AirPlay support (for example, Belkin AirPlay Receiver).

🎮 Is it possible to play via Wi-Fi streaming without lag?

For a comfortable game, the delay should be less 30 msThis can only be achieved if the following conditions are met:

• 📶 Router with support Wi-Fi 6 (or wired TV connection).
• 🖥️ The source (PC/console) is connected to the router via cable.
• 🎯 Broadcast resolution not higher than 1080p@60Hz.
• 🔌 Use Miracast (for Windows/Android) or Apple TV (for iOS/macOS).

For cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming) it is better to use Chromecast Ultra or NVIDIA Shield TV - They are optimized for game streaming.

🔧 How do I update my TV firmware to support new protocols?

Instructions for most Smart TVs:

1. Connect your TV to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
3. Select Update now (or Download and install).
4. Wait until it is finished (do not turn off the TV!).

If updating via the menu is not available:

• Download the firmware from the manufacturer's official website (specify the exact TV model!).
• Write it to a flash drive in the following format: FAT32.
• Connect the flash drive to the TV's USB port and follow the on-screen instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process - this may lead to TV breakdown (brick)If the TV does not turn on after the update, contact the service center.

📺 Is it possible to mirror my screen to a TV without a Smart TV?

Yes, even on old TVs without Wi-Fi. Options:

• Adapters:
  • AnyCast (~2,000 ₽) — connects to HDMI, supports Miracast/DLNA.
  • Google Chromecast (~3,500 ₽) — for streaming from apps.
• Prefixes:
  • Xiaomi Mi Box S (~4,000 ₽) — Android TV with support for all protocols.
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick (~3,000 ₽) — for broadcasting from Android/iOS.
• Cable solutions:
  • HDMI cable (up to 15 m) - best quality without delays.
  • Adapters HDMI → RCA (for very old TVs).

For TVs with VGA or SCART additional adapters will be required (for example, HDMI → VGA).