Modern technology makes it possible to transform a living room into a fully-fledged media center using just a smartphone and a TV. Apple ecosystem users often need to show photos from a corporate event, launch a presentation, or simply stream video from a browser to a big screen. For technology owners LG with the operating system webOS This process is made as simple as possible thanks to the built-in protocol support. AirPlay 2You won't need any additional cables or complicated adapters if both devices are on the same network.
The basic principle is to transmit a video stream over a local Wi-Fi network. This ensures high-quality images, up to 4K resolution, without the lag typical of older wired connections. However, data transfer stability directly depends on the router's signal quality and your TV's software version. In this article, we'll cover all the setup details, potential issues, and alternative screen mirroring methods if the standard method fails for some reason.
Before you begin setting up, make sure your LG TV supports the feature. Smart Share or has a built-in AirPlay module. These are typically models released after 2018 and running webOS 4.0 or higher. If you have an older model, don't despair: there are third-party apps and methods that can solve the problem even on legacy devices. The main thing is to understand which streaming protocol is available for your specific situation.
Technical requirements and equipment preparation
To successfully sync your iPhone and LG TV, several prerequisites must be met. The first and most critical requirement is that both devices are on the same local network. This means your smartphone and TV must be connected to the same router. If you have a dual-band router broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure both devices can see each other, although modern routers typically combine them into a single logical network.
⚠️ Note: If your router is configured in "Guest Network" mode with client isolation, devices will not be able to find each other. In this case, streaming will be impossible until you change the router's security settings.
The second important aspect is software up-to-dateness. Apple regularly updates media transfer protocols, and older versions webOS may not work correctly with newer versions of iOS. Go to your TV settings and select All Settings → Support → Software Update and check for new versions. A similar procedure should be performed on the iPhone via Settings → General → Software Update.
It's also worth paying attention to power consumption. Streaming high-definition video can quickly drain your smartphone's battery. It's recommended to keep your iPhone connected to a charger during extended viewing sessions. Also, make sure your TV isn't in power-saving mode, which can automatically turn off Wi-Fi when idle.
AirPlay 2: Native Streaming for New LG Models
The highest quality and most stable image transmission method is available on LG TVs that support the technology AirPlay 2This protocol not only allows for screen mirroring, but also outputting audio to external audio systems and controlling playback directly from the iPhone's lock screen. To get started, you don't need to install any additional apps on your TV; simply enable the feature in the menu.
The connection process is as follows: open Control Center on your iPhone. On models with Face ID, swipe down from the upper-right corner; on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge. Find the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two intersecting rectangles) and tap it. Your LG TV should appear in the list of available devices.
When connecting for the first time, a confirmation message may appear on the TV screen. Use your remote to select "Accept" or enter the code displayed on the screen into the corresponding field on your iPhone. Your phone's image will then instantly appear on the big screen. If you want to cast video from a specific app, such as YouTube or Netflix, use the built-in Cast button on the player and select the AirPlay device.
☑️ Check AirPlay readiness
It is important to note that AirPlay 2 supports audio transmission in the format Dolby Atmos, if your audio system or TV has this capability. This creates a surround sound effect that's unachievable with simple mirroring methods. Furthermore, the protocol automatically adjusts the video bitrate based on the Wi-Fi connection speed, minimizing buffering.
Using the LG TV Plus app for advanced control
If you are not satisfied with the built-in iOS functions or require deeper control over the TV's file system, you should use the official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote). While its primary function is to control the remote, it also allows you to stream photos and videos stored on your smartphone directly to the TV screen.
To get started, download the app from the App Store and launch it. The program will automatically search for available TVs on the network. After selecting your LG model and confirming the pairing (by entering the PIN on the TV screen), you will access the control menu. Go to the media section, select the desired video or photo, and press the Send button.
The advantage of this method is the ability to manage the playlist. You can create a queue of multiple videos or photos and set up a slideshow with music. However, it's important to understand that this isn't full-fledged screen mirroring, but rather a transfer of media content. The iOS interface will remain on the phone's screen, and you can continue using other apps while the video plays on the TV.
Why might the LG TV Plus app not find my TV?
If the app doesn't detect your TV, check the permissions in your iOS settings. The app requires access to your local network. Go to Settings → Privacy → Network and make sure the switch next to LG TV Plus is enabled. Also, try restarting your router.
It is worth mentioning that the application supports the format HEVC (H.265), which allows for high-quality video streaming with a minimal file size. This is especially important for iPhone users who shoot 4K HDR video. However, to accurately display colors and HDR content, the TV must also support the relevant standards.
Third-party solutions: TV Cast and other apps
When native tools don't work or their functionality isn't sufficient, third-party developers come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is an app TV Cast for LG TVIt allows you to stream content from any browser installed on your iPhone, as well as play local video files that are not supported by the standard iOS player.
The operating principle of such applications is often based on technology DLNA or the developer's own protocol. After installing the app and pairing it with your TV, you can enter video URLs directly into the app's browser, and they will open on your TV. This is a great way to watch videos from websites that don't officially support AirPlay.
⚠️ Note: Free versions of third-party apps often contain ads or have playback length limitations. Read the terms of use carefully before installing.
Another advantage of third-party solutions is the ability to stream files in certain formats that the TV's native player may not understand. The app acts as a transcoder, transcoding the video stream on the fly into a format compatible with webOSHowever, this places additional strain on the smartphone's processor and can lead to the device overheating.
| Method | Image quality | Latency | Format support |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay 2 | High (up to 4K HDR) | Minimum | Standard (MP4, MOV) |
| LG TV Plus | Medium/High | Low | Extended (MKV, AVI) |
| TV Cast (Browser) | Depends on the source | Average | Web formats |
| Screen Mirroring (DLNA) | Average | High | Universal |
Troubleshooting: What to do if you can't see your TV
A common problem is when an iPhone can't find an LG TV in the list of available devices. Most often, the problem lies in the router's firewall or firewall settings. Make sure the firewall feature is disabled on your router. AP Isolation (access point isolation), which prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other.
If your network settings are correct, try a full hardware reboot. Unplug the TV (not just to standby, but completely disconnect it for 10-15 seconds), reboot the router, and restart your iPhone. Often, after this procedure, the devices will re-register on the network and become visible.
It's also worth checking the date and time on both devices. If the clocks on the TV and smartphone are significantly out of sync, security protocols may be blocking the connection. Set automatic time synchronization via the internet in the settings of both devices. In some cases, resetting the network settings on the TV via the menu may help. Settings → General → Factory Reset (Please note that this will delete all your settings).
Optimizing your Wi-Fi network for stable streaming
Wireless streaming quality directly depends on channel bandwidth. If you plan to watch 4K video, the standard 2.4 GHz band may not be sufficient due to congestion from neighboring networks and a low speed ceiling. Switch your TV and smartphone to a higher frequency band. 5 GHz, if your router supports dual-band operation.
The 5 GHz band offers higher data transfer rates, but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls. Therefore, for a perfect picture, it's recommended that the TV and router be directly visible or within 10 meters of each other, without thick concrete walls. If the signal is weak, consider installing a Wi-Fi repeater or using a mesh system.
Another important parameter is channel width. In your router settings (accessible through a browser at a URL like 192.168.0.1), you can set the channel width for 5 GHz to 80 MHz. This will increase the speed but may reduce stability in densely populated areas. Experiment with the settings to find a balance between speed and connection stability.
Why is there no sound when streaming via AirPlay?
No sound is most often caused by the iPhone trying to output audio to a Bluetooth headset or other device instead of the TV. Check the audio routing in Control Center. Also, make sure the TV isn't set to "Quiet" or a similar feature. In rare cases, switching the TV's interface language to English and back can help.
Is it possible to screen share during a call?
No, the AirPlay protocol and most mirroring apps block video and audio transmission during incoming or outgoing phone calls. This is for privacy reasons. The image on the TV may freeze or display a black screen until the call ends.
Does broadcasting affect internet speed?
Yes, local streaming of high-quality video generates significant traffic within your network. If your internet connection is limited, this may impact page loading speeds on other devices. However, the stream itself is local and doesn't always consume your ISP's external bandwidth if the content is stored locally.
Does the old LG TV support AirPlay?
AirPlay 2 is officially supported by 2018 and newer models. Older models (2014-2017) lack this feature, either hardware or software. For these models, the only solution is to use external set-top boxes (Apple TV, Chromecast) or install third-party server apps on a PC connected to the TV.