Modern technology makes it possible to transform any smartphone into a powerful multimedia center, but the mobile device's screen is often too small for full immersion. When you want to share vacation photos with friends, watch a high-definition movie, or present a presentation, you need to display content on a larger display. Apple device and TV owners LG are in a particularly advantageous position due to native protocol support AirPlay 2 in most modern Smart TV models.
Connecting devices wirelessly eliminates the need for additional adapter cables or expensive set-top boxes. However, despite its apparent simplicity, users often encounter nuances related to network setup, firmware versions, and the specific features of specific TV models. The key to successful synchronization is that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi router subnet, which is often ignored when there are guest networks or 2.4/5 GHz bands.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection methods, from built-in features to third-party apps, and also address common issues with latency and image quality.
Wireless data transmission technologies: AirPlay and SmartShare
The foundation of the interaction between the Apple ecosystem and LG TVs is technology AirPlay 2This protocol allows not only screen mirroring but also direct audio and video streams from the server to the TV, using the iPhone only as a remote control. This reduces the load on the smartphone's processor and minimizes power consumption.
Before native AirPlay support appeared in firmware WebOS, the main tool was a proprietary protocol SmartShare from LG. It allowed content streaming through a proprietary app, but often required more complex setup and didn't provide the same smooth experience as a native solution. SmartShare is now used primarily for file transfers rather than streaming.
⚠️ Please note: LG TV models released before 2019 may not have built-in AirPlay 2 support. In this case, the standard Screen Mirroring feature in iOS may not be able to find your TV without installing additional apps.
It's important to understand the difference between screen mirroring and live streaming. Mirroring requires your phone to create a live video stream, which requires high-speed Wi-Fi. Live streaming (such as from YouTube or Netflix) sends a link to your TV, which then downloads the content.
Preparatory stage: network and equipment setup
Before you begin pairing, you need to ensure your home network infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streams. An unstable connection is the main cause of artifacts and audio desync.
First of all, check that your router is transmitting a signal at the frequency 5 GHzThis band provides the higher throughput needed for 4K video, although it has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.
- 📡 Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same network (SSID), especially if you have a guest network or client isolation set up.
- 🔄 Update your TV software via the menu
Settings → Support → Software Update. - 🔐 Check your router's security settings: AP Isolation mode enabled can prevent devices from discovering each other.
It's also worth rebooting your router if it's been running continuously for a long time. This will clear the cache and reassign IP addresses, which often resolves issues with device visibility on the local network.
Method 1: Native AirPlay 2 streaming
This is the easiest and most effective method for iPhone owners and relatively new LG TVs (2019 models and newer with WebOS 4.0 and above). The feature is built into iOS, so no additional software is required.
To activate standby mode, the TV must be turned on. On some LG models, you may need to explicitly enable the connection in the settings. Follow this path: Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure the switch is in the "On" position.
☑️ Check before connection
To start casting, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom for models with a home button). Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two rectangles) and select your device. LG TV from the list.
When connecting for the first time, a four-digit code may appear on the TV screen. Enter it on your smartphone screen to confirm the device is trusted. After that, the image from your iPhone will appear on the big screen.
Method 2: Streaming via the LG TV Plus app
If native AirPlay isn't working correctly or your TV model is an older generation, the official app LG TV Plus (formerly LG ThinQ) is a great alternative. It offers expanded control over media files stored on your phone's memory.
Download the app from the App Store and launch it. The program will automatically scan the network and prompt you to connect to your TV. After pairing (entering the code on the TV screen), the main control interface will open.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Photo broadcast | Displaying a slideshow from a gallery | Access to photos |
| Video files | Local video player | MP4, MKV formats |
| Remote control | Volume and channel control | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi |
| Multimedia | Access files in the cloud | Authorization |
Unlike system mirroring, the app allows you to select specific files for playback without displaying notifications or the iOS interface. This is convenient for browsing your personal archive without unnecessary visual clutter.
Third-party solutions: Cast to TV and similar
In cases where standard methods fail, third-party applications come to the rescue. Programs like Cast to TV or Replica use their own algorithms for compression and transmission of video streams.
The main advantage of such solutions is their high compatibility. They can often "see" even older Smart TV models that don't support modern protocols. However, this versatility comes at a price: free versions often contain ads, and picture quality may be inferior to native AirPlay.
Why can third-party apps heat up your phone?
Mirroring apps use real-time software encoding of the video stream, which puts a high load on the iPhone's CPU and GPU, causing the device to heat up and the battery to drain quickly.
Using third-party software is justified if you need to stream content from apps that block HDMI/AirPlay output (DRM protection), although there's no guarantee. Most often, such programs emulate a DLNA server or use the Miracast protocol through special hacks.
Adjusting image and sound settings
Once successfully connected, it's important to configure the output settings correctly to ensure the content displays correctly. Often, the default image may not fill the entire screen or may have inaccurate color rendering.
On your LG TV, go to the picture settings and select "Just Scan" or "Fit to Screen." This will remove the black borders around the edges caused by overscan. To adjust the sound, use the menu. Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select "Optical Output" or "External Speakers" if you are using a sound system.
- 🎨 The "Game" or "Graphics" picture mode reduces input lag, which is critical when mirroring the screen for games.
- 🔊 If the sound works but the video is slow, try lowering the stream quality in the source app's settings.
- 📐 For presentations, use the "16:9" mode to prevent slides from being cut off.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even with a perfect setup, issues can still occur. The most common issue is that the TV doesn't appear in the list of available devices. In 90% of cases, this can be resolved by ensuring both devices are on the same subnet and not in the router's guest area.
If you notice audio and video desynchronization (your lips aren't in sync with the speech), try disconnecting and reconnecting the stream. Restarting your router can also help. Sometimes the problem lies with your router's antivirus software, which is blocking local connections between devices.
⚠️ Please note: Operating system interfaces (iOS and WebOS) are updated regularly. The location of menu items or function names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always refer to the latest user manual on the manufacturer's official website.
If your connection is constantly dropping, check the Wi-Fi channel's congestion. Neighboring routers may be causing interference. Switching to a less congested channel in your router settings can dramatically improve connection stability.
What to do if there is no sound?
If you see a picture but no sound, check to see if your iPhone is set to silent mode using the switch on the side, and increase the volume of your media player, not the system ringer volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to broadcast a screen without the Internet, only via Wi-Fi?
Yes, AirPlay and SmartShare don't require internet access. The router simply needs to create a local area network (LAN) to which both devices are connected. Streaming will work even without a WAN cable connected to the router.
Why don't videos in apps like Netflix or Kinopoisk show a black screen instead of duplicating?
This is content copy protection (HDCP). Some apps prevent simple screen mirroring. In this case, you need to look for the "Cast" icon (a rectangle with waves) within the app itself and select the TV through it, rather than the system "Screen Mirroring" option.
Does broadcasting affect internet speed at home?
When using AirPlay 2 for live streaming (with your phone acting as a remote control), the bandwidth load is minimal. However, when using screen mirroring, the entire video stream goes through the router, which can temporarily reduce the available speed for other devices, especially in the 2.4 GHz band.
How do I disable the confirmation code prompt every time I connect?
Go to your LG TV settings: Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKitFind the "Require code" option and change it to "First time" or "Never" (not recommended for public spaces). This will enable automatic connection.