How to connect a TV to a laptop via Wi-Fi: all the methods for 2026

Wirelessly streaming images from a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi is a convenient way to turn a large screen into a monitor for presentations, movies, or games. However, not all users know that this doesn't require running cables: modern technologies allow content to be streamed over the air with minimal latency. The key is to choose the right connection method based on your device's capabilities. TV And laptop.

In this article, we will examine all current connection methods: from standard protocols Miracast And DLNA to proprietary solutions like AirPlay (For Apple) And Smart View (For Samsung). You will learn what settings are required on both devices, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, lack of sound or lagging), and what alternatives exist if Wi-Fi is unstable.

Let's pay special attention to compatibility: not all laptops support it. Miracast (for example, older models on Windows 7), and some TVs may require a firmware update. We'll also look at how to bypass restrictions if your LG or Sony Bravia The laptop doesn't see the network, and what to do if the image is transmitted with artifacts.

1. Preparing devices: what to check before connecting

Before attempting to connect your TV to your laptop via Wi-Fi, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements. This will save you time and frustration.

Let's start with TV:

• 📺 Smart TV with Wi-Fi: Make sure your TV supports wireless networking. This applies to models released in 2015 or later (except for some budget models). You can check this in the menu. Settings → Network.
• 🔄 Firmware update: Outdated software may not support modern transmission protocols. Update your TV via Settings → Support → Software Update.
• 🔌 One Wi-Fi router: Both devices must be connected to the same networkIf the laptop uses mobile internet (4G/5G) and the TV uses home Wi-Fi, the connection will not work.

Now about laptop:

• 💻 operating system: Windows 10/11 or macOS (For AirPlay). On Windows 7/8 You may need to install additional drivers for Miracast.
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter: Check if your laptop supports Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastThis can be done through Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless displayIf the option is missing, update your network card driver.
• 🔋 Battery chargeWireless video streaming uses a lot of power. Connect your laptop to the network to avoid unexpected disconnections.

A critical detail: If your TV does not support Miracast but has an HDMI port, you can use an external adapter (e.g. Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or Google Chromecast). This will cost less than buying a new TV.

⚠️ Please note: Some manufacturers (eg. Samsung) block third-party protocols in favor of their own decisions (for example, Smart View). Before setting up, check the documentation that came with your TV.

2. Method 1: Miracast is a universal protocol for Windows and Android

Miracast — is a wireless image transmission standard supported by most modern devices. It works without a router (using wireless technology). Wi-Fi Direct), which is convenient for presentations or trips.

How to connect:

1. Activate the mode on your TV Miracast (on the menu Settings → Network → Screen Mirroring or Wireless display). On LG this can be called Screen Share, on Sony — Miracast.
2. On a laptop with Windows 10/11 click Win + K (or go to Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV's name from the list of available devices. If it's not there, update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices. The image from the laptop will appear on the TV screen.

Typical problems and solutions:

• 🔴 The TV is not showing up in the list.: Check if it is turned on Miracast on TV. On some models Xiaomi it needs to be activated manually via Settings → Connections → Wireless Display.
• 🔊 No sound: IN Windows go to Sound parameters and select TV as the output device.
• 🐢 Lag when watching videos: Reduce your laptop screen resolution to 1920×1080 or lower. Miracast sensitive to load.

Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices|

TV and laptop on the same network (or Wi-Fi Direct)|

Wi-Fi adapter drivers on laptop updated|

Screen Mirroring/Miracast mode is activated on the TV-->

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX200/AX201) may conflict with Miracast when using encryption WPA3Switch the router to WPA2 in security settings.

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

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a protocol for transmitting media content (video, music, photos) over a local network. Unlike MiracastIt doesn't mirror your laptop's screen, but only streams files. It's suitable for watching movies or listening to music without lag.

How to set up:

1. Make sure your TV and laptop are connected. one router.
2. Turn on the TV DLNA server (on the menu Settings → Network → DLNA or Media server). On Samsung this can be called AllShare, on LG — SmartShare.
3. On the laptop:
   • For Windows: open Conductor, in the left panel, select Net → Find your TV → Drag and drop files.
   • For macOS: use VLC or Plex Media Server.

Pros and cons of DLNA:

If the TV doesn't see the laptop on the network DLNA, check:

• 🔒 Firewall: Temporarily disable it or add an exception for the media server.
• 📂 General access: On the laptop, the folder with files must be shared (right click → Properties → Access → Share).
• 🔄 Rebooting the router: Sometimes resetting the network helps.

4. Method 3: AirPlay for Apple owners (MacBook + Apple TV or Smart TV)

If you have MacBook and a TV with support AirPlay (For example, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED 2021+ or Apple TV), this method will provide the most stable connection with minimal delays.

Connection instructions:

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on the TV AirPlay:
   • For Samsung: Settings → General → Apple AirPlay.
   • For LG: Settings → Network → AirPlay.
   • For Apple TV: the mode is enabled by default.

On MacBook:

• To duplicate your screen: open Control Center → Screen Mirroring → select TV.
• To transfer video: in the application (for example, QuickTime or Safari) click on the icon AirPlay (rectangle with triangle).

AirPlay Features:

• 🎮 Low latency: Ideal for gaming (if your TV supports it) AirPlay 2).
• 🔒 Secure connection: Data is transmitted in encrypted form.
• 🚫 Device restrictions: Works only with technology Apple or certified Smart TV.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung AirPlay may be disabled after a firmware update. Check your settings after each update.

How to enable AirPlay on TVs without official support?

Some televisions (eg. Xiaomi Mi TV or TCL) do not have a built-in AirPlay, but you can use a workaround:

1. Connect to TV Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick with the application installed AirScreen.

2. In the settings AirScreen activate the mode AirPlay.

3. On MacBook select this device from the menu Screen mirroring.

Cons: Possible lags at high resolutions (4K).

5. Method 4: Applications from manufacturers (Smart View, LG Screen Share)

Many brands develop their own wireless connection apps. These are often more stable than universal protocols, but they only work with devices from a single manufacturer.

Popular applications:

Brand	Application	Peculiarities
Samsung	Smart View	Supports screen mirroring and file transfer. Works on Windows/macOS/Android.
LG	LG Screen Share	Requires software installation on a laptop. Supported Miracast And DLNA.
Sony	Video & TV SideView	Control TV from a laptop + transfer media files.
Xiaomi	Mi Home	Works with TVs only Mi TV. Supports voice control.

Example of connection via Samsung Smart View:

1. Download the app Smart View from the official website Samsung.
2. Launch it on your laptop and select your TV from the list.
3. On TV, confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).
4. Select mode: Duplicate screen or Use as a second monitor.

Problems and solutions:

• 🔄 The app doesn't find the TV.: Reboot both devices and make sure they are on the same network. On some routers, you need to disable AP Isolation.
• 🖥️ The image is cropped: In the application settings, select Fit to screen.
• 🔊 The sound only comes through the laptop.: In the sound control panel (Win + I → System → Sound) select TV as the output device.

6. Method 5: Chromecast and similar devices – external adapters for older TVs

If your TV does not support Miracast or DLNA, but it has a port HDMI, you can use external adapters:

• 📱 Google Chromecast — for broadcasting from a laptop via a browser Chrome.
• 🖥️ Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter - For Miracast on old TVs.
• 🍎 Apple TV - For AirPlay and not only.

How to connect Chromecast:

1. Insert the adapter into the port HDMI TV and connect it to the power supply.
2. Set up Chromecast via the app Google Home on a smartphone.
3. On the laptop:
   • For Windows/macOS: open your browser Chrome, click ⋮ → Broadcast → select Chromecast.
   • To transfer the screen: in Chrome select Broadcast → Screen.

Adapter comparison:

Device	Protocol	Delay	Price (2026)
Google Chromecast 4K	Google Cast	Low (up to 200 ms)	~3 500 ₽
Microsoft WD Adapter	Miracast	Average (up to 300 ms)	~5 000 ₽
Apple TV 4K	AirPlay	Minimum (up to 100 ms)	~12 000 ₽

⚠️ Caution: When using Chromecast via browser Chrome There may be a sound delay of up to 1 second. For games or videos, it is better to use specialized applications (for example, Steam Link for game streaming).

7. Wi-Fi Alternatives: When Wireless Connection Doesn't Work

If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable (for example, due to a weak signal or an old router), consider alternative methods:

1. Connecting via HDMI cable:

• ⚡ Advantages: Zero latency, support 4K@120Hz.
• ⚠️ Flaws: You need to pull the cable, the length is limited (up to 5 meters without an amplifier).

2. Powerline adapters (transmission via electrical wiring):

• 🔌 How it works: Two adapters plug into the sockets and create a network through the electrical wiring.
• 📶 Speed: Up to 1 Gbit/s (in reality – 200-500 Mbit/s).

3. USB-C/Thunderbolt → HDMI:

• 💻 For laptops without HDMI: Use an adapter USB-C → HDMI (For example, Anker 565).
• ⚡ Important: Check if your laptop supports video output via USB-C (not all ports are created equal!).

When to ditch Wi-Fi:

• 🎮 For games: Even low latency (50+ ms) makes games unplayable.
• 🎥 For 4K HDR: Wireless protocols often downgrade to 1080p.
• 🏠 For hotels/inns: Public Wi-Fi networks may block Miracast.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a TV to a laptop via Wi-Fi

🔍 Why can't my TV see my laptop on the network?

There are several reasons:

• Different Wi-Fi networks (e.g. laptop on 5 GHz, TV on 2.4 GHz).
• Disabled Miracast or DLNA on TV.
• A firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection.
• Outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your laptop.

Solution: Check the network settings on both devices and update the software.

🎧 How do I stream audio from my laptop to my TV?

If there is a picture but no sound:

1. On Windows: right click on the sound icon → Open sound settings → in the section Conclusion Select TV.
2. On macOS: System Preferences → Sound → Output → select TV.
3. If the device is not displayed, reconnect or restart both devices.

🖥️ Can I use my TV as a second monitor?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• Through Miracast or AirPlay you can select the mode Expand (instead of Duplicate).
• On Windows: Win + P → Expand.
• On macOS: In Display settings, drag the second display thumbnail to the desired position.

Limitation: Some TVs do not support second monitor mode (only mirroring).

📶 How to reduce lag during streaming?

Ways to reduce lag:

• Use a router with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and connect devices to the 5 GHz network.
• Reduce your laptop screen resolution to 1280×720.
• Close background programs that consume traffic (torrents, updates).
• For gaming, use a wired connection or Steam Link.

🔄 What should I do if the connection keeps dropping?

The problem may be:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move the router closer or use a repeater.
• Congested channel: In your router settings, select a less crowded channel (for example, 36 instead of 6).
• Saving laptop power: Disable sleep mode for the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.