Modern Smart TV Smartphones have become powerful multimedia centers, capable of not only streaming video content but also playing high-quality audio. Many users underestimate the potential of their devices, continuing to listen to music through their smartphone's built-in speakers while their home audio system sits idle. Wireless connectivity opens up access to vast music libraries and streaming services without the hassle of wires.
The audio transfer process may vary depending on your TV's operating system and the devices you use. Whether it's Android TV, webOS or TizenThere are universal protocols like DLNA or Miracast that let you sync devices in seconds. In this article, we'll cover all the available methods to help you enjoy your favorite music in the highest quality.
Before you begin setup, make sure your equipment is ready to use. Wireless connection Requires a stable router and proper network configuration. If you've just purchased a new TV or updated the software, some features may be hidden deep in the menu or require additional apps.
Preparing equipment and network for broadcasting
The first and most critical condition for successful audio transmission is that all devices are on the same local network. This means that your smartphone, tablet, or computer, as well as your TV, must be connected to the same network. Wi-Fi routerUsers often encounter a problem where their phone is connected to 4G/5G mobile internet while their TV is connected to their home network, making them "invisible" to each other.
Check your router settings. Some models have AP Isolation enabled by default, which prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other. This option must be disabled for media servers to work. You should also ensure that the signal frequency is correct. 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz supported by both devices, although the standard range is usually sufficient for music.
⚠️ Important: If your router broadcasts two separate networks (for example, Home_2.4G and Home_5G), make sure all gadgets are connected to exactly one of them, otherwise device detection may not work.
Playback quality directly depends on the bandwidth. Streaming high-resolution audio (Hi-Res) or lossy formats like FLAC requires a stable signal without packet loss. If you plan to use your TV as a permanent speaker system, consider connecting it to your router via LAN cableto eliminate any delays and buffering.
Using built-in Smart TV features and the DLNA protocol
The most universal way of transmitting media content is technology DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). It's built into the vast majority of modern TVs and allows you to stream music, photos, and videos from any compatible device. You don't need to install complex software; all you need is an activated media server on your smartphone or PC.
On Windows devices, the feature is called "Media Streaming." On iPhone and iPad, the equivalent is AirPlay, which is also often supported by Smart TVs natively or through built-in apps. For Android smartphones, the standard solution is the "Cast" or "Smart View" feature, which mirrors the screen or transmits only audio.
To start playback, follow these steps:
- 📱 Open the Gallery or Files app on your smartphone and select a music track.
- 📡 Click the broadcast icon (usually a rectangle with waves or a triangle) in the player interface.
- 📺 Select the name of your TV from the list of available devices.
- 🎵 Enjoy sound by controlling the volume and switching tracks from your phone.
It's important to note that when using DLNA, playlist management is performed from the mobile device. The TV, in this case, merely acts as a renderer, that is, a transmitter of commands. If you lose the connection on your phone or its battery dies, playback on the TV will stop.
Stream audio from Android and iOS devices
Owners of Apple gadgets can use the technology AirPlay 2, which ensures minimal latency and high-quality sound. If your TV supports this protocol natively (for example, new Samsung, LG, and Sony models), no additional configuration is required. Otherwise, you can use an Apple TV set-top box.
Android users have a wider range of tools to choose from. In addition to the standard Chromecast built-in feature, which is integrated into many apps (YouTube Music, Spotify, Yandex.Music), there are specialized utilities. For example, the app BubbleUPnP or LocalCast allow you to transfer audio files of any format that the standard TV player cannot read.
To connect via Chromecast:
- 📲 Make sure you have the Google Home app or the corresponding music service app installed on your phone.
- 🎧 Start the music and find the "Cast" icon in the corner of the screen.
- 📺 Select your TV from the list of suggested devices.
- 🔊 Adjust the volume independently from your phone's volume level.
Particular attention should be paid to codecs. If the TV does not support the audio track format (for example, DTS or ALAC), the source application must be able to transcode audio on the fly. Otherwise, you'll hear a format error message or silence even though there's an image.
What to do if the phone doesn’t see the TV?
Make sure a guest network isn't enabled on the router for one of the devices. Guest networks are often isolated from the main LAN where the TV is located. Also, try rebooting the router and both devices.
Third-party applications and media servers
If standard tools aren't enough, third-party solutions can help. Installing a dedicated server application on your computer or NAS storage allows you to create your own media library. Popular programs like Plex, Jellyfin or Kodi (in server mode) index your music collection, adding album art and metadata.
A client app is installed on the TV. The interface becomes much more user-friendly: you can see albums, artists, and genres on the big screen, and control them with the remote control. This turns the TV into a fully-fledged music center, independent of your smartphone's battery.
Comparison of popular music organization solutions:
| Application | Server platform | FLAC/Hi-Res support | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plex | Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS | Yes (Pass required) | Low |
| Emby | Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker | Yes | Average |
| DLNA (standard) | Built into the OS | Depends on TV | Minimum |
| Spotify Connect | Cloud | Yes (up to 320 kbps) | Minimum |
Using server-based solutions is especially important for owners of large music archives. Local storage provides access speeds unattainable with cloud services on poor internet connections. Furthermore, you have complete control over your data and are not subject to licensing restrictions from streaming platforms.
☑️ Setting up a home server
Connecting Bluetooth speakers to a TV
Although this article focuses on WiFi, it's important to remember that using your TV as a base for streaming audio to external Bluetooth speakers isn't an option. This is especially true if your TV's built-in speakers aren't good enough and you haven't connected a separate audio system. Many modern Smart TV models can function as a Bluetooth transmitter.
To connect, go to the TV settings menu and find the section Sound or Connected devicesStart searching for new devices and put your speaker into pairing mode. Once paired, all audio, including music from apps and YouTube, will be transmitted to the external speaker.
⚠️ Please note: When transmitting audio via Bluetooth, a lip-sync error may occur between audio and video. This isn't a problem when listening to music, but it can be annoying when watching music videos. Look for the "Audio Delay" option in your TV settings to correct this.
Bluetooth audio quality is limited by codecs SBC or AAC, which is inferior to WiFi transmission quality. However, for background music in a room, this option is perfectly acceptable and allows the speaker to be placed anywhere in the room where there is a signal.
Eliminating and improving sound quality
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur: interruptions, crackling, or a complete lack of sound. Often, this is due to congestion in the Wi-Fi channel from neighboring routers. Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find a free channel and switch the router settings.
Another common issue is power saving. Smartphones can "put their Wi-Fi module to sleep" to conserve battery, which can lead to disconnections with the TV. In the battery settings, add music service or media server apps to the exception list.
Basic diagnostic steps:
- 🔄 Restart your router and TV (unplug them from the power outlet for 10 seconds).
- 📶 Check the WiFi signal strength where the TV is installed.
- 🔌 Disable the VPN on the streaming device if it is active.
- 🔊 Check the audio format settings in the TV menu (select PCM for compatibility).
If you're using a soundbar or receiver connected via HDMI ARC/eARC, make sure the correct audio output is selected in your TV settings. Sometimes the system "thinks" the sound should go to the TV speakers, ignoring the external system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to stream sound from a computer to a TV wirelessly?
Yes, this is possible using the Google Chrome browser (using the "Cast" feature), Windows settings (Connection -> Wireless Display), or media servers like Plex. Your computer and TV must be on the same network.
Why does music play slowly or cut out?
Most likely, the WiFi signal is unstable or the channel is congested. Try switching to the 5 GHz frequency if your router and TV support it, or move the router closer to the TV.
Does music streaming work if the phone screen is off?
When using DLNA, AirPlay, and Chromecast technologies, yes, the music will play. If you're using simple screen mirroring (Miracast), the phone's screen must be lit, otherwise the streaming will be interrupted.
How to improve sound quality on Smart TV?
Built-in speakers are often flat. The best option is to connect external speakers via optical output, HDMI ARC, or Bluetooth. You can also enable an equalizer or Movie/Music mode in the TV settings.
Does my TV support FLAC format?
Most modern Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Android TV) natively support FLAC. If the built-in player doesn't open the file, install a third-party player from an app store, such as VLC for Android.