In today's digital home, smartphones have become the primary storage for multimedia content, but watching movies on a small screen iPhone It's not always convenient. Fortunately, wireless data transmission technology makes it easy to stream video to a big-screen TV. LG Smart TVThis eliminates the need to search for cables and adapters, ensuring comfortable viewing in high definition.
There are several proven ways to establish a connection between Apple devices and the platform. webOS, installed on LG TVs. The specific method you choose depends on your TV model, iOS version, and video file format. In this article, we'll cover all options in detail, from native AirPlay 2 features to using third-party media server apps.
Before beginning setup, ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is critical, as data transfer occurs locally through the router. If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or a 5 GHz band on one device and a 2.4 GHz band on the other with client isolation enabled, the connection may fail.
Preparing equipment and a Wi-Fi network
High-quality video streaming without delays or compression artifacts directly depends on the stability of the wireless connection. The router must support the standards 802.11n or higher, it's recommended to operate in the 5 GHz band for transmitting heavy 4K content. A weak signal can lead to constant buffering even when using advanced protocols.
Make sure both devices are updated to the latest software version. On LG TVs, this can be done through the menu. Settings → All settings → General → About TV → Check for updatesFor iPhone, the iOS update can be checked in the section Main → Software Update in the settings.
- 📡 Make sure your router is not using AP isolation mode (client isolation), which prevents devices from seeing each other on the local network.
- 🔌 Restart your router and TV before starting setup to clear the network service cache.
- 📶 Place devices in the same room or within direct line of sight of the router to minimize interference.
⚠️ Note: If your router is broadcasting two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try temporarily separating them or, conversely, combining them (Smart Connect) if the devices can't see each other. Some older iPhone models may have issues with visibility on networks with certain WPA3 security settings.
Router and TV interfaces may vary depending on the manufacturer and model year. If you don't see the menu items described, consult the official documentation for your specific model or contact the manufacturer's support team.
Using AirPlay 2 technology for broadcasting
The simplest and best way is to use built-in technology AirPlay 2, which is supported by most modern LG TVs (2019 models and newer, as well as some older models after an update). This protocol allows you to stream the entire screen or just video from compatible apps.
To activate the function on your LG TV, go to the menu Settings → Device Connections → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit Settings and make sure the AirPlay switch is set to OnOn iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner or swipe up from the bottom on models with a home button).
What to do if AirPlay isn't working?
Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your TV. Check that your router's firewall isn't blocking the ports required for AirPlay (usually 7000, 5000, 80, 443). Also, try disabling your iPhone's VPN, as it can change your device's local IP address.
If you're constantly being asked for a passcode, you can change the passcode requirement in your TV's AirPlay settings to "First Time" or "Never" (not recommended for public spaces).
Click on the Screen Mirroring icon (two rectangles) and select your TV LG webOS TV from the list. If you're streaming a video from the YouTube or Netflix app, use the "Cast" button (the rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal) inside the video player for better quality.
- 📺 High picture quality: support for resolutions up to 4K HDR with sufficient network speed.
- 🔒 Security: the connection is encrypted and access is controlled by a confirmation code.
- 🎮 Low latency: suitable not only for videos, but also for displaying photos and presentations.
Streaming via the LG TV Plus app and Smart Share
For TV models that do not support AirPlay, or for transferring files of certain formats, LG has developed its own application. LG TV PlusIt's available in the App Store and allows you to control your TV and stream media files from your iPhone.
Install the app on your iPhone and launch it. The program will automatically search for available TVs on the network. After selecting your device, a connection confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen. Accept this prompt using the remote control.
| Function | Description | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Photo/video broadcast | Selecting files from the iPhone gallery | Not all video formats are supported |
| TV control | Remote control, keyboard, mouse | Requires an active background application |
| Screen Share | Screen mirroring | There may be high latency |
Within the app, select the "Media" or "Gallery" section, find the desired movie, and tap it. The TV will attempt to play the file using its built-in player. If the file format is not supported by the TV firmware, playback will not begin.
⚠️ Please note: The LG TV Plus app may not work reliably on the latest versions of iOS due to changes in Apple's security policy. In this case, it is preferable to use standard DLNA protocols via third-party players.
Using media servers and the DLNA protocol
Protocol DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a universal standard for sharing multimedia on a home network. It allows you to stream video files of virtually any format, as the TV itself handles the decoding, and the phone acts only as a controller.
To implement this method on your iPhone, you need to install a media server application, for example, VLC for Mobile, Infuse or 8playerThese applications can open video files and transfer them to a renderer (TV).
☑️ Checking DLNA connection
Launch a video file in the iPhone app, tap the Cast icon, and select your LG TV. Unlike AirPlay, this doesn't mirror your screen, so your phone can be locked or used for other tasks while watching.
- 🎞️ Subtitle support: Many players allow you to select external subtitle files.
- 🔊 Audio formats: support for multi-channel Dolby Digital audio, if the TV can decode it.
- 📂 Working with network folders: the ability to open videos not only from your phone, but also from a NAS or computer on the same network.
If your TV doesn't see your phone in the DLNA device list, check your router's firewall settings. Sometimes you need to allow local traffic for ports 1900 (UDP) and 2869 (TCP).
Problems with video formats and codecs
One of the common reasons for playback failure is codec incompatibility. The iPhone often records video in the following format: HEVC (H.265), which may not be supported by older LG TV models or require the purchase of a codec license.
In such cases, AirPlay streaming may be delayed, and DLNA may return a format error. The solution is to use on-the-fly converter apps or select a different transfer method.
Application VLC or nPlayer iPhones can transcode the stream into a compatible format (such as H.264) before sending it to the TV, using the smartphone's processor's processing power. This reduces network load but may increase battery life.
⚠️ Please note: When transcoding video in real time ("on the fly"), your phone may become very hot. Monitor your device's temperature, especially when watching long high-definition videos.
Optimizing Wi-Fi speed for 4K video
For smooth 4K video streaming, a stable channel speed of at least 25-30 Mbps is required. However, actual Wi-Fi throughput is often lower than advertised due to interference and distance.
Use the 5 GHz band, which is less congested with neighboring networks and provides faster data transfer rates. The 2.4 GHz band is often overcrowded, causing choppy video.
If your router is located far from your TV, consider using a mesh system or Powerline adapters, which transmit internet through your home's electrical wiring. This will ensure a stable connection for streaming heavy content.
Alternative methods and third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, you can use universal casting apps such as Web Video Caster or Cast to TVThey have built-in browsers and allow you to open videos from websites, sending the stream directly to your TV, bypassing buffering on your phone.
These apps often have their own drivers for different TV models, which helps in situations where native protocols fail. They can also handle complex login scenarios on streaming sites.
As a last resort, if the Wi-Fi network is unstable, you can always use a wired connection via an adapter Lightning to HDMI (or USB-C to HDMI for new iPhones). This guarantees perfect picture quality and zero lag, but it does come with some portability issues.
Why doesn't my LG TV detect my iPhone?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different subnets (for example, one network for guests, another for the main network) or that client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check whether your antivirus or firewall software is blocking device discovery protocols (mDNS/Bonjour) on the router.
Is it possible to display an iPhone screen on an old LG TV without Smart features?
No, this can't be done directly over Wi-Fi, as the TV doesn't have an operating system capable of receiving the signal. You'll need an external set-top box (Apple TV, Chromecast, Android Box) or an HDMI cable and adapter.
There's a delay in sound when streaming via AirPlay. What should I do?
Try reducing the load on your Wi-Fi network by disabling downloads on other devices. Restarting your router may also help. In some cases, changing the equalizer settings on your iPhone or disabling surround sound in your TV settings can help.
What is the maximum video bitrate supported by Wi-Fi streaming?
Theoretically, Wi-Fi 5 (AC) and Wi-Fi 6 (AX) support speeds of up to several Gbps, allowing for video streaming with bitrates of up to 100-200 Mbps. However, real-world limitations are often imposed by the phone's processor performance when encoding the stream.