Modern technology makes it possible to transform any smartphone into a powerful multimedia remote control, and the question of how to stream images from a phone to an LG TV via Wi-Fi is becoming one of the most pressing issues for owners of smart devices. Displaying images on a large screen eliminates the need to squint at the gadget's display, allowing you to enjoy photos, videos, and even mobile games in high definition on a 55-inch or larger display. This is not only convenient but also saves battery life, as the TV's processor handles most of the video decoding processing.
There are several proven methods for synchronizing devices, each of which has its own characteristics depending on the operating system of your gadget and TV model. LG Smart TVAndroid owners can use the built-in feature Miracast, which does not require the installation of additional software, while iPhone users will need technology AirPlay 2, supported by modern TV models from the Korean brand. Understanding the differences between these protocols will help avoid connection issues and ensure stable video streaming without lag.
The key to successful streaming is having both devices connected to the same wireless network. If your router broadcasts signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, make sure both your phone and TV are on the same network segment, as separate frequencies can sometimes prevent devices from discovering each other. In this article, we'll cover all available screen mirroring methods, DLNA server setup, and troubleshooting common connection issues.
Preparing equipment and setting up the network
Before you begin setting up the broadcast, you need to make sure your equipment is ready to work on the local network. TVs LG Smart TVs have a built-in Wi-Fi module, which must be activated through the settings menu. To do this, press the settings button on the remote control, go to All Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection and select your home network by entering the password.
It's important that your smartphone is also connected to this network and not using 4G/5G mobile data. If you have a dual-band router and it broadcasts two different networks with similar names (for example, HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G), connect both devices to the same frequency for maximum compatibility. Sometimes older TV models may not see devices on the 5 GHz network, so if you have problems, try switching to 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Note: If your router has "Client Isolation" or "Guest Network" enabled, devices can connect to Wi-Fi but won't be able to see each other. To broadcast, you must disable isolation or use the main network.
Checking your TV's software version is another critical step. Manufacturers regularly release updates that add support for new codecs and data transfer protocols. Go to Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updates and make sure you have the latest available version installed webOS.
☑️ Preparing for connection
Cast from Android via Miracast and Screen Share
The most common method for Android smartphone owners is the technology Miracast, which is often referred to as Screen Share in the LG ecosystem. This feature creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between your phone and TV, transmitting images in real time without the lag typical of streaming video. To get started, find the "Input" button on your TV remote or the button with a square and arrow icon and select the app. Screen Share or Connecting to a mobile device.
On your smartphone, the process may be called differently depending on the manufacturer: "Cast," "Smart View," "Wireless Monitor," or "Screen Mirroring." Once this feature is activated, your phone will begin searching for available devices. When your device appears in the list, LG TV, tap it to pair. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to allow.
It's worth noting that when using Miracast, your phone's screen is completely mirrored on the TV. This means any notifications, incoming calls, or messages will be visible to everyone in the room. Furthermore, this method can consume significant battery power, as the wireless module operates in constant active data transmission mode.
If automatic connection doesn't occur, try resetting the list of paired devices in the Screen Share menu on your TV. Sometimes, a cache of old connections can interfere with new connections. Also, make sure your phone isn't in power-saving mode, which can limit Wi-Fi performance.
Using AirPlay 2 for iPhone and iPad owners
Apple device users are the luckiest of all, as modern LG TVs support the technology AirPlay 2 Natively. This means you don't need to install any additional apps—everything works out of the box. Make sure your LG TV runs webOS 4.0 or later (2018 models and later), as these versions support Apple protocols.
To start casting, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner or swipe up from the bottom on older models) and tap the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two rectangles). Select your LG TV from the list of available devices. If this is your first time casting, a four-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your iPhone to confirm trust.
AirPlay 2 functionality not only allows you to mirror your screen but also stream high-quality videos from supported apps (YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix) using your phone only as a remote control. This streams video directly from the internet to your TV, saving data and battery life. You can also choose to display the image exclusively on the TV, leaving your phone screen free for other tasks.
⚠️ Note: AirPlay may be disabled by default on LG TVs. Check the settings in the menu. Support → AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure the switch is activated.
A key feature is audio control. You can stream video to your TV and output audio to connected AirPods or a HomePod home audio system, creating a personalized multimedia experience. Connection stability directly depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal, so for viewing 4K HDR video, a router supporting Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax) is recommended.
LG TV Plus app for advanced control
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG TV Remote) is a universal tool for interacting with your Smart TV. While its primary function is to control your TV as a remote, it also allows you to stream media files and mirror your screen. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After installation, launch the app and follow the instructions to pair it with your TV.
Unlike system mirroring, the LG TV Plus app often offers more flexible playback control. For example, you can start a video in the app on your phone and "send" it to the TV while continuing to use your smartphone for browsing or chatting. The app interface also includes a dedicated tab for transferring photos and videos from your device's gallery to the big screen.
One of the advantages of using the official software is the ability to use your phone as a touchscreen control panel. You can control the cursor on the TV screen by swiping your finger across the smartphone's screen, which is especially convenient when typing in the YouTube or Netflix search bar. The app also supports the "Magic Mobile Connection" feature, which simplifies initial network setup and password entry.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that the app may not support live screen mirroring as effectively as built-in Android or iOS system features. It's better suited for viewing photo albums, videos, and documents stored on your phone's memory.
Comparison of connection methods: DLNA, Miracast, and AirPlay
The variety of technologies can be confusing for the uninitiated, so it's important to understand the differences between them. DLNA, Miracast, and AirPlay are three different approaches to data transfer, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right method depends on what you want to stream: a static photo, a video file, or a dynamic interface image.
Technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is designed primarily for streaming media content (photos, videos, music) rather than screen mirroring. It allows the TV to view files on the phone as if they were on a network drive. This is an excellent option for watching downloaded movies, as the TV decodes the video itself, without loading the phone's processor.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the main characteristics of the technologies under consideration for LG TVs:
| Characteristic | Miracast (Android) | AirPlay 2 (iOS) | DLNA (LG TV Plus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | Mirroring and streaming | Media files only |
| Image quality | Dependent on signal (compression) | High (up to 4K HDR) | Original (no loss) |
| Latency | Medium/High | Low | Absent |
| Work in the background | No (screen active) | Yes (when streaming) | Yes |
| Battery charge | High consumption | Medium/Low | Short |
If you want to show a presentation or play a game that requires responsiveness, Miracast or AirPlay are the only options, despite the potential lag. If you simply want to watch a movie stored on your phone, using DLNA via the LG TV Plus app or the built-in media player will ensure the best picture quality and won't drain your phone's battery.
Troubleshooting connection and buffering issues
Even with proper setup, users may encounter issues: the TV doesn't detect the phone, the image flickers, or the audio lags behind the video. Most often, this is due to an unstable Wi-Fi signal. Make sure there are no thick concrete walls or metal structures between the router and the TV that could block the signal.
If you experience audio lag, try changing the sound settings on your TV. Go to Settings → Sound → Additional settings and select "Standard" or "Hi-Fi" mode, disabling various surround sound effects that can introduce processing latency. Restarting your router may also help, as network buffer overflows often cause packet transmission interruptions.
In some cases, your smartphone's antivirus or router's firewall may block ports required for Discovery protocols (device search). Try temporarily disabling protection or creating an exception for your local network. Also, make sure both devices are set to the correct date and time—clock synchronization issues can interfere with HDCP security.
⚠️ Note: The LG TV menu interface may vary slightly depending on the webOS version and regional firmware. If you can't find the option, use the settings search (the magnifying glass in the top corner of the menu).
To diagnose your connection speed, you can run a network test directly on your TV in the section All Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection TestIf the speed is below 20 Mbps, high-quality HD video streaming will be difficult. In this case, consider using a wired LAN connection for the TV, which will free up the wireless bandwidth for your smartphone.
Why does the sound disappear during broadcasting?
Sound often drops out due to codec conflicts. If the video on your phone uses a format that the TV can't decode directly when mirroring, the sound may be cut off. Solution: Use player apps with built-in Cast (such as VLC) that stream a pre-processed stream, or stream via DLNA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to broadcast a screen without the Internet, only via Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can. Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct technologies allow you to create a direct connection between your phone and TV without a global network connection. However, initial setup and some apps may require short-term internet access. LG's Screen Share mode often creates a separate Wi-Fi hotspot to which your phone connects.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the list of available devices?
The most likely cause is that the devices are on different subnets (for example, one on a guest network and one on the main network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if the TV is hidden in the privacy settings (on some models, you need to allow connections from new devices by pressing OK on the remote when prompted).
Does broadcasting affect picture quality?
When wirelessly mirroring (Miracast/AirPlay), the image is often compressed to ensure smooth transmission, which can lead to compression artifacts, especially during fast-moving scenes. When using DLNA or built-in YouTube/Netflix apps, the quality remains the same, as the file or stream is transmitted in its original resolution.
How to remove mouse control lag while broadcasting?
Input lag is inevitable with a wireless connection due to the time it takes to encode and transmit the signal. This can be critical for gaming. You can reduce lag by enabling Game Mode in your TV's picture settings, which disables unnecessary image post-processing.
Do all LG models support iPhone casting?
No, AirPlay 2 support is available on LG TVs released in 2018 and newer (webOS 4.0+). Older models require third-party repeater apps installed on the TV itself via the LG Content Store or an HDMI adapter.