Modern technologies make it possible to turn any Smart TV into a powerful multimedia center, and LG TVs take a leading position here thanks to its popular webOS platform. Transferring content from a smartphone to a big screen is no longer a difficult task requiring cables and adapters. Now a stable wireless connection is enough to show photos, videos or even play mobile games on a huge diagonal.
The main technology that unites Android and LG is the standard Miracastwhich is built into most modern devices. However, users often encounter setup nuances when the phone “does not see” the TV or the image is transmitted with a delay. In this material, we will analyze all the current connection methods, from built-in functions to specialized applications.
Before you start setting up, it is important to understand that the quality of the broadcast directly depends on the speed of your local network. Wi-Fi router it must work correctly, and both devices must be on the same network. If you plan to stream video in 4K, make sure that your router supports the 5 GHz band, since the 2.4 GHz frequency may not cope with the data flow.
Preparing equipment and checking compatibility
The first step to successful synchronization is checking the hardware parts. Make sure your LG TV supports the Smart Share function or has a built-in Wi-Fi Direct module. Almost all LG models released after 2012 are equipped with the necessary functionality, but the webOS firmware version can affect the stability of operation.
On the smartphone side, the requirements are even simpler: the presence of the Android operating system version 4.2 and higher. In modern shells from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, broadcast functions are built deep into the system and do not require the installation of additional software. However, older models may require a third-party application.
⚠️ Attention: If your router distributes two networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the same name, the devices may become confused. For initial setup, it is better to temporarily separate the networks or make sure that both gadgets are connected to exactly one of them.
It is also worth checking whether the TV software is updated. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve communication protocols. Go to the settings menu and check for updates for your model LG Smart TV.
Setting up the built-in Screen Share function on an LG TV
For the TV to become visible to external devices, you must activate the corresponding mode in its interface. LG remote controls have a button Input or a special button with a smartphone icon. Clicking on it brings up the signal source selection menu.
In the list of sources, select the item Screen Share. A connection waiting window will appear on the TV screen with the name of your device. In new versions of webOS, this process can occur automatically in the background, but for older models, manual launch is required.
What to do if Screen Share does not start?
If the application does not open, try restarting the TV by completely unplugging it from the outlet for 10 seconds. This will clear the system services cache and often solves the problem of the Wi-Fi module freezing.
Some models have a separate application in the Smart TV menu, which is called “Screen Share”. Run it to put your TV into discovery mode. Now the device is ready to receive a signal.
Using the "Broadcast" function in Android
On Android smartphones, the image transmission mechanism is called differently depending on the manufacturer. In pure Android it is “Broadcast”, for Samsung it is Smart View, for Xiaomi it is “Broadcast”, for Huawei it is “Projection”. The algorithm of actions is similar everywhere.
Lower the notification curtain and find the corresponding icon. If it is not on the first screen, swipe the panel sideways or click on the three dots to edit the menu. After activation, the system will begin searching for available devices on the network.
When your LG TV appears in the list (for example, [LG] webOS TV), click on it. You may be asked to confirm your connection on the TV screen - use your remote control to allow access. After this, the phone screen will be completely mirrored on the TV.
Alternative methods through LG TV Plus applications
If the standard screen broadcast is unstable or you need to transfer only specific files (photos or videos), it is better to use a proprietary application LG TV Plus. It is available on Google Play Market and provides a more reliable connection for multimedia.
Install the application on your smartphone and launch it. The app will automatically scan the network and find the TV. To pair, a code will appear on the TV screen that must be entered in the application. This creates a constant communication channel.
There is a convenient file manager inside the application. You can select a video from your phone's gallery and send it to TV. Unlike mirroring, here the video is played back by the TV, which saves phone battery power and allows you to use the smartphone for other tasks.
| Method | Latency | Quality | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Share (Miracast) | Low | High | High |
| LG TV Plus | Absent | Maximum | Medium |
| Google Home | Medium | High | High |
| HDMI cable | None | Ideal | Charging |
Using the application is especially important if you want to show a photo album to friends or play a video file that is not supported by the phone's built-in player, but is read by the TV.
Broadcast via Google Home and Chromecast
Many modern LG TVs have built-in support Chromecast built-in. This allows you to stream content directly from aggregator applications such as YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos, without loading the phone's processor.
The application Google Homeis used to control this process. It allows you to turn your TV into a full-fledged media station. Open the application, find your TV in the list of devices and click the "Broadcast screen" button.
If you click on the broadcast icon (rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) in the YouTube application on your phone, the video will start immediately on the TV in maximum quality, and the phone can be used as a remote control.
This method is ideal for streaming services. You select a movie on your phone, press the Cast button, and the TV itself downloads the stream from the Internet. The phone at this moment acts only as a control panel.
Solving problems with connection and delays
A common problem is desynchronization of sound and image or periodic jerking of the picture. This indicates that the Wi-Fi channel is overloaded. Try turning off other devices that consume traffic, or moving the router closer to the viewing area.
If the phone does not find the TV, check the firewall settings on the router. Sometimes client isolation features (AP Isolation) prevent devices from seeing each other within the local network. This option should be disabled.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface of LG TVs may differ depending on the webOS version (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0). The location of the "Connect to a mobile device" or "Connection menu" items may vary.
Resetting the network settings on both devices also helps. Delete the Wi-Fi profile on your phone and connect again. On the TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection and reconnect to the router.
☑️ Checklist for successful connection
Comparing methods and choosing the optimal one option
The choice of method depends on your goals. For games and desktop demonstration, the native function Miracast (Screen Share) is best suited, as it transmits the image in real time. However, it greatly drains the battery.
To watch movies from the phone's memory or from online cinemas, it is preferable to use the protocol DLNA via the LG TV Plus application or the built-in Cast. This ensures better picture quality and stability.
For games, use Screen Share, for movies - built-in Cast or DLNA applications.
Do not forget that when broadcasting via Wi-Fi, the phone may heat up. This is a normal processor reaction to encoding a video stream. If the device gets too hot, take a break.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer the screen without a router, directly?
Yes, Wi-Fi Direct technology allows you to connect your phone and TV directly, without the participation of a router. In the TV menu, select Wi-Fi Direct mode, find the phone network in the Wi-Fi settings of your smartphone and connect. However, the speed may be lower than through the router.
Why is the image stretched or not full screen?
This is an aspect ratio problem. On the LG remote control, press the button P:Ratio or Aspect Ratio and select the "Just Scan", "Original" or "16:9" mode so that the image fills the screen without distortion.
The video slows down when broadcasting, what should I do?
Reduce the video quality in source, if possible. Also try moving your phone closer to the router. If using a 2.4 GHz network, switch to 5 GHz for more bandwidth.
Does my old LG Smart TV support casting?
Models before 2012 may not have built-in Wi-Fi or Miracast support. In this case, you will need an external adapter (for example, Chromecast or Miracast whistle) that connects to the HDMI port.