How to display an image from your phone to an LG Smart TV via Wi-Fi: all the working methods

You've taken some great photos on your phone and want to show them off on the big screen. LG Smart TV, but don't know how to do it wirelessly? Transferring images via Wi-Fi is the most convenient method, eliminating the need for cables or USB drives. However, not all users know that there are several different technologies for this: from built-in Screen Share to universal protocols like Miracast or Google Cast.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of transferring photos from Android And iPhone on TVs LG (including models with webOS 4.0–23). You'll learn how to set up a connection in 2-3 minutes, which apps will make the process easier, and what to do if your TV doesn't detect your phone. And also— Unique nuances for LG TVs from 2018–2026 that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, make sure your devices meet the minimum requirements. This will save you time and avoid common errors like "device not found" or "connection lost."

First, check webOS version on TV LGTo do this:

1. Click the button Settings (gear) on the remote control.
2. Go to All Settings → General → About TV.
3. Find the line webOS version (For example, webOS 6.0).

If the version is older webOS 3.0, some methods (for example, Google Cast) may not work. In this case, update the firmware via Settings → General → Software Update.

Secondly, make sure both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi networkThis is critical for all wireless methods! If the TV is connected via cable (Ethernet) and the phone is connected to mobile data, image transfer will not be possible. Also, make sure that the phone's wireless connection is enabled. Wi-Fi (even if you use mobile data).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG 2019 and newer (from webOS 4.5+) function Screen Share It's disabled by default for security reasons. It needs to be enabled manually in the menu. Settings → Networks → Screen Share.

And finally, prepare your phone:

• 📱 On Android: turn on Miracast (in the display settings or in the Wireless Display menu).
• 🍎 On iPhone: Make sure your device is updated to iOS 12 or newer (for AirPlay).
• 🔋 Make sure your phone's battery is at least 30% charged, otherwise the connection may be interrupted.

2. Method 1: Screen Share (LG built-in function)

Screen Share - proprietary technology LG, which allows you to broadcast your phone's screen to your TV without any additional apps. It works on all models with webOS 3.0 and newer, but has limitations: for example, it does not support sound when transmitting static images.

To take advantage Screen Share:

1. On TV LG open Settings → Networks → Screen Share and turn on the function.
2. On the phone Android open Settings → Connected devices → Wireless display (the name may differ depending on the manufacturer).
3. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV (for example, LG OLED55C1).
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

For iPhone the process is a little different:

1. Open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner to iPhone X and newer).
2. Click Screen mirroring (or Screen Mirroring).
3. Select your TV LG from the list.

Once successfully connected, your phone's screen will be mirrored on your TV. To display only the photo:

• 📷 Open the gallery and select the desired image.
• 🔍 Expand it to full screen (double tap or spread your fingers).
• 🎯 The TV will display the image in maximum resolution (up to 4K, if supported).

⚠️ Note: On some models LG (for example, series UK6300) Screen Share There may be a delay of up to 2 seconds. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network | Screen Share is enabled in LG settings | Miracast (Android) or AirPlay (iPhone) is activated on the phone | Phone charge is at least 30% -->

3. Method 2: Google Cast (for Android and iPhone)

If built-in Screen Share does not work or you want to transfer images with more stability, use Google CastThis protocol is supported by most TVs. LG With webOS 4.0 and newer, and also allows you to broadcast not only the screen, but also individual files.

For Android:

1. Install the application Google Home from Play Market.
2. Open the app and tap + → Set up device → New device.
3. Select your TV LG from the list (it should appear automatically).
4. Once connected, open the gallery, select a photo and click the icon Cast (usually in the upper right corner).

For iPhone:

1. Install the application Google Home from App Store.
2. Follow the same steps as for Android, but to transfer photos use the app Google Photos.
3. Open the desired image and click Share → Cast.

Benefits of Google Cast:

• 🔄 Supports transfer of multiple images in a row (slideshow).
• 🎵 You can broadcast photos with sound (for example, music).
• 🌐 Works even if the phone is connected to the mobile Internet and the TV is connected to Wi-Fi (provided that both devices are on the same local network).

4. Method 3: Miracast (for Android)

Miracast — a universal standard for wireless screen sharing that is supported by most TVs LG (starting from webOS 2.0). Unlike Google Cast, it does not require an internet connection - it is enough that both devices support the protocol.

Instructions for Android:

1. On TV LG turn on Miracast through Settings → Networks → Miracast (or Screen Share → Miracast Mode).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Display → Wireless Display (on Samsung this can be called Smart View).
3. Select your TV from the list. If it is not there, click Refresh or Scan.
4. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

Features of Miracast on LG Smart TV:

• 🔌 No need to connect to a Wi-Fi router – devices connect directly.
• 📶 Works even in an office or hotel where network access rights are limited.
• ⚡ Supports resolution up to 1080p (on some models - 4K).

⚠️ Attention: On phones Xiaomi And Huawei function Miracast can be called Wireless Display or CastIf it is not in the display settings, check the section Additionally or For developers.

Why might Miracast not work?

If the TV does not see the phone via Miracast, the reasons may be as follows:

1. Incompatibility of protocol versions — Old TVs (before 2016) only support Miracast 1.0, while new phones support 1.2+.

2. Energy saving — the phone has battery saving mode enabled, which blocks wireless connections.

3. Interference from other devices — If other wireless gadgets (such as wireless headphones) are operating within a 5-meter radius, the connection may be lost.

Solution: Try turning off Bluetooth on your phone or restarting both devices.

5. Method 4: AirPlay (for iPhone and Mac)

If you have iPhone or MacBook, the easiest way to transfer photos to LG Smart TV - use AirPlayHowever, there is a nuance here: LG supports AirPlay 2 only on models 2019 and newer (With webOS 4.5+). Older TVs will require an additional device, such as Apple TV.

To transfer photos via AirPlay:

1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On TV LG turn on AirPlay on the menu Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
3. On iPhone open the photo in the app Photo.
4. Click the button Share (square with an arrow pointing up).
5. From the list of options, select AirPlay and indicate your TV LG.

Benefits of AirPlay for LG TV:

• 🎯 Instant transmission without delays (lag less than 0.5 seconds).
• 🔒 Encrypted connection - data is not transmitted through third-party servers.
• 📱 Supports slideshows and automatic transitions between photos.

If your TV does not support AirPlay 2, but you have Apple TV, connect it to LG through HDMI and use it as a middleman. Alternatively, you can buy an adapter. AirPlay (For example, Belkin SoundForm Connect), which connects to the port HDMI TV.

6. Method 5: Third-party applications

If built-in methods aren't suitable (for example, due to outdated TV firmware), you can use third-party apps. These often offer additional features, such as photo editing directly on the TV screen or collage creation.

Top 3 Apps for Sharing Photos on LG Smart TVs:

• 📲 ApowerMirror - supports Android And iOS, allows you to broadcast your screen with minimal latency. Screen recording is also available.
• 🖼️ Photo Cast for LG TV — specializes in image transmission, supports slide shows with music.
• 🌐 LocalCast — works through DLNA, does not require an internet connection.

Example of setup via ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and TV (if there is a version for webOS).
2. Launch ApowerMirror on both devices.
3. On your phone, select the option Connect to TV and specify the model LG.
4. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may be asked to enter a code).
5. Open your gallery and select a photo to transfer.

Warning: Some applications (eg. TeamViewer QuickSupport) require registration or a paid subscription to transfer files. Before installing, check reviews in Play Market or App Store.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, images may be transmitted through external servers. If your photos contain sensitive information, please use built-in methods (Screen Share or AirPlay).

7. Troubleshooting: What to do if the image is not transmitted

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

If none of the above worked, try:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and TV.
• 📡 Reconnect both devices to Wi-Fi (forget the network and reconnect).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your TV (Settings → Networks → Network Reset).
• 📱 Update your TV firmware and phone software to the latest version.

If the problem persists, check if your internet connection is blocking data transfer. routerSome router models (for example, TP-Link with firmware Older than 1.0.10) limit protocols Multicast, necessary for Google Cast And MiracastThe solution is to update the router firmware or turn it on. IGMP Snooping in its settings.

8. Alternative methods (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If a wireless connection is not possible (for example, there is no router or the signal is weak), you can use alternative methods:

1. USB cable (OTG)

• 📱 Suitable for Android-phones with support OTG.
• 🔌 Need a cable USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A.
• 🖼️ The TV recognizes the phone as a flash drive - photos are displayed in the menu Media.

2. HDMI adapter

• 📱 For Android: adapter USB-C/Micro-USB → HDMI (For example, DeX For Samsung).
• 🍎 For iPhone: Lightning → HDMI (official adapter from Apple).
• 📺 Transmission quality - up to 4K@60Hz (depending on the adapter).

3. Cloud services

• 🌥️ Upload your photo to Google Photos, Dropbox or iCloud.
• 📺 On TV LG open a browser or service application (for example, LG Content Store → Google Photos).
• 🔍 Find the desired album and open the photo.

These methods are less convenient than wireless transmission, but are guaranteed to work even without Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to transfer photos from a phone to an LG Smart TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. Miracast — creates a direct connection between your phone and TV without a router (requires support on both devices).
2. USB cable — connect your phone to your TV via an OTG cable (the TV must support USB drives).
3. HDMI adapter - use an adapter with USB-C/Lightning on HDMI.

The most versatile option is Miracast, but it doesn't work on all models LG (e.g. not supported on TVs before 2015).

Why can't my LG TV see my iPhone via AirPlay?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📅 TV older than 2019 — AirPlay 2 supported only on models with webOS 4.5+.
• ⚙️ The feature is disabled in the settings - check Settings → General → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
• 🔌 The TV and phone are connected to different networks (for example, the phone to the mobile Internet, and the TV to Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Firmware update required - check the latest version in Settings → General → Software Update.

If the TV still doesn't see iPhone, try restarting both devices or resetting the network settings on the TV.

How to transfer photos from an old LG TV (pre-2016)?

On TVs LG 2012–2016 (since webOS 1.0–2.0 or NetCast) Wireless image transmission is limited. Solution options:

• 📶 Miracast - works on most models, but may require manual activation in the service menu (button Settings → Network → Miracast).
• 📺 DLNA - use apps like LocalCast or BubbleUPnP for transmission over a local network.
• 🔌 USB/HDMI - connect your phone via cable or adapter.
• 🎮 Game console - if there is PS4 or Xbox, connect it to your TV and use it to stream via DLNA.

For models with NetCast (For example, LG 42LA620V) firmware with support may be required Miracast - it can be found on forums like 4PDA.

Is it possible to transfer photos in original quality?

Yes, but it depends on the method of transmission:

• 📸 Screen Share/Miracast — the maximum resolution is usually 1080p (even if the phone supports 4K).
• 🍎 AirPlay — transfers photos in their original resolution (up to 4K), but may compress when the Wi-Fi signal is weak.
• 📁 USB/HDMI - maintains original quality (depending on the adapter).
• ☁️ Cloud services — quality depends on the download settings (for example, Google Photos compresses images by default).

For lossless transmission use USB cable or HDMI adapter.

How to make a photo slideshow on an LG TV?

There are three ways:

1. Google Cast:
   • Open Google Photos on the phone.
   • Select an album and click Cast (screen icon with waves).
   • Specify the TV LG and select the option Slideshow.
2. USB drive:
   • Copy the photo to a flash drive and connect it to the TV.
   • On the menu Media select Slideshow and adjust the frame change interval.

LG Content Store app:

• Install the application Photo Video Mixer or Gallery from LG Content Store.
• Upload photos via cloud or local network.
• Select mode Slideshow and customize transition effects.

For automatic slideshow with music, use the app Photo Cast for LG TV.