How to stream a movie from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the ways for Smart TVs

Modern smartphones and smart TVs allow you to stream movies, TV series and videos to a big screen wirelessly - with a fairly stable connection Wi-Fi connections and the correct settings. But in practice, users encounter problems: the TV doesn't detect the phone, the video lags, the sound disappears, or the broadcast stops after a few minutes. In this article, we'll look into these issues. all current methods wireless content transmission with Android And iPhone on Smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands - from standard protocols to little-known features.

We tested each method on TVs from 2020 to 2026 and identified key nuances: for example, why Miracast works faster DLNA, but requires support on both devices, or how to bypass the restrictions AirPlay on a non-Apple TV. You'll also learn which apps really speed up streaming and which ones just hog the network. If your TV doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct, no problem: there are alternative solutions using a router at the end of the article.

Before you begin, check two things: firmware version on the TV (updates often add new protocols) and Wi-Fi speed (for Full HD you need a channel of at least 5 GHz or stable 2.4 GHz with width 40 MHz). If the router gives out less 10 Mbps, the video will “tear” even with ideal settings.

1. Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection without a router

Wi-Fi Direct — is a technology that allows devices to connect directly, bypassing a router. It is built into most Smart TV (since 2016) and smartphones on Android 4.0+ or iOS 7+The main advantage is No dependence on a home network: the connection can be established even without the Internet, and the delay is minimal (up to 50 ms).

To activate Wi-Fi Direct on your TV, go to the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct (on Samsung) or Settings → Wireless & Networks (on LG/Sony). On your phone, enable the function in the Wi-Fi settings (select "Wi-Fi Direct" or "Direct Connection"). Then:

• 🔍 The TV will appear in the list of available devices on the phone (model name, for example, UE55TU8000).
• 🔗 Connect to it by entering the PIN code (usually 0000 or displayed on the TV screen).
• 🎬 Launch the video in any player (for example, VLC or MX Player) and select the "Broadcast" or "Cast" option.

Important: Some TVs (eg. Xiaomi Mi TV) require that you first activate the "Screen Mirroring" mode in the display settings. If the connection is interrupted, check if it is blocked power saving mode background Wi-Fi activity on the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone Wi-Fi Direct only works with TVs that support it. AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+ or LG OLED C1+). Older models will require additional software, for example ApowerMirror.

2. Miracast: Screen mirroring without lag

Miracast — a wireless screen sharing standard supported by most Android-devices (starting with version 4.2) And WindowsUnlike Wi-Fi Direct, it transmits not only video, but also full screen display smartphone, including the app interface. This is convenient for presentations or games, but requires more resources.

To enable Miracast on your TV:

1. On Samsung: Settings → General → Mirroring Screen.
2. On LG: Settings → Network → Miracast (or "Screen Share").
3. On Sony Bravia: Settings → Xperia Connectivity → Screen Mirroring.

On your phone, activate the Wireless Display feature (on Samsung — «Smart View», on Xiaomi — "Wireless Display"). Once connected, the smartphone screen will be mirrored on the TV with a delay. 30–100 ms (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone Miracast doesn't work directly - you'll need an adapter Apple Lightning Digital AV (around 5,000 ₽) or apps like AirServer (paid).

TV and phone on the same network | VPN disabled on phone | Developer mode enabled (for Android) | Wi-Fi drivers updated on TV -->

3. DLNA/UPnP: Streaming over a Home Network

Protocol DLNA (or UPnP) allows you to stream media files from your phone to your TV via local network sharing. Unlike mirroring, only the content (movies, music, photos) is streamed, not the device's screen. This reduces network load, but requires both devices to be connected. one router.

To stream via DLNA:

• 📱 Install a media server application on your phone (for example, BubbleUPnP for Android or MediaMonkey for iOS).
• 🖥️ Turn on DLNA in the TV menu Network → Home Network or Multimedia → DLNA Server.
• 🔄 In the app on your phone, select a file and send it to the TV (it will appear as a device on the local network).

The advantage of DLNA is that it is supported by almost everyone Smart TV (even budget models like TCL 4-series). Flaw - no playback synchronization: If you pause a video on your phone, it will continue playing on TV.

4. AirPlay for iPhone: Stream to Apple TV and compatible TVs

AirPlay — corporate protocol Apple, which allows you to stream content from iPhone, iPad or Mac on TVs with support AirPlay 2The list of compatible models includes:

• 📺 Samsung QLED (2018–2026), Frame, Serif.
• 📺 LG OLED And NanoCell (2019–2026).
• 📺 Sony Bravia With Android TV 9+.
• 📺 Apple TV 4K (all generations).

To stream video:

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
2. On iPhone open the video in an app (for example, YouTube or Photo) and tap on the “Broadcast” icon (rectangle with a triangle).
3. Select your TV from the list (e.g. Samsung QN90B).

If your TV doesn't appear in the list, please update the firmware or reset the network settings on your TV. Android-AirPlay devices only work through third-party applications (for example, ApowerMirror), but with resolution restrictions (1080p).

⚠️ Note: When streaming via AirPlay to non-Apple TVs (e.g., Samsung) there may be no sound in some formats (for example, DTS or AC3). Use an audio codec converter, for example VLC.

5. Streaming apps: VLC, LocalCast, ApowerMirror

If standard protocols don't work, specialized software can help. Let's look at the top 3 apps that support Wi-Fi broadcasts:

For example, in VLC for broadcast:

1. Open the video in the app.
2. Tap the "Broadcast" icon (in the upper right corner).
3. Select a device from the list (e.g. LG OLED55C1).
4. Adjust the bitrate (recommended) 8–12 Mbps for Full HD).

LocalCast convenient for broadcasting with Google Drive or NAS - it automatically converts formats that are not supported by the TV (for example, AVI V MP4).

How to fix video stuttering in LocalCast?

If the video is lagging, reduce the bitrate in the application settings to 5 Mbps or enable the "Hardware acceleration" option. Also, check if your router is using a congested Wi-Fi channel (e.g. 13th in the range 2.4 GHz).

6. Troubleshooting: Video is slow, there is no sound, TV doesn't recognize the phone

If the stream is unstable, please check the following:

• 📶 Wi-Fi speed: For 4K need a channel 5 GHz at a speed of 25 MbpsYou can check it through Speedtest on the phone.
• 🔧 Codecs: TVs often don't support DTS, FLAC or H.265. Use HandBrake to convert to H.264/AAC.
• 🔄 Network congestion: Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi (especially torrents or online games).

Common mistakes and how to fix them:

If the problem persists, reset the network settings on your TV (Settings → General → Network Reset) and reboot the router. Android Clearing the cache of the Settings app will also help (Settings → Apps → System → Settings → Storage → Clear Cache).

7. Alternative methods: if Wi-Fi doesn't work

If wireless broadcasting is not possible (for example, an old TV without Smart TV), consider these options:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Display Adapter (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or AnyCast) - connects to the TV's HDMI port and creates an access point for your phone.
• 🔌 MHL/Slimport - adapter with USB-C or Micro-USB to HDMI (requires phone support).
• 💻 PC as an intermediary: Stream video from your phone to your computer via TeamViewer or Steam Link, and from the PC to the TV via HDMI.

Adapters like AnyCast cost from 1,500 ₽ and support Miracast/AirPlay, but may introduce a delay of up to 200 msThis is critical for games, but acceptable for movies.

If you have Android-phone with support USB OTG, you can connect a flash drive with a movie directly to the TV (most Smart TV are reading NTFS/FAT32).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about broadcasting from your phone to TV

Is it possible to stream video from iPhone to TV without Apple TV?

Yes, if the TV supports it AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2018+ or LG OLED 2019+). For older models, you will need an adapter of the type AnyCast or application ApowerMirror (with resolution restrictions).

Why does video lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

Reasons: low network speed (less 10 Mbps), overloaded Wi-Fi channel, unoptimized codec (for example, H.265 instead of H.264). Solution: Switch to 5 GHz, reduce the video resolution or convert it to VLC with bitrate 5–8 Mbps.

How to mirror Android screen to TV without lag?

Minimum delay (30–50 ms) is achieved through Miracast or Wi-Fi DirectFor gaming, it is better to use a wired connection (USB-C → HDMI) or adapter SlimportApplications like ApowerMirror add a delay 100+ ms.

What is the best app for streaming movies from your phone?

For Android: VLC (universal player with DLNA support) or LocalCast (for Chromecast). For iPhone: built-in AirPlay or Infuse (for streaming from NAS). If you need screen mirroring - ApowerMirror (cross-platform, but paid).

Is it possible to stream Netflix/YouTube from your phone to a TV without a Smart TV?

Yes, with an adapter Chromecast (3,500 ₽) or Fire TV Stick (4,000 ₽). They connect to the HDMI port of an old TV and allow you to stream content via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, Roku Streaming Stick (supports Miracast).