Connecting a Smart TV to a Computer via Wi-Fi: 5 Wirelessly Working Methods

Wirelessly streaming your computer screen to a big-screen TV opens up new possibilities for working, gaming, and viewing content. However, not all users know what to connect. Smart TV to PC via Wi-Fi This can be done in several ways - from standard protocols like Miracast to specialized applications such as Steam LinkThe main advantage of this connection is the absence of wires and the ability to flexibly manage content from a laptop or desktop PC.

In this article, we will analyze all the current synchronization methods, including the nuances for different operating systems (Windows 10/11, macOS) and popular brands of TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia, Xiaomi). We'll pay special attention to solving common problems, from no sound to image lag. If you've previously tried setting up a connection but encountered errors like "The device does not support Miracast." or "DLNA server not found", here you will find practical tips on how to eliminate them.

1. Preparing your TV and computer for wireless connection

Before you begin setup, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. Modern Smart TV (released after 2018) usually support all necessary protocols, but older models may require additional adapters or a firmware update.

For a computer, the key conditions are:

• 🖥️ Windows 10/11 (version not lower than 1803) or macOS 10.15+ - Earlier versions may not support Miracast.
• 📶 Wi-Fi adapter with support 802.11ac (5 GHz) - for stable broadcasting without lags.
• 🔌 Free HDMI port (for alternative connection methods if Wi-Fi is unstable).
• 🔄 Updated drivers for the video card and network adapter - check in Device Manager.

On the TV side:

• 📺 Screen Mirroring function (or similar: Smart View at Samsung, WiDi at LG).
• 🔄 Latest firmware version - outdated software may block the connection.
• 📡 Connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, as well as the computer (guest networks are not suitable!).

⚠️ Attention: If your TV does not support Miracast (for example, models Sony until 2019), use external devices like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick for broadcast.

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring (Miracast) - a standard protocol for Windows

Miracast — is a universal wireless broadcasting standard built into Windows 10/11 and most modern ones Smart TVIt allows you to mirror your computer screen to your TV with minimal latency (ideal for presentations or watching movies).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Screen Mirroring:
   • For Samsung: Settings → General → Screen Mirroring.
   • For LG: Settings → Network → Miracast.
   • For Sony Bravia: Settings → Network Services → Screen Mirroring.

On your computer, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).

From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV.

Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

If your TV does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Updating Wi-Fi adapter drivers (download from the manufacturer's website, for example, Intel or Realtek).
• 📡 Router operating mode — Miracast requires a network 5 GHz (disable it in your router settings) 2.4 GHz, if it interferes).
• 🔒 Windows Firewall - temporarily disable it to check.

Update your graphics card and Wi-Fi drivers|Connect both devices to the same 5 GHz network|Disable VPN on your computer|Restart your router-->

⚠️ Attention: On macOS Miracast Not supported natively. Use alternatives like AirPlay (For Apple TV) or third-party applications like Reflector.

3. Method 2: DLNA – transfer media files without screen mirroring

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transferring music, video, and photos from a computer to a TV. without duplicating the desktopThis is convenient for watching movies or listening to music, but not suitable for gaming or working with documents.

How to set up:

1. Turn on your computer DLNA server:
   • For Windows: open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options → Media streaming and allow access.
   • For macOS: use iTunes or third-party programs (Plex, Kodi).

On your TV, launch a media player app (e.g. SmartShare on LG or Media Player on Samsung).

Select your computer from the list of available DLNA devices.

View files from folders Video, Music or Images on PC.

DLNA limitations:

• ❌ No screencasting - only individual files.
• ❌ Not all video formats are supported (for example, .mkv may not be playable).
• ❌ Delay when scrolling through playlists.

4. Method 3: Steam Link – for gamers

If you want to play Steam- games on the big screen, Steam Link — the optimal solution. The app streams images from your PC to your TV with minimal latency, supports gamepads, and even allows you to play over a local network without internet access.

Setup instructions:

1. Install Steam Link on TV (available in Google Play Store For Android TV or through Samsung App Store).
2. Run on your computer Steam and go to Settings → Remote Play.
3. Enable the option Enable streaming.
4. Launch it on your TV Steam Link, select the computer from the list and connect the gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller or DualShock).

To reduce latency:

• 📶 Connect your computer to the router via cable (Ethernet).
• 🔧 In the settings Steam Link select Performance Priority.
• 🖥️ Close background programs on your PC (especially Discord, Chrome with multiple tabs).

⚠️ Attention: Steam Link requires a powerful processor on the PC (not lower Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5). On weak laptops, some slowdowns are possible.

How to play without internet?

Steam Link works over a local network, but initial setup requires Steam authorization. After that, you can disconnect from the internet—games will stream directly over Wi-Fi.

5. Method 4: Third-party applications (ApowerMirror, TeamViewer)

If standard methods don't work, use specialized programs. They support additional features, such as controlling your TV from your computer or screen recording.

Top 3 Wireless Streaming Apps:

• 📱 ApowerMirror — duplicates the PC screen on TV, supports annotations and broadcast recording. Minus: paid version for permission 4K.
• 🖥️ TeamViewer — allows you not only to broadcast your screen, but also to remotely control your computer from your TV (if you have a mouse/keyboard connected to the TV).
• 🎮 Moonlight - analogue Steam Link for games without Steam (works with NVIDIA GameStream).

Example of setup ApowerMirror:

1. Download and install the program on your PC and TV (available in Google Play For Android TV).
2. Run on your computer ApowerMirror and select Phone Screen (despite the name, it also works with TV).
3. On your TV, enter the PIN code displayed on your PC screen.
4. Done! Now you can stream your screen with resolutions up to 1080p.

6. Method 5: Alternative options (HDMI + Wi-Fi, Chromecast)

If your wireless connection is unstable, consider hybrid solutions:

1. Wi-Fi Direct + HDMI adapter

Some televisions (eg. Samsung QLED 2020+) support Wi-Fi Direct — direct data exchange without a router. To do this:

1. Activate on TV Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings.
2. On your computer, connect to the network created by the TV (the name will be something like DIRECT-xx-SAMSUNG).
3. Use Miracast or DLNA as described above.

2. Google Chromecast / Fire TV Stick

If your TV does not support Miracast, buy an external adapter:

• 📌 Google Chromecast — broadcasts tabs Chrome, YouTube, Netflix.
• 📌 Amazon Fire TV Stick - supports Miracast And DLNA, as well as games through Moonlight.

Cost: from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (2026).

3. HDMI + Wi-Fi cable for control

If your goal is not screen mirroring, but controlling your computer from the couch, connect your TV to your PC via HDMI, and for mouse/keyboard use:

• 🖱️ Wireless devices with USB receiver (Logitech Unifying).
• 📱 Remote control apps (Unified Remote, Monect).

7. Solving typical connection problems

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem 1: The TV does not appear in the list of devices (Miracast)

• 🔌 Check if it is enabled Wi-Fi Direct on TV.
• 🔄 Reboot your router - sometimes the DHCP server doesn't assign IP addresses.
• 🛠️ Update your TV's firmware (on Samsung: Settings → Support → Software Update).

Problem 2: Image lag

• 📶 Switch to frequency 5 GHz in the router settings.
• 🖥️ Close resource-intensive programs on your PC (Photoshop, Blender).
• 🔧 In Steam Link select Optimize for speed.

Problem 3: No sound during broadcast

• 🔊 On PC, right-click the sound icon → Open sound settings → select TV as the output device.
• 🔄 Restart the broadcast (sometimes the sound “sticks” when you first connect).
• 🛠️ Update your audio driver (especially if you are using Realtek).

Problem 4: Poor image quality

• 📺 In the settings Miracast select Maximum quality (may increase lag).
• 📡 Reduce the distance between your PC and the router (or use Mesh system).
• 🖥️ In Windows turn it off Hardware acceleration in the graphics options.

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Sony function Screen Mirroring is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Network Services → Enable Screen Mirroring.

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goal:

Target	The best way	Alternative	Required equipment
Screen mirroring (office, presentations)	Miracast	ApowerMirror	Wi-Fi 5 GHz
Watching movies/photos	DLNA	Plex, Kodi	Any Wi-Fi
Games (Steam, Epic Games)	Steam Link	Moonlight (for NVIDIA)	5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Remote PC control	TeamViewer	Chrome Remote Desktop	Internet + mouse for TV
Broadcasting from macOS	AirPlay (For Apple TV)	Reflector + Miracast adapter	Apple TV or adapter

Critical Information: On TV LG With webOS up to version 4.0 Miracast works only with adapters Intel WiDi (For example, Netgear Push2TV). Check the version webOS in TV settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect Smart TV to PC via Wi-Fi if I have Windows 7?

Miracast not officially supported in Windows 7, but you can use:

• Third-party programs: ApowerMirror, MirrorOp.
• DLNA for transferring media files.
• Upgrade to Windows 10/11 (recommended).

Why does the image lag when connecting via Miracast?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal - move closer to the router or use 5 GHz.
• 🖥️ Insufficient PC resources - close background programs, lower the broadcast resolution.
• 🔧 Outdated drivers - update your graphics card and Wi-Fi adapter drivers.
• 📡 Network congestion - disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi.

How do I connect my TV to my PC if I have macOS?

On macOS native support Miracast missing. Alternatives:

• 🍎 AirPlay - if you have Apple TV or TV with support AirPlay 2 (For example, Samsung 2020+, LG 2019+).
• 🖥️ Reflector or AirServer - programs for reception AirPlay on TV.
• 🌐 Chrome Remote Desktop — to control a PC from a TV.
• 🎮 Steam Link - for games (works on macOS).

Is it possible to play online games (CS2, Fortnite) via Steam Link?

Technically yes, but:

• ⚠️ Delay will be noticeable (even by 5 GHz lag is ~50-100 ms).
• 🎮 For shooters it is better to use Ethernet + HDMI.
• 📡 In the settings Steam Link select Speed ​​priority and turn it off Hardware decoding.

How can I transfer sound to my TV if it comes through my PC speakers when connected via HDMI?

Solution:

1. On your PC, click the sound icon in the tray → Open sound settings.
2. In the section Conclusion select your TV (for example, SAMSUNG-XX).
3. If your device doesn't show up, update your audio driver or restart your stream.

For DLNA: audio is transmitted automatically along with the video.