Modern smartphone users often need to view their favorite movie or family video on the big screen. Owners of devices from the Korean brand LG are at an advantage, as their devices support a wide range of wireless data transfer technologies. This allows them to enjoy high-quality content without unnecessary wires and complex connections.
There are several proven ways to stream video from your phone to your TV via LG Wi-Fi, and the specific method you choose depends on your device's operating system. Miracast technology built into most modern models, making the process as simple as possible for Android users. For iPhone and iPad owners, LG has also provided full protocol support. Apple AirPlay 2.
In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods in detail, examine router and TV settings, and address common connection issues. You'll learn how to start streaming in just a few minutes and enjoy content on Smart TV without delays.
Basic network and hardware requirements
Before setting up, you need to ensure your infrastructure is ready to handle heavy video streaming. A fundamental requirement is that all devices are on the same local network. This means both the smartphone and TV must be connected to the same router.
Using a guest Wi-Fi network or different frequency bands (when one device is on 2.4 GHz and the other on 5 GHz with client isolation) can lead to the gadgets simply not “seeing” each other. DLNA protocol, which underlies many Smart TV features, requires line-of-sight between devices on the network.
It's also worth checking the software version of your LG TV. Outdated firmware may not support new encryption standards or video codecs. A system update often resolves compatibility issues with new phone models.
⚠️ Important: If your router has an "AP Isolation" feature, enable it in the security settings. This feature prevents devices within the Wi-Fi network from communicating with each other, which blocks the broadcast.
For a stable 4K picture, your channel bandwidth must be sufficient. If your router is old or the signal is weak, the video may stutter or disintegrate into artifacts. Ideally, use a modern dual-band router.
Casting from Android: Screen Share and Miracast
Android smartphone owners have the most direct route to an LG TV screen. Technology MiracastLG's "Screen Share" feature is built directly into the operating system. You don't need to search for or install additional apps unless your phone is an ultra-budget model.
To begin the process, unlock your phone and pull down the notification shade. Find the button labeled "Cast," "Smart View," "Projection," or "Screen Mirroring" (the name varies depending on the phone brand: Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel). Tap it, and the device will begin searching for available displays.
The application must be open on the LG TV screen at this time. Screen ShareIt's usually found in the recommended list or in the "More" category on the webOS main panel. Once the TV goes into standby mode, your smartphone's name will appear in the list on the big screen.
☑️ Android Pre-Connection Check
After selecting the TV, a connection confirmation request may appear on your smartphone screen. Use your LG remote to press "Confirm" or enter the code if one is displayed. Your phone's screen is now fully mirrored on your TV.
It's important to understand the difference between simple interface mirroring and video streaming. When mirroring your screen (Miracast), your phone continues to function, and notifications will be visible on your TV. When viewing videos from your gallery, it's better to use the built-in player features rather than full mirroring to save battery life.
Using Apple AirPlay 2 for iPhone and iPad
Apple ecosystem users will appreciate native support for the technology. AirPlay 2 AirPlay 2 is available on modern LG TVs. This feature allows you to stream videos, photos, and music, as well as mirror your screen without installing third-party apps. AirPlay 2 support is available in LG models released after 2018, as well as in older devices with the webOS 4.0 firmware update and later.
The connection process is extremely simple. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Open Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right corner on newer models or swipe up on older models). Tap the "Screen Mirroring" button (the icon with two rectangles).
Select your LG TV from the list of available devices. If this is your first time pairing, a four-digit code may appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your iPhone to pair. From this point on, the system will remember the device and won't prompt you for the code the next time you connect.
⚠️ Note: On some LG models, the AirPlay settings may be limited to "Current programs only" or "Code always required." Go to your TV settings. All Settings → Connection → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit Settingsto change access parameters.
AirPlay 2 also allows you to use your iPhone as a remote control or output audio to a HomePod external speaker, if connected. This creates a unified multimedia environment throughout the home. AirPlay typically offers higher image quality than Miracast, thanks to Apple's more efficient compression algorithms.
What to do if AirPlay isn't working?
Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV. Check that your router's antivirus software isn't blocking the ports required for Bonjour (Apple's device discovery protocol). Try rebooting your router.
LG TV Plus app: expanded functionality
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG TV Remote) turns your smartphone into a powerful remote control with multimedia streaming capabilities. This solution is especially useful if the built-in streaming features are unstable or you need access to your phone's file system.
Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Once launched, it will automatically scan the network and offer to connect to your TV. A permission request will appear on the TV screen; accept it using the remote control. The app's main interface mimics the remote control but has a dedicated button for photo and video sharing.
Unlike simple screen mirroring, LG TV Plus allows you to select specific files from your phone's gallery and send them to your TV for playback. In this case, the TV acts as DLNNA renderer, decoding the video itself, which reduces the load on the smartphone's processor.
Another unique feature of the app is the ability to enter text using your phone's keyboard. This is extremely convenient when searching for movies in online cinemas on your TV, where typing with a standard remote can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
| Function | Miracast / AirPlay | LG TV Plus | YouTube Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirroring | File transfer | Streaming link |
| Battery charge | High consumption | Average consumption | Minimum consumption |
| Control | From the phone | From phone and TV | From phone and TV |
| Quality | Depends on the signal | Original file | Maximum (up to 4K HDR) |
Broadcasting from YouTube apps and online cinemas
The most energy-efficient and high-quality way to watch videos is to use the built-in function Google CastThis feature is implemented in YouTube, Netflix, IVI, Okko, and many other apps. In this case, the phone doesn't transmit the video stream, but only sends the TV a link to the source.
Find the streaming icon in an app (like YouTube)—a rectangle with waves in the corner. Click it and select your LG TV from the list. The video will start playing directly on the TV, using its internet connection.
The advantage of this method is that you can minimize the app on your phone, answer a call, or even turn off your smartphone, and playback on the TV will not be interrupted. The phone simply acts as a remote control.
If you don't see the Cast button, check if you're logged into the same Google account on your phone and the YouTube app on your TV. This can sometimes help "wake up" the device in the list of available devices.
Troubleshooting: TV doesn't detect phone
Despite technology standardization, users often encounter situations where devices can't find each other. The most common cause is network separation. Make sure your router isn't configured to separate guest and primary networks, and that both devices are connected to the primary network.
The second important aspect is firewall settings. Antivirus software on your PC or router security settings may block ports needed for device discovery (usually ports 1900 for DLNA and 5353 for mDNS). Try temporarily disabling your firewall for diagnostics.
It's also worth checking the date and time on both devices. Time misalignment of more than a few minutes can lead to security certificate errors, which will block the Wi-Fi Direct or AirPlay connection.
⚠️ Note: LG TV interfaces and router settings are subject to update. If you don't see the menu items described, check the support section of the official website for the latest documentation for your specific webOS model.
In rare cases, a complete reset of the network settings on the TV helps. Go to Settings → All settings → General → Network → Reset Wi-Fi settingsAfter this, re-enter the password for your wireless network.
A secret method for old routers
If you have an older router, try changing the wireless network mode in its settings from "Auto" or "802.11 b/g/n" to forced "802.11 n only" or "802.11 ac." This may improve connection stability for multimedia.