How to Stream Video from Your Smartphone to Your TV via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Comparison of Methods

Want to watch movies, stream games, or show photos from your phone on a big screen, but are confused by the abundance of wireless transmission technologies? This article will help you figure it out. How to stream video from a smartphone to a TV via Wi-Fi Without unnecessary wires and adapters. We've tested all current methods on devices. 2022–2026 and identified their strengths and weaknesses.

The main problem with this connection is image delays (lag) and unstable connection. For example, when watching movies through DLNA audio may become out of sync, and Miracast Sometimes it lags during fast-paced scenes. We'll tell you how to minimize these effects and choose the best method for your TV (Samsung QLED, LG OLED, Sony Bravia or budget models).

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Comparison of 5 technologies (speed, compatibility, quality)
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions For Android And iPhone
• ⚡ Problem solving with connection and lags
• 📊 Compatibility table televisions and smartphones

1. Miracast: A universal standard for Android and Windows

Miracast — is a screen mirroring technology that works without the internet, creating a direct connection between your smartphone and TV. It's built into most Android-devices starting from version 4.2 and is supported by TVs Samsung (Smart View), LG (Screen Share), Sony (Miracast) and others.

The main advantage is minimal delay (10–50 ms), which is critical for games or video calls. However, image quality depends on the power of the smartphone's processor: on budget models (Redmi 9A, Samsung Galaxy A12) there may be some lag when resolving 1080p.

How to connect:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring (on the menu Network → Miracast or Wireless projection).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (on Xiaomi — Wireless → Screen Projection).
3. Select the name of your TV from the list.

The smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not required, but recommended)

The power saving mode is disabled on the TV.

The distance between devices is no more than 5 meters

-->

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs LG (Pre-2020 models) Miracast only works when connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone. Check this in the settings. Network → Advanced.

2. Google Cast (Chromecast): Streaming without mirroring

Technology Google Cast (previously - Chromecast) is fundamentally different from Miracast: it does not duplicate the smartphone screen, but transmits content only (video, music, photos) directly from applications (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos). This reduces the load on the phone and reduces delays.

To work you need:

• 📺 TV with support Google Cast (built in Android TV, Sony Bravia 2018+, TCL) or external adapter Chromecast.
• 📱 Smartphone with Android 5.0+ or iOS 12+.
• 🌐 Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network (required!).

Instructions:

1. Connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube).
3. Click the icon Cast (📡) and select your TV.

3. AirPlay: Exclusive to the Apple ecosystem

AirPlay — proprietary technology Apple, which allows you to transfer video from iPhone, iPad or Mac on TVs with support AirPlay 2Main advantages: stable connection and support 4K HDR with minimal delays (up to 40 ms).

List of compatible TVs:

• 📺 Samsung QLED (2018–2026)
• 📺 LG OLED/CX/GX (2019–2026)
• 📺 Sony Bravia X90J/X95J (2021–2026)
• 📺 Vizio And TCL (models with Apple TV or AirPlay 2)

How to connect:

1. Make sure the TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone swipe down to open Control center.
3. Click Screen mirroring and select TV.
4. To stream a specific video (for example, from Apple TV+) click the icon AirPlay (📡) in the app.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung Until 2020, AirPlay may work unstable due to outdated firmware. Update your TV's software via Settings → Support → Software Update.

What should I do if AirPlay can't find my TV?

1. Reboot the router and both devices.

2. In the Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone, turn off "Private MAC Address" mode (Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to the network).

3. On your TV, check if AirPlay is enabled in the menu. General → Apple AirPlay Settings.

4. If you are using a dual-band router, connect both devices to the 5 GHz network (it is less crowded).

4. DLNA: View media files without mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard for sharing media files between devices on a local network. Unlike Miracast or AirPlay, it doesn't broadcast the entire screen, but only sends files (video, music, photos) to TV for playback.

Advantages:

• ✅ Works on most TVs (even budget ones).
• ✅ No brand affiliation (suitable for Android, iOS, Windows).
• ✅ You can stream files from NAS drives or PC.

Flaws:

• ❌ No support for streaming services (Netflix, YouTube).
• ❌ There may be delays in playback 4K-video.
• ❌ Not all video formats are supported (for example, .mkv may not open).

How to set up:

1. Turn on the TV DLNA (on the menu Network → DLNA Server or Media player).
2. On your smartphone, install a media server application, for example:
   • 📱 BubbleUPnP (Android)
   • 📱 Infuse (iOS)
   • 📱 VLC (both platforms)

In the app, select the file and click "Play on TV".

5. Smart View (Samsung) and Screen Share (LG): proprietary solutions

TV manufacturers often develop their own protocols for wireless transmission. For example, Samsung uses Smart View, A LG — Screen ShareThese technologies are based on Miracast, but optimized for specific models.

Peculiarities Samsung Smart View:

• 🔹 Works with phones Samsung Galaxy (starting from S8).
• 🔹 Supports 4K on flagship TVs (QN90C, S95C).
• 🔹 There is a function Game Mode to reduce lags.

How to connect to Samsung:

1. On TV: Settings → General → Smart View.
2. On your smartphone: Swipe down to open the notification panel → Smart View.
3. Select your TV and confirm the connection.

For LG Screen Share:

1. On TV: Settings → Network → Screen Share.
2. On a smartphone (Android): Settings → Connections → Screen Sharing.
3. On iPhone: use Apple TV or LG TV Plus (application).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG 2021 and later function Screen Share may conflict with the enabled one Apple AirPlayDisable AirPlay in your TV settings if Miracast isn't working.

6. Troubleshooting: lags, connection breaks, no sound

Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Here are typical causes and solutions:

If the problem persists:

• 🔄 Update your TV and smartphone firmware.
• 📡 Switch to a wired connection (if your TV supports it) Ethernet).
• 🛠️ Reset the network settings on your TV (Settings → Network → Reset).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of technology depends on your needs and equipment. Here's a brief comparison:

For games (For example, Cloud Gaming or Moonlight) is optimal Miracast or Smart View due to minimal delays. For films better Google Cast or AirPlay — they work more reliably with streaming services. If you need to show photo/video from phone, any method will do, but DLNA easier to set up.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to output video from an iPhone to a TV without an Apple TV?

Yes, if your TV has built-in support AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung QLED 2018+, LG OLED CX/GX). You can also use adapters with HDMI And Lightning (For example, Belkin AV Adapter).

❓ Why does video lag when connected via Wi-Fi?

Reasons:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (switch to 5 GHz).
• Network overload (turn off other devices).
• Poor smartphone performance (close background apps).
• The video codecs are not supported by the TV (re-encode the file to H.264).

❓ How do I output audio from my phone to my TV separately from video?

Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Turn on the TV Bluetooth (Settings → Sound → Sound Output).
2. On your smartphone, connect to the TV as a wireless speaker.

For iPhone will also work AirPlay (select TV as an audio device in Control center).

❓ Is it possible to stream a smartphone screen to a TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, with the help of:

• Miracast (creates a direct connection between devices).
• USB-C/HDMI adapter (wired connection).
• MHL (for old Android smartphones).

For iPhone can be used without Wi-Fi Lightning to HDMI adapter.

❓ Why doesn't the TV detect the smartphone when connected?

Check:

• Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (for Google Cast/AirPlay).
• The TV is in the "Standby" mode. Screen Mirroring or DLNA.
• Your smartphone is allowed to transfer data in the background (Settings → Apps → Special access).
• Disable any VPN or firewall that may be blocking the connection.