Owners of modern Apple smartphones often need to show off their footage on a large screen. The small display of a mobile device doesn't always allow for detailed image quality assessment or the ability to share photos with guests. Fortunately, the ecosystem Apple and smart TV technologies LG allow you to solve this problem without using wires.
For successful synchronization of devices, it is critical that both the smartphone and TV are connected to the same network. Wi-FiThis is a basic requirement, ignoring which causes 90% of connection problems. If your router broadcasts two networks (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), make sure both devices are on the same band, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
There are several proven streaming methods, each with its own characteristics and suited to different use cases. The method you choose depends on your TV model and operating system version. iOS and what kind of content you plan to play - local files, streaming video, or a live screen.
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
The simplest and highest quality way to transmit images is available to TV owners LG with technology support AirPlay 2This feature is built directly into the operating system. webOS Starting with version 4.0, it allows you to stream content without installing additional apps on your TV. This ensures the highest picture quality and minimal latency.
To get started, make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV. This is usually activated automatically, but some models require manual connection confirmation upon first launch. A code may appear on the TV screen that you'll need to enter on your iPhone to establish a secure connection.
⚠️ Note: If your TV asks for a verification code every time you connect, you can disable this feature in the AirPlay security settings by selecting the "First time only" option to make the process easier in the future.
The process of starting a broadcast is intuitive and takes only a few seconds. Open the Photos app or any video player on your iPhone, select the desired file, and tap the rectangle icon with an arrow at the bottom of the screen. Select your device from the list of available devices. LG Smart TV.
If the AirPlay icon doesn't appear in the standard Share menu, try searching for it within the video player itself. Many apps, such as VLC or Infuse, have their own image output button, which works more reliably than the system one.
- 📱 Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone, as it is used to initially discover the device.
- 📺 Check what's on your TV LG heavy applications that could cause delays in the video stream are not running.
- 🔄 If problems occur, try restarting the Wi-Fi module on both devices.
The official LG TV Plus app
For TV models that do not support AirPlay, or in cases where standard streaming is unstable, the company LG Electronics developed my own application LG TV PlusIt's available for free in the App Store and offers advanced TV control functionality from a mobile device.
After installing the app, you'll need to pair the devices. Open the app on your iPhone, and it will automatically search for available TVs on your local network. Select your model from the list. A connection permission will appear on the TV screen, which you'll need to confirm with your remote control.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to not only stream media files but also use your smartphone as a remote control. You can control the volume, change channels, and even enter text using your phone's keypad, which is especially convenient for searching videos on YouTube or Netflix.
Features of using LG TV Plus
The app allows you to stream files in certain formats that may not be supported by your TV's built-in player. However, for high-resolution video (4K HDR), Wi-Fi bandwidth may be insufficient, resulting in buffering.
The app interface has a separate tab for working with media files. Here, you can select photos or videos from your iPhone gallery and send them to the screen. It's important to note that the app may not support some specific video codec formats, so if playback fails, you'll need to convert the file.
- 📂 Transfer of photos, videos and music files is supported.
- 🎮 Game controller function for simple games on TV.
- ⌨️ Convenient text keyboard for entering search queries.
Broadcasting via third-party applications
If built-in tools fail to cope with the task, third-party solutions come to the rescue, such as Cast to TV - XCast, Replica or Web Video CastThese programs often have more flexible codec and buffering settings, allowing you to stream video that standard players can't see.
Most of these apps operate in a similar way: they create a virtual server on a smartphone or redirect the data stream directly to the TV's IP address. The user selects a file in the program interface, after which it offers a list of available devices for casting.
Some apps allow you to stream the contents of your Safari browser tabs. This is especially useful if you want to watch a video from a website that doesn't have its own app. Smart TV or blocks image output via standard AirPlay.
⚠️ Please note: Free versions of third-party apps often contain ads that may interrupt video playback. For full, unrestricted use, you may need to purchase a premium version.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to user reviews regarding compatibility with your version. iOSDevelopers regularly update their programs, but older versions may no longer work correctly with new Wi-Fi security protocols.
Comparison of connection methods
Choosing the optimal method depends on your specific needs and technical equipment. To make your decision easier, we've prepared a comparison table of the key characteristics of each method.
| Method | Image quality | Latency | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | High (up to 4K) | Low | Minimum |
| LG TV Plus | Medium/High | Average | Low |
| Third-party apps | Depends on the codec | High | Average |
| DLNA (via photo) | Original | Low | Low |
As can be seen from the table, AirPlay 2 is the undisputed leader in terms of all parameters. However, if your TV is from an older line and does not have built-in support for this technology, applications from LG or third-party developers will be an excellent alternative.
It's also worth considering that when using DLNA (standard media streaming), the TV can decode the file itself, offloading the load from the iPhone's processor. However, with Screen Mirroring, the majority of the load falls on the smartphone, which can lead to its heating.
Solution and diagnostics
Even if you follow all the instructions, technical issues may still occur. Most often, the problem lies in your router settings. Make sure your router doesn't have client isolation enabled (AP Isolation). This feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from communicating with each other, making it impossible for your phone to detect your TV.
Another common cause is using a guest Wi-Fi network. If your iPhone is connected to the main Wi-Fi network and your TV is connected to the guest Wi-Fi network, they won't be able to see each other, even if the passwords match. Reconnect both devices to the same main network.
☑️ Connection diagnostics
If your TV stops responding to connection requests, try a full reboot: unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. On your iPhone, reset your network settings by going to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
In rare cases, the problem may be related to antivirus software on your router or ISP's network blocking local ports. Temporarily disable additional protections to check their impact. Smart TV.
Features of video and audio formats
When streaming, it's important to consider what file formats your TV supports. LG. Standard formats such as MP4 (H.264 codec) and JPG, are played on almost all models without problems. However, with modern codecs, such as HEVC (H.265) or Dolby Vision, difficulties may arise.
If you see the message "Format not supported" when trying to play, it means the TV can't decode the video stream on its own. In this case, either converting the file on your computer or using an iPhone player app that will stream the already decoded stream will help (although this will increase battery drain).
Audio tracks also matter. If the video has audio in the format DTS, and the TV only supports Dolby Digital or PCM, you may see the image without sound. The solution is to switch the audio stream in the player settings or use an external speaker system.
⚠️ Please note: Specifications and supported codecs may vary depending on the year and model of your TV. We recommend checking the official user manual for your model or the manufacturer's website for the exact list of supported formats.
Spatial audio is also a pressing issue for Apple device owners. When streaming via AirPlay 2, audio can be transmitted in improved quality, but the TV or connected sound system must support the appropriate standards.
Why is there no sound when sharing photos?
In some modes (such as slideshows), the TV may mute audio to save resources or due to privacy settings. Check the audio settings in the Share menu.
Optimizing your Wi-Fi network for broadcasting
The quality of wireless streaming directly depends on the stability and speed of your Wi-Fi connection. For viewing 4K video, we recommend using the 5 GHz, which provides higher throughput and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and household appliances.
If the router is far from the TV or the signal is weak, image artifacts and audio interruptions may occur. In this situation, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater or, ideally, connecting the TV to the router via cable. LAN, leaving the iPhone connected wirelessly.
Bandwidth load also plays a role. If someone in the household is downloading large files or playing online games while watching a movie, the bandwidth may be occupied, leading to buffering on the TV.
- 📶 Place the router in an open area, away from microwave ovens and cordless telephones.
- 🔌 Use an Ethernet cable for your TV if the distance to your router allows.
- ⚙️ Update your router firmware to the latest version to improve stability.
Why doesn't my LG TV detect my iPhone?
The most common cause is that the devices are on different subnets (for example, one of the networks is a guest network) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check whether Windows Firewall (if you're using the PC as a media server) or antivirus software is blocking the local connection.
Is it possible to display an iPhone screen on an old LG TV without Smart TV?
Without a Smart TV module or set-top box (Apple TV, Chromecast, or Android TV box), it's impossible to directly display images over Wi-Fi. In this case, you'll need an HDMI cable and a special Lightning-to-HDMI adapter or Digital AV Adapter.
The video is lagging while streaming, what should I do?
Try lowering the video quality in the app settings, restarting the router, disconnecting other devices from the Wi-Fi network, or moving your iPhone closer to the router. Switching to the 5 GHz frequency, if available, also helps.
Does the operator charge for traffic when broadcasting?
If you use a home Wi-Fi network, traffic is sent through your internet service provider and charged according to your home plan (usually unlimited). Mobile data (3G/4G/5G) is not consumed as long as Wi-Fi is active.