Apple smartphone owners often need to display content from their device's small screen on a larger home theater system. Modern technology makes this possible without unnecessary wires, using only wireless network capabilities. Wi-FiThis eliminates cable clutter and gives you freedom to move around the room while watching.
To implement this task, your TV LG Smart TV and the smartphone must be on the same local network. Data transfer protocols such as AirPlay 2, are built directly into the iOS operating system, making the process as simple as possible for the user. However, there are some nuances depending on the TV's year of manufacture and firmware version.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available connection methods, from native system functions to specialized apps. You'll learn how to set up DLNA, use the built-in browser or third-party solutions to achieve the perfect picture without delays.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
Before you begin setup, you need to ensure your equipment is technically ready to exchange data. The key requirement is that both devices have a Wi-Fi module and are connected to the same access point. If the router broadcasts signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, ensure both devices can see each other.
Check your TV model. Technology support AirPlay 2 This feature is available in LG models released in 2018 and later that run on the webOS platform. Older models may require additional software or third-party receivers.
⚠️ Note: If your router has the "AP Isolation" feature, devices will not be able to find each other on the network. This option must be disabled in the router settings.
Update the software on both devices to the latest versions. On iPhone, this can be done via Settings → General → Software Update, and on an LG TV through the menu Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → Check for UpdatesCurrent firmware often contains fixes for communication protocol errors.
☑️ System readiness check
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
The easiest and highest quality way to stream video or mirror your screen is to use native support. AirPlay 2This technology ensures minimal latency and high image quality because it's deeply integrated into the system. To get started, make sure your TV's signal reception function is enabled.
Go to your LG TV settings and find the section Support or GeneralThere should be an option there. AirPlay, which needs to be activated. After turning on, a confirmation code may appear on the TV screen, which you will need to enter on your iPhone during the first pairing.
On your smartphone, open Control Center. On models with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner; on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom. Tap the icon. Screen mirroring (two rectangles) and select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
What to do if the code does not appear?
Sometimes the TV may not prompt for a code if the devices have already been paired. In this case, the connection will be established automatically. If the connection fails, try resetting the AirPlay settings on the TV in the security menu.
Once successfully connected, your iPhone screen will be displayed on your TV. You can launch any video, game, or presentation, and the content will be streamed in real time. To stop streaming, tap the icon in Control Center again and select Stop repeating.
Streaming via the LG TV Plus app
If the built-in functions are unstable for some reason, the official application LG TV Plus (or newer LG ThinQ) can be a great alternative. It offers advanced control options and allows you to stream your media library directly through the program's interface.
Download the app from the App Store and launch it. The program will automatically scan the network and find compatible LG TVs. After selecting a device, a connection permission prompt may appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to confirm with the remote.
In the application interface, select a section Media or GalleryFrom there, you can select photos or videos saved on your iPhone and send them to the big screen. This is convenient for viewing family albums or videos taken with your smartphone camera.
- 📱 Support for a wide range of video and audio file formats.
- 🎮 Possibility of using your smartphone as a touch control panel.
- 📂 Convenient navigation through iPhone media library folders.
- 🔒 Stable connection via a local network without internet access.
Screen mirroring using third-party apps
In situations where native methods don't work, third-party solutions from the App Store come to the rescue. Apps like Replica, TV Cast or Streamer for LG use their own algorithms for screen capture and data stream transmission.
These programs often emulate a DLNA server or use the DIAL protocol. After installing the app, you'll need to select your TV from the list and press the button. Start Broadcast or similar.
Some apps only allow you to stream specific file formats, while others can mirror the entire screen, including audio. Keep in mind that free versions often have session time limits or contain ads.
| Application | Broadcast type | Sound support | Presence of advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replica | Full screen | Yes | There is (in) |
| TV Cast | Video/Photo | Yes | Eat |
| LG Cast | Media files | Yes | No |
| Web Video Cast | Web video | Yes | Limited |
Broadcasting from browsers and streaming services
Many users want to display videos from Safari or Chrome, as well as apps like YouTube or Netflix, on their TV. In the case of YouTube, simply tap the icon. Cast (rectangle with waves) inside the video hosting application itself.
If you use Safari to watch online movies, look for the share button. It's often hidden in the "Share" menu. Click the square icon with an upward arrow and select Screen mirroring or the name of your TV.
⚠️ Note: Some streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime) block video output through third-party streaming apps due to DRM protection. Use only native AirPlay or the built-in Smart TV app.
For websites that don't have a built-in Cast button, you can try the Cast feature in Google Chrome for iOS, if supported, or use the full site mode, which can open a native player with support. AirPlay.
Solution and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, connection issues may still occur. If your TV isn't visible in the list of devices, try rebooting your router. A simple power cycle of all network devices—the router, TV, and iPhone—often helps.
Check your router's firewall settings. Ports used for protocols Bonjour And mDNS, must be open. Without them, the mechanism for discovering devices on the local network does not work correctly.
If the video is lagging or choppy, it indicates low Wi-Fi speed or interference. Move closer to the router or try switching to the 5 GHz frequency, which is less congested and provides higher throughput.
- 🔄 Reboot your router and both devices.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (guest Wi-Fi mode is not enabled).
- 🔋 Check your iPhone's battery level; the Wi-Fi module may be limiting power saving.
- 🛑 Disable the VPN on your smartphone; it may be hiding your device from the local network.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings on your iPhone can help. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network SettingsThis will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, but often solves connection problems.
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the AirPlay list?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one on 2.4 GHz, the other on 5 GHz with isolation) or the TV's firmware isn't updated. Also, check if your router's antivirus software is blocking local connections.
Is it possible to stream video with a delay?
When using AirPlay 2, latency is minimal (fractions of a second). When using third-party apps via DLNA or browser hacks, latency can reach several seconds, making real-time gaming impossible, but this isn't critical for watching movies.
Do you need internet access to use AirPlay?
No, internet access is not required. Both devices only need to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. The router in this case simply acts as a switch, transmitting data packets between the iPhone and the TV.