Modern technologies make sharing content between devices incredibly simple, but users often encounter initial setup difficulties. If you're looking for a way to stream content from your phone to your LG TV via Wi-Fi, you're in luck: the Apple and LG ecosystems work seamlessly together. Thanks to built-in protocol support, AirPlay 2 With most modern Smart TV models, you won't need any additional cables or complex adapters to display images.
The basic principle is that both devices must be on the same local network created by your router. Wi-Fi acts as a high-speed bridge, transmitting a high-definition video stream without lag. In this article, we'll cover all the connection details, from basic setup to troubleshooting specific errors that may arise.
Before moving on to practical steps, it is worth noting that the quality of the broadcast directly depends on the stability of the wireless signal. iPhone and TV LG They exchange large amounts of data, so a weak signal can lead to audio and video desynchronization. Let's look at which TV models support this feature and how to prepare your network for optimal performance.
Device compatibility and network requirements
The first step is to check the technical specifications of your equipment. Not all LG TVs are created equal: native AirPlay support was added to models released in 2018-2019 that run on the platform. webOSIf you have an older model, you'll have to resort to third-party solutions, but first, it's worth making sure the built-in functionality is available.
A key requirement is that both devices be on the same subnet. This means your router shouldn't use client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other. It's also important that the Wi-Fi frequency be capable of transmitting a heavy video stream: the standard 5 GHz preferred over 2.4 GHz due to less airtime congestion and higher throughput.
Compatibility checking involves several steps. You need to ensure that both devices' software is updated to the latest versions. On LG TVs, this is done through the system settings menu, and on iPhones, through the iOS update section.
- 📺 TV model: LG OLED, NanoCell or UHD series 2018 and newer.
- 📱 iPhone operating system: iOS 12.3 or later.
- 📶 Wi-Fi network: Single network for both devices (not a Guest network).
- 🔒 Protocols: Support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Basic AirPlay setup on an LG TV
Before attempting to connect from your phone, you must activate the signal receiver on the TV itself. Interface webOS The procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for connecting external Apple devices.
Go to the main menu and select the item Settings (gear icon). Next, go to the section General or Support, where you will find the item Apple AirPlayMake sure the switch is in the "On" position. If this option is missing, your TV may need a firmware update.
☑️ Setting up AirPlay on TV
You can also configure security settings in this menu. You can choose whether a code is required each time a new device is connected, or whether access will be open to all devices on the network. For home use, it's more convenient to set automatic connection or a code that doesn't change.
⚠️ Important: If your TV requires a software update after enabling AirPlay, do not ignore it. Older firmware versions may contain security vulnerabilities or may not work correctly with newer versions of iOS.
Once enabled, the TV will begin broadcasting its connection readiness status. An AirPlay icon may appear on the screen, confirming that the service is running and awaiting an incoming connection from your Apple devices.
Instructions: How to enable screen mirroring
Now that the TV is ready to receive a signal, let's move on to setting up your iPhone. The developers have simplified the process as much as possible and it takes just seconds. You don't need to install any additional apps from the App Store, as the functionality is built into the system.
Open Control center on your smartphone. On models with Face ID, this is done by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen; on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge. Find the icon Screen mirroring (two rectangles).
What to do if the icon does not appear?
If you don't see the Screen Mirroring icon, it may be hidden. Go to Settings → Control Center and add "Screen Mirroring" to the list of active features.
Select your TV from the list of available devices. LGIf this is your first time pairing, a four-digit code may appear on the TV screen. Enter it on your iPhone to confirm pairing. Your smartphone's display will then instantly appear on the big screen.
To stop the broadcast, open Control Center again and tap the icon Screen mirroring, selecting "Stop Repeating." You can also simply turn off the TV or switch it to another signal source, and the connection will be disconnected automatically.
⚠️ Note: When casting in landscape mode, your iPhone may not stretch the image to fit the entire TV screen if the app doesn't support the appropriate resolution. In this case, use the black borders on the sides.
Streaming videos from apps (YouTube, Netflix, Kinopoisk)
There's a difference between full screen cloning (screen mirroring) and streaming content from specific apps. The latter is often preferable, as it allows you to use your phone for other tasks without interrupting video playback on your TV and provides better picture quality.
In apps like YouTube, Netflix or Kinopoisk Look for the special streaming icon—a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner. Clicking it will display a list of available devices. Select your LG TV, and the video will start playing directly through the TV's internet connection, with your phone acting as a remote control.
| Broadcast type | iPhone battery drain | Image quality | Multitasking capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Mirroring (AirPlay) | High | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | No (screen is busy) |
| Broadcast from the app | Low | Maximum (native) | Yes (you can use the phone) |
| HDMI cable (adapter) | Charging is in progress | Stable, without compression | No (screen is busy) |
Using built-in app players also allows you to control volume and playback independently of your phone's system settings. This is especially convenient when you need to answer a call or check a message without pausing the movie for everyone watching.
Using the LG ThinQ app for advanced control
While AirPlay works fine, the proprietary app LG ThinQ (formerly LG TV Plus) offers deeper control over your TV. It allows you to not only stream photos and videos from your gallery but also fully mirror your smartphone's interface, including apps that block display via standard AirPlay due to DRM.
Download the app from the App Store and register or sign in to your LG account. After adding the TV to the list of devices, select the function Screen ShareThis method uses Miracast technology or LG's proprietary protocols, which can be useful if standard AirPlay doesn't activate for some reason.
The app also features a "Multimedia" feature, which lets you select files from your phone and play them on the TV's dedicated player. This is convenient for viewing personal photo and video archives that aren't copy-protected.
- 📲 Full control via remote control and smartphone interface.
- 🖼️ Conveniently sort media files before sending them to TV.
- 🔒 Ability to bypass blocks for some streaming services.
- ⚙️ Access to deep picture and sound settings.
⚠️ Note: App functionality and interfaces are subject to change by developers. If you don't see the feature you're looking for, check the "Help" section within the LG ThinQ app for up-to-date information for your model.
Troubleshooting: TV not detecting iPhone
Despite the stated simplicity, users sometimes encounter situations where devices can't see each other. The most common cause is using different Wi-Fi networks. Make sure the router doesn't have separate guest and primary networks enabled, and that both devices are connected to the primary SSID.
Another common cause is a connection blocked by the router's firewall or antivirus software. Try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering or checking your Wi-Fi security settings. A simple router reboot can also help: unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
If the issue persists, try "forgetting" the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone and reconnecting by entering the password. On an LG TV, you can reset the network settings through the menu. Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection → Advanced Wi-Fi Settings → Edit and delete the current profile.
Secret Reset
If all else fails, try resetting your TV's network settings to factory defaults. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, but it often resolves issues with AirPlay discovery protocols.
In rare cases, an outdated router version can cause a conflict. If your router is older, it may not correctly process the multicast traffic required for AirPlay. In this case, updating your router's firmware or replacing it with a more modern model will resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to mirror the screen to an old LG TV without a Smart TV?
Native AirPlay support is only available on Smart TVs. Older models will require an external adapter, such as the Apple TV, or an HDMI cable with the appropriate iPhone adapter (Lightning/USB-C to HDMI).
Why is there no sound during the broadcast, although the video is playing?
Check your sound settings in Control Center. Make sure the audio output is set to your LG TV, not your phone's speaker. Also, check if the TV is set to "Silent" or minimum volume.
Is there image lag when playing games over Wi-Fi?
Yes, input lag is unavoidable when using a wireless connection. For a comfortable gaming experience in fast-paced shooters or fighting games, it's better to use a wired HDMI connection, as Wi-Fi doesn't provide sufficient response speed.
Does broadcasting use up mobile data?
If you're streaming content from the internet (YouTube, online cinemas), the TV uses its Wi-Fi connection. If you're showing photos from your gallery or your phone's screen, the internet connection may not be used at all if the content is stored locally.
How to improve image quality if it's blurry?
Move closer to the router to improve the signal. Turn off other devices actively downloading files. If possible, switch your TV to the 5 GHz band, which is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and microwave ovens.