You took great photos on iPhone, but want to show them on the big screen LG Smart TV wirelessly? Wirelessly transfer images over Wi-Fi — a convenient solution, but not always obvious. Depending on the TV model, version iOS The process may vary depending on your network settings. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods: from the standard AirPlay to third-party applications that work even on older devices.
The main problem users face is protocol incompatibility. For example, LG Smart TV on webOS I didn't support it until 2019 AirPlay 2 directly, and modern iPhone do not always interact correctly with the brand LG Screen ShareWe've tested each method on different device combinations and compiled checklists to help you avoid common mistakes. If you have a TV older than 2018 or iOS Below version 14 - please see alternative solutions at the end of the article.
Before you begin, make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networkThis is a mandatory requirement for all methods except those that use P2P connection (We'll talk about them separately). Also, check that the TV is in the "Off" mode. Screen Share or Miracast - it can be found in the menu Settings → Network → On-Screen Display.
Method 1: AirPlay 2 is the easiest option for new models
If your LG Smart TV released after 2019, it most likely supports AirPlay 2 — corporate protocol Apple for wireless content transfer. This is the most reliable method, as it doesn't require installing additional applications. The main requirement is: iPhone should be iOS 12.3 or newer.
To turn on AirPlay on TV:
- 📺 Open
Settings(the button with a gear on the remote control). - 🔍 Go to the section
General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. - 🔄 Activate the slider
AirPlayand select the access mode:AllorOnly in the same network. - 🔒 Come up with something password (optional) or leave the field blank to connect without authorization.
Now on iPhone:
- Open Photo and select the desired image.
- Click the button
Share(square with an arrow pointing up). - In the list of options, tap
AirPlay(icon with a rectangle and a triangle). - Choose yours LG TV from the list of devices. If prompted for a password, enter the one you set on the TV.
Important: If your TV doesn't appear in the list AirPlay, check:
- 🔌 Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to different ranges
2.4 GHz/5 GHzone router!). - 🔄 In the TV settings
Network → Wi-Fi Directmode disabledP2P. - 📱 On iPhone V
Settings → Wi-Fioption disabledPrivate address(may block device detection).
☑️ Check before connecting via AirPlay
2. Method: Screen Mirroring (LG Screen Share) - for older models
If your TV does not support AirPlay (for example, models before 2018 on webOS 3.5), use proprietary technology LG Screen Share, based on the standard MiracastThis method works for everyone. LG Smart TV, but requires additional actions on iPhone, because Apple does not support Miracast natively.
Turn it on first Screen Share on TV:
- Press the button on the remote control
Input(orSource). - Select an option
Screen Share(may be calledMiracastorWireless Display). - Remember PIN code, which will appear on the screen (if required).
Because iPhone can't broadcast the screen Miracast, you'll need a third-party app. We recommend:
- 📱 ApowerMirror - supports LG TV and allows you to broadcast your screen with sound.
- 🖥️ Screen Mirroring for LG TV — a specialized solution for TVs LG.
- 🌐 TV Cast for LG Smart TV — suitable for transferring photos and videos.
Instructions for ApowerMirror:
- Install the app from App Store on iPhone.
- Run it and select
Mirror to TV. - Find your device in the list of devices. LG TV (can be named according to the model, for example
LG OLED55C1). - Confirm the connection on your TV by entering PIN code (if required).
- Open Photo on iPhone — the image will be duplicated on the TV screen.
Why isn't Screen Mirroring working?
If your TV does not appear in the list of devices, check:
- Is it disabled on the router? client isolation (Client Isolation) - it blocks the interaction of devices on the network.
- Does yours support LG TV Miracast (on some budget models this function is disabled by hardware).
- Is VPN being used on iPhone - it may interfere with local detection.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications for Screen Mirroring There may be a delay of up to 1-2 seconds in the image. This is normal for Miracast, since the technology is not optimized for iOS.
3. Method: Photo transfer apps (TV Cast, Photo Video Cast)
If the first two methods don't work, use specialized applications that send photos to the TV via DLNA or HTTP serverThe advantage of this method is that there is no need to duplicate the entire screen; only the selected image is transmitted.
Best apps for iPhone:
| Application | Protocol | LG TV support | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Cast for LG Smart TV | DLNA, HTTP | Yes (all models) | The paid version is free of unnecessary features and supports playlists. |
| Photo Video Cast | DLNA | Yes (webOS 3.0+) | Free, but with watermarks on photos |
| LocalCast | DLNA, Chromecast | Yes (with limitations) | Can stream to multiple devices simultaneously |
| AllCast | DLNA | Yes (needs setting) | Supports cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) |
Let's take a closer look TV Cast for LG Smart TV:
- Install the application on iPhone and open it.
- In the top menu, select
Photosand allow access to the media library. - Click on the desired photo and tap
Cast(icon with a screen). - In the list of devices, select yours LG TVIf it is not there, click
Refresh. - Confirm the transmission on your TV (you may need to press
OKon the remote control).
Important: Some applications (eg. Photo Video Cast) require that the TV be turned on DLNA serverTo activate it:
- 📺 Go to
Settings → Network → Remote Control. - 🔄 Turn on the option
DLNAorMedia server. - 🔒 If you are asked for a device name, specify any (for example,
LG_LivingRoom).
⚠️ Attention: When transferring via DLNA The image quality may be reduced as the TV automatically adjusts the resolution to its capabilities. For original quality, use HTTP server (described in the next section).
4. Method: Local HTTP server (without installing applications on TV)
If you don't want to install additional programs on your TV, you can expand HTTP server straight on iPhone and open the photo through the browser on LG TVThis method works on any models, even without Smart functions, the main thing is that the TV has a browser (for example, webOS Browser).
For this you will need an app HTTP File Server (or similar, for example FileExplorer):
- Install HTTP File Server from App Store.
- Open the app and tap
Start Server. - Remember the address of the form
http://192.168.x.x:8080(it will appear on the screen). - On your TV, open a browser and enter this address.
- Select a folder
Photosand tap on the desired image - it will open in full-screen mode.
This method is the only one that works even if the TV and phone are connected to different networks (for example, via a mobile hotspot), since the server is deployed locally on the device.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔗 No need to install any programs on LG TV.
- 📤 Transfers photos in original quality without compression.
- 🛡️ Works even if DLNA or Miracast disabled.
Flaws:
- 🐢 Slower than AirPlay (photos are loaded one by one).
- 📱 Requires the server to be on iPhone worked constantly.
5. Method: Cloud services (Google Photos, Dropbox)
If you don't have time to set up a local network, you can upload photos to the cloud and open them on your TV using the appropriate app. This method is convenient if you need to display images not only on LG TV, but also on other devices.
Suitable services:
- 📷 Google Photos - there is an application for webOS, supports slideshow.
- 🗄️ Dropbox - can be opened through a browser on the TV.
- 🌐 iCloud - if your TV has Safari or another browser.
Instructions for Google Photos:
- On iPhone Upload a photo to Google Photos (automatically or manually).
- On your TV, open the app Google Photos (if it is not there, install it from LG Content Store).
- Log in with the same account as on iPhone.
- Find the album or photo you need and open it.
For iCloud:
- On iPhone Make sure the photos are synced with iCloud (
Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Photos). - On your TV, open your browser and go to
iCloud.com. - Log in and select Photo.
- Find the image you want and click on it to view it in full screen mode.
⚠️ Caution: When using iCloud Through the TV browser, it is possible that the image quality will be reduced, since Apple optimizes them for web viewing. For the original resolution, it is better to use Google Photos.
6. Alternative solutions: USB adapters and TV set-top boxes
If none of the wireless methods work, consider hardware solutions. They require additional investment, but guarantee stable operation without dependencies on protocols or software versions.
Options:
- 🔌 USB-WiFi adapter for TV (For example, LG AN-WF100) - connects to the port
USBon TV and adds support Miracast/DLNA. - 📦 TV set-top box (Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box) - connects via
HDMIand supports AirPlay or Google Cast. - 🔄 HDMI adapter for iPhone (For example, Lightning to HDMI) - direct wired output without delays.
If you choose Apple TV, then you can use AirPlay in full, including a slide show of Photo and screen streaming without lag. Suitable for a budget option. Fire Stick with the application installed AirScreen (emulates AirPlay-receiver).
Advantages of hardware solutions:
- 🚀 No dependencies on TV model or version iOS.
- 🎮 Additional features: games, streaming services, voice search.
- 🔒 Stable connection without interruptions.
Flaws:
- 💰 Additional expenses (from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles).
- 🔌 Occupies the port
HDMI/USBon TV.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions and Problems
❓ Why isn't my TV visible in the AirPlay list?
Check:
- Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to guest network or different ranges
2.4/5 GHz). - On TV in
Settings → General → Apple AirPlaymode is onAllorOnly in the same network. - It's disabled on the router. firewall or client isolation (Client Isolation).
If nothing helps, reboot the router and both devices.
❓ Is it possible to transfer photos without Wi-Fi?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- Use HTTP server on iPhone and connect the TV to its access point (
Settings → Tethering). - Some applications (eg. ApowerMirror) support P2P connection without a router.
- Wired method: Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (requires port)
HDMIon TV).
❓ Why are photos transferred in low quality?
It depends on the method:
- AirPlay: usually transmits in original resolution, but may compress if the Wi-Fi signal is weak.
- DLNA/Miracast: the TV automatically adjusts the resolution to suit its screen (for example, with
4Kto1080p). - Cloud services: iCloud And Google Photos compress images for web viewing.
For lossless transmission use HTTP server or wired connection.
❓ How do I make a photo slideshow on TV?
Methods:
- AirPlay: in the appendix Photo on iPhone select album →
Share→Slideshow→AirPlay. - Google Photos: open the album on your TV and press
Slideshow. - USB drive: Copy the photo to a flash drive, connect it to the TV and use the built-in player.
❓ Does Screen Mirroring work on iPhone with 2017 LG TV?
No, it doesn't work directly. iPhone does not support Miracast, which is used in LG Screen Share For older models. Workaround options:
- Use a proxy app (ApowerMirror, TV Cast).
- Connect Apple TV or Fire Stick to the TV.
- Use HTTP server (described in section 4).