Modern smartphones based on Android have become powerful multimedia centers capable of storing thousands of photos, movies and games. However, viewing content on a small screen is not always convenient, especially when you want to enjoy a high-quality picture with your family. That is why the question of how to connect Android to an LG TV remains one of the most popular among owners of smart technology. Connecting a mobile device with a large display opens up access to a new level of entertainment and work.
TVs from the South Korean company LG are equipped with their own operating system webOS, which is characterized by stability and a user-friendly interface. Unlike many competitors using Android TV, the synchronization process here may have its own nuances. However, manufacturers have provided many integration methods: from wireless protocols to classic cables. The choice of a specific method depends on the model of your TV, the version of the smartphone operating system and your personal preferences.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available connection options, paying special attention to wireless technologies that make using technology as comfortable as possible. You'll learn how to set up screen streaming without lag, which apps are best to use for streaming, and how to resolve common compatibility issues. Correct setup will allow you to turn your TV into a universal media center in a matter of minutes.
Preparing equipment and checking compatibility
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that your equipment is ready for use. The key condition for most wireless methods is the presence of a module Wi-Fi in both devices. If your LG TV was released after 2014, there is a 99% chance that it supports modern data transfer standards. However, older models may require additional adapters or the use of wired solutions.
It is also important to check the version of the operating system on your smartphone. Screen casting functions, such as Miracast or Smart View, require Android version 4.2 and higher, but for stable operation it is recommended to use more recent builds. Make sure both devices are connected to the same wireless network. Different frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) can sometimes create visibility problems, so ideally the router should broadcast a single network or devices should be connected to the same band.
⚠️ Attention: If your router has the Client Isolation feature, devices on the same network will not be able to see each other. Disable this option in the router settings before starting setup.
For a wired connection, you will need an appropriate cable or adapter. The standard HDMI is the most universal, but modern smartphones often lack a full-fledged port, requiring the use of converters USB-C to HDMI. Check your phone's specifications to see if it supports video output through the charging port. Not all budget models have this function, even if the connector is physically present.
☑️ Ready to connect
Wireless connection via Miracast technology
Technology Miracast is a standard for wireless video and audio transmission that does not require the Internet, working directly between devices. On LG TVs this function is often called Screen Share or "Connecting to a phone". This is one of the fastest ways to duplicate your smartphone screen onto a large display without installing third-party software. The quality of the transmission depends on the power of the Wi-Fi modules and the absence of interference on the air.
To get started, activate the function on the TV. Go to the application menu and find the Screen Shareicon. After startup, the TV will go into standby mode to search for devices. On a smartphone, the process may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell. For example, on Samsung this is a function Smart View, on Xiaomi - Broadcast, and on pure Android - a function Broadcast in the notification shade.
When you run a search on your phone, your LG TV should appear in the list of available devices. Click on it to establish a connection. In some cases, a connection confirmation request will appear on the TV screen, which must be accepted by the remote control. After this, the image from the smartphone will appear on the TV screen with minimal delay.
To reduce the delay when playing mobile games via Miracast, if possible, connect the TV to the router with a LAN cable, and leave the smartphone on Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
It is worth noting that when using Miracast, the smartphone screen is completely duplicated. This means that all notifications, calls and activities will be visible on the big screen. If you want to watch videos in the background or use your phone for other tasks, this method may not be the most convenient. In such cases, it is better to consider options using specific applications for streaming content.
Using the proprietary LG TV Plus application
LG has developed its own application LG TV Plus, which allows you not only to stream media files, but also to use your smartphone as a remote control. This method is especially useful if you need to show photos to friends or play a video from your gallery without duplicating the entire phone interface. The application is available for free download in the store Google Play.
After installation, launch the application and grant it the necessary permissions to access the local network and files. The app will automatically scan the network and find compatible LG TVs. Select your device from the list. For initial pairing, you may need to enter the code displayed on the TV screen, or confirm the connection by pressing a button on the remote control.
Inside the application you will find several useful sections. The Media tab allows you to select photos, videos and music for playback on the TV. The function Screen Mirror inside the application works similarly to system broadcast, but sometimes provides a more stable connection due to optimization for specific TV models. In addition, you can use the phone's touch panel to control the cursor on the TV screen.
One of the advantages of using official software is format support DLNA. This allows you to transfer high-resolution files without loss of quality, since the TV itself decodes the stream, and the phone acts only as a server. The load on the smartphone battery in this mode is significantly lower than with full screen duplication.
Broadcast via Google Home and Chromecast
Many modern LG TVs support built-in technology Google Cast (Chromecast built-in). This allows you to stream content directly from apps that support the feature, such as YouTube, Netflix or Spotify. Unlike Miracast, here the phone does not duplicate the screen, but sends a command to the TV to play content from the Internet, which frees up the smartphone for other tasks.
To configure, make sure that the application is installed on your smartphone Google Home. Launch it and find your TV in the list of devices. If the TV is not displayed, check whether the Chromecast function is enabled in the settings of the TV itself (usually located in the Settings → Connections → Connection Managersection). After detection, click on the device icon and select the option Cast screen.
This method provides the best picture quality when watching online videos, since the stream goes directly from the server to the TV, bypassing the phone. There is virtually no latency, and the quality adapts to your Internet speed. However, this method requires a stable connection to the global network.
| Method | Internet required | Latency | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miracast | No | Medium | High |
| Google Cast | Yes | Low | Low |
| HDMI Cable | No | None | Charging |
| LG TV Plus | No (for files) | Average | Average |
⚠️ Attention: Interface and names of functions in the Google Home app may change due to service updates. If you do not find the broadcast button, check that the application version is up to date in the store.
Wired connection via HDMI and adapters
When wireless methods do not provide the required stability or quality, a classic wired connection comes to the rescue. Connection via HDMI guarantees signal transmission without compression and delays, which is critical for gaming or watching videos in 4K HDR format. To implement this method, you will need an HDMI cable and a corresponding adapter for your smartphone.
Owners of modern phones with a port USB Type-C must use an adapter USB-C to HDMI. It is important to check whether your port supports the standard MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) or DisplayPort Alt Mode. Without this support, the adapter will only work for charging or data transfer, but will not output an image. Flagship models from Samsung, Huawei and Sony usually support this function, while budget segments often lack it.
Connection sequence:1. Connect the adapter to your smartphone.
2. Insert the HDMI cable into the adapter and TV.
3. On the TV remote control, press the Input button and select the appropriate port (for example, HDMI 1).
4. The image should appear automatically.
If you have an older device with micro USB, you will need an adapter Micro-USB to HDMIthat also supports MHL. One of the main advantages of this connection is that the phone is simultaneously charged from the network (if the adapter has a power port), which allows you to watch movies for hours without draining the battery.
Why is there no signal when you connect the cable?
If the cable is connected but the screen is black, check whether your specific USB port supports video output. Try a different HDMI port on your TV or replace the cable, as not all cables support high resolutions.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the ease of setup, users often encounter a situation where the TV does not see the phone or the connection is constantly disconnected. The most common reason is different Wi-Fi subnets. Make sure both devices are connected to the same router and not to different access points or guest networks. Sometimes simply rebooting the router and both devices helps.
Another problem could be outdated software. Manufacturers regularly release updates that correct protocol compatibility errors. Go to the LG TV settings along All settings → Support → Software update and check for new versions. It is also worth updating the system and applications for broadcasting on your smartphone.
If the image is transmitted, but there is no sound, check the sound settings in Android. When connected via Miracast, the sound should switch automatically, but sometimes you need to manually select the output device in the volume menu. When using HDMI, make sure that the correct source is selected in the TV audio settings.
⚠️ Attention: When using cheap Chinese HDMI adapters, the picture quality may be unstable and the resolution is limited to 720p. For 4K content, use certified accessories.
The stability of the wireless connection directly depends on the congestion of the Wi-Fi channel. If there are many devices on the network, try switching the router to a less busy frequency.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I connect my phone to an old LG TV without Smart TV?
Yes, this is only possible through a wired connection. You will need an HDMI adapter for your phone and an HDMI cable. Old TVs without smart functions do not have Wi-Fi modules to receive a wireless signal, so they work like a regular monitor.
Why is the quality worse when streaming videos from YouTube than on a phone?
This may be due to the Internet speed to which the TV is connected. When using Google Cast, the video is downloaded directly by the TV. Check the connection speed on your TV and make sure that it is sufficient for a high-resolution stream (minimum 15-25 Mbps for 4K).
Does the game slow down when connected via Miracast?
Yes, a slight delay (input lag) is always present during wireless transmission. For dynamic shooters or racing games this can be critical. For such purposes, it is strongly recommended to use a wired HDMI connection, which provides instant response.
How to disable screen casting?
On your smartphone, open the notification shade and click on the active casting icon (Smart View, Broadcast, etc.), then select “Disable” or “Disconnect.” You can also simply turn off your phone screen or close the application through which you are broadcasting.
Does LG support audio transmission to Bluetooth headphones when broadcasting from your phone?
Usually no. When mirroring the screen, the sound comes through the TV speakers. To use headphones, you need to connect them either to the phone itself (then the sound will only be in the headphones, and not on the TV), or to the TV via Bluetooth, if the TV model supports audio output to a headset.