Modern technologies allow you to do without unnecessary wires and enjoy content on a big screen without complicated wiring. Wireless connection HDMI has become the standard for Apple smartphone and LG smart TV owners. Whether you want to watch a video you've recorded, a movie from your media library, or even play a game from your mobile device on your TV, you don't need HDMI cables.
The basis for interaction between the Apple ecosystem and LG technology is the protocol AirPlay 2, which is built into most modern Smart TV models. However, even if your TV doesn't support this feature out of the box, there are alternative ways to transfer data via local Wi-Fi networkIn this article, we'll cover all current methods, from standard tools to third-party solutions.
The main condition for successful synchronization is that both devices must be on the same network. It is critical that the router operates in the 5 GHz band to transmit heavy 4K video without lag. Signal stability directly impacts picture quality and audio desynchronization. Let's look at the preparation stage and the main connection methods.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your LG TV supports wireless picture sharing. Models released after 2018 typically have built-in support. AirPlay 2Older versions of WebOS will require installing additional software or using a media server.
Make sure your TV's software is updated to the latest version. The manufacturer regularly releases patches that improve connection stability and add new codecs. Checking for updates takes a couple of minutes but can resolve many potential compatibility issues.
- 📺 Make sure Smart Share or AirPlay is enabled on your TV in the network settings.
- 📱 Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on your iPhone (to make the device discoverable).
- 🌐 Both devices must be connected to the same router; the guest network may block the connection.
- 🔋 Charge your devices, as streaming video drains your smartphone's battery.
⚠️ Note: If your router has "AP Isolation" mode, devices will not see each other. Disable this feature in your router settings if the connection fails.
The menu interface may differ depending on the operating system version. WebOSOn some models, the settings may be hidden deep in the menu, so carefully study the "Connections" section.
Stream via built-in AirPlay 2
The highest-quality and most stable way to stream images is using Apple's native technology. If your LG TV is a 2018 model or newer, AirPlay 2 is already built into the system. You don't need to install any apps on your iPhone or TV.
To get started, activate the feature on your TV. Go to the Settings menu, select "Connections," and find "Apple AirPlay." Make sure the switch is set to "On." Your TV is now ready to receive a signal.
On your iPhone, open Control Center. On models with Face ID, swipe down from the upper-right corner; on models with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two rectangles) and select your LG TV from the list.
- 🔒 When connecting for the first time, the TV may request a confirmation code, which will be displayed on the screen.
- 🎬 Some apps (YouTube, Netflix) have a separate broadcast button that doesn't require screen mirroring.
- 🔊 Sound is also transmitted via Wi-Fi, so the quality of the audio stream depends on the network speed.
- 📵 Notifications from your phone (messages, calls) may interrupt the broadcast or be displayed on TV.
Technology AirPlay 2 Lets you control playback directly from your iPhone, using it as a remote control. You can pause videos, adjust the volume, and rewind without leaving the couch. This is especially convenient when watching long movies or TV shows.
Using the LG TV Plus app
If the built-in methods don't work for some reason or AirPlay functionality isn't sufficient, the official LG app can be a great solution. LG TV Plus Available in the App Store, it allows you to control your TV and stream photos and videos from your iPhone.
After installing the app, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your TV. The app will automatically search for available devices on your Wi-Fi network. You may be required to enter the PIN displayed on your TV screen to authorize it.
Within the app, select the "Media" or "Gallery" section to select files for playback. Popular video and image formats are supported. However, please note that the app may not support all codecs that the built-in player can easily read.
| Function | AirPlay 2 | LG TV Plus | Third-party players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture quality | High (up to 4K) | Average | Depends on the codec |
| Delay | Minimum | Average | High |
| Control | From iPhone | From iPhone | From iPhone |
| Format support | Standard | Limited | Extended |
⚠️ Note: The LG TV Plus app may not work properly on newer versions of iOS. If the connection keeps dropping, try deleting and reinstalling the app or using Screen Mirroring.
☑️ Pre-broadcast check
Streaming via third-party apps (DLNA and Cast)
Owners of older LG TVs that don't support AirPlay needn't despair. Protocol DLNA is a universal standard for transmitting multimedia over a local network. To use it on an iPhone, you'll need a third-party player, such as VLC for Mobile or Infuse.
The principle is simple: you open a video file in the iPhone player app, select the "Cast" or "DLNA" button, and specify your LG TV as the output device. The phone in this case simply acts as a remote control and source of the file link, while the TV can handle the decoding.
There are also AirPlay emulator apps that can be installed directly on your LG TV via the LG Content Store. Programs like "TV Cast for LG" or "AirScreen" create a virtual receiver on your TV, allowing older models to accept AirPlay signals from an iPhone.
- 📂 VLC Player allows you to stream almost any video format, including MKV and AVI.
- 📡 When using DLNA, you don't have to hold your phone in your hands; you can lock the screen.
- 📺 The image quality with DLNA is often higher than with simple screen mirroring.
- 🔌 Some apps require you to purchase the full version to remove ads or limit the time.
It's important to understand the difference between streaming (when the TV downloads video from the network) and screen mirroring (when the iPhone renders the image and sends it as a video stream). The former saves battery life and provides better quality.
Why does the video lag when broadcasting?
Slowdowns are most often caused by Wi-Fi congestion. If the router is located far away or behind thick walls, the signal weakens. Try moving closer to the router or turning off other bandwidth-consuming devices (torrents, downloads).
Screen Mirroring
Sometimes you need to display not only video but also the interface of apps, games, or presentations on the big screen. For this, use the screen mirroring feature. Unlike AirPlay for video, it transmits the entire video stream from the smartphone display in real time.
On LG TVs, this feature is often called "Screen Share" or "Miracast." Activate it in the Input menu or under "Connections." On iPhones, this feature is available via "Control Center" -> "Screen Mirroring."
When mirroring your screen, it's important to consider the device's orientation. If you hold your phone vertically, black bars will appear on the sides of your TV. To view videos, always rotate your iPhone to landscape mode.
⚠️ Please note: When mirroring your screen, there may be a delay in sound. This is a technical feature of the Miracast/AirPlay Mirroring protocol. For movies, it's best to use built-in players that support direct streaming.
Solution and troubleshooting
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where devices don't see each other or the connection is unstable. First, check whether your antivirus or firewall is blocking local data exchange. Sometimes, simply rebooting the router can help.
If your LG TV has disappeared from the list of available devices on your iPhone, try turning off Wi-Fi on your phone and then turning it back on. It's also worth checking if "Cellular Data" is set as the priority on your phone, although iOS usually switches to Wi-Fi automatically.
If there's sound but no picture (black screen), the issue may be with the video format or protected content (HDCP). Some streaming services block the display of protected content through third-party apps.
Why doesn't my LG TV detect my iPhone?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to 2.4 GHz, the other to 5 GHz, but with different SSIDs). Make sure the network names are identical. Also, try temporarily disabling the VPN on your smartphone.
Is it possible to connect an iPhone to an old LG without a Smart TV?
Without Smart TV functionality, you can't connect directly via Wi-Fi. You'll need to purchase an external set-top box (Apple TV, Chromecast, Xiaomi Mi Stick) that plugs into the TV's HDMI port and handles the iPhone's signal.
How to improve picture quality during broadcasting?
Use a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6 (AX). Place the router within direct line of sight of your TV and phone. Close any apps that consume background data.
Is audio streaming via Bluetooth at the same time?
No, when using AirPlay or DLNA, audio is transmitted over Wi-Fi along with video. Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your phone will interrupt the audio stream on the TV unless you use special multi-audio modes.
Does the operator charge for transmitting video to TV?
No, since the streaming is done via your home Wi-Fi network, it doesn't use up your internet data (unless the video is streamed from the internet but stored locally). If you're streaming online video, your data usage is the same as if you were watching it on your phone.