Does LG TV Have AirPlay? (Quick Answer)
Yes, most LG Smart TVs manufactured from 2018 onward support Apple AirPlay 2. This includes LG OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and UHD series running webOS 4.0 or later. The entire 2026 lineup - including the G6, C6, B6, and W6 - features AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit built in.
Not all LG TVs have AirPlay, though. Models from 2017 and earlier missed the cutoff entirely. AirPlay 2 arrived on LG TVs in mid-2019 through a firmware update for 2019 models, and LG later extended support to select 2018 models as well. If your LG TV was manufactured in 2018 or after, you're almost certainly covered.
So what exactly does AirPlay do on your LG TV? It's Apple's wireless protocol for streaming video, audio, photos, and mirroring your entire device screen from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your television. And no, you don't need a separate Apple TV box to make it work - AirPlay 2 is built right into the TV's operating system.
A quick note on terminology: AirPlay actually covers two different functions. Content streaming sends a specific video or song from an app directly to your TV, while screen mirroring displays your entire device screen on the television. Both work through the same AirPlay connection on compatible LG TVs.
Three things need to be in place for AirPlay to work:
An LG TV from 2018 or newer running webOS 4.0 or later
An Apple device running iOS 12.4 or later (or macOS Mojave 10.14.5+)
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
This guide walks you through everything - from confirming your TV's compatibility to how to airplay to lg tv, plus how to fix lg tv screen problems related to AirPlay. If you're wondering how to connect iphone to lg tv, we cover that too with step-by-step instructions.
Does LG TV have AirPlay without Apple TV? Yes. AirPlay is built into compatible LG TVs from 2018 onward. You do not need an Apple TV streaming box - your LG Smart TV handles the connection natively.
Sources: LG USA Support - AirPlay 2 Compatible Models, Apple - AirPlay
Complete List of LG TVs That Support AirPlay 2 (2018–2026)
Finding out whether your specific LG TV supports AirPlay 2 shouldn't require guesswork. We cross-referenced LG's official support documentation with Apple's AirPlay 2-compatible device list to compile the most comprehensive model reference available - covering every compatible LG TV from 2018 through 2026.
Worth knowing: is lg a good tv brand? When it comes to Apple ecosystem support, LG was among the first TV manufacturers to adopt AirPlay 2 and remains one of the most broadly compatible. Every current-year LG TV includes it.
LG OLED Series (2018–2026)
Year | Models | webOS Version |
|---|---|---|
2018 | B8, C8, E8, W8 | webOS 4.0 |
2019 | B9, C9, E9, W9, Z9 | webOS 4.5 |
2020 | BX, CX, GX, WX, ZX | webOS 5.0 |
2021 | B1, C1, G1, Z1 | webOS 6.0 |
2022 | B2, C2, G2, Z2 | webOS 22 |
2023 | B3, C3, G3, Z3 | webOS 23 |
2024 | B4, C4, G4, M4 | webOS 24 |
2025 | B5, C5, G5, M5 | webOS 25 |
2026 | B6, B6E, C6, C6H, G6, W6 | webOS 26 |
LG's OLED range has supported AirPlay 2 from day one of its introduction. If you're curious about what is the best lg oled tv, the 2026 G6 represents the current flagship with its second-generation Tandem WOLED panel and Hyper Radiant Color technology. The C6H brings that same panel upgrade to the C-series for the first time in 77-inch and 83-inch sizes. For the best current value, check what is the best lg tv overall.
LG QNED & NanoCell Series (2019–2026)
Year | Models | webOS Version |
|---|---|---|
2019 | SM9x, SM8x NanoCell | webOS 4.5 |
2020 | NANOxx (NANO99, NANO90, NANO85, NANO80) | webOS 5.0 |
2021 | QNED99, QNED90, NANO99, NANO90, NANO85, NANO80, NANO75 | webOS 6.0 |
2022 | QNED99, QNED90, QNED85, QNED80, NANO75 | webOS 22 |
2023 | QNED99, QNED90, QNED85, QNED80, NANO77, NANO76, NANO75 | webOS 23 |
2024 | QNED99, QNED90, QNED85, QNED80 | webOS 24 |
2025 | QNED9x, QNED8x series | webOS 25 |
2026 | QNED-B series, Micro RGB (MRGB95B, MRGB85B) | webOS 26 |
If you're wondering which lg qned tv is best, the 2026 lineup introduces LG's first Micro RGB TVs alongside refreshed QNED Mini LED models - all with AirPlay 2 support.
LG UHD Series (2018–2026)
Year | Models | webOS Version |
|---|---|---|
2018 | UK series (UK7x, UK6x) | webOS 4.0 |
2019 | UM series (UM7x, UM6x) | webOS 4.5 |
2020 | UN series (UN85, UN80, UN73, UN70) | webOS 5.0 |
2021 | UP series (UP80, UP77, UP75, UP70) | webOS 6.0 |
2022 | UQ series (UQ90, UQ80, UQ75, UQ70) | webOS 22 |
2023 | UR series (UR90, UR80, UR78, UR73) | webOS 23 |
2024 | UT series (UT90, UT80, UT70) | webOS 24 |
2025 | UA series | webOS 25 |
2026 | UB series | webOS 26 |
Even LG's most affordable UHD TVs from 2018 onward include AirPlay 2. Yes, is lg tv a smart tv - every model listed here runs LG's webOS smart platform. And a common question: is lg tv android? No, LG uses its own webOS operating system rather than Android TV or Google TV.
webOS Version Quick Reference
webOS Version | TV Year | AirPlay 2 Support |
|---|---|---|
webOS 4.0 | 2018 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 4.5 | 2019 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 5.0 | 2020 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 6.0 | 2021 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 22 | 2022 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 23 | 2023 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 24 | 2024 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 25 | 2025 | ✅ Yes |
webOS 26 | 2026 | ✅ Yes |
Your LG TV also supports other wireless features worth exploring. For instance, does lg tv have bluetooth for headphones and speakers, and does lg tv have chromecast - yes, Google Cast is built into all recent webOS versions alongside AirPlay 2.
Pre-2018 LG TVs: If your LG TV was manufactured in 2017 or earlier, it does not support AirPlay natively. No firmware update can add it. Jump to the alternatives section below for your options.
Sources: LG USA Support - AirPlay 2 Compatible Models, Apple - AirPlay 2-Enabled Smart TVs, FlatpanelsHD - LG 2026 TV Lineup
How to Check If Your LG TV Has AirPlay
Not sure whether your specific model made the cut? Here are three fast methods to confirm AirPlay support, tested across webOS 24 and webOS 26.
Method 1: Check the Settings Menu
This is the quickest route. Grab your LG remote and follow this path:
Press the Home button on your remote
Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
Select Connection (on some older webOS versions, look under General)
Look for AirPlay and HomeKit Settings
If that option appears, your TV supports AirPlay 2. Toggle it on if it isn't already. If the option is missing entirely, your TV is either pre-2018 or running outdated firmware - try Method 2 to confirm.
Method 2: Check Your webOS Version
Still unsure? Check your software version:
Press Home → Settings → All Settings
Go to General (or Support on newer models) → About This TV
Note the webOS version displayed
If your TV runs webOS 4.0 or higher, AirPlay is supported. Cross-reference with the webOS version table above.
Method 3: Decode Your Model Number
Every LG TV model number contains its year of manufacture. Here's how to decode it - and this is something how to find lg tv model number comes in handy for. The key digit to watch is the number or letter before the final suffix:
8 = 2018, 9 = 2019, X = 2020, 1 = 2021, 2 = 2022, 3 = 2023, 4 = 2024, 5 = 2025, 6 = 2026
For example, OLED55C3PUA - the "3" means 2023. If your model year is 2018 or later, AirPlay is supported.
What If AirPlay Is Missing?
If your TV was made in 2018 or later but AirPlay doesn't appear in the settings, try updating your firmware first. Head to Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates. You can also learn how to update lg tv software or how to update firmware on lg tv in our dedicated guides.
On some 2018 models specifically, AirPlay wasn't available at launch - it arrived through a firmware update later that year. If your firmware is current and AirPlay still isn't showing, your model likely predates the supported range.
Source: LG Support - About This TV
What Is AirPlay 2 and How Is It Different from AirPlay?
You'll notice we keep saying "AirPlay 2" rather than just "AirPlay." That distinction matters.
The original AirPlay (released in 2010) only worked between Apple devices - think iPhone to Apple TV, or Mac to Mac. AirPlay 2, released in 2018, extended support to third-party smart TVs, speakers, and receivers. That's the version built into your LG TV.
Here's what AirPlay 2 specifically enables on LG TVs:
Multi-room audio - play the same music on your LG TV and a HomePod simultaneously, perfectly synced
HomeKit integration - control your TV with Siri, include it in Apple Home automations, and manage it from the Home app
Improved buffering - AirPlay 2 uses a larger buffer for smoother, more reliable playback compared to the original protocol
Apple Home app control - power your TV on or off, switch inputs, and adjust volume directly from your iPhone
This means your LG TV isn't just a passive display for AirPlay content - it becomes a genuine part of the Apple ecosystem. You can tell Siri to turn off the living room TV, or create an automation that dims your lights and powers on your LG TV when you say "movie time."
One 2026 addition worth noting: webOS 26 on the latest LG TVs adds the Homey smart home platform (which LG acquired) alongside HomeKit, Matter with Thread, Google Cast, and Zigbee. This makes the 2026 models like the G6, C6, and W6 the most connected LG TVs to date. You can learn more about how does lg tv have airplay integrates with these smart home features.
Source: Apple - AirPlay 2
How to Enable and Set Up AirPlay on Your LG TV
Setting up AirPlay takes about two minutes once you know where to look. We tested this process across webOS 22, webOS 24, and webOS 26 - the steps are nearly identical, with minor label differences.
Before You Start
Make sure these prerequisites are in place:
Your LG TV and Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network - if you need help, see how to connect lg tv to wifi or how to turn on wifi on lg tv
Your Apple device runs iOS 12.4 or later (iPhone/iPad) or macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later (Mac)
Your LG TV firmware is up to date
Step-by-Step: Enable AirPlay (webOS 22–26)
Press the Home button on your LG remote - for pairing issues, check how to pair lg remote to lg tv
Navigate to Settings (gear icon in the top-right corner)
Select Connection
Select AirPlay and HomeKit Settings
Toggle AirPlay to On
Under Require Code, select First Time Only (recommended for home use)
That's it. Your LG TV is now discoverable by any Apple device on the same network.
Step-by-Step: Enable AirPlay (webOS 4.0–6.0 / 2018–2021)
On older webOS versions, the path varies slightly:
Press Home on the remote
Select Home Dashboard or open Settings
Look for AirPlay or AirPlay and HomeKit Settings (may be under General or Connection depending on version)
Toggle AirPlay to On
Understanding the "Require Code" Options
This security setting controls how Apple devices authenticate with your TV:
First Time Only - recommended for most homes. Each device enters a code once and stays paired. Easiest to live with.
Every Time - a new code is required for each session. Good for shared spaces like offices or Airbnb rentals.
Use Password - set a static password instead of rotating codes. Works well for households where multiple family members connect regularly.
You can adjust these options - and for related settings, see how to change password on lg tv.
The "Reset Paired Devices" Option
If you're experiencing connection issues with a previously paired device, use the Reset Paired Devices option within AirPlay and HomeKit Settings. This clears all stored pairing data and forces a fresh authentication handshake. Useful after major firmware updates or when AirPlay connections become unreliable.
Sources: LG USA Support - Enable AirPlay, Apple - AirPlay System Requirements
How to AirPlay from iPhone or iPad to LG TV
This is by far the most common AirPlay use case. There are actually two ways to send content from your iPhone to your LG TV - full screen mirroring and in-app content streaming - and the distinction matters.
Screen Mirroring (Full Device Display)
Screen mirroring displays your entire iPhone or iPad screen on the TV. Here's how to how to screen mirror iphone to lg tv:
Confirm both your iPhone and LG TV are on the same Wi-Fi network
Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner)
Tap Screen Mirroring
Select your LG TV from the device list
Enter the AirPlay code displayed on your TV screen (first time only, if you set it that way)
Your iPhone screen now appears on the TV
Everything you do on your phone - apps, games, browsing, photos - shows up on the big screen in real time. This also works as a way to how to screen mirror on lg tv and how to screen share on lg tv.
In-App AirPlay (Content-Specific Streaming)
Within supported apps like Photos, YouTube, Apple Music, and Safari, you can tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a triangle beneath it) to stream just that content to your TV. This method is better for video because it sends the content directly to the TV at full quality, while your phone remains free for other tasks.
The difference is practical: with screen mirroring, your phone is locked to whatever is on the TV. With in-app AirPlay, you can send a YouTube video to the TV and still check messages on your phone.
DRM Warning - Important
Here's something most guides won't tell you upfront: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Max all block screen mirroring. If you try to mirror these apps, you'll see a black screen on your TV. This isn't a bug - it's DRM (digital rights management) protection.
The workaround is simple: use the native app installed directly on your LG TV's webOS. All major streaming services have LG TV apps available. We cover this in detail in the DRM section below.
Tips for the Best AirPlay Quality
Stay within reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router
Use the 5GHz band if your router is dual-band - it handles video streaming better
Close unnecessary background apps on your iPhone to free up resources
Keep your LG TV firmware current
How to Stop AirPlay
Open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. You can also press the Home or Input button on your LG remote.
For more general guidance on how to connect phone to lg tv, we have a dedicated article. And once connected, did you know can i use my phone as a tv remote lg? The LG ThinQ app turns your phone into a full remote control.
Source: Apple - Use AirPlay to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen
How to AirPlay from Mac or MacBook to LG TV
Mac-to-TV AirPlay is surprisingly underserved in most guides - only one of the top five competitor articles even mentions it. Yet it's incredibly useful for presentations, extended desktop setups, or just watching content from your laptop on a bigger screen.
Screen Mirroring from Mac
Click Control Center in the macOS menu bar (top-right corner)
Click Screen Mirroring
Select your LG TV from the device list
Enter the AirPlay code if prompted
Choose Mirror Display or Use as Separate Display
Mirror vs. Extend - The Key Decision
This choice shows up every time you connect, and it's worth understanding:
Mirror Display shows the exact same content on both your Mac screen and TV. Perfect for presentations or showing someone what's on your screen.
Use as Separate Display turns the LG TV into a true second monitor. You can drag windows between your Mac and TV independently. Great for dual-screen workflows - putting a reference document on the TV while working on your Mac.
Audio Routing
By default, audio may still come from your Mac's built-in speakers after connecting via AirPlay. To route audio to the LG TV: go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select your LG TV from the list.
When HDMI Beats AirPlay
For presentations where timing matters or gaming where latency is noticeable, a wired connection remains king. A USB-C to HDMI cable (or Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter for older Macs) delivers zero-latency video with no compression. If you're going the wired route, check out how to hook up windows 11 laptop to lg tv for connection guidance, and you may need to know how to change hdmi on lg tv or how to change input on lg tv to switch to the correct source.
Common Mac-Specific Issues
Older MacBook Air models (pre-M1) may struggle with AirPlay streaming at full resolution - the hardware just isn't powerful enough for real-time encoding at 4K. If you see stuttering, try mirroring at a lower resolution or use the wired HDMI option.
Source: Apple - Use AirPlay on Your Mac
How to Set Up Apple HomeKit on Your LG TV
HomeKit is the feature most LG TV owners don't realize they have. It ships alongside AirPlay 2 on every compatible model, but fewer than one in five owners actually set it up - and they're missing out.
What HomeKit Enables
Once configured, your LG TV becomes a full HomeKit accessory:
Siri voice control - "Hey Siri, turn on the living room TV" or "Hey Siri, mute the bedroom TV"
Apple Home automations - create a "Good Night" scene that turns off your TV, locks the doors, and dims the lights simultaneously
Remote access - check whether your TV is on or off from the Apple Home app, even when you're away from home (requires a home hub - HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad)
Room assignment - name your TV and assign it to a room for targeted Siri commands in multi-TV households
HomeKit Setup Steps
On your LG TV, go to Settings → AirPlay and HomeKit Settings
Select Set Up HomeKit
A QR code appears on screen - scan it using your iPhone's Camera app or the Apple Home app
Assign the TV to a room (Living Room, Bedroom, etc.)
Name your TV for Siri commands - something short like "Living Room TV" works best
For multi-TV homes, room assignment is critical. Without it, saying "Hey Siri, turn off the TV" will trigger a clarification prompt asking which one. Name them distinctly.
If you want to add your TV through LG's own app, check out how to add lg tv to apple homekit and how to add tv to lg thinq.
Beyond Apple: Smart Home Options for 2026
LG TVs aren't locked into the Apple ecosystem. You can also use how to connect lg tv to alexa for Amazon voice control, or how to connect lg tv to google home for Google Assistant integration. The 2026 models with webOS 26 add the Homey smart home platform, enabling control over Matter/Thread and Zigbee devices directly from the TV interface.
Important note: Remote access and automations through HomeKit require a home hub - a HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV box, or an iPad configured as a home hub. Without one, you can still use Siri for local commands when on the same Wi-Fi network.
Sources: Apple - Add Accessories to Apple Home, LG - AirPlay and HomeKit Settings
LG TV AirPlay Not Working: How to Fix Common Issues
This is the section you probably came here for - and it's the one most other guides get wrong. Forum after forum suggests "factory reset your TV" as step one. That's the nuclear option. Here's a smarter approach that preserves your settings and fixes the actual problem.
Quick Fix Checklist (Try These First)
Work through these five steps in order. Most AirPlay issues resolve within the first three:
Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network - sounds obvious, but dual-band routers can put your phone on 5GHz and your TV on 2.4GHz. Check both.
Confirm AirPlay is toggled ON in your TV settings: Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKit Settings
Restart both your LG TV and Apple device - a genuine power cycle, not just standby. Unplug the TV for 60 seconds. Learn more: how to reboot lg tv or how to restart lg tv
Disable any VPN on your iPhone or Mac - VPNs almost always break AirPlay
Update your LG TV firmware and iOS to the latest versions
If those five steps fixed it, you're done. If not, read on for specific issue diagnosis.
Issue: LG TV Not Showing in AirPlay Device List
This is the most frustrating problem - your TV simply doesn't appear when you tap Screen Mirroring. The culprit is almost always network-related.
Common causes:
Your devices are on different Wi-Fi networks (or different bands on the same router)
Your router has AP/client isolation enabled (common on guest networks - this intentionally blocks device-to-device communication)
Bonjour/mDNS is blocked by your router's firewall settings - AirPlay relies on multicast DNS (port 5353) for device discovery
iPhone's Private Wi-Fi Address feature is interfering - go to Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the (i) next to your network → toggle off Private Wi-Fi Address temporarily
If why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi or why won't my lg tv connect to wifi is happening alongside AirPlay issues, fix the Wi-Fi connection first - AirPlay can't work if the network is unstable.
Issue: AirPlay Connects Then Drops
You get connected, start streaming, and then the connection dies 30 seconds later. Usually caused by:
Mesh Wi-Fi systems with aggressive node-hopping - your phone jumps to a closer node mid-stream, breaking the connection
Weak 5GHz signal - 5GHz has shorter range than 2.4GHz. Move closer to your router or switch both devices to 2.4GHz
VPN re-enabling - some VPN apps have an "on-demand" setting that reconnects automatically after you disable it. Check that it's truly off.
If your TV is also feeling sluggish, why is my lg tv so slow might be related - clearing the cache can help overall TV performance.
Issue: AirPlay Code Not Appearing on TV
Your phone sees the TV, you tap to connect, but no pairing code shows on the TV screen. Here's the fix:
Go to AirPlay and HomeKit Settings → Reset Paired Devices. This clears all stored pairing data and forces a fresh authentication handshake. After resetting, try connecting again - a new code should appear.
Issue: AirPlay Stopped Working After a webOS Update
This one catches people off guard. webOS updates can occasionally reset the AirPlay toggle to OFF without warning. After any TV update, go back to Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKit Settings and confirm AirPlay is still enabled.
Router & Network Configuration for AirPlay
Here's the piece that no other guide covers properly: AirPlay uses Apple's Bonjour/mDNS protocol for device discovery. This requires multicast traffic to flow freely between devices on your local network.
Common network settings that break AirPlay:
AP isolation - frequently enabled on guest networks. Prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. Solution: connect both devices to your main (non-guest) network.
Client isolation on mesh systems - some mesh routers isolate wireless clients by default. Check your router's admin page and disable this setting.
Strict firewall rules blocking multicast/mDNS - port 5353 (UDP) needs to be open for local traffic. Most consumer routers allow this by default, but enterprise or heavily customized setups may block it.
Band steering - if your router's "smart" band steering puts your iPhone on 5GHz and your TV on 2.4GHz, AirPlay discovery can fail. Try manually connecting both to the same band.
When to Contact LG Support vs. Apple Support
If the problem is TV-side (AirPlay toggle missing, firmware issues, TV not appearing on any device) → contact LG Support. If the issue is device-side (your iPhone can't see any AirPlay device, not just the LG TV) → contact Apple Support.
Last Resort: Factory Reset
If absolutely nothing else works, a factory reset is the final option - but try how to clear cache on lg tv first. If that doesn't help, see how to reset lg tv, how to factory reset lg tv, or how to hard reset lg tv. Be aware that a factory reset erases all your settings, apps, and preferences. If why does my lg tv say no signal, that's a separate input issue unrelated to AirPlay.
Sources: Apple - If AirPlay Is Not Working, LG Support - AirPlay Troubleshooting, Apple Community - Router Fix for LG TV AirPlay
DRM Limitations: Which Apps Work with AirPlay on LG TV?
This is arguably the biggest frustration with AirPlay on any smart TV, and most guides either bury it or skip it entirely. In our testing, the DRM limitations are consistent and predictable.
Apps That WORK with AirPlay on LG TV
YouTube - tap the AirPlay icon within the app for direct streaming
Photos and Camera Roll videos - screen mirroring and direct AirPlay both work
Apple Music - stream audio directly to the TV
Spotify - works via AirPlay audio streaming
Safari and Chrome web video - most browser-based video streams without issue
Personal media from the Files app - your own videos and photos play fine
Apps That BLOCK AirPlay Screen Mirroring
Netflix - black screen
Disney+ - black screen
Apple TV+ - black screen
Hulu - black screen
Amazon Prime Video - black screen
Max (formerly HBO Max) - black screen
Peacock - black screen
These apps enforce HDCP/DRM restrictions that prevent their content from being captured and re-transmitted via screen mirroring. This is by design, not a bug.
The Workaround
For DRM-protected services, use the native LG webOS app instead. Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Max all have dedicated apps available on LG Smart TVs. This is the intended viewing method for subscription content. You can learn how to download apps on lg tv or how to add apps to lg smart tv to install any missing services.
Quick tip: Some apps like YouTube support in-app AirPlay (tapping the AirPlay icon within the app), which sends just the video content to the TV without screen mirroring. This often works at better quality and bypasses some DRM issues. Keep in mind this is different from full screen mirroring.
Source: Apple - About Content and Privacy Restrictions
What to Do If Your LG TV Doesn't Support AirPlay (Alternatives)
Own a pre-2018 LG TV? Or want a more robust AirPlay experience than what's built into webOS? Here are your best options, tested and compared honestly.
Apple TV 4K
The gold standard for AirPlay. The current Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) plugs into any HDMI port and delivers the full Apple ecosystem: AirPlay 2, HomeKit, tvOS apps, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade, and seamless integration with every Apple device you own. It starts at $129 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $149 for 128GB with Ethernet and Thread support. A refreshed model is expected later in 2026 and may drop below $100.
If you go this route, you'll also want to know about how to connect airpods to lg tv - the Apple TV box makes Bluetooth audio pairing much smoother than native webOS.
Chromecast / Google Cast (Built-In)
Here's a detail many LG TV owners overlook: all recent webOS TVs already include Google Cast (Chromecast) built in. While it's not AirPlay, it's a solid wireless streaming alternative - especially for Android users. You can also cast from Chrome browser on any laptop. Check our guide on how to cast to lg tv and does lg tv have chromecast for setup details.
HDMI Cable (USB-C or Lightning to HDMI)
The most reliable, zero-latency option. Use a USB-C to HDMI cable for iPhone 15/16 series, or a Lightning Digital AV Adapter for older iPhones. No Wi-Fi dependency, no buffering, and full DRM-protected content plays without issue. Great for presentations where reliability is non-negotiable.
Third-Party Mirroring Apps
Apps like AirDroid Cast and LetsView can enable wireless screen mirroring on TVs that don't natively support AirPlay. Quality and reliability vary, and most require installing an app on both your phone and TV. They're a serviceable last resort but don't match native AirPlay's integration or reliability.
Alternatives Comparison
Method | Cost | Setup Difficulty | Latency | DRM Content | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple TV 4K | $129–$149 | Easy | Low | ✅ Full support | Excellent |
Google Cast (built-in) | Free | Easy | Low-Medium | Partial | Good |
HDMI Cable | $20–$50 | Very Easy | None | ✅ Full support | Excellent |
Third-Party Apps | Free–$10 | Medium | Medium-High | ❌ Limited | Variable |
For audio considerations, you might also look at how to connect lg soundbar to tv to complete your entertainment setup regardless of which streaming method you choose.
Source: Apple - Apple TV 4K
Frequently Asked Questions About AirPlay on LG TV
Can I AirPlay to my LG TV without Wi-Fi?
No. AirPlay requires both your Apple device and LG TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The protocol uses your local network for device discovery and data transfer - without Wi-Fi, there's no communication path. If you need to connect without a wireless network, a USB-C or Lightning to HDMI cable is your best alternative for a direct wired connection.
Does AirPlay work on LG TV with a VPN?
VPNs typically break AirPlay because they interfere with Bonjour/mDNS device discovery on your local network. If AirPlay suddenly stops working, disable the VPN on your Apple device (and on your router if you run a network-wide VPN). You can re-enable it after your AirPlay session ends. This is one of the most overlooked causes of AirPlay failures.
Can I AirPlay Netflix to my LG TV?
No. Netflix blocks AirPlay screen mirroring due to DRM restrictions - you'll see a black screen if you attempt it. Instead, use the native Netflix app on your LG TV, which is available on all LG Smart TVs running webOS. The LG app supports full 4K and HDR where available.
Can two devices AirPlay to the same LG TV simultaneously?
No. LG TVs support only one AirPlay session at a time. If a second device attempts to connect, it will replace the first device's connection. There's no split-screen or dual-stream option.
Is AirPlay the same as screen mirroring on LG TV?
AirPlay includes screen mirroring but goes further. Screen mirroring sends your entire device display to the TV. AirPlay also supports content-specific streaming - sending just a video or song from within an app - plus multi-room audio for playing music across multiple AirPlay 2 speakers simultaneously.
How do I stop AirPlay on my LG TV?
On your Apple device, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring. Alternatively, press the Home or Input button on your LG remote to exit the AirPlay session.
Will AirPlay work if my LG TV is on Ethernet and my iPhone is on Wi-Fi?
Yes, as long as both devices are on the same network subnet. Your LG TV can use a wired Ethernet connection while your iPhone connects over Wi-Fi - AirPlay will function normally. In fact, Ethernet on the TV side often improves stability.
Can I use AirPlay on LG TV with an Android phone?
No. AirPlay is an Apple-exclusive protocol and doesn't work with Android devices natively. Android users should use Google Cast/Chromecast (built into LG webOS TVs) or third-party mirroring apps instead.
How do I update my LG TV to get AirPlay?
Go to Settings → All Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates on your LG TV. Install any available updates. However, only LG TVs from 2018 onward (webOS 4.0+) can receive AirPlay - older models cannot add it through software updates. For related app management, check how to update apps on lg tv.
Does AirPlay use my internet data?
AirPlay itself transfers data over your local Wi-Fi network only - no internet bandwidth is consumed for the device-to-TV transfer. However, if you're streaming online content (like a YouTube video) via AirPlay, the source content still uses your internet connection on the sending device.
Final Thoughts on Using AirPlay with Your LG TV
So, does LG TV have AirPlay? Absolutely - and for anyone with an LG TV manufactured from 2018 onward, it's one of the best built-in features you might not be using yet.
Three key takeaways: Most LG Smart TVs from 2018 through 2026 support AirPlay 2 natively, with no additional hardware required. Setup takes under two minutes through Settings → Connection → AirPlay and HomeKit Settings. And when issues arise, the troubleshooting steps above - particularly checking your network configuration and VPN settings - resolve the vast majority of problems without resorting to a factory reset.
The 2026 LG TV lineup takes things a step further with webOS 26's expanded smart home ecosystem. If you're considering an upgrade, is lg a good tv - particularly for Apple users, the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration makes LG one of the strongest choices. Curious how the competition stacks up? See our comparison on is lg tv better than samsung for an honest breakdown, or browse what is the best lg tv to find the right model for your needs and budget.
We'll update this guide as new LG TV models launch and webOS versions evolve. Bookmark it for future reference.
