Want to show off your vacation photos on the big screen, play a mobile game on your TV, or host a movie night with movies from your phone—but don't know how to connect your devices properly? Wireless screen mirroring via Wi-Fi solves this problem without unnecessary wires and adapters. However, not all methods are equally effective: in some cases, you'll need Smart TV with support Miracast, and somewhere the usual one will suffice Wi-Fi Direct or applications from the manufacturer.
In this article we will look at 5 working methods screen transfers - from built-in functions Android And iOS to universal programs like ApowerMirror or TeamViewerYou will find out what TVs do not support Wi-Fi mirroring without additional devices (spoiler: these are models older than 2018 Tizen 3.0 (and below), how to bypass restrictions and what to do if the image lags or the sound disappears. And at the end, there's a compatibility table of popular brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi) with different broadcast protocols.
Before you begin, check two key conditions:
- 📶 The phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. (or use
Wi-Fi Direct/Hotspot). - 🔄 The TV is in signal reception mode. (For example,
Screen MirroringorAirPlay).
1. Built-in mirroring: Miracast for Android and AirPlay for iPhone
The most reliable way is to use built-in protocols, which do not require the installation of third-party applications. For Android-devices are Miracast (or Wireless Display), For iPhone — AirPlayThe main advantage: minimal delays and sound support.
On Android The path to the function depends on the shell version:
- 📱 Samsung One UI:
Notification panel → Smart View. - 📱 Xiaomi MIUI:
Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Sharing. - 📱 Stock Android:
Settings → Devices → Screen Sharing.
On iPhone the algorithm is simpler:
- Open
Control center(swipe down from the top right corner). - Click
Screen mirroring(icon with two rectangles). - Select your TV from the list (if it is not there, check if it is turned on)
AirPlayon TV).
Turn on Wi-Fi on your TV | Activate Screen Mirroring mode (the name may differ) | Update your TV firmware to the latest version | Check the model's compatibility with the protocol -->
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Miracast doesn't work on iPhone (only Android).
- ⚠️ AirPlay not all support Smart TV (needed) Apple TV or TV with
AirPlay 2, For example, LG OLED 2020+ or Samsung QLED 2021+).
What should I do if my TV is not visible in the list of devices?
1. Reboot your router—sometimes DHCP doesn't assign the correct IP addresses to your local network.
2. Disable the VPN on your phone—it may be blocking device detection.
3. Check if the "Guest Network" mode is enabled on your TV (it limits access to mirroring functions).
4. On Samsung try turning it on Screen Mirroring through the menu Source → Connection Devices
2. Google Cast: Casting individual apps (YouTube, Netflix)
If you don't need to duplicate full screen, but only broadcast video from YouTube, Netflix or Disney+, use Google Cast (built into most streaming services). This method puts less strain on the network and is less likely to slow down.
How does this work:
- Open an application (for example, YouTube) on the phone.
- Tap the broadcast icon (usually in the upper right corner of the player).
- Select your TV from the list (must support
Chromecastor have a built-inGoogle TV).
Advantages Google Cast:
- 🎯 Low latency (suitable for gaming via Google Stadia or Xbox Cloud Gaming).
- 🔊 Sound support
5.1(if the TV and content allow it). - 📱You can use your phone for other tasks while broadcasting.
List of apps that support Google Cast:
| Application | Cast support | Max. permission |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | ✅ Yes | 4K HDR |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | 4K Dolby Vision |
| Disney+ | ✅ Yes | 4K HDR |
| Twitch | ✅ Yes (only on Android) | 1080p60 |
| TikTok | ❌ No | — |
Important! Some services (eg. Amazon Prime Video) block the broadcast through Google Cast Due to DRM protection, you'll have to use full-screen mirroring.
3. Mirroring apps: ApowerMirror, TeamViewer, LetsView
If the built-in methods do not work (for example, you have an old TV without Miracast), will come to the rescue third-party applicationsThey create a virtual bridge between the telephone and TV via a local network or the Internet.
Top 3 mirroring programs:
- 🔹 ApowerMirror - supports
Android/iOS, sound broadcasting, PC control. - 🔹 TeamViewer QuickSupport — works even via mobile Internet (but with a delay).
- 🔹 LetsView — a free analogue with minimal latency (suitable for presentations).
Step by step instructions for ApowerMirror:
- Install the application on your phone and TV (if it has one) Android TV) or on a PC connected to a TV.
- Launch ApowerMirror on both devices and select the mode
Phone Screen Mirroring. - Connect to one Wi-Fi network or use
Hotspoton the phone. - Tap on your phone
START NOWand confirm permission to broadcast.
Comparison of applications:
| Application | Delay | Sound | Paid version |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApowerMirror | ~100 ms | ✅ Yes | From $5/month |
| TeamViewer | ~300 ms | ❌ No | Free for personal use |
| LetsView | ~80 ms | ✅ Yes | Free (advertising) |
⚠️ Attention! When using TeamViewer Mirroring to a public screen (like in a cafe) makes your phone vulnerable to hacker attacks. Always turn it on. Two-factor authentication in account settings.
4. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (without a router)
If you don't have home Wi-Fi or your router doesn't support it Multicast (needed for Miracast), use direct connection By Wi-Fi DirectThis method creates a local network only between the phone and the TV.
How to enable Wi-Fi Direct:
- On TV: Go to
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Directand activate the mode. - On your phone: open
Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct(orQuick Settingson Samsung). - Select your TV from the list and confirm the connection (you may need to enter the PIN code from the TV screen).
Pros and cons of the method:
- ✅ Works without a router.
- ✅ Low latency (suitable for gaming).
- ❌ Not all TVs support
Wi-Fi Direct(For example, Sony Bravia 2017 and older). - ❌ It is not possible to use the Internet on the phone at the same time.
How do I check if my TV supports Wi-Fi Direct?
1. Go to the menu Settings → Network.
2. If there is a clause Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast — the function is supported.
3. On LG look for Screen Share, on Samsung — Smart View.
⚠️ Attention! When using Wi-Fi Direct on Android 12+ The sound may disappear in some applications (for example, TikTok or Instagram Reels). This is due to restrictions. Audio Policy in newer OS versions. Solution: Use an external Bluetooth speaker or switch to Miracast.
5. Using external devices: Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV
If your TV does not support modern protocols (for example, this is a model Samsung 2015 on Tizen 2.4), the solution will be external adapterPopular options:
- 📺 Google Chromecast (from $30) - supports
Google Castand screen mirroring. - 📺 Amazon Fire TV Stick (from $40) - works with
MiracastAnd ApowerMirror. - 📺 Apple TV 4K (from $130) - the best choice for owners iPhone (full support
AirPlay 2).
How to connect Chromecast:
- Insert the device into
HDMI-TV port and connect to power. - Switch the TV to the appropriate channel.
HDMI-entrance. - Download the app Google Home on your phone and follow the setup instructions.
- To mirror your screen use
Google Castin the notification bar.
Adapter comparison:
| Device | Protocols | Max. permission | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast 4 | Google Cast, Miracast |
4K HDR |
~$35 |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | Miracast, AirPlay (with update) |
4K Dolby Vision |
~$50 |
| Apple TV 4K | AirPlay 2, HomeKit |
4K 60Hz |
~$130 |
⚠️ Attention! When purchasing Chromecast or Fire TV Stick Check if your TV supports it HDMI-CECWithout this feature, you won't be able to control the adapter with your TV remote (you'll have to use your phone or a separate remote for the device).
6. Troubleshooting: lags, no sound, connection errors
Even with the correct settings, problems may occur typical problemsHere's how to fix them:
Problem 1: The image is slow or choppy
- 🔄 Restart your router and TV.
- 📶 Switch to range
5 GHz(less interference). - 🎮 Reduce the broadcast resolution in the mirroring settings (for example, with
4Kto1080p). - 🚫 Disable background apps on your phone (especially instant messengers and cloud services).
Problem 2: No sound
- 🔊 Check if the sound on your TV is muted (
Volume → Mute). - 📱 On Android turn on the option
Transmit soundin the mirroring settings. - 🔌 If you use Chromecast, update the device firmware via Google Home.
Problem 3: The TV is not visible in the list of devices
- 🔄 Make sure both devices are on the same network (check
IP addressesin Wi-Fi settings). - 🔒 Disable the firewall on your router (sometimes it blocks
Multicast-traffic). - 📦 Update your TV's firmware (on Samsung path:
Settings → Support → Software Update).
⚠️ Attention! If after updating the TV firmware the problem has disappeared Miracast, reset your network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings. This will return the factory settings Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about screencasting over Wi-Fi
Is it possible to mirror your iPhone screen to a TV without Apple TV?
Yes, if you have Smart TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED C2, Samsung QN90C or Sony X90K). You can also use adapters like Roku Streaming Stick+ (supports AirPlay (since 2020).
Why is there no sound on the TV when mirroring via Miracast?
This is a typical problem. Android 10+, where the default audio is through the phone. Solution:
- While broadcasting, expand the notification panel.
- Click on the mirroring notification (e.g.
Smart View). - Enable the option
Transmit soundorAudio Output → TV Speaker.
If there is no option, use ApowerMirror or Google Cast (in them the sound is transmitted automatically).
How to reduce latency when streaming games?
Latency is important for games (input lag) less than 50 ms. This can be achieved as follows:
- Use
Wi-Fi 6(or5 GHzonWi-Fi 5). - Connect the TV to the router with a cable
Ethernet(if there is a port). - In the mirroring settings, select the mode
GameorLow latency(there is in ApowerMirror And Samsung Smart View). - Close all background apps on your phone (especially Facebook And Instagram).
For Cloud Gaming (For example, Xbox Cloud or GeForce NOW) it is better to use Chromecast Ultra or NVIDIA Shield TV - They are optimized for game streaming.
Is it possible to broadcast a screen to a TV via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?
Technically yes, but with some caveats:
- 📶 TeamViewer or AnyDesk work via a mobile network, but with a delay of ~300–500 ms.
- 🚫
MiracastAndGoogle Castrequire a local network - they don't work via 4G. - 🔌 Alternative: distribute
Hotspotfrom your phone to your TV (if your TV has Wi-Fi) and useWi-Fi Direct.
For stable streaming via 5G, we recommend a tariff with unlimited traffic (streaming video consumes ~3–7 GB/hour in 1080p).
How do I mirror my phone's screen to my TV if it doesn't have a Smart TV?
There are three options:
- External adapter: buy Chromecast, Fire TV Stick or Miracast-dongle (For example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter).
- HDMI cable: use an adapter
USB-C/Lightning → HDMI(but this is no longer a wireless method). - Set-top box or PC: connect to TV Android box, Raspberry Pi or laptop, and then broadcast your phone screen to them via TeamViewer or ApowerMirror.
The most cost-effective way is Miracast adapter (~$20), but it requires the phone to support Miracast (check in settings) Screen sharing).