How to Stream Video from Your Phone to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Broadcast video from your smartphone screen to a large TV screen via Wi-Fi — is a convenient way to enjoy content wirelessly. But not everyone knows that there are several technologies for this, each suitable for different situations. Someone wants to stream a movie from YouTube on Samsung Smart TV, and someone needs to mirror the screen iPhone on LG OLEDIn this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from built-in functions to third-party apps.

The main difference between the methods is in the supported devices and transmission quality. For example, Miracast It works without the Internet, but it can slow down at high resolutions, and DLNA Streams files but doesn't mirror your screen. We've tested each method on popular TVs and smartphones to help you choose the best option.

If you have already tried to connect and nothing worked, please pay attention to common mistakes: protocol version incompatibility, manufacturer limitations, or incorrect router settings. At the end of this article, there's a FAQ with solutions to common problems.

1. Miracast: Direct wireless mirroring without a router

Miracast — is a wireless image transmission standard that operates on a point-to-point principle. It does not require an internet connection, but both devices must support the technology. Most modern Android- smartphones (starting with version 4.2) and Smart TV (produced after 2013) are equipped with Miracast, but at Apple he is not there - to the owners iPhone This method will not work.

The main advantage is minimal delays (up to 50 ms), which is important for gaming or video calls. However, when transmitting video in 4K Artifacts may occur if the router is weak or the walls are thick. Also Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) block Miracast in their shells - in this case, only third-party software will help.

How to enable:

• 📺 On TV: go to Settings → Network → Miracast (or Screen Mirroring, Wireless Display). On Samsung this can be called Smart View.
• 📱 On Android: Open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (or Cast, Smart View in the notification bar).
• 🔍 Select your TV from the list of available devices. Confirm the connection on both screens.

⚠️ Note: If your TV is not listed, check if the TV is in the "Show TV" mode. Device discoveryOn some models Sony Bravia This option is hidden in Settings → External Inputs → Miracast.

The TV was released after 2013

Android smartphone running version 4.2+

Both devices are connected to the same network (or in ad hoc mode)

The TV is in discovery mode-->

2. DLNA: Media Streaming

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for exchanging multimedia over a local area network. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the screen, but transfers specific files: video, music, or photos. It is supported by almost all Smart TV and smartphones, including iPhone (through apps like Infuse or VLC).

The main advantage is stable operation even on weak routers, since no screen synchronization is required. The disadvantage is that streaming services cannot be broadcast (Netflix, YouTube) or games. Also DLNA does not support DRM-protected content (for example, movies purchased from Google Play).

Instructions for Android:

1. Install a media server application like BubbleUPnP or LocalCast.
2. Turn on DLNA on TV: Settings → Network → DLNA (or Media server).
3. In the app on your phone, select the file and click "Play on...". The TV should appear in the list.

For iPhone:

• 📱 Download VLC for Mobile or Infuse.
• 🔌 Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🎬 In the app, select the file and tap the broadcast icon (usually in the upper right corner).

3. AirPlay: The Best Choice for Apple Owners

AirPlay - proprietary technology from Apple, which allows you to broadcast your screen iPhone, iPad or Mac to compatible devices. It only works with TVs that support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+, Samsung QLED 2018+, Sony Bravia 2020+), or through prefixes (Apple TV 4K, Roku, Fire TV Stick 4K).

Advantages:

• 🎮 Minimal lag - perfect for gaming (Apple Arcade) and video calls (FaceTime).
• 🔒 Encrypted data transfer (important for privacy).
• 🎵 Ability to stream music to multiple devices simultaneously (multiroom).

How to connect:

1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone swipe down from the top right corner to open Control center.
3. Click Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring) and select your TV.
4. If necessary, enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.

⚠️ Note: On some TVs Samsung AirPlay may not work with video in Dolby Vision - the image will be transmitted to HDR10This is a firmware limitation and cannot be fixed.

4. Smart View (Samsung) and similar products for other brands

TV manufacturers often develop their own wireless broadcasting solutions. Samsung This Smart View, at LG — Screen Share, at Sony — ThrowThese technologies are usually Miracast, but with additional features, such as controlling your TV from your smartphone.

Peculiarities Smart View:

• 📱 Works with Android And iOS (but on iPhone (for media files only, no mirroring).
• 🎮 Gamepad support Samsung GamePad for games from the phone screen.
• 🔧 You can adjust the broadcast quality: 720p, 1080p or 4K (on new models).

How to use on Samsung TV:

1. On TV: Settings → General → External devices → Input device → Screen Mirroring.
2. On your smartphone: open the app SmartThings (For Android) or use Control center (For iOS).
3. Select your TV and confirm the connection.

For LG TV:

• 📺 Turn on Screen Share V Settings → Network → Miracast.
• 📱 On Android use the built-in function Screen sharing or application LG TV Plus.

What should I do if Smart View doesn't find my TV?

1. Restart both devices.

2. Check that the "Device Discovery" mode is enabled on the TV (sometimes it is disabled after an update).

3. If you are using a dual-band router, connect both devices to the 5 GHz network – there may be interference on the 2.4 GHz network.

4. On some models Samsung you need to turn it on manually Smart View V Settings → General → External Device Manager

5. Streaming Apps: The One-Stop Solution

If the built-in functions do not work or you need additional capabilities (for example, broadcasting from PC Third-party apps can help with streaming services. They support various protocols and often offer advanced quality settings.

Top 5 streaming apps:

• 📺 LocalCast - supports DLNA, Chromecast And Miracast. Can stream from Google Drive And NAS.
• 🎮 ApowerMirror - mirrors the screen with mouse control (useful for presentations).
• 🍎 AirScreen - emulates AirPlay, Miracast And Chromecast on incompatible TVs.
• 🌐 Web Video Caster — broadcasts video from websites (YouTube, Twitch) directly on TV.
• 🔒 Roku (official) - if you have a console Roku, it is the best choice for stable broadcasting.

Example of setup LocalCast:

1. Download the app to your phone and turn it on DLNA on TV.
2. Open LocalCast, select a file or link to a video.
3. Click the broadcast icon and select your TV.
4. Adjust the bitrate if necessary. Settings → Video Quality.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (eg. ApowerMirror) require installation of the server part on the TV. If you have Android TV, it's not a problem, but for Tizen or webOS a workaround may be needed (for example, through Google Cast).

6. Troubleshooting: Why the broadcast isn't working

If your phone's video isn't playing on your TV, there could be a variety of reasons, from protocol incompatibility to router settings. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Problem 1: TV does not appear in the list of devices

• 🔌 Check that both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (even if used Miracast in direct connection mode, sometimes preliminary synchronization is required).
• 🔄 Reboot your router—sometimes the DHCP server doesn't assign the correct IP addresses.
• 📱 On Android turn on Developer mode and check if it is disabled Wireless Display in the settings.

Problem 2: Video slows down or breaks

• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz - it's less busy than 2.4 GHz.
• 🎚️ In the broadcast settings, reduce the resolution to 720p.
• 🔌 Connect your TV to the router with a cable Ethernet (if supported), and leave the phone on Wi-Fi.

Problem 3: No sound during broadcast

• 🔊 Check if the sound on your TV is muted or not set to "Off" mode. Mute.
• 🎵 In the broadcast settings, select Transmit sound to TV (in some applications this is a separate option).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware - older versions can have bugs with audio codecs (DTS, Dolby Digital).

Problem 4: Apps like Netflix are not streaming

This is related to DRM protectionMost streaming services block broadcasts through Miracast or DLNASolutions:

• 📺 Use built-in service apps on your TV (for example, Netflix or YouTube directly on Smart TV).
• 🖥️ Connect Chromecast or Fire TV Stick - they support more DRM formats.
• 🔄 If you are broadcasting from PC, try to display the image through HDMI or use Steam Link for games.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of streaming method depends on your devices and needs. Here's a quick comparison:

Task	The best method	Alternative	Required equipment
Screen mirroring Android	Miracast / Smart View	ApowerMirror	Smart TV with Miracast or set-top box
Streaming movies from your phone	DLNA (via VLC)	LocalCast	Any Smart TV
Mirroring iPhone	AirPlay	ApowerMirror (with limitations)	TV with AirPlay 2 or Apple TV
Play games from your phone to TV	Miracast (minimum latency)	Steam Link (for PC games)	5 GHz router, low input lag TV
YouTube/Netflix broadcast	Built-in application on TV	Chromecast / Fire TV Stick	Smart TV or set-top box

If you need maximum quality (for example, for films in 4K HDR), it is better to use DLNA or built-in TV apps. For minimal delays (games, video calls) will do Miracast or AirPlay. If required versatility (different devices, streaming services), please note Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to screencast if the TV is not smart?

Yes, but you will need an additional device:

• 📦 Android TV set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Nvidia Shield) - supports Miracast And DLNA.
• 🔥 Fire TV Stick or Chromecast - for broadcasting via Google Cast.
• 🖥️ Raspberry Pi With LibreELEC - a budget solution for DLNA.

The cost of such devices ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Why does the video lag behind the audio when streaming via Miracast?

This is a typical problem when:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal (switch to 5 GHz or move the router closer).
• 🖥️ Overloaded phone processor (close background applications).
• 📺 Old TV firmware (update the software via Settings → Support → Software Update).

If nothing helps, try reducing the broadcast resolution to 720p.

Is it possible to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV without Apple TV?

Yes, if you have a TV that supports it. AirPlay 2 (the list of models is on the website Apple). You can also use:

• 🎮 Prefixes: Roku, Fire TV Stick 4K (with AirPlay update).
• 📱 Applications: ApowerMirror or AirScreen (requires installation on TV).

On Android TV can be installed AirScreen from Google Play.

How to stream video from your phone to your TV via USB?

For this you need USB-OTG adapter and function support MHL or Slimport on your phone. Instructions:

1. Buy an adapter USB-C/Micro-USB → HDMI (For example, Google Chromecast Audio won't work!).
2. Connect your phone to your TV via HDMI-port.
3. On your TV, select the appropriate HDMI input.

⚠️ Modern flagships (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22, iPhone 14) do not support MHL - This method won't work for them.

How to improve Wi-Fi streaming quality?

Tips for a stable signal:

• 📡 Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - it copes better with the load.
• 🔌 Connect your TV to the router with a cable Ethernet (if there is a port).
• 📵 Disconnect other devices from the network while broadcasting (especially those downloading files).
• 🔄 Select a channel in your router settings 5 GHz with minimal interference (eg 36 or 149).

If the problem is artifacts, try manually limiting the bitrate in the broadcast settings (for example, to 10 Mbps).