Modern technology makes it easy to transform your living room into a home theater using familiar gadgets. Content broadcasting From a mobile device to a large screen has become the standard, eliminating the need to copy files to flash drives. Apple device owners often face the issue of integrating their smartphones with the ecosystem of other manufacturers, such as the South Korean LG Electronics.
Fortunately, wireless communication protocols have long been unified, which makes the connection process iPhone And Smart TV As simple as possible. You don't need complicated adapters or HDMI cables if both devices are on the same network. Wi-Fi connection takes care of all the work of transmitting high-quality data, ensuring a stable picture and sound.
In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for streaming video, from native AirPlay to using media servers. You'll learn how to set up your equipment in just a few minutes and avoid common connection errors. The key is to ensure your router and TV support the required communication standards.
Checking compatibility and preparing equipment
Before you begin setup, it's crucial to ensure your equipment is technically ready to work. Most modern models LG Smart TV, released after 2018, are equipped with built-in support for the protocol AirPlay 2This is a native Apple technology that allows you to stream videos, photos, and your smartphone's screen to your TV without installing additional software.
However, if you have an older TV model, don't despair. There are alternative methods, such as DLNA or using third-party receiver apps. In any case, the first step is always to check the software versions on both devices. Outdated firmware can block the devices from being discovered on the local network.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network to both devices. If your phone is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network and your TV is connected to the main network, they may not be able to see each other due to client isolation.
It's also worth paying attention to the state of the router's wireless module. To transmit video at a resolution 4K or Full HD A stable, high-bandwidth connection is required. If the network is overloaded with other devices, lag or image artifacts may occur.
Using the built-in AirPlay 2 feature
The best and easiest way is to use technology AirPlayIt is built directly into the operating system. iOS and is supported by the platform webOS On LG TVs. To activate this feature, you don't need to download anything; simply follow the correct menu steps.
First, turn on your TV and make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone. Then, on your LG TV, go to the Home screen control panel. Find the app. Apple AirPlay or AirPlay 2 in the list of signal sources or in the application menu. If this is your first time launching it, the system may prompt you to accept the terms of use or display a code.
On your iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right corner on newer models or swipe up on older models). Tap the icon Screen Mirroring (two rectangles). Select your LG TV from the list that appears. If this is your first connection, a 4-digit code will appear on the TV screen. Enter this code on your smartphone.
- 📱 Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone to speed up device discovery.
- 📺 On your LG TV, you can set a password in the AirPlay settings to prevent others from connecting to your screen.
- 🔄 If the TV isn't found, try restarting your router and refreshing the network list on your iPhone.
Broadcasting via video service apps (YouTube, Netflix)
Often, users don't need to broadcast the entire smartphone screen, but only a specific video from an online cinema. In this case, the protocol Google Cast or similar technologies built into apps. This allows you to use your phone as a remote control without wasting resources decoding the video stream.
Open an application, for example, YouTube or Netflix, on your iPhone. Make sure the app is updated to the latest version via the App Store. In the player interface, look for the distinctive rectangular icon with Wi-Fi waves in the corner. Tapping it will start a search for available devices on your local network.
Select your TV from the list. LG Smart TVThe video will start playing on the big screen, and a control interface will appear on your phone: rewind, volume, and next video selection. This is ideal for watching high-quality content without draining your smartphone's battery.
| Parameter | AirPlay 2 | Built-in Cast (YouTube) | DLNA (Photo/Video) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 4K HDR | Depends on the file |
| Delay | Minimum | Minimum | Absent |
| Work in the background | Possible | Possible | Only open application |
| iPhone battery | Average consumption | Minimum consumption | High consumption |
Third-party screen mirroring apps
In situations where native AirPlay doesn't work or the TV model doesn't support it, third-party solutions come to the rescue. App stores offer a variety of utilities that emulate data transfer protocols. Popular applications like Replica, TV Cast or Mirror for LG TV can become salvation.
The operating principle of such programs is to install the server part on the TV (sometimes it is necessary to install a companion application from the LG Content Store) or to use the protocol DLNAAfter launching the app on your iPhone, it scans the network and prompts you to select a target device. Some of them even allow you to stream video files that aren't supported by the standard iOS player.
⚠️ Please note: Free versions of these apps often have session time limits (e.g., 15 minutes) or intrusive ads. For regular use, it's advisable to consider purchasing the full version.
When choosing an app, pay attention to reviews and the date of the last update. Developers must constantly adapt their software to changes in iOS and TV firmware updates. Older versions may simply stop finding the device on the network.
- 📲 TV Cast for LG TV: Allows you to send videos, photos and music, as well as web pages from your browser.
- 📲 Replica: Specializes in screen mirroring with minimal latency, useful for presentations.
- 📲 VLC for Mobile: A powerful player with built-in DLNA/UPnP streaming to TV.
Why might a third-party application not work?
Often, the problem lies in router firewall or antivirus settings that block local connections between devices. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding devices to exceptions.
Setting up DLNA and local media servers
If you have a large collection of video files stored on your iPhone that you want to watch on your TV without converting, use the technology DLNAThe iPhone itself is not a DLNA server, but many file managers and players can emulate this function or connect to an external server.
One effective way is to use your computer as a media server. You copy videos from your iPhone to your PC (or they're already there), turn on the media server (for example, the one built into Windows or through a program) Universal Media Server). The LG TV sees this server in the list of connected devices, and you start the movie directly from your computer's hard drive, controlling the process from your phone.
An alternative option is to use DLNA-enabled cloud storage services or apps that create a local hotspot. However, directly streaming a file from your phone to your TV via DLNA usually requires the phone app to act as a controller and the file to be stored in an accessible network folder.
How to set up DLNA on LG TV:
Settings (gear) → All settings → Connections → Connect to mobile device → Enable
This method is advantageous because it doesn't rely on an internet connection; traffic flows only within your local network. Transfer speed is limited only by the speed of your Wi-Fi router and the signal range.
☑️ Checklist for a successful connection
Troubleshooting connection and latency issues
Even with proper setup, technical difficulties may arise. The most common issue is audio and video desynchronization or intermittent image flickering. This indicates instability. Wi-Fi signalTry moving closer to the router or removing obstacles between the transmitter and receiver.
If the video doesn't play at all, check the file format. LG TVs support many codecs, but not all. Formats .mkv Some audio tracks may not play. In this case, installing a third-party player on your TV (if the webOS platform supports it) or converting the file will help.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the webOS version (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and later). If you don't see the option you're looking for, look for a similar option in the "General" or "Support" sections.
It's also worth checking if AP Isolation mode is enabled on your router. This mode prevents devices connected via Wi-Fi from communicating with each other. It's often enabled on public networks, but sometimes users accidentally enable it at home.
- 🔌 Restarting your router solves 80% of network device visibility issues.
- 📶 Switch your TV to the 5 GHz frequency if your router is dual-band for faster data transfer.
- 🛠 Reset network settings on iPhone (
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings) can help if the Wi-Fi module is glitching.
Questions and Answers
Why isn't my LG TV showing up in the AirPlay list on my iPhone?
Most likely, the devices are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, one 2.4 GHz network, the other 5 GHz, and the router is isolating them). Also, check if AirPlay is enabled in the TV settings (usually in the quick access panel or app list).
Is it possible to display an iPhone screen on an old LG TV without Smart features?
Without Smart features, this isn't possible directly over Wi-Fi. You'll need to purchase an adapter (such as an Apple TV, Chromecast, or any Android TV stick) that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and receives the signal.
Video is lagging when streaming from an iPhone. What should I do?
Try lowering the video quality in the source app (if there is such a setting), moving the router closer to the TV, or turning off other devices that actively consume traffic (torrents, downloads) while watching.
Does the operator charge for traffic when streaming via Wi-Fi?
No, if your iPhone is connected to your home Wi-Fi, traffic goes through your internet provider. Your mobile carrier isn't involved and doesn't charge you anything. However, if your Wi-Fi connection drops and your phone switches to mobile data, your traffic will go through your carrier.