How to Control Your LG Smart TV with Your iPhone via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Lost the remote control LG Smart TV or just want to control your TV from your smartphone? iPhone It's easier to do than it seems - you just need to set up the connection correctly Wi-Fi and select the appropriate app. In this article, we'll cover all connection methods, from the standard app LG ThinQ to alternative solutions for older TV models. We'll also tell you how to avoid common syncing errors and what to do if your phone doesn't recognize your TV.

The main advantage of management through Wi-Fi — it’s not only convenience, but also additional functions: voice search, transfer of content from the phone to the screen, fast text input from the keyboard iOSHowever, not all models LG Smart TV support such capabilities equally. For example, TVs on webOS 3.0 and newer ones work with applications more stably than devices from 2015–2016 webOS 2.0But even for these, there are workarounds—more on that below.

1. Which LG TVs support iPhone control?

Not everyone LG Smart TV can be controlled from a smartphone. It all depends on operating system TV and year of manufacture. Here are the main compatibility criteria:

• 📺 webOS 3.0 and later (2016–2026): Full application support LG ThinQ, voice control, screen sharing (AirPlay 2 on models from 2019).
• 📺 webOS 2.0 (2015): limited functionality - only basic commands (on/off, volume control).
• 📺 NetCast (2012-2014): Official apps don't work, but you can use universal remotes like Unified Remote.
• ❌ Without Smart TV: control from a phone is impossible - only via an IR port with a physical adapter.

To find out the version webOS on your TV, go to Settings → General → TV Info → Software Info. If it is indicated there NetCast or version webOS 1.x, be prepared for manual configuration via third-party applications.

2. Preparing the TV and iPhone for connection

Before setting up control, make sure both devices meet the following key requirements:

Pay special attention to your router settings. If the function is enabled, AP Isolation (sometimes called Client Isolation or Wireless Isolation), devices on the same network will not be able to "see" each other. This is a common reason why iPhone does not find the TV despite the fact that both are connected to the same Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: On some models LG Smart TV (for example, series UK6300) The remote control feature is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → General → Mobile Data → Enable.

3. Installing and configuring the official LG ThinQ app

LG ThinQ - This is the main application for controlling TVs LG With iPhoneIt supports not only the basic functions of the remote control, but also voice search, content transfer, and on newer models, even setup Ambient Mode (background wallpaper). Download it from App Store and follow the instructions:

After installation:

1. Open LG ThinQ and press Add device.
2. Select "TV" and follow the prompts. The app will offer two connection options:
   • 📱 Via QR code: a code will appear on the TV screen that you need to scan with the camera iPhone.
   • 🔍 Through search: the application will automatically find the TV on the local network (if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi).

Confirm the connection on your TV – you will be asked to allow the connection.

Done! The app will now display a control panel with remote buttons, a keyboard, and additional features.

If the TV is not found automatically, try entering it manually. IP addressYou can find it in the TV menu: Settings → Network → Network Status → IP Address. IN LG ThinQ select Add manually and enter the address in the format 192.168.x.x.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with webOS 2.0 application LG ThinQ may become unstable. In this case, use the alternative solutions in the next section.

4. Alternative control methods without LG ThinQ

If the official app doesn't work (for example, you have an older TV model or there are compatibility issues), try one of these solutions:

• 🎮 Unified Remote: universal remote control with support LG Smart TV, Samsung, Sony and other brands. Requires installation of the server component on a PC connected to the same network.
• 📱 TV Remote Control for LG: a simplified app for basic commands (power, volume, channels). Works even with webOS 1.x.
• 🖥️ IR remote emulation: if your iPhone has an IR port (a rarity for modern models), you can use applications like AnyMote.
• 🌐 Web interface: some models LG Smart TV (for example, series C1/C2 OLED) support control via a browser at the address http://[IP-TV]:8080.

For Unified Remote you will need:

1. Install the app on iPhone and the server utility on PC/Mac (from the official website).
2. Connect your PC and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app on your phone, select "LG TV" and follow the pairing instructions.

The downside of this method is that it requires the computer to be turned on. However, it works even with very old models. LG, which do not support LG ThinQ.

How do I know if my iPhone has an IR port?

Modern iPhone models (starting with the iPhone 7) don't have an IR port. The last iPhone with an IR port was the iPhone 6/6s, but even on these models, TV control was limited. To check, try opening an IR-enabled app (such as AnyMote)—if it doesn't detect the port, it means there isn't one.

5. Advanced features: voice control and AirPlay

Modern televisions LG Smart TV (starting from webOS 4.0, 2018 and newer) support voice control through LG ThinQ and integration with SiriTo activate these features:

• 🎤 Voice Search on LG ThinQ:
  1. Open the app and go to the tab "Remote controller".
  2. Click on the microphone icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Say a command, for example: "Turn on Netflix" or "Turn the volume up to 50".

🍎 Control via Siri:

1. Add your TV to the app Home (HomeKit) on iPhone.
2. Tell Siri: "Hey Siri, turn on the TV in the living room.".

⚠️ Attention: To work with HomeKit The TV must support AirPlay 2 (2019 models and newer). A list of compatible devices is available at LG's official website.

On TVs LG OLED C9/CX and newer versions, voice commands are processed directly by the TV, without sending data to the cloud. This speeds up response times and works even without an internet connection (but requires pre-configuring the microphone in Settings → Voice Control).

To transfer content from iPhone use on the screen AirPlay:

1. Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone open Control Panel (swipe down from the top right corner).
3. Click Screen mirroring and choose yours LG Smart TV from the list.
4. To transfer videos/photos from applications (eg. YouTube or Photo) click the icon Share → "AirPlay".

6. Solving typical connection problems

If iPhone If you can't find your TV or the controls are slow, check these points:

If nothing helps, try reset network settings on TV:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Network Reset.
2. Please reconnect to Wi-Fi and pair again. iPhone.

On TVs with webOS 5.0 and newer there is a function Quick Connection (on the menu Settings → Connect to a mobile device). It makes pairing easy - just touch it. iPhone to the TV (if NFC is supported) or scan the QR code.

7. Security: How to protect your connection from hacking

Remotely controlling your TV via Wi-Fi is convenient, but it exposes potential vulnerabilities. Here's how to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Use a strong Wi-Fi password: Avoid standard combinations like 12345678 or adminOptimally - WPA3-Personal.
• 📵 Turn off remote control when not in use: V LG ThinQ You can remove the TV from the list of devices so that no one else can connect.
• 🛡️ Update your TV firmware: Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities in new versions of software.
• 🚫 Don't connect your TV to public networks. (in cafes, hotels) - there is a high risk of control being taken over.

On TVs LG With webOS 6.0 and newer there is a function Privacy Protection (Settings → General → Privacy). Here you can:

• Disable diagnostic data collection.
• Block access to the microphone and camera (if any).
• Limit advertising tracking.

If you use Unified Remote or other third-party applications, check their permissions in iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy.
2. Select an app and disable access to contacts, photos, or location if it is not required for operation.

8. Comparison with other brands: which is better?

Control LG Smart TV With iPhone — one of the most flexible solutions on the market, but competitors have their advantages. Let's compare:

The main advantage LG - This AirPlay 2 support, which allows you to broadcast content from iPhone without lags. Samsung A similar function is only available on models QLED 2020+, and at Sony — with limitations (for example, no screen duplication).

If you have appliances from different brands at home, universal apps like Unified Remote or Yatse They can be more convenient than native solutions. However, they require more configuration and sometimes a paid subscription for advanced features.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to control LG Smart TV from iPhone via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

No, both devices need to be connected to control. one local Wi-Fi networkMobile internet is not suitable, as applications like LG ThinQ use the protocol Local Network, not cloud servers. Exceptions include some models that support LG ThinQ AI, but even there, Wi-Fi is required for the initial setup.

Why does the LG ThinQ app ask me to register an LG account?

Registration is required to synchronize settings between devices and access additional features (for example, LG Channels or cloud services). However, for basic TV control via Wi-Fi, an account is not required - you can skip this step and use the app in guest mode (click "Skip" when requesting registration).

How to control an LG TV if it's not connected to Wi-Fi?

There are three options:

1. IR adapter for iPhone: buy an external IR transmitter (eg. BroadLink RM4 Pro) and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. Then use apps like AnyMote.
2. HDMI-CEC: If the TV is connected to a receiver or set-top box via HDMI, you can control it using the remote control of another device (you need to turn on Simplink in TV settings).
3. Universal remote control: apps like Unified Remote can work via Bluetooth if the TV supports this protocol (rare for LG).

Without Wi-Fi, functionality will be severely limited—for example, you won't be able to stream content from your phone or use voice search.

Is it possible to turn on an LG TV from an iPhone if it is turned off?

Yes, but only if:

• The TV supports the function "Quick Start+" (included in Settings → General → Quick Launch Mode).
• Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (even if the TV is "sleeping", it remains online in the background).
• Power saving for LAN/Wi-Fi ports is disabled in the router.

On older models (webOS 2.0) this function may not work - you will have to turn on the TV manually.

How do I transfer remote settings from one iPhone to another?

If you use LG ThinQ, the settings are synchronized via the LG account:

1. On the old one iPhone open LG ThinQ and make sure you are logged in to your account.
2. Install the app on your new phone and sign in to the same account.
3. The TV will automatically appear in the list of devices.

For third-party applications (eg. Unified Remote) export the configuration to a file and import it on the new device.