Modern smart TVs have ceased to be mere broadcast receivers, turning into full-fledged multimedia centers requiring convenient control from a mobile device. Owners of devices based on Android often need to show photos to colleagues, play videos from a non-professional app, or even play a mobile game on a big screen. Wireless video streaming technology, known as Screen Mirroring, allows you to broadcast the contents of your smartphone's display in real time without delays or loss of quality.
Company LG Electronics has implemented a powerful platform into its panels webOS, which works seamlessly with the Google ecosystem. A successful connection doesn't require expensive HDMI adapters or running wires across the room. Simply connect both devices to the same network, and you can enjoy high-definition content. In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods in detail, from built-in system features to specialized software.
It is important to understand that the quality of the connection directly depends on the bandwidth of your local networkIf your router is old or located far away, the image may lag, but properly configuring the router solves 90% of problems. We'll cover not only standard scenarios but also the nuances of working with different operating system versions.
Wireless image transmission technologies on LG
Before you begin setting things up, it's important to understand the terminology, as manufacturers often use different names for the same protocols. The main standard used is LG for communication with Android devices, is MiracastThis is a technology that allows for the transmission of high-quality video and audio without the compression typical of some streaming services. In the TV menu LG This feature is often hidden under the name "Screen Share" or "Screen Casting".
The second important protocol is Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). It is built into most modern models. LG Since its release in 2019, Cast has been available. Unlike Miracast, which simply mirrors the screen, Cast allows you to play content directly on your TV using your phone as a remote control. This saves battery life and reduces processor load.
⚠️ Please note: Older LG TV models (pre-2018) may not support Google Cast. In these cases, only the Miracast protocol is used or an external dongle is required.
The third option is to use DLNAThis protocol doesn't broadcast the screen in real time, but allows you to stream media files (photos, videos, music) from your phone's memory to your TV. This is done using media player apps such as LG TV Plus or a built-in gallery viewer. Each of these methods has its advantages: Miracast is ideal for gaming and presentations, Cast is for watching YouTube and Netflix, and DLNA is for browsing photo archives.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The foundation for the stable operation of any wireless technology is a correctly configured network. Wi-FiBoth devices—the smartphone and the TV—must be connected to the same access point. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are operating on the 5 GHz frequency, as it provides the higher data transfer speeds needed for 4K video.
Check if Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on your TV. On your remotes LG There's a dedicated button, often marked with a smartphone icon or the words "Smart," that opens the external device connection menu. It's also worth making sure your phone's wireless module is enabled and power-saving mode, which can limit background network activity, is disabled.
☑️ Check before connection
Sometimes antivirus programs or router settings can block local device communication (client isolation). If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network, streaming may not work due to security restrictions imposed by your provider or network administrator. In this case, you'll need to switch to your main home network.
Using LG's built-in Screen Share feature
The most direct way to display an image is to use the native function Screen Share, which is built into the operating system webOSTo do this, press the "Input" or "All Inputs" button on the remote control and select the "Screen Share" app. A message will appear on the screen indicating that a connection is pending.
The next steps depend on your smartphone model. On devices Samsung This function is called Smart View, on Xiaomi —"Broadcast" or "Wireless Monitor", and on a clean Android —"Cast." Open the quick settings panel (the drawer), find the corresponding icon, and tap it. The phone will begin searching for available displays.
When your name appears in the list LG TV, select it. A connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen—accept it using the remote. After that, the image from your phone will appear on the big screen. It's important to note that in this mode, the phone and TV work as a single unit: if you minimize the app or lock the smartphone screen, the image on the TV will also change or disappear.
Image quality in Screen Share mode depends on the phone's processor power. When watching fast-paced videos or playing games, you may experience a slight input lag, which is normal for Miracast technology. This isn't critical for watching movies, but it can be noticeable for shooters.
Streaming via Google Home and Chromecast
If your TV LG supports technology Chromecast built-in, you can use the application Google Home For more advanced control, this method is often more stable than direct Miracast and allows you to cast a Chrome browser tab or the entire screen with less lag. Download the Google Home app from the Play Store if you don't already have it.
Launch the app and find your TV in the list of devices. Click on the device icon, then select "Cast my screen." The system will warn you that all notifications and actions will be displayed on the screen. Confirm the action, and the casting will begin in a few seconds.
| Characteristic | Miracast (Screen Share) | Google Cast | DLNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Full screen mirroring | Broadcast content/tab | File transfer |
| Phone addiction | High (screen should be lit) | Low (can be folded) | Average |
| Video quality | Depends on Wi-Fi signal | Adaptive (up to 4K HDR) | Original file |
| Sound | Streamed with video | Transferred separately | Media only |
The advantage of the method is through Google Home is the ability to broadcast the contents of browser tabs ChromeYou can open a website with a video that doesn't have built-in Cast support and cast the browser tab directly to your TV. To do this, select "Cast..." in the browser menu and choose "Cast Tab" or "Cast Screen" as the source.
Why might Chromecast not work?
This feature may not work if AP Isolation is enabled on your router. Also, make sure the Google Cast Receiver app in the LG Content Store settings menu is updated on your TV.
Third-party apps for advanced features
Built-in tools aren't always ideal, especially when streaming DRM-protected content or specific file formats. In such cases, third-party apps from the store come to the rescue. Google PlayOne of the most popular and functional solutions is the application TV Cast for LG TV or Web Video Caster.
These apps work by detecting the URL of a video stream. You open a website with a video within the browser app, it analyzes the page, finds the video stream, and sends the link directly to the TV. The TV automatically downloads and plays the video, reducing the load on your phone. This allows you to watch the video in the background or even turn off your smartphone's screen.
Another powerful tool is the app LG TV Plus (or its analogues like ThinQ). It turns your phone into a fully functional remote control with a keyboard. Although its primary function is control, in the "Media" tab you can select photos or videos from your phone's gallery and play them. This is convenient for sharing family albums without having to connect a cable.
It is also worth mentioning game streaming services such as Steam Link or Link to Windows, which also have versions for LG or can be launched via screencasting. They allow you to play computer games on your TV, using your phone as a controller or simply displaying the image.
Solution and troubleshooting
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where devices "don't see" each other or the connection constantly drops. Most often, the problem lies in different Wi-Fi security protocol versions. If the router is distributing the network in wireless-only mode WPA3If your TV is old, it may simply not connect. Try changing your router's security settings to mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode.
Another common cause is a full Google Play Services cache on your phone. Go to Android settings, find apps, select Google Play Services, and clear the cache. Restarting the network module also helps: turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on the webOS version (4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and later) and Android version. If you don't find the option described, search for a similar one or consult the user manual for your specific model.
If the video is streaming but there's no sound, check the audio output settings in the app itself or in the Android notification bar. Sometimes the sound remains on the phone, but the picture goes to the TV. Also, make sure the TV isn't set to "Quiet" mode or the volume is turned up low.
Optimizing broadcast quality
For best results, try to position the router as close to the viewing area as possible. Walls, especially load-bearing ones with reinforcement, and mirrors significantly weaken the signal. If possible, connect the TV to the router via a LAN cable and leave the phone connected via Wi-Fi. This will reduce the load on the wireless network and reduce packet loss.
Close background apps on your smartphone that actively use the internet (torrents, cloud downloads) to free up bandwidth for the video stream. Screen resolution also plays a role: if you're streaming in 4K and your router is older, try lowering the quality in the streaming settings or in the source app itself.
Why is the broadcast lagging or interrupted?
Lag is most often caused by slow Wi-Fi speeds, interference from neighboring networks on the same frequency, or an overheated phone processor. Try switching to the 5 GHz frequency if your router supports dual-band mode.
Is it possible to display a screen without a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, if your phone and TV support Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, the devices connect directly, creating their own local network. However, the speed and stability may be lower than with a full-fledged router.
How do I turn off the broadcast?
The easiest way is to press the "Home" button on your LG remote or select "Stop" in your phone's notification bar. You can also simply turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone, which will disconnect.
Do all LG TVs support this feature?
Almost all LG Smart TVs released after 2014 support Miracast. Chromecast built-in was added to 2019 and newer models. For more information, see the model specifications on the official website.