Connecting an LG TV to a computer as a second monitor via Wi-Fi

Modern LG TVs running on the platform webOSThese are not just devices for watching broadcast channels, but full-fledged multimedia centers capable of streaming images from a computer without HDMI cables. Using a wireless connection, you can transform a large screen into a convenient second monitor for work, presentations, or watching movies, eliminating unnecessary cables and ensuring mobility. This is especially relevant for those who value minimalist interiors and want to quickly switch between signal sources.

To successfully implement this, your PC and TV must be on the same local network, and your router must support low-latency video streaming standards. There are several proven connection methods, each with its own specific features depending on the Windows operating system version and your LG TV model. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to set up a wireless display using built-in system tools and specialized software.

Before setting up, make sure your computer's wireless adapter drivers are updated to the latest version, as their stable operation affects the quality of the transmitted image. It's also worth checking whether your TV supports the technology. Miracast, which is a standard for wireless transmission of high-definition video. Most modern LG models released after 2014 already have built-in support for this protocol.

⚠️ Attention: The quality of your wireless connection directly depends on the Wi-Fi channel's congestion. If you experience choppy video or out-of-sync audio, try switching your router to the less congested 5 GHz frequency.

Preparing equipment and setting up the network

The first and most critical step is properly setting up the local network. For the computer and LG TV to "see" each other, they must be connected to the same router. It is important to understandThat is, if your PC is connected via an Ethernet cable and your TV via Wi-Fi, they will still be on the same network, but for maximum data transfer speeds, it is better to use a wireless connection for both devices or provide a gigabit wired connection for the PC.

Check your router settings: function WPS Wi-Fi Protected Setup can significantly simplify the pairing process, although for security reasons, many users prefer to disable it after setup. Make sure Client Isolation is not enabled on your router, as this feature prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other, making connection impossible.

📊 Which connection method do you plan to use?
Standard Miracast
LG TV Plus app
Third-party software (AirServer/Reflector)
DLNA for photos and videos

Now let's turn our attention to the TV. Go to the settings menu of your LG Smart TV and find the section responsible for connecting external devices. Depending on the firmware version webOSThis section may have different names, but it's usually located under the "Connection" or "Network" category. Here, you need to enable visibility for external devices.

  • 📺 Make sure "LG Connect Apps" or "Mobile TV On" is enabled in your TV's network settings.
  • 📡 Check the Wi-Fi signal strength on your TV; a signal strength of at least 70% is recommended for 4K video streaming.
  • 🔒 If the network is secured, make sure you know the password, although re-entering it is usually not necessary if you are on the same network.

Using Connect to a Wireless Display in Windows

The easiest and most native way to connect an LG TV to a computer as a second monitor is to use the projection feature built into Windows 10 and 11. This technology is based on the standard Miracast, which allows you to transmit high-quality video and audio without the lag typical of streaming. You don't need to install any additional software to get started.

Press the key combination Win + K on your computer's keyboard. A "Connect" (or "Cast") sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen, where the system will begin searching for available wireless displays. If your LG TV is turned on and connected to the same network, its name (e.g., [LG] webOS TV OLED55) should appear in the list within a few seconds.

After selecting your TV from the list, a connection confirmation message may appear on the TV screen. Use your remote control to press "Accept" or "Confirm." Your computer's desktop will then appear on the TV screen. You can change the projector mode by pressing "Accept" again. Win + P, and select one of the options: “Duplicate”, “Extend” or “Second screen only”.

☑️ Check before connection

Completed: 0 / 4

If you select "Extend" mode, your TV becomes a fully functional second monitor. You can drag program windows, browsers, and media players onto the larger screen, freeing up the main monitor for other tasks. This is ideal for watching videos in the background or giving presentations.

⚠️ Attention: When using screen extension mode, there may be a slight delay in mouse cursor movement. This is normal for wireless technologies, but it's not suitable for fast-paced games.

Setting up an LG TV to receive a signal

Sometimes the automatic search doesn't produce results, and manual activation of the signal reception function on the TV itself is required. In new LG models with the platform webOS 4.0 On older models, this feature is often built into the system and doesn't require a separate app. However, on older models, you may need to launch a dedicated app.

On the remote control, press the "Input" or "Home" button and locate the "Screen Share" or "Connection Manager" app. In some interface versions, it may simply be called "Connect to Mobile Device." Launching this app puts the TV into connection standby mode, making it visible to external devices.

You can find security settings within the display settings menu. By default, the TV may ask for permission for each new connection. If you plan to use the PC-TV connection regularly, you can change the settings to "Automatically Accept" or add your computer to the list of trusted devices to avoid having to jump up from the couch to confirm each time.

Parameter Default value Recommended value Where to find
Device name LG webOS TV Living Room LG Settings → General → About TV
Connection request Included Auto (for home) Settings → Connection
Screen resolution Auto 1920x1080 or 4K Windows Display Options
Refresh rate 60 Hz 60 Hz Additional options

Alternative methods: DLNA and third-party software

If the standard Miracast is unstable or your video card does not support this technology, you can use the protocol DLNAThis method doesn't allow you to stream your entire desktop in real time, but it's ideal for viewing your media library—photos, videos, and music stored on your computer's hard drive. The LG TV sees the PC as a media server.

To use this method, enable "Media Streaming" in the Windows Control Panel. Search for "Media Streaming Settings," enable this feature, and make sure your LG TV is in the list of allowed devices. After this, when you open the Photos & Videos or Media app on your TV, you'll see your computer's folders.

Another powerful option is to use third-party emulator programs such as AirServer or Reflector, if you want to use Apple AirPlay technology on your LG TV, or specialized software like LetsViewThese programs are installed on the PC and (in some cases) require the installation of a companion app on the TV from the store. LG Content Store.

Why might Miracast not work?

Miracast may not work if your computer has an older Wi-Fi adapter that doesn't support the Wi-Fi Direct standard. There may also be a driver issue: try uninstalling the device in Device Manager and updating your hardware configuration. In rare cases, your antivirus software may block the connection, deeming it suspicious.

It's worth noting that using third-party software may require a license, but often offers more flexible settings, such as screen recording or buffer delay control. For professional use, this can be a worthwhile investment.

Troubleshooting lag and image quality issues

One of the main problems with wireless connections is lag and compression artifacts. If the picture on your TV is blurry or appears blocky, it means there's insufficient bandwidth. Lowering the resolution on the second monitor to 1080p often solves the smoothness issue, even if the TV supports 4K.

Check which devices are currently hogging your network. Downloading large files, torrents, or playing online games on other devices can choke your video stream. Try freeing up the channel or switching your router to a clear frequency. It's also a good idea to move your computer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater to improve the signal.

You can try changing the color management and scaling settings in your video card's graphics settings (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software). Sometimes the system applies incorrect scaling by default, causing the image on your TV to appear stretched or cut off at the edges. Set the scaling mode to "Full Screen" and "Maintain Aspect Ratio."

  • 🚀 Update your router firmware to the latest version to improve connection stability.
  • 📉 Disable background downloads on your PC before starting a movie or presentation.
  • 🔄 Restarting the router and TV often solves 90% of device visibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why doesn't my computer see my LG TV in the list of available displays?

Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to a guest network, the other to the main network) or different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, if the router doesn't combine them into a single SSID). Also, check Windows Firewall—it may be blocking detection. Temporarily disable it to test.

Is it possible to stream audio to a TV via Wi-Fi?

Yes, when using Miracast (Connect to a Wireless Display) technology, audio is transmitted automatically. In Windows Sound Settings (Control Panel → Sound) Select your LG TV as the default playback device. If there is no sound, check your TV settings.

Does connecting a second monitor via Wi-Fi affect internet speed?

Technically, streaming video within a local network (from a PC to a TV) doesn't consume your ISP's bandwidth, but it does hog your Wi-Fi bandwidth. This can reduce internet speeds on other devices, as the connection is busy transmitting a high-bitrate video stream.

Do all LG TVs support wireless connectivity?

Almost all LG Smart TVs released after 2014 support Miracast. Non-Smart TV models or very old smart TVs may not have a built-in Wi-Fi Direct module, which is necessary for router-free operation. In this case, an external set-top box will be required.