How to stream video from your computer to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi: all the methods in 2026

Stream video from your computer to a big TV screen Samsung Wi-Fi is a convenient way to enjoy movies, streams, or presentations without the hassle of wires. However, not all users know that modern TVs support several wireless technologies: from proprietary Smart View to universal DLNA and fast MiracastThe method you choose depends on your TV model, PC operating system, and even the firmware version.

In this article, we will look at all the current connection methods - from built-in functions Samsung to third-party applications like Steam Link or PlexWe'll pay special attention to common errors: why video lags, there's no sound, or why the TV doesn't recognize the computer. And at the end, you'll find a comparison table of methods with the pros and cons of each.

Before you begin, make sure both your PC and TV are connected to one Wi-Fi networkIf you are using a dual band router (2.4 and 5 GHz), both devices must be in one subnet — otherwise the broadcast won't work. Also, check that the TV is in the "Offline" mode. Screen Mirroring or Smart View (path: Settings → General → External devices).

1. Smart View is a proprietary solution from Samsung

Smart View — proprietary technology Samsung, which allows you to stream your PC screen or individual files to your TV without any additional software. Works on all TV series. QLED, Neo QLED, Crystal UHD (2018 and newer) and most models with Tizen OS.

To use this feature, download the official app. SmartThings For Windows or macOSAfter installation:

• 📱 Open SmartThings and log in (or create an account) Samsung).
• 🔍 In the section Devices select your TV (if you don’t have one, click Add a device).
• 🖥️ Click Screencasting (or Screen Mirroring) and select PC from the list.
• 🎬 Confirm the connection on your TV (a request with a code will appear).

For broadcast individual files (videos, photos, music) use the tab Media V SmartThingsHere you can select folders on your PC and play them on your TV without mirroring the entire screen. However, please note: the video format must be supported by the TV (e.g. MP4 with codec H.264).

Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network|The TV is on and not in sleep mode|The SmartThings app is installed on the PC|Screen Mirroring is enabled in the TV settings-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung 2020–2021 function Screen Mirroring It is disabled by default for security reasons. To enable it, go to Settings → General → External devices → Device settings → Screen Mirroring and enable the option.

2. DLNA is a universal protocol for media files

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on a local network to exchange media content. Unlike Smart View, it doesn't broadcast your PC screen, only individual files. Supported by all TVs Samsung since 2012.

To use DLNA:

1. On your TV, open the app Photos, videos, and music (or Media player in older models).
2. Select a source Devices or Net — your computer should appear.
3. On your PC, enable sharing of video folders:
   • 🪟 Windows: Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings. Turn on Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing.
   • 🍎 macOS: Go to System Preferences → Sharing and activate File sharing, adding the folder to the list.

If the TV does not detect the PC, check:

• 🔌 Both devices are connected to one router (not via guest network).
• 🔒 Windows/macOS Firewall does not block DLNA (add a port exception 1900/UDP And 8200/TCP).
• 📂 The folder with the video is marked as General (in the folder properties, click Grant access → Specific users → Everyone → Read).

Why does DLNA slow down video?

Reasons for lags when playing via DLNA:

1. Weak Wi-Fi signal — the router is far from the TV or PC (solution: use 5 GHz or a Mesh system).

2. Unsupported codec — the TV doesn't decode HEVC (H.265) or VP9 (solution: convert video to H.264).

3. Network congestion — other devices are downloading torrents or updates (solution: limit traffic on the router via QoS).

4. Outdated TV firmware — buffering has been optimized in new versions (solution: update the software via Settings → Support → Software Update).

3. Miracast – wireless screen mirroring

Miracast - wireless screen mirroring technology similar to Apple AirPlaySupported by TVs Samsung since 2019 (series Q60R and above) and all PCs on Windows 10/11 (on macOS third party software is required like AirParrot).

To connect:

1. Turn on the TV Screen Mirroring (Settings → General → External devices → Screen Mirroring).
2. On PC:
   • 🪟 Windows: Click Win + K, select a TV from the list.
   • 🐧 Linux: Install gnome-network-displays and run it through the terminal:

     gnome-network-displays

Confirm the connection on TV (a notification will appear).

Miracast transmits not only video, but also sound, which is convenient for gaming or video calls. However, there are some nuances:

• 🎮 For gamers: The lag (~100ms) is noticeable in shooters, but is suitable for strategy games.
• 📶 Wi-Fi requirements: Need a router with support 802.11ac (5 GHz) or Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔌 Nutrition: The laptop must be connected to the network - Miracast drains the battery significantly.

4. Steam Link – for gaming and streaming

If you want to broadcast games or high-resolution video with minimal lag, Steam Link — one of the best options. The technology uses on-the-fly video compression and adaptive bitrate, which reduces latency to 30–50 ms (with good Wi-Fi).

Setup instructions:

1. Install Steam on PC and Steam Link on TV (available in Samsung App Store for models with Tizen).
2. Launch Steam on PC, go to Settings → Remote Play and turn it on Enable Remote Play.
3. Open on your TV Steam Link, select your PC from the list and enter the PIN code (will appear on the PC screen).
4. In the streaming settings (Settings → Remote Play → Advanced) install:
   • 🎮 Target frame rate: 60 FPS (if TV supports it).
   • 📶 Bitrate: 20–30 Mbps (for 1080p) or 50+ Mbps (for 4K).
   • 🔊 Audio output: 5.1 (if you have a sound system).

Steam Link automatically optimizes the stream for your network, but 4K HDR requires a router with Wi-Fi 6 support and a 160 MHz channel. If the image is blurry, reduce the bitrate or switch to a wired connection (via Powerline adapter, if the router is far away).

⚠️ Attention: When using Steam Link A black screen with the inscription may appear on the TV "No Signal"If your PC goes into sleep mode, disable automatic sleep. Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Put the computer to sleep → Never.

5. Third-party apps: Plex, Kodi, VLC

If the built-in methods are not suitable, you can use universal media servers:

• 📺 Plex: Creates a personal Netflix experience by organizing your movie collection with covers and subtitles. Requires a server on your PC and a client on your TV. Supports on-the-fly transcoding (converts formats for TV).
• 🎬 Kodi: A free media center with plugin support. You can configure access to network folders via SMB or NFS.
• 🔊 VLC: A player with network streaming functionality. On your PC, launch the server (Media → Open Stream → Network), on TV - open the link http://[IP_PC]:8080.

For setup Plex:

1. Download Plex Media Server With official website and install on PC.
2. Add video folders to the library (in the web interface http://localhost:32400/web).
3. Install the app on your TV Plex from Samsung App Store and log in to the same account.
4. Select your server from the list and enjoy the content.

Advantage Plex — automatic downloading of metadata (covers, descriptions, ratings) and remote access (if you set up port forwarding on your router). However, 4K transcoding requires a powerful PC processor (from Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5).

6. Troubleshooting: Video is lagging, there is no sound, the TV doesn't recognize the PC

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

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Restart your router, PC, and TV.
• 📡 Connect your PC to the router with a cable (if possible) - this will reduce the load on your Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware (Settings → Support → Software Update).
• 🛠️ Check codec compatibility using the utility MediaInfo (download from official website).

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🎥 For movies and TV series: Plex or DLNA (convenient library, subtitle support).
• 🎮 For games: Steam Link (minimum lag) or Miracast (if you need a full screen broadcast).
• 🖥️ For presentations/work: Smart View or Miracast (1:1 screen duplication).
• 🎵 For music: DLNA or Spotify Connect (if you have a premium account).

For most users the optimal solution would be Smart View (simplicity) or Plex (functionality). Gamers are better off sticking to Steam Link, and for older TV models (before 2018) it will work DLNA or Kodi.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2022–2026 function Screen Mirroring may be limited for devices on Windows 7/8 due to outdated security protocols. Use SmartThings or update the OS on your PC.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream videos from Mac to Samsung TV?

Yes, but this will require:

• Use SmartThings (official app for macOS).
• Or install AirParrot (paid, ~$15) for Miracast.
• Or set up DLNA via System Preferences → Sharing → File Sharing.

Starting from macOS Monterey, is supported AirPlay on Samsung TV (2020 models and newer).

Why does 4K video lag when streaming via Wi-Fi?

Reasons:

1. The router does not support Wi-Fi 6 or channel 160 MHz (needed for 4K HDR).
2. A weak processor on a PC can't handle encoding (4K requires Intel i5/Ryzen 5 and newer).
3. Network congestion (other devices are consuming traffic).

Solutions:

• Switch to a wired connection (via Powerline or cable).
• Reduce the resolution to 1440p in the broadcast settings.
• Use Plex with transcoding (converts 4K to 1080p on the fly).

How to stream audio from a PC to a Samsung TV separately from video?

If you only need to transfer audio (for example, for music or podcasts), use:

• Bluetooth: Connect your TV as a Bluetooth speaker (Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Device List).
• DLNA: Open the app on your TV Music and select PC as the source.
• Spotify Connect: If you use Spotify Premium, select TV as the playback device in the app.

For Windows you can also configure Samsung TV as a Wi-Fi audio output device Control Panel → Sound → Enable.

Does streaming work with Linux?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• DLNA: Use Rygel or MiniDLNA for media distribution.
• Miracast: Install gnome-network-displays:

  sudo apt install gnome-network-displays

• Smart View: No official support, but you can use it Scrcpy (for Android apps only).

For Ubuntu 22.04+ also available KDE Connect with screen sharing support.

Is it possible to stream videos from a phone to a Samsung TV via a PC?

Yes, there are two options:

1. Via SmartThings:
   • Connect your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
   • IN SmartThings On PC, select the option Stream from a mobile device.
   • Turn on your phone Screen Mirroring and select PC as an intermediate device.

Via Miracast:

• On your PC, enable Miracast reception (Win + K → Receiving devices).
• On your phone (Android) open Settings → Connected devices → Screencasting and select PC.

The delay will be higher than with live TV broadcasting, but the method works for older TV models.