Modern multimedia capabilities Allows you to transform your living room into a real cinema using just a smartphone and a Smart TV. Apple device owners often want to display photos, videos from their gallery, or online broadcasts on a large TV screen. LGFortunately, the iOS and WebOS ecosystems found on LG TVs offer several native and third-party protocols for wireless content sharing.
In this article we will examine in detail all the current methods image broadcasts, from built-in AirPlay 2 to universal DLNA players. You'll learn how to set up a connection in a couple of minutes, which apps are best for streaming high-quality video, and what to do if devices can't see each other on the network.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is the absence of unnecessary cables that often get in the way and restrict movement. However, for stable operation Wi-Fi networks Proper router and TV configuration is required. We'll cover the technical details that will help avoid audio desynchronization and image lag.
Preparing equipment and a Wi-Fi network
Before you begin configuring the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. The first and most critical requirement is that both devices are on the same local network. This means that your iPhone and TV LG must be connected to the same router.
A common mistake users make is connecting their smartphone to a 4G/5G mobile network and their TV to their home Wi-Fi, or using different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with separate SSIDs if the router doesn't combine them into a single network. For high-resolution video streaming, especially 4K, using the 5 GHz band is highly recommended, as it offers higher throughput.
It's also worth checking the software versions on both devices. On LG TVs, updates are performed through the menu. Settings → All settings → Support → Software updateOn iPhone, verification is available in Settings → General → Software UpdateOutdated firmware versions may not support the latest codecs or security protocols.
- 📶 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network with the same name.
- 🔄 Check for the latest system updates on your iPhone and in the LG Content Store.
- 📡 For 4K video, use the 5GHz Wi-Fi band to minimize buffering.
⚠️ Important: If your router has a "Guest Network" feature, do not connect devices to it for streaming. This feature often blocks data exchange between clients (Client Isolation), which means your phone simply won't see your TV.
☑️ Check before connection
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
Since 2019, most new LG TVs have received support for the technology. AirPlay 2This is Apple's native protocol, which ensures the best transmission quality and minimal latency. You don't need to install any additional apps if your TV model supports this feature.
To activate, you need to go to your TV settings. The path may vary slightly depending on your webOS version, but it's usually located in the Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKitHere, you need to move the switch to the "On" position. After this, the TV will become visible to Apple devices on the same network.
To mirror a video, open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner or swipe up on older models). Tap the Mirror Screen icon and select your TV from the list. If a code appears on the TV screen, enter it on your smartphone to confirm the pairing.
This method is ideal for mirroring the entire screen, including games and presentations. However, when playing videos from your gallery or streaming services, it's better to use the "Cast" button within the app itself to avoid draining your phone's battery on image encoding.
- 🍏 AirPlay 2 supports video streaming up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision.
- 🔒 The connection is protected by a dynamic code that changes with each session.
- 🔋 "Audio Only" mode allows you to use your TV as an external speaker for your iPhone.
LG TV Plus app for advanced control
Official app LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote) is a universal tool for LG appliance owners. Available for free in the App Store, it allows not only remote control but also media streaming. Unlike AirPlay, it allows access to the smartphone's file system.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll need to select your TV from the list of available devices and confirm pairing on the TV screen by pressing "Accept" with the remote. The app interface is intuitive and divided into tabs for control, text input, and content sharing.
To start a video, go to the "Media" or "Photos & Videos" tab within the app. Here, you can select files from your iPhone gallery. The app will automatically convert the file format on the fly if your TV doesn't natively support it, although this may affect the quality.
A key advantage of LG TV Plus is the ability to create playlists and manage playback queues. You can add multiple videos in a row, and the TV will play them sequentially while you do other things on your phone.
| Function | AirPlay 2 | LG TV Plus | DLNA Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | Maximum (Lossless) | Good (compressed) | Depends on the codec |
| Latency | Minimum | Average | High |
| File formats | All (conversion to TV) | Limited | Wide |
| Control | From the phone | Complete | Basic |
Streaming via DLNA and third-party players
If built-in methods don't work or the video file format isn't supported by the TV (for example, specific audio codecs or subtitles), technologies come to the rescue DLNAThe essence of the method is that the iPhone acts as a server and the TV as a client, or vice versa.
To implement this method, you will need to install a player application with DLNA support on your iPhone, for example, VLC for Mobile, nPlayer or InfuseThese apps can find devices on the network and send a video stream to them. Open the video in the app, tap the "Cast" or "Wi-Fi" button, and select your LG TV.
An alternative is to install a DLNA server on the TV itself (if the model supports it) or use a computer as a media library. However, in the context of a "phone and TV only" setup, it's more convenient to use the phone-sharing method. Some apps allow you to scan a QR code on the TV screen for instant connection.
The main advantage of this method is its support for virtually all video and audio formats, including MKV, AVI, and FLAC. The phone's player takes care of decoding or transcoding the stream into a format understandable by the TV, reducing the load on the TV's processor.
- 🎬 Support for formats that the built-in LG player cannot read (MKV, AVI).
- 📂 Possibility to play videos from cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- 🎛️ Flexible customization of subtitles and audio tracks before sending.
⚠️ Note: Using DLNA through third-party apps can drain your iPhone's battery significantly faster, as the processor is actively processing the video stream. It is recommended to keep your phone charged while watching long movies.
Why might video lag when using DLNA?
Lag is often caused by insufficient Wi-Fi bandwidth. If the router is far away or there's a lot of interference in nearby networks, the buffer doesn't have time to fill. Try moving your phone closer to the router or reducing the stream quality in the app settings.
Solution: The phone does not see the TV
One of the most common issues is when an iPhone simply doesn't detect an LG TV in the list of available devices. Most often, the cause lies in network security settings or the router's firewall, which isolates wireless clients from each other.
Try rebooting your router by completely unplugging it for 10-15 seconds. This will clear the DHCP cache and redistribute IP addresses. Also, make sure your TV isn't in "Power Saver" mode, which may disable the Wi-Fi module to reduce power consumption.
In some cases, it helps to "forget" the network on your iPhone and reconnect by entering the password. If you're using complex corporate networks or networks that require web portal authentication (Captive Portal), broadcasting may be technically impossible without changing your router settings.
If the issue persists, check the date and time on both devices. Clock missync can cause security certificate errors, which can prevent discovery protocols (SSDP/mDNS) from working correctly.
- 🔄 Perform a full reboot of the router and TV (by unplugging the power cord).
- 📅 Sync the date and time on your iPhone and TV settings.
- 🚫 Disable the VPN on your smartphone if it is activated, as it changes your location.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to mirror an iPhone's screen to an old LG TV without a Smart TV?
Without a Smart TV or set-top box (Apple TV, Chromecast, Android Box), this isn't possible directly via Wi-Fi. In this case, you'll need to use an HDMI cable with a Lightning to USB-C adapter or purchase an external set-top box with AirPlay support.
Why is there no sound during the broadcast, although the video is playing?
Check the volume settings on your TV itself, as sometimes the video and audio channels can be adjusted separately. Also, make sure your iPhone isn't in "Silent" mode and the volume slider isn't at its minimum. In rare cases, switching the audio output in Control Center can help.
Does video streaming affect internet speed?
Yes, streaming high-quality video (4K) over Wi-Fi generates significant local traffic. If your router is weak or your bandwidth is limited, internet speeds on other devices may temporarily decrease as airtime is consumed by the video stream.
Do all LG models support AirPlay?
No, native AirPlay 2 support was introduced in 2019 and newer models (OLED, NanoCell, and UHD series). Older models require third-party apps from the LG Content Store that emulate signal reception or connect an external set-top box.