Modern users of smartphones based on Android often strive to display the image from a mobile device on a large home theater screen. Equipment owners LG are faced with the need to find hidden or specific settings that allow them to activate the sharing function. The problem is often that the operating system interface differs from the usual Android menu, which is why the “Sharing” item may be hidden deep in the network settings or even be called differently. WebOS differs from the usual Android menu, which is why the “Sharing” item may be hidden deep in the network settings or even have a different name.
The content broadcast function is not a single button, but is a complex of technologies, including proprietary solutions of the manufacturer. Understanding the differences between these protocols is critical to successfully syncing devices. If you are looking for where exactly on your TV Miracast, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and proprietary solutions from the manufacturer. Understanding the differences between these protocols is critical to successfully syncing devices. If you are looking for where exactly on TV LG enable reception of a signal from your smartphone, then the answer depends on what type of content you plan to transmit: screen mirroring or streaming video from the gallery.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm for activating all available connection methods, indicate common errors and provide step-by-step guide for different firmware versions. You don't have to be a techie to set up a wireless connection, but knowing the specific menu paths will save you a lot of time and stress when trying to pair your gadgets for the first time.
Basics of wireless data transmission on LG TVs
Before looking for the treasured button in the menu, you need to understand that Android and WebOS communicate with each other through different standards. Most often, by the phrase “sharing function,” users mean technology Miracast (in LG terminology this is often called Screen Share). This protocol allows you to duplicate the image from the smartphone display to the TV in real time without the use of intermediate routers, creating a direct connection Wi-Fi Direct.
The second popular method is the use of a media server DLNA. Unlike mirroring, here the phone acts as a controller, and the TV plays files stored in the smartphone’s memory or on a storage device connected to it. For this mode to work, both devices must be on the same local network created by your home router. This provides more stable transmission of high-definition video, since the load is distributed differently.
⚠️ Warning: If you use a guest Wi-Fi network or isolated VLANs on the router, the devices may not see each other even if the TV is configured correctly. Make sure that the smartphone and TV are connected to the same subnet.
The third important element of the ecosystem is support AirPlay 2which appeared on new models LG starting in 2019. Although this is technology from Applemany applications on Android now know how to emulate this protocol or use universal cast standards compatible with LG receivers. This opens up additional opportunities for streaming content from browsers and specialized applications.
Why sometimes the direct connection does not work?
The Wi-Fi Direct connection may be interrupted if there is a powerful source of interference nearby, for example, a microwave oven or a neighbor's router on the same channel. In such cases, it is better to switch to DLNA mode through the main router.
Search and activate Screen Share (Miracast) mode
The most direct way to find the screen mirroring sharing feature is to use the built-in app Screen Share. On most models LG it is preinstalled and available directly from the home screen or in the list of all applications. However, on some versions WebOS this function is integrated directly into the quick settings panel, which can confuse an inexperienced user.
To activate the connection standby mode, you need to launch the application and select the correct operating mode. Typically, the system offers two options: “Broadcast from device” (for smartphones) and “Connect to device” (to connect the TV to another source). We need the first option. After startup, the message “Waiting for connection” will appear on the screen, which indicates that Wi-Fi Direct the TV module is active and ready for pairing.
On the side of your smartphone based on Android the procedure may be called differently depending on the shell manufacturer. In pure Android, this is the “Broadcast” function, y Samsung — Smart View, y Xiaomi — “Broadcast” or “Wireless Display”. After enabling this feature on your phone, your TV should appear in the list of available devices LG.
- 📱 Make sure that the Screen Share application is running on your TV before starting a search on your phone.
- 📶 Check that the Wi-Fi module on both devices is turned on, even if you are using a direct connection.
- 🔒 When connecting for the first time, the screen appears TV may appear asking for confirmation - click “Accept” on the remote control.
- ⚙️ If the device is not found, try restarting the Wi-Fi service on your smartphone.
☑️ Preparing to connect Screen Share
It is important to note that in older firmware versions the path to this function could be different. If you don't find the application on the main screen, try pressing the button Input on the remote and selecting the signal source Screen Share from the list of inputs, as if you were switching to HDMI. This is an outdated, but still working method of activating the signal receiver on some models of the series LH or LF.
Setting up sharing via a home network (DLNA)
If your goal is to play video files, photos or music, and not duplicate the smartphone interface, then using technology DLNA will be more preferred. In this case, the sharing function is configured not through a special application on the TV, but through the network settings. The TV automatically scans the local network for compatible media servers, the role of which is performed by your phone.
On smartphones Android to implement this function, you often need to install a third-party media server application, if such an option is not built into the standard gallery or player. Popular solutions include BubbleUPnP or built-in functions in file managers. After starting the server on the phone, on the TV LG you need to go to the application Photos and videos or Smart Share (on older models).
Inside the TV media player application you will see a list of available devices on the network. By selecting your smartphone, you will have access to shared folders. This method allows you to control playback from the remote control, which is much more convenient than holding the phone in your hands. The picture quality with this method is often higher, since the TV’s hardware decoding is used.
| Characteristics | Miracast (Screen Share) | DLNA (Smart Share) | Chromecast Built-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Screen mirror | Streaming media | Broadcast from applications |
| Dependency on the router | No (Wi-Fi Direct) | Yes (Local Network) | Yes (Internet/Network) |
| Control | From a smartphone | From the TV remote control | From a smartphone |
| Energy consumption phone | High | Low | Medium |
For stable DLNA operation, it is advisable to assign a static IP address to your smartphone in the router settings so that the TV always sees it at the same address.
It is worth considering that the speed of data transfer DLNA directly depends on the quality of your Wi-Fi connection. If the router is located far from the TV or smartphone, there may be stuttering when playing heavy 4K content. In such situations, it is recommended to use the frequency 5 GHzif both devices support this range.
Using the LG TV Plus function and mobile applications
The company LG has developed its own application LG TV Plus (formerly known as LG Remote), which significantly expands the sharing capabilities. This official solution allows you not only to control the TV as a remote control, but also to use the Mobile Communications function to transfer photos and videos. This method often works more stable than standard protocols, thanks to optimization for specific hardware.
After installing the application on Android and pairing with the TV via the same Wi-Fi network, a section for transferring files appears in the app interface. You can select photos or videos from your phone's gallery and send them to your TV screen with just one tap. The TV will automatically open the player and start playing. This is ideal for quickly showing photos to friends without the hassle of setting up mirror mode.
⚠️ Note: The LG TV Plus app requires local network and storage permissions. If you disabled these permissions during installation, the sharing feature will not work. Check your permissions settings in the Android menu.
In addition, new versions WebOS integrated support Google Chromecast. If your TV is a 2019 or newer model, you can use the standard Broadcast button (the rectangle with waves icon) in Android apps. In this case, the search for the device occurs automatically, and separate activation of the function on the TV is not required - it constantly scans the network in the background. YouTube, Netflix or Google Photos on Android. In this case, the search for the device occurs automatically, and separate activation of the function on the TV is not required - it constantly scans the network in the background.
To activate hidden functions in the application, sometimes you need to update the firmware of the TV itself. Go to Settings → All settings → Support → Software update and check for new versions. Manufacturers often add support for new codecs and communication protocols through security and functionality updates.
Solving problems with device detection
One of the most common problems is the situation when the function is enabled, but the smartphone simply “does not sees" the TV in the list of available devices. This may be caused by firewall settings on the router that block communication between LAN clients (AP Isolation). If this feature is active on your router, devices on the Wi-Fi network will not be able to communicate directly.
Incompatibility of Wi-Fi security standards may also be the cause. If the TV is connected using the old protocol WPA, and the smartphone requires WPA2/WPA3, or vice versa, the connection may not be established correctly. Try temporarily disabling password protection on the guest network to see if the problem is encryption, but be sure to return the security settings immediately after the test.
In some cases, resetting the network settings on the TV helps. To do this, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection → Advanced Wi-Fi Settings and select the reset option. After rebooting the TV, re-enter your network password. This clears the network connection cache and often solves problems with a frozen wireless module.
- 🔄 Reboot both the router and the TV - this solves 80% of detection problems.
- 📡 Make sure that both devices operate on the same frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), although modern routers should combine them.
- 🛡️ Disable VPN on your smartphone, as it changes traffic routing and hides the device from the local network.
If the devices do not see each other, the problem in 9 out of 10 cases lies in the router settings (client isolation) or the enabled VPN on the smartphone.
If all else fails, you can use the wired diagnostic method. Connect your smartphone to the TV via an adapter USB-C to HDMI. If the image appears, it means that the video path of the TV is working properly, and the problem is definitely in the software part of the wireless module or the network settings.
Connection features for different versions of WebOS
The TV interface LG has undergone significant changes with the release of new versions. WebOS. Owners of models with version 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 can see the classic application launcher at the bottom of the screen, where the icon Screen Share is placed separately. From version WebOS 6.0 and later (on models with Alpha 9 Gen 4 processors and higher), the interface has become more minimalistic, and some functions have been moved to the Home menu or content cards.
On the latest models with WebOS 22 or 23 the emphasis is on user profiles and smart home. Here, the sharing function can be integrated into the smart home control center or accessed through a voice assistant. Try pressing the microphone button on the remote control and saying “Enable broadcast from phone” - the system may automatically open the desired interface.
The differences also apply to menu names. If you came across the term Smart Sharein old instructions, then in new firmware it is replaced with more universal names or fully integrated into the “Gallery” and “Video” system applications. Understanding the evolution of the interface helps you navigate the settings faster, even if the menu items have been renamed.
⚠️ Attention: The WebOS interface may vary slightly depending on the region where the TV was sold and the specific telecom operator that may have preinstalled its version of the software. If the described paths do not match, look for icons with similar meaning.
How to find the WebOS version?
Go to Settings → All settings → Support → Product information. The software version will be indicated there, for example, 03.xx.xx or 05.xx.xx.
For owners of older models that do not support modern wireless transmission standards, the only option is to purchase an external set-top box, for example Chromecast or Android TV Box. This will allow you to add the sharing function to any TV that has a port HDMI, regardless of the year of manufacture and the installed operating system.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the LG TV not see my Android smartphone in the list of devices?
Most often the problem is that the devices are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, one to the main one, the other to the guest one). Also check if the AP Isolation feature is activated on the router, which prevents devices from seeing each other. Make sure that VPN is disabled on your phone.
Is it possible to transfer sound from a phone to a TV without a picture?
Yes, it is possible. When connected via Screen Share, audio is transmitted automatically. If you are using a Bluetooth headset or want to stream only audio, some LG models support connecting your smartphone as a Bluetooth audio output device in the TV's audio settings.
The image is delayed when broadcasting from Android, what should I do?
Delay (lag) is typical for Miracast technology. To reduce latency, try moving your router closer to your devices, switching to the 5 GHz frequency, or closing background applications on your smartphone. This method is not suitable for games due to the inevitable signal delay.
Do all LG TVs support the sharing function?
Almost all Smart TVs from LG released after 2012 support some form of sharing (Smart Share, Screen Share). However, older models may not support modern codecs or Wi-Fi security standards, which will make it difficult to connect new smartphones.
Do you need the Internet for the Screen Share function to work?
No, Miracast (Screen Share) does not require the Internet, since a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection is used. However, for DLNA and Chromecast to work, both devices must be connected to the same router, although access to the World Wide Web is not required.