How to stream images from your monitor to your TV via Wi-Fi: A step-by-step guide

Wirelessly streaming images from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient solution for presentations, watching movies, or playing games on a big screen without the hassle of cables. However, not everyone knows that this doesn't require expensive adapters: modern TVs and operating systems already support built-in technologies. Miracast, AirPlay or Google CastThe main thing is to set up the connection correctly and take into account the nuances of your equipment.

In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for displaying your screen on a TV via Wi-Fi, from standard Windows/macOS features to specialized apps. You'll learn how to check device compatibility, what router settings to change for stable streaming, and what to do if the image is lagging or the sound is missing. Finally, we'll cover answers to frequently asked questions and life hacks for improving streaming quality.

1. Check device compatibility before connecting

Before attempting to connect a monitor and TV via Wi-Fi, make sure your equipment supports the required protocols. Most modern TVs (released after 2018) are equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast, but there are important nuances:

• 📺 Samsung TVs With Tizen OS (Q, UHD, Frame series) support Screen Mirroring through SmartThings.
• 📺 LG With webOS (OLED, NanoCell models) use LG Screen Share (based on Miracast).
• 📺 Sony Bravia (Android TV) compatible with Google Cast and Miracast, but may require a software update.
• 🖥️ Computers running Windows 10/11 support Miracast if the video card is not older than 2015 (check in Device Manager section "Video adapters").
• 🍎 MacBook And iMac work only with AirPlay (required) Apple TV or TV with AirPlay 2 support).

To check Miracast support on Windows, click Win + R, enter dxdiag, go to the tab Save all and find the line Miracast: AvailableOn macOS, open About This Mac → System Report → Networks → Wi-Fi and check availability AirPlay.

⚠️ Attention: TVs with Roku TV or older models on Linux firmware may not support Miracast. In this case, you will need an external adapter (e.g. Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).

2. Method 1: Miracast (Screen Mirroring) for Windows and Android TV

Miracast — the most universal protocol for wireless screen sharing without additional devices. It operates on a point-to-point basis (Wi-Fi Direct), so it doesn't require a connection to a router. However, for stable operation, both devices must be within 5 meters and not have physical barriers (walls, furniture).

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (there is usually a button on the remote control Source or Input → On-screen display).
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Find your TV's name in the list and select it. Confirm the connection on the TV.
4. In the Miracast settings, select the mode: Duplicate (the same image on both screens) or Expand (the desktop will continue on TV).

If your TV does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Update your graphics card drivers (via NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin).
• 📡 Restart your router - sometimes Wi-Fi channel conflicts block Miracast.
• ⚙️ On your TV, turn off power saving mode in the network settings.

Turn on Wi-Fi on PC and TV|

Update video card drivers|

Reboot router|

Activate Screen Mirroring on TV|

Check the distance between devices (≤5m)-->

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Intel UHD Graphics (7th generation and above) Miracast may not work reliably due to CPU limitations. In this case, use Google Chrome for broadcasting via chromecast.com.

3. Method 2: AirPlay for Apple devices

If you have MacBook, iMac or iPad, and the TV supports AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED C1/C2), you can mirror your screen without additional adapters. The main advantage of AirPlay is minimal latency (up to 50 ms), which is critical for gaming or watching videos.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure your Mac and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 or 5 GHz).
2. On your TV, enable AirPlay in the settings: General → AirPlay and HomeKit → On.
3. On Mac, open Control Center (icon in the upper right corner) → Screen mirroring.
4. Select your TV from the list. When connecting for the first time, enter the code on the TV screen.

For fine tuning:

• 🎵 To transmit sound only, hold Option (Alt) when choosing a TV in Screen mirroring.
• 🖥️ To extend the desktop (not duplicate it), hold down Option and select Use as a separate display.
• 🔒 If the connection drops, disable the VPN on your Mac—it may be blocking local AirPlay traffic.

4. Method 3: Google Cast (Chromecast) for any device

Google Cast — a universal solution for screen mirroring from a PC, smartphone, or tablet to a TV. Unlike Miracast, it uses a router as an intermediary, so the distance between devices can be greater (up to 15 meters), but the quality depends on the Wi-Fi speed.

There are two options:

1. Chromecast built-in (on TV with Android TV or Google TV).
2. External adapter (For example, Chromecast with Google TV or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick).

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Connect Chromecast to your TV via HDMI and set it up using the app. Google Home on a smartphone.
2. Make sure your PC and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the browser Google Chrome open the menu (⋮) → Broadcast → Sources → Screen.
4. Select your Chromecast from the list. For best quality, set the resolution. 1920×1080 and frequency 60 Hz.

Advantages of Google Cast:

• 🎮 Supports low-latency game streaming (in HD mode) Game Stream).
• 📱 You can broadcast your smartphone screen (Android or iOS) through the same application Google Home.
• 🔄 Automatically adjusts the bitrate to the network speed (from 3 Mbps to 20 Mbps).

⚠️ Note: When streaming via Chrome, the browser may slow down due to hardware acceleration. Disable it in Chrome settings. Settings → System → Use hardware acceleration (if available).

How to reduce lag in Chromecast games?

Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and connect the Chromecast to the port 5 GHzEnable it in your router settings. QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for the Chromecast device by MAC address. Also, reduce the streaming resolution to 1280×720 in Chrome settings.

5. Method 4: Streaming apps (Steam Link, Moonlight)

If built-in methods don't work or you need streaming with minimal latency (for example, for gaming), use specialized programs. The best options are:

• 🎮 Steam Link — to broadcast games from the library Steam on TV. Supports resolution up to 4K@60fps at Wi-Fi speed from 30 Mbps.
• 🌙 Moonlight - alternative NVIDIA GameStream For streaming PC games to TV. Requires a graphics card. NVIDIA (GTX 9xx series and newer).
• 🖥️ SpaceDesk — to extend your desktop onto your TV (similar to a second monitor). Works even on older TVs via Android set-top box.

Setting up Steam Link:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV (via Google Play Store on Android TV).
2. On your PC, turn on Settings → In-Game Settings → Steam Link → Enable Streaming.
3. Launch it on TV Steam Link, select your PC and connect the gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller).
4. In the broadcast settings, set Optimize for speed (if Wi-Fi is unstable).

For Moonlight:

1. Install on PC NVIDIA GeForce Experience and turn it on GameStream in the settings.
2. Add the game to your GFE library (even if it's not from Steam).
3. Install on TV Moonlight and connect to your PC by entering its IP address.

6. Method 5: DLNA for transferring media files (not the screen)

If you don't need to duplicate your screen, but just broadcast movies, music, or photos to your TV, use the protocol DLNAIt works on most TVs (including older models) and doesn't require high-speed Wi-Fi. However, DLNA does not transmit the PC screen — only individual files.

How to set up:

1. Turn on the DLNA server on your TV (usually in the menu Network → DLNA or Media player).
2. On PC:
• For Windows: Open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options and turn it on Media streaming.
• For macOS: use VLC or Plex Media Server.

In Windows Explorer, right-click on the folder with files → Properties → Access → Sharing → select All.

On TV, in the media player, select your PC and the file to play.

Advantages of DLNA:

• 📁 Supports folders with movies, photos and music (formats MKV, MP4, JPG, MP3).
• 📶 Works even at Wi-Fi speeds from 2 Mbps.
• 🔄 You can control playback using your TV remote control.

Cons:

• 🚫 Doesn't transmit sound from the browser or games.
• 🔄 Delay when rewinding (up to 2-3 seconds).

7. Troubleshooting: slow performance, no sound, connection interruptions

If the image lags, the sound disappears, or the connection constantly drops, check the following:

• 📡 Wi-Fi speed: For Full HD (1080p) the speed required is not less than 10 Mbps, for 4K - from 25 MbpsCheck the speed on the website speedtest.net.
• 🔌 Power supply for devicesLaptops running on battery power can limit Wi-Fi performance. Plug in the charger.
• 🔊 No sound: In Windows, check if your TV is selected as the default playback device (Control Panel → Sound). On macOS, open System Preferences → Sound → Output.
• 🔄 Communication breakdowns: Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz (less busy) or change the channel width with Auto on 40 MHz.

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🛠️ Update your router firmware (especially if the model is older than 2019).
• 🔧 Disable the function on your router Band Steering (it can force devices to switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz).
• 📱 Install the application WiFi Analyzer on your smartphone and check if your Wi-Fi channel is overloaded by neighboring networks.

What should I do if my TV can't see my PC in Miracast?

1. On your PC, disable your VPN and firewall (they may block local traffic).

2. Turn on the router Multicast (in settings LAN → IGMP Snooping).

3. Update the Wi-Fi adapter driver on your PC (download from the manufacturer's website, not via Windows Update).

4. Try connecting via hotspot on your smartphone (if the router blocks Miracast).

8. Wi-Fi Alternatives: When Wireless Isn't Enough

If Wi-Fi doesn't provide a stable stream (for example, for professional tasks or demanding games), consider alternative methods:

• 🔌 HDMI cable: The most reliable option for 4K@120Hz or 8KCable length up to 5 meters does not affect the quality.
• 📡 Wi-Fi 6E: New routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX86U) support the frequency 6 GHz, which reduces interference and delays.
• 🖥️ Powerline adapters: Transmission of a signal through electrical wiring (eg. TP-Link AV1000). Speed ​​up to 1 Gbps, but it depends on the quality of the wiring.
• 📶 5G routers: Mobile routers (eg. Huawei 5G CPE Pro) provide speed up to 1 Gbps and a stable connection.

For professional tasks (such as video editing or streaming), it is better to use:

• Capture cards (For example, Elgato 4K60 Pro) to transmit a signal from a PC to a TV without loss.
• NVIDIA Shield TV Pro — set-top box with support Google Cast And Plex, optimized for gaming.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to display a screen on a TV via Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastFor example, a laptop with Windows 11 and Samsung Smart TV They can connect directly without a router. However, the connection speed and stability will be lower than with a router.

Why is there no sound when streaming via Miracast?

The problem most often occurs due to incorrect sound settings in Windows. Open Control Panel → Sound, find the device with the name of your TV (for example, Samsung-XX:XX) and install it By defaultIf the device is missing, update your sound card driver.

How to reduce lag when streaming games?

To minimize delay:

1. Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 and connect to the network 5 GHz.
2. Reduce the broadcast resolution to 1280×720.
3. In the game settings, enable Window display mode (windowed mode).
4. For Steam Link activate the option Speed ​​priority.

Minimum latency (~10 ms) is achieved using Moonlight + NVIDIA GFE on a PC with an RTX series graphics card.

Is it possible to stream a screen from a PC to a TV via the Internet (not a local network)?

Technically yes, but with significant limitations. This requires:

• Programs like Parsec or Rainway (optimized for games).
• Internet speed from 50 Mbps at both ends.
• Static IP address or service DDNS (For example, No-IP).

The delay with such a connection will be 100–300 ms, which is unacceptable for dynamic games, but is suitable for presentations.

Why can't my TV find my computer to connect to?

Reasons and solutions:

• Different Wi-Fi networks: Make sure your PC and TV are connected to the same router.
• Blocked by firewall: Temporarily disable Windows Defender or add an exception for miracast.exe.
• Outdated TV firmware: Update your TV software via Settings → Support → Software Update.
• Incompatible protocols: If the TV only supports Miracast, but PC doesn't, use Chromecast or Apple TV.