Modern users rarely limit themselves to viewing content only on the small screen of a smartphone. It's much more enjoyable to enjoy your favorite movie, TV series, or vacation photos on a larger display, especially if you have a high-quality one. Smart TV from LG. Fortunately, wireless image sharing technology has long since ceased to be the preserve of a select few and is now available to virtually every owner of compatible devices.
Process casting or screen mirroring is based on the use of a local network Wi-Fi, which allows for high-definition video streaming without lag. You don't need to search for HDMI cables or buy additional adapters if your TV and phone are on the same network. In this article, we'll detail how to set up a connection for Android and iOS devices, as well as discuss potential issues and solutions.
It's worth noting that data transfer quality directly depends on the stability of your router and the distance to it. Before setting up, make sure both devices—the mobile device and the TV—are connected to the same wireless network. key condition, without which it will be impossible for devices to detect each other, even if all settings are correct.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step to a successful broadcast is to properly prepare your infrastructure. Make sure your LG Smart TV Connected to the internet and has the latest firmware version. Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve the module's stability. Wi-Fi and multimedia transmission protocols.
To check the software version on the remote control, press the button Settings (gear), then go to the section All settings. Next, select the item General and find the line About TVIn the menu that opens, click Checking for updates.
⚠️ Note: If your TV is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network or a network with client isolation, it won't be able to see your phone. Make sure both devices are on your main home network.
It's also worth checking your internet connection speed. High-quality video (Full HD or 4K) requires a stable connection. If the router is too far from the TV, the signal may be unstable, resulting in lag or image artifacts.
Using LG's built-in Screen Share feature
LG TVs are equipped with proprietary technology Screen Share, which is based on the standard MiracastThis method allows you to completely mirror your smartphone's screen onto your TV, creating an exact copy of what's happening on your mobile device.
To start the function, press the button on the remote control Input or Smart and select the application Screen ShareA connection waiting window will appear on the TV screen. Now you need to go to your smartphone's settings.
On Android devices, this process may have different names depending on the model and version of the operating system:
- 📱 Samsung: Smart View feature in the notification shade.
- 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: "Broadcast" item in the control menu.
- 📱 Huawei/Honor: "Projection" or "Wireless projection" option.
- 📱 Pure Android: "Broadcast" or "Cast" option.
Once the feature is activated, the phone will begin searching for available displays. When yours appears in the list LG TV, click on it. A confirmation message may appear on the TV screen—select "Accept" or "Yes."
☑️ Check before connection
Streaming via Google Home and Chromecast
Many modern LG models support the built-in protocol Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). This is a more advanced content streaming method that allows you to not only mirror your screen but also send a video stream directly from the server to your TV, freeing up your phone's resources.
For this method to work, you must have the app installed on your smartphone. Google HomeAfter installation, launch it and wait for the app to detect your TV on your local network. Click on the device icon to open the control panel.
Select the option from the bottom menu Broadcast your screen (Cast my screen). The system will warn you that your entire screen content, including notifications, will be broadcast. Confirm by clicking "Start now."
| Method | Quality | Delay | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Share (Miracast) | High | Low | Average |
| Google Cast | Maximum (up to 4K) | Minimum | Short |
| DLNA (Media) | Depends on the file | Absent | Minimum |
| AirPlay 2 | High | Low | Average |
The advantage of using Chromecast The ability to control playback from your phone without draining its battery on video decoding is a plus. The TV downloads the stream itself, ensuring a smoother picture.
Connecting iPhone and iPad via AirPlay 2
Apple technology owners can take advantage of the technology AirPlay 2, which is supported by most modern LG TVs (2019 models and newer). This is Apple's native protocol, ensuring the best compatibility and stability for iOS devices.
The connection process is extremely simple. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper right corner or up from the bottom on older models). Tap the icon Screen mirroring (two rectangles).
From the list of available devices, select yours LG Smart TVIf this is your first time using the app, a four-digit code will appear on your TV screen. Enter it on your iPhone. Once successfully authenticated, your iPhone's screen will appear on your TV.
What to do if AirPlay isn't working?
Make sure AirPlay support is enabled on your TV. To do this, go to Settings → Connection → AirPlay and enable the feature. Also, check that your router's firewall isn't blocking the ports used by Bonjour/mDNS.
It's important to note that AirPlay not only allows you to mirror your screen but also stream content from apps. For example, in YouTube or Netflix on iPhone, an AirPlay icon will appear, allowing you to send videos directly to the big screen without duplicating the phone's interface.
Transfer photos and videos via the LG ThinQ app
If your goal is to show birthday photos or videos taken with a camera, it is most convenient to use the official app LG ThinQIt turns your smartphone into a universal remote control and media library.
Install the app from Google Play or the App Store. After registering and adding your TV to the list of devices, go to the section MediaHere you can select files stored in your phone's memory and send them to your TV.
The application supports the transfer of various file formats, including JPG, MP4, MKVUnlike screen mirroring, you can control playback, pause, and rewind the video directly from your phone while the TV decodes.
⚠️ Note: When transferring large video files over Wi-Fi, buffering may occur if your router is operating in the 2.4 GHz band. For larger files (such as 4K HDR), it is recommended to use a 5 GHz network.
Additionally, LG ThinQ allows you to create playlists and slideshows, making it a great tool for sharing portfolios or family archives with guests.
Third-party applications and alternative methods
Built-in tools don't always work perfectly, especially on older TV models or specific Android versions. In such cases, third-party solutions, which often offer more flexible settings, come to the rescue.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Web Video CasterIt allows you to send videos from websites directly to your TV, bypassing your phone's browser. Apps like Cast to TV And LocalCast.
These programs can often automatically convert video formats "unrecognizable" to TVs on the fly or select the optimal codec. Installing such software takes a couple of minutes but significantly expands functionality.
Let's look at the main advantages of using third-party software:
- 🚀 Support for external file subtitles (SRT, ASS).
- 🎵 Possibility of broadcasting audio background music.
- 🎮 Low latency for some mobile games.
However, it's worth remembering that free versions of these apps often contain ads. For comfortable, unlimited use, you may need to purchase a premium version.
Troubleshooting and eliminating delays
Even with proper setup, users may experience audio and video desync or intermittent connection drops. Most often, the problem stems from Wi-Fi congestion or a weak signal.
Try rebooting your router by unplugging it for 10-15 seconds. This will clear the device's cache and allow it to select a less congested channel. Also, make sure there are no thick walls or metal structures between the TV and the router.
If the image is choppy, try lowering the streaming quality in the source app's settings. For example, in YouTube, you can manually set the resolution to 720p instead of 4K to see if the stream stabilizes.
In some cases, disabling Bluetooth on your phone can help, as it can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band. Switching your router to 5 GHz mode also completely resolves most bandwidth issues.
Why doesn't my phone see my TV in the list of devices?
Most often, the devices are on different networks (for example, one on a guest network, the other on the main network). The issue could also be in the router settings, where AP isolation is enabled. Check whether the antivirus software on your phone is blocking local detection.
Is it possible to broadcast the screen when the phone is locked?
When using Miracast (Screen Share), the phone screen should usually be active, although the image may fade. When using Chromecast or AirPlay to cast video from apps, the phone can be locked, and playback will continue on the TV.
How to remove audio lag when gaming over Wi-Fi?
Wireless connections often introduce high input lag for gaming. A wired HDMI connection or dedicated gaming modes on your TV are recommended if they support low Wi-Fi latency, but a cable connection remains the ideal option for gaming.