How to Output TV Audio to Your Laptop via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Solutions for All Models

Streaming audio from a TV to a laptop wirelessly is a challenge faced by users who want to improve the sound of external speakers, record audio, or simply listen to content wirelessly with headphones. Despite its apparent simplicity, this process is often fraught with technical nuances: not all TVs support direct audio streaming over Wi-Fi, and standard protocols like DLNA or Miracast are designed primarily for video.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods audio transmission—from built-in Smart TV features to third-party apps that work even on older models. We'll pay special attention to solutions for popular brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi), and we'll also address common issues that can cause audio to be interrupted or not transmitted at all. If your TV was manufactured before 2018, some methods may require additional adapters—we'll cover that as well.

Method 1: Using Miracast (Wireless Display) technology

Miracast — a wireless multimedia transmission standard supported by most modern TVs and laptops Windows 10/11It allows you to mirror your TV screen to your laptop, including audio, but there are important limitations: not all TV models transmit audio separately from video. For example, Samsung often blocks sound when mirroring, and LG may require enabling a special mode.

To check if your TV supports Miracast, go to the menu Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring (name may differ). On a laptop with Windows open Settings → System → Project to this PC and select the mode "Available everywhere"If your TV doesn't detect your laptop, update your PC's Wi-Fi adapter drivers—often the problem is due to outdated software. Intel or Realtek.

Connection process:

• 📺 On TV: turn on Screen Mirroring (or similar option) in the connections menu.
• 💻 On a laptop: press Win + K, select your TV from the list.
• 🔊 After connecting, check if the sound is transmitted: if not, try changing the playback device in Control Panel → Sound.

Critical detail: televisions Samsung 2020-2023 QLED series often require the option to be enabled Sound via HDMI in manual mode, even with a wireless connection.

⚠️ Note: If the audio is delayed (lag) for more than 0.5 seconds after connecting, try reducing the video bitrate in the Miracast settings on your TV. On some models Sony Bravia this is done through Settings → Image Quality → Performance Mode.

2. Method: Audio streaming applications (SoundWire, AudioRelay)

If Miracast is not suitable or does not transmit sound, use specialized applications. For example, SoundWire (For Android TV) or AudioRelay (a cross-platform solution) allows you to stream audio over a local network with minimal latency. These programs even work on TVs without built-in Miracast support, but require installation of the server component on the TV and the client on a laptop.

Instructions for AudioRelay:

1. Download AudioRelay on your laptop from the official website and install.
2. On TV with Android TV (or through Google Play on Smart TV) install the application AudioRelay Server.
3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Run the server on your TV, and select the audio source on your laptop. "AudioRelay Virtual Audio".

The advantage of this method is the ability to adjust the delay buffer (from 50 ms to 500 ms), which is useful for watching movies with synchronized sound. Disadvantage: on TVs without Android TV (For example, Samsung Tizen or LG webOS) you will have to use workarounds - for example, connect an external Android box or Fire TV Stick.

Install the app on your TV and laptop|

Connect devices to the same Wi-Fi network|

Disable VPN/proxy on laptop|

Check that the TV is allowed to access the local network (Settings → Network → Advanced)-->

⚠️ Warning: On TVs LG webOS versions below 5.0 of the application like AudioRelay may not work due to manufacturer limitations. In this case, use the method with DLNA server (described below) or connect the TV to the laptop via Bluetooth adapter (if supported).

3. Method: DLNA/UPnP for audio transmission

Protocol DLNA It's primarily designed for sharing media files over a local network, but it can also be used to stream audio in real time. To do this, you'll need a DLNA server enabled on your TV and a client that supports audio streaming on your laptop. For example, VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player.

Step-by-step setup:

• 📺 On TV: turn on DLNA in Settings → Network → DLNA Server (on Samsung this can be called Remote PC Control).
• 💻 On a laptop: open VLC, go to View → Playlist, then select Local Area Network → "Universal Plug'n'Play".
• 🔊 Your TV should appear in the list of devices. Select it and start playback.

This method is suitable for listening to music or podcasts, but is not suitable for synchronous transmission of audio and video (there will be a noticeable delay). Also, keep in mind that some TVs (for example, Philips on Android TV) may limit DLNA to only certain audio formats (eg. MP3 or AAC, but not Dolby Digital).

Why might DLNA not work?

DLNA is sensitive to router settings. If DLNA is enabled on your network AP Isolation (client isolation), the devices won't see each other. Issues also arise when using dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz): the TV and laptop must be connected to the same frequency. Check this in the router settings under Wireless → Basic Settings

4. Method: Bluetooth adapter for TV (if there is no built-in one)

If your TV doesn't support wireless audio via Wi-Fi but it has a port USB or optical output, you can use external Bluetooth transmitterThis solution is suitable for older models (for example, Samsung D/E series or LG 2012–2016), where modern protocols are lacking.

Necessary equipment:

• 🔌 Bluetooth transmitter with support aptX Low Latency (For example, Creative BT-W5 or Avantek).
• 💻 Laptop with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher (or USB adapter if there is no built-in module).

How to connect:

1. Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to your TV via USB (for food) and optical/3.5 mm output (for sound).
2. Turn on the pairing mode on the transmitter (usually the button Pair).
3. On your laptop, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and find the transmitter.
4. Select the connected adapter as the audio playback device in the settings. Windows.

The advantage of this method is minimal audio latency (around 40–80 ms), which is suitable for watching movies. However, audio quality will depend on the codec: aptX gives better results than the standard one SBCOn TVs without an optical output, you can use an adapter. 3.5 mm → RCA, but this may degrade the sound.

5. Method: Sound via HDMI-ARC + Wi-Fi bridge

If your TV supports HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel), you can organize the transmission of sound to the laptop through an intermediate device - for example, AV receiver or soundbar with output to PC. This method is more complicated than the previous ones, but provides the best sound quality (including Dolby Atmos or DTS:X).

Connection diagram:

1. Connect your TV to soundbar or to the receiver via the port HDMI-ARC.
2. Connect soundbar to the laptop via Wi-Fi DLNA or Bluetooth (if supported).
3. In the TV settings (Settings → Sound → HDMI Output) select "ARC" or "Bitstream".

This method is suitable for home theaters, where maintaining multichannel sound is important. However, it requires additional equipment and setup. For example, Sony HT-X8500 To transfer sound to a laptop, you need to enable the mode "Bluetooth Transmitter" in the soundbar menu.

⚠️ Note: When using HDMI-ARC, make sure the cable supports the standard HDMI 2.0 or higher. Old cables (HDMI 1.4) may not transmit audio in the format Dolby Digital Plus, which will result in no sound or distortion of sound.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make your choice easier, we've compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method. Consider not only the technical capabilities of your devices, but also your purposes: for example, recording TV audio is suitable. AudioRelay, and for watching movies with synchronized sound - Bluetooth transmitter or HDMI-ARC.

Common problems and their solutions

Even with proper setup, users still encounter common errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔇 No sound when connected via Miracast: Check if HDMI audio is enabled in your TV settings (Settings → Sound → HDMI Output). On Samsung you may need to select "PCM" instead of "Bitstream".
• 🎵 The sound is delayed: Reduce the video bitrate in Miracast settings or use AudioRelay with a 50–100 ms buffer. For Bluetooth transmitters, select the codec aptX LL.
• 🚫 Devices don't see each other on the network: Disable the VPN on your laptop and make sure your TV and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network!). Disable it on your router. AP Isolation.
• 🔌 The Bluetooth transmitter is not working: Make sure it is connected to a power source (some models require a separate power supply). Try resetting the transmitter (button Reset).

If none of the methods worked, check whether your TV supports Wi-Fi audio at all. For example, models Samsung J series (2015–2017) and LG LB/LN often have hardware limitations. In this case, the only option left is a wired connection via 3.5 mm → AUX or purchasing an external adapter.

How do I check if my TV supports Wi-Fi Direct?

Go to the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi DirectIf this section is missing, your TV does not support direct Wi-Fi data transfer without a router. In this case, use Bluetooth or HDMI-ARC.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to stream audio from a TV to a laptop without a router (direct connection)?

Yes, if your TV supports it. Wi-Fi DirectEnable this mode in the TV's network settings, and connect to the access point it creates on your laptop. Then use DLNA or Miracast for audio transmission. However, this connection is less stable than a router.

Why is the sound transmitted but interrupted every 5-10 seconds?

This is a common issue with a weak Wi-Fi signal or a congested network. Try:

• Switch the TV and laptop to the range 5 GHz (if the router is dual-band).
• Disable other devices that consume traffic (for example, torrents or online games).
• Reduce video quality when using Miracast (in TV settings).

Is it possible to record sound from a TV to a laptop?

Yes, but not all methods are suitable for recording. It is better to use AudioRelay (there is a recording function in WAV/MP3) or connect the TV to the laptop via sound card (For example, Focusrite Scarlett) using an optical cable. Recording via Miracast or Bluetooth there will be a loss of quality.

Will this method work for a 2012 TV?

Most likely not. TVs older than 2015 rarely support it. Miracast or Wi-Fi DirectIn this case, use:

• Bluetooth transmitter (if there is a way out 3.5 mm or optical).
• Analog cable (RCA → 3.5 mm) for direct connection to a laptop.

Digital audio may require digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

How to synchronize audio with video if there is a delay?

Lag occurs due to data buffering. Solutions:

• IN AudioRelay: Reduce the buffer to 50ms in the application settings.
• IN Miracast: lower the broadcast resolution to 720p.
• For Bluetooth: use codec aptX Low Latency.

If the delay persists, try wired connection via HDMI or optical cable.