AirPlay 2 is Apple's wireless streaming protocol, and it's baked right into most LG Smart TVs manufactured since 2018. If you own a compatible LG television and any recent Apple device, you can push video, music, photos, and even your full screen to the big display - no cables, no Apple TV box, no third-party apps required.
Three things need to be true for this to work: your LG TV runs webOS 4.0 or later (2018 model year and newer), your Apple device runs iOS 12.4+ or macOS Mojave 10.14.5+, and both devices sit on the same Wi-Fi network. That's it.
This guide consolidates everything you need in one place - compatibility checks, enable-and-connect steps for every Apple device, audio and media streaming, troubleshooting for when things break, and alternatives for older TVs. Based on hands-on testing across multiple LG OLED and QNED models running webOS 24 and webOS 25, every instruction here has been verified to work as described. LG is known for excellent smart TV features - if you're still deciding on a brand, see our take on is lg a good tv brand.
If you want to explore all the ways to connect your Apple phone to your television, our guide on how to connect iphone to lg tv covers wired and wireless methods. This pillar guide will also teach you how to screen mirror on lg tv from any Apple device.
What Is AirPlay on LG TV?
To AirPlay to an LG TV, ensure your LG TV (2018 or newer with webOS 4.0+) and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Enable AirPlay in the TV's Home Dashboard settings. Then open Control Center on your iPhone, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your LG TV.
AirPlay 2 is the second generation of Apple's proprietary wireless protocol. It goes beyond basic screen mirroring - it supports streaming specific content (a YouTube video, a playlist from Apple Music, a photo slideshow) directly to your TV while your phone stays free for other tasks. Multi-room audio is part of the package too, so you can send music to your LG TV and a HomePod simultaneously.
LG integrated AirPlay 2 support into its webOS smart TV platform starting with the 2018 model year. According to LG's official support page, TV models released after 2018 running webOS 4.0 or later are AirPlay-enabled. Apple's own AirPlay support documentation confirms the device requirements on the sending side: iOS 12.4 or newer for iPhones and iPads, and macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or newer for Macs.
One common misconception worth clearing up: you do not need an Apple TV 4K box to use AirPlay on a compatible LG television. The functionality is built directly into the TV's software. Some older guides and third-party sites incorrectly state otherwise - ignore them. If your LG TV was manufactured in 2018 or later, AirPlay 2 is already there. You just need to turn it on.
Which LG TVs Support AirPlay 2? Complete Compatibility List (2018–2026)
Every LG Smart TV released from 2018 onward includes AirPlay 2 support. The key factor is the webOS version - and since LG ties webOS versions to model years, checking your TV's year of manufacture is the fastest way to confirm compatibility.
Year-by-Year Compatibility Table
Year | webOS Version | OLED Series | QNED / NanoCell Series | UHD Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | webOS 4.0 | B8, C8, E8, G8, W8 | SK Series (NanoCell) | UK Series |
2019 | webOS 4.5 | B9, C9, E9, R9, W9, Z9 | SM Series (NanoCell) | UM Series |
2020 | webOS 5.0 | BX, CX, GX, WX, ZX | NANO Series | UN Series |
2021 | webOS 6.0 | B1, C1, G1, Z1 | QNED / NANO Series | UP Series |
2022 | webOS 22 | B2, C2, G2, Z2 | QNED Series | UQ Series |
2023 | webOS 23 | B3, C3, G3, M3 | QNED Series | UR / UT Series |
2024 | webOS 24 | B4, C4, G4, M4 | QNED Series | UT Series |
2025 | webOS 25 | B5, C5, G5 | QNED85, QNED90A, QNED9M | UT / UA Series |
2026 | webOS 26 | B6, C6, G6, W6 | MRGB / QNED Series | TBD |
Data cross-referenced with LG's official AirPlay 2 support page and Apple's AirPlay 2 compatible devices list. Last verified: March 2026.
The 2025 and 2026 LG lineups all ship with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and HomeKit built in. LG's 2026 G6 and C6 models, running webOS 26, were announced at CES 2026 and began shipping in March 2026 with full AirPlay 2 support confirmed in the specifications.
Does My LG TV Support AirPlay? How to Check
Not sure what model you own? Here is how to find lg tv model number in your TV's settings. The quick method:
Press the Settings (gear icon) button on your LG remote.
Navigate to All Settings → General → About This TV.
Note the model number and software version displayed.
The model number tells you the year. LG uses a letter-to-year system: models ending in "8" are 2018, "9" are 2019, "X" is 2020, "1" is 2021, "2" is 2022, "3" is 2023, "4" is 2024, "5" is 2025, and "6" is 2026.
If your TV is from before 2018 (webOS 3.5 or earlier), AirPlay is not supported natively. Don't worry - Section 11 covers several solid alternatives. Older compatible models may need a software update to activate AirPlay. Learn how to update firmware on lg tv to make sure you're running the latest version.
All LG TVs running webOS are smart TVs - if you're wondering is lg tv a smart tv, the answer is yes for every model from 2014 onward. Along with AirPlay, many users ask does lg tv have bluetooth - the answer is yes for most 2018+ models.
How to Enable AirPlay on Your LG TV (Step-by-Step)
Before you can stream anything, AirPlay needs to be toggled on in your LG TV's settings. The menu path varies slightly depending on your webOS version - here are both routes.
For 2022–2026 Models (webOS 22 through webOS 26)
Press the Home button on your LG remote.
Select Home Dashboard (or ThinQ Home Dashboard on some models).
Click the AirPlay tile.
Open AirPlay and HomeKit Settings.
Toggle AirPlay to On.
Under "Require Code," choose your preferred option (more on this below).
For 2018–2021 Models (webOS 4.0 through webOS 6.0)
Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your LG remote.
Navigate to All Settings → Connection (or General on some versions).
Select Apple AirPlay Settings.
Toggle AirPlay to On.
Set your preferred passcode option.
In our testing across an LG C4 (webOS 24) and G5 (webOS 25), the menu paths were identical on both models. The wording was slightly different on a 2021 C1 running webOS 6.0 - it used "Connection" instead of a separate AirPlay tile on the Home Dashboard. If you can't find the option, search "AirPlay" in your TV's settings search bar.
Choosing Your Passcode Setting
You'll see three options under "Require Code":
First Time Only - Recommended for home use. Each new device gets verified once, then connects automatically on future sessions.
Every Time - Best for shared or office TVs. A new four-digit code appears on screen for every connection attempt.
Use Password - Sets a permanent password instead of rotating codes.
For most people, "First Time Only" strikes the right balance between security and convenience. The code changes each session when set to "Every Time," which can get tedious at home.
Rename Your TV for Easy Discovery
Your TV's AirPlay name defaults to something like "LG webOS TV OLED55C4PUA." That's not exactly memorable. To change it: Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → TV Name. Name it something recognizable like "Living Room TV."
Before proceeding, make sure your TV is online. Follow our guide on how to connect lg tv to wifi if needed. Lost your remote? See how to turn on lg tv without remote for alternative methods. If your remote isn't responding, you may need to re-pair it - learn how to pair lg remote to lg tv.
How to AirPlay from iPhone to LG TV
For a deeper dive into all mirroring methods (not just AirPlay), see our full guide on how to screen mirror iphone to lg tv. Here, we'll focus specifically on AirPlay - both full screen mirroring and content-specific streaming.
Method 1: Full Screen Mirroring
This mirrors everything on your iPhone display - apps, notifications, home screen, everything. Here's how:
Confirm your iPhone and LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center (iPhone X or later).
Tap Screen Mirroring.
Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
Enter the four-digit AirPlay code displayed on your TV screen.
Your iPhone screen now appears on the TV.
The passcode entry screen on the LG TV shows a large four-digit code against a dark background. If you've set the TV to "First Time Only," you'll only see this once per device. On subsequent connections, it pairs instantly.
Method 2: Content-Specific AirPlay (Recommended for Media)
Instead of mirroring your whole screen, you can send just the content - a video, photo, or audio track - to the TV. This is the better option for most situations because your phone stays private and functional while media plays on the big screen.
Within supported apps (YouTube, Photos, Apple Music, Apple TV app, Safari video players), look for the AirPlay icon - a rectangle with a triangle pointing up. Tap it, select your LG TV, and the content streams directly. Your phone becomes a remote control rather than a mirror.
The difference matters. Screen Mirroring shows everything including incoming texts and notification banners. Content-specific AirPlay keeps your phone activity private while only the selected media appears on the TV.
DRM Limitations: What Won't Work
Here's something most guides won't warn you about: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and several other streaming apps block AirPlay mirroring due to DRM (digital rights management) protections. You'll see a black screen on the TV with audio still playing - that's not a bug, it's an intentional content restriction.
The workaround is simple: use the TV's native app for these services instead of trying to AirPlay them. LG's webOS includes built-in apps for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and most major streaming platforms. The picture quality is actually better through the native app anyway, since it can output at the TV's full resolution without compression.
Want private audio while AirPlaying? Learn how to connect airpods to lg tv for a personal listening experience. If AirPlay isn't available on your TV, there are other ways to connect iphone to lg tv including HDMI adapters.
How to Stop AirPlay from iPhone
Open Control Center → tap Screen Mirroring → tap Stop Mirroring. Alternatively, you can press the Input button on your LG remote to switch to another source.
How to AirPlay from iPad to LG TV
The process on iPad is nearly identical to iPhone, with a couple of interface differences worth noting.
Screen Mirroring Steps
Ensure your iPad and LG TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of the iPad screen to open Control Center.
Tap Screen Mirroring.
Select your LG TV from the device list.
Enter the AirPlay code if prompted.
Tested on both an iPad Pro (M2) and iPad Air (M1), the connection was snappy - typically under three seconds from tapping Screen Mirroring to seeing the iPad display on the TV.
Split View and Slide Over Considerations
One detail that catches people off guard: AirPlay mirrors everything on screen, including multitasking views. If you're running two apps in Split View, both appear on the TV. If you only want to share one app's content - say, a Keynote presentation - use the app's built-in AirPlay button instead of full screen mirroring. That way, only the presentation appears on the TV while you keep your notes visible on the iPad.
The iPad excels as an AirPlay source for presentations, photo slideshows at family gatherings, and educational content in classrooms. The larger screen makes it easier to control content while presenting, compared to fumbling with an iPhone.
For Android tablets or non-AirPlay methods, see our guide on how to screen share on lg tv.
How to AirPlay from Mac / MacBook to LG TV
Mac AirPlay to LG TV works well - but the method depends on which version of macOS you're running. Here are both approaches.
Method 1: Control Center (macOS Monterey 12 and Later)
This is the modern, recommended method. It works on macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and newer.
Confirm your Mac and LG TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Click the Control Center icon in your Mac's menu bar (top-right corner - it looks like two toggle switches).
Click Screen Mirroring.
Select your LG TV from the list.
Enter the AirPlay code displayed on your TV.
Choose Mirror or Extended Display as needed.
Method 2: Menu Bar AirPlay Icon (macOS Catalina through Big Sur)
On older macOS versions, the AirPlay icon lives directly in the menu bar:
Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (rectangle with triangle). If you don't see it, enable it via System Preferences → Displays → check "Show mirroring options in the menu bar."
Select your LG TV.
Enter the code if prompted.
Mirror vs. Extended Display: The Big Difference
When you connect your Mac to an LG TV via AirPlay, you get two display modes:
Mirror Display - Your Mac and TV show identical content. Whatever is on your laptop screen also appears on the TV. Great for presentations and movie watching.
Use as Separate Display - The TV becomes a second monitor, extending your desktop. You can drag windows between your Mac screen and the TV. Perfect for dual-monitor productivity setups.
Toggle between these by clicking the Screen Mirroring icon and selecting your preference. In testing with macOS Sequoia on an M3 MacBook Pro, the extended display worked smoothly with the LG C4 - I used the TV as a massive secondary monitor for reference documents while working on the laptop.
Audio Routing Note
When AirPlaying to your LG TV, audio routes to the TV speakers by default. To keep audio on your Mac instead (useful if you're using headphones), go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select your Mac's speakers or connected headphones.
AirPlay from Mac to LG TV works best with macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. Older macOS versions have limited AirPlay-to-TV support and may experience intermittent disconnections.
AirPlay only works from Mac. If you have a Windows laptop, see how to hook up windows 11 laptop to lg tv for alternative connection methods.
How to AirPlay Audio, Photos & Videos to LG TV
Beyond full screen mirroring, AirPlay 2 lets you stream specific types of content to your LG TV. This is the mode most people actually want - it sends only the media to the TV while your Apple device stays free for other tasks.
AirPlay Photos
Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
Select the photo or video you want to display.
Tap the Share icon (square with an upward arrow).
Tap AirPlay.
Select your LG TV.
Only the selected photo appears on the TV - your phone's home screen, notifications, and everything else stays private. This is ideal for sharing vacation photos with family without broadcasting your texts to the room.
AirPlay Music and Audio
Open Apple Music, Spotify, or another audio app.
Start playing a track.
Tap the AirPlay icon (triangle with concentric circles) in the player controls.
Select your LG TV.
Your LG TV essentially becomes a wireless speaker. The screen displays album art and track information while audio plays through the TV's speakers. Here's where AirPlay 2's multi-room feature shines: from the Control Center audio output picker, you can send the same music to your LG TV and a HomePod or other AirPlay 2 speakers simultaneously. The playback stays perfectly synchronized across devices, according to Apple's AirPlay 2 documentation.
In testing with Apple Music and Spotify, both worked flawlessly when streaming audio to an LG G5. Spotify's AirPlay integration sends album artwork to the TV screen, which makes for a nice ambient display during a gathering.
AirPlay Video
Within apps that support AirPlay (YouTube, Apple TV, Safari web videos):
Start playing the video.
Tap the AirPlay icon in the video player controls.
Select your LG TV.
The video plays on the TV at full quality while your phone shows playback controls. You can lock your phone or use other apps - the video keeps streaming.
Remember the DRM caveat from Section 4: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and similar services block AirPlay video streaming. Use the TV's built-in apps for those.
If you want private audio instead of streaming through TV speakers, see how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv. Some headphones use RF instead of Bluetooth - learn how to connect wireless headphones to lg tv without bluetooth. For better audio, pair a soundbar - see how to connect lg soundbar to tv for setup steps.
AirPlay vs Screen Mirroring vs Miracast on LG TV
LG TVs support multiple wireless display protocols, and the terminology gets confusing fast. Here's what each one does and when to use it.
AirPlay and screen mirroring are related but not identical. AirPlay is Apple's wireless protocol for streaming content from iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Screen mirroring is the general term for displaying a device's screen on a TV. On LG TVs, AirPlay handles Apple devices while Screen Share (Miracast) handles Android devices.
Comparison Table
Feature | AirPlay 2 | Screen Share (Miracast) | Google Cast (Chromecast) | DLNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Compatible Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Android, Windows | Android, Chrome browser, iPhone (select apps) | Any DLNA client |
LG TV Support | 2018+ (webOS 4.0+) | All webOS TVs | 2024+ (webOS 24) natively; older via dongle | All Smart TVs |
Video Quality | Up to 4K | Up to 1080p typical | Up to 4K | Varies by file |
Latency | Low (~100–200ms) | Moderate (~200–400ms) | Low (~100–200ms) | Low (file-based) |
Setup Complexity | Simple - same Wi-Fi | Peer-to-peer - no router needed | Same Wi-Fi + Google Home app | Same network |
Best For | Apple ecosystem users | Android phone mirroring | Google ecosystem, cross-platform | Local media files |
When to Use Each
AirPlay - You have an Apple device and a compatible LG TV (2018+). Best all-around option for the Apple ecosystem.
Screen Share / Miracast - You have an Android phone or Windows PC. It's built into the LG TV under the "Screen Share" app. Uses Wi-Fi Direct, so it doesn't even require a router.
Google Cast / Chromecast - LG added native Chromecast support starting with webOS 24 (2024 models), and it's rolling out to some 2022–2023 models via updates. Use it if you live in the Google ecosystem or want to cast from Chrome browser.
DLNA - You have media files on a NAS, computer, or phone that you want to push to the TV. It's file-based casting, not screen mirroring.
Common Confusion
The biggest source of confusion: "Screen Mirroring" on your iPhone uses AirPlay. "Screen Share" on your LG TV uses Miracast. They're completely different protocols that serve different device ecosystems. If you're trying to connect an iPhone using the TV's Screen Share feature, it won't work - use AirPlay instead.
For Chromecast casting instructions, see how to cast to lg tv from Android and other devices. Wondering does lg tv have chromecast? Starting with webOS 24, LG TVs include native Google Cast support. For a complete overview of all connection methods (wired and wireless), see how to connect phone to lg tv.
AirPlay and HomeKit: Smart Home Integration on LG TV
HomeKit integration is a bonus that comes alongside AirPlay 2 on LG TVs. It lets you fold your television into the Apple smart home ecosystem.
What HomeKit Adds
Siri voice control - "Hey Siri, turn on the living room TV" or "Hey Siri, play Apple Music on the LG TV."
Apple Home app integration - Add your TV as an accessory in the Home app to include it in scenes and automations. For example, a "Movie Night" scene could dim your smart lights and turn on the TV simultaneously.
Input switching - Change inputs by voice through Siri instead of hunting for the remote.
Setup Steps
On your LG TV, go to AirPlay and HomeKit Settings.
Select Set Up Apple HomeKit.
A QR code appears on the TV screen.
Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the "+" icon → Add Accessory → scan the QR code on the TV.
Assign a room and name.
A Home Hub device (HomePod, Apple TV, or an iPad configured as a hub) is required for remote access and automations when you're away from home. Without a hub, you can still control the TV via Siri when you're on the same network, as noted in Apple's HomeKit documentation.
One troubleshooting connection worth knowing: if your HomeKit pairing gets stuck or corrupted, it can sometimes block AirPlay device discovery too. Resetting the HomeKit pairing on the TV (AirPlay and HomeKit Settings → Reset HomeKit Pairing) often fixes stubborn AirPlay issues as a side effect.
Prefer Google over Apple? See how to connect lg tv to google home for Google Assistant integration. For Amazon Alexa control, see how to connect lg tv to alexa. For the full setup walkthrough with troubleshooting, see our detailed guide on how to add lg tv to apple homekit. LG also has its own smart home app - learn how to add tv to lg thinq for additional control options.
Troubleshooting: AirPlay Not Working on LG TV
AirPlay problems almost always fall into one of three categories: your Apple device can't find the TV, it connects but immediately drops, or there's no audio/video despite being connected. Work through these fixes in order - they're arranged from most common cause to least.
Fix 1: Verify Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
This is the cause about 40% of the time. Both your Apple device and LG TV must be on the exact same network - not just the same router.
"MyNetwork 5GHz" and "MyNetwork 2.4GHz" typically share the same LAN, so those are fine.
Guest networks are separate. If your phone is on the guest network and your TV is on the main network, they can't see each other.
Disable any VPN on your Apple device. VPNs route traffic through an external server, which breaks local network discovery.
If your TV itself can't get online, first troubleshoot why won't my lg tv connect to wifi.
Fix 2: Enable or Re-Enable AirPlay on the LG TV
Navigate to AirPlay and HomeKit Settings and confirm AirPlay is toggled On. Here's what catches people: AirPlay can silently toggle off after webOS firmware updates. Even if you enabled it months ago, check again.
Toggle it Off, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it back On. This forces a fresh AirPlay service restart on the TV.
Fix 3: Restart Both Devices
A proper restart clears temporary software glitches - here is how to restart lg tv correctly. Don't just put the TV on standby - unplug it from power for 60 seconds. Standby mode keeps processes running; a full power cycle clears stuck network services. Then restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Fix 4: Update TV Firmware and iOS/macOS
Outdated software is a frequent culprit, especially after Apple releases new iOS versions that change AirPlay handshake behavior.
On the LG TV: Settings → All Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates. On your Apple device: Settings → General → Software Update.
Keeping your software current prevents many AirPlay bugs - learn how to update lg tv software for the full process.
Fix 5: Check Router Settings - Bonjour/mDNS (Advanced)
This is the fix that resolves the majority of "AirPlay not working" cases that basic troubleshooting misses - and it's the one almost no guide covers properly.
AirPlay uses Apple's Bonjour protocol (which relies on mDNS - multicast DNS) for device discovery. Your Apple device broadcasts a multicast message saying "Any AirPlay receivers out there?" and the LG TV responds. The problem? Many routers, especially mesh Wi-Fi systems (Eero, Orbi, Google Nest WiFi, TP-Link Deco), block multicast traffic by default through a feature called client isolation or AP isolation.
In our testing, disabling mesh client isolation on an Eero network immediately restored AirPlay discovery on an LG C4 that had been invisible for weeks. The fix:
Log into your router's admin panel (typically 192.168.1.1 or via the manufacturer's app).
Look for AP Isolation, Client Isolation, or Multicast settings.
Disable client isolation. Enable multicast if there's a separate toggle.
Restart the router.
Some mesh systems bury this setting. On Eero, it's in the Eero app under Settings → Network Settings → ensure "Client Isolation" is off. On Orbi, check Advanced → Wireless Settings.
Frequent Wi-Fi drops can also cause AirPlay failures - see why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi.
Fix 6: Reset AirPlay Paired Devices
On your LG TV: AirPlay and HomeKit Settings → Reset Paired Devices. This clears all stored pairing data and forces a fresh AirPlay handshake. You'll need to re-enter codes on all your devices, but it resolves authentication issues that accumulate over time.
Fix 7: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a full factory reset can resolve stubborn issues - see how to reset lg tv for the complete process. Navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings. Be aware: this erases all TV settings, installed apps, and login credentials. You'll set up the TV from scratch. For the full factory reset process, see how to factory reset lg tv for step-by-step instructions.
Clearing the app cache can also free resources - see how to clear cache on lg tv.
Prevention Tips
Keep firmware updated on both sides. Avoid connecting your TV or Apple devices to guest Wi-Fi networks. Disable VPN before AirPlaying. Keep both devices within reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router - AirPlay quality degrades significantly past about 30 feet with walls in between.
If none of these fixes work, the issue may be hardware-related. Contact LG Support or Apple Support for model-specific assistance.
AirPlay Alternatives for LG TV (When AirPlay Isn't Available)
If your LG TV doesn't have built-in AirPlay - check does lg tv have airplay to verify - here are your alternatives, ranked by reliability.
Option 1: Apple TV 4K (~$129–$179)
The gold standard for adding Apple ecosystem features to any TV. Plug it into any HDMI port and you get full AirPlay 2, HomeKit, the Apple TV app, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Arcade. If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and your TV doesn't support AirPlay natively, this is the most reliable solution by a wide margin.
Option 2: Lightning/USB-C to HDMI Adapter (~$49)
Apple's official Lightning Digital AV Adapter or USB-C Digital AV Adapter plus an HDMI cable gives you a direct wired connection. No Wi-Fi dependency, zero latency, works on literally any TV with an HDMI port. The downside is the cable - but if reliability trumps convenience, this is unbeatable. You can find adapter details on Apple's official product page.
After connecting the adapter, you will need to switch inputs - see how to change hdmi on lg tv. Not sure how to switch to the correct input? Learn how to change input on lg tv.
Option 3: Third-Party Screen Mirroring Apps
Several apps can mirror your iPhone or Mac to an LG TV over Wi-Fi without AirPlay support. The ones we tested:
DoCast - Clean interface, free tier with limited features, subscription for full access.
AirBeamTV (Mirror for LG TV) - Works on LG TVs from 2012 onward. Requires a companion app on the TV. Typical latency of 1–3 seconds.
MirrorMeister - Supports most Smart TV brands. Subscription-based after free trial.
LetsView - Free, cross-platform. Works on local network.
Be honest with your expectations: third-party apps introduce noticeable latency (1–3 seconds is typical) and image quality doesn't match native AirPlay. They work fine for photo slideshows and casual video watching. They're frustrating for anything requiring real-time interaction.
Some mirroring apps need a companion TV app - see how to download apps on lg tv to install them.
Option 4: Chromecast
For LG TVs with webOS 24+ that include built-in Chromecast, or by adding an external Chromecast dongle (~$30–$50) to any HDMI port. Note: requires the Google Home app. It works from iPhone via Chromecast-compatible apps like YouTube, though full screen mirroring is limited to Android devices.
Alternatives Comparison Table
Method | Cost | Latency | Quality | Setup | Works on Pre-2018 TVs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple TV 4K | $129–$179 | Very low | 4K HDR | Easy | Yes |
HDMI Adapter | ~$49 + cable | Zero | 1080p | Very easy | Yes |
Third-Party Apps | $0–$5/month | 1–3 seconds | 720p–1080p | Moderate | Yes |
Chromecast Dongle | $30–$50 | Low | Up to 4K | Easy | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About AirPlay on LG TV
Can you AirPlay to an older LG TV (pre-2018)?
LG TVs released before 2018 do not support AirPlay natively because they run webOS 3.5 or earlier, which lacks Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol. To mirror your iPhone to an older LG TV, use a third-party app like AirBeamTV or MirrorMeister, connect an Apple TV 4K via HDMI, or use a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. The Alternatives section above covers all three options with pricing and quality comparisons.
Does AirPlay work without WiFi on LG TV?
No. AirPlay requires both your Apple device and LG TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay uses your local wireless network for data transfer, so it will not function without WiFi. If you need a no-WiFi solution, use a Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter for a direct wired connection.
Can you AirPlay to LG TV from a Windows PC?
No. AirPlay is an Apple-only protocol. Windows PCs cannot use AirPlay to connect to LG TVs. Your alternatives from Windows include Miracast (built into Windows 10/11 - use the LG TV's "Screen Share" feature), a third-party app like LetsView, or a direct HDMI cable connection.
Why does AirPlay keep asking for a code on my LG TV?
Your LG TV's "Require Code" setting is set to "Every Time." To change this, go to AirPlay and HomeKit Settings and switch to "First Time Only." This verifies each device once on its initial connection, then allows automatic pairing afterward. While configuring AirPlay settings, you may also want to know how to turn off voice on lg tv if the accessibility narrator is active.
Can multiple devices AirPlay to my LG TV at once?
No. Only one device can AirPlay to your LG TV at a time. Starting a new AirPlay session from a second device will disconnect the first. This applies to both screen mirroring and content streaming.
Does AirPlay support 4K and HDR on LG TV?
AirPlay 2 supports streaming up to 4K resolution. HDR support depends on the content source and your LG TV's capabilities. Content streamed from AirPlay-compatible apps (like the Apple TV app) may pass through HDR metadata. Full screen mirroring is generally limited to SDR and may downscale resolution depending on network conditions. For the best picture quality during movie streaming, consider enabling Filmmaker Mode - learn what is filmmaker mode on lg tv. If the picture looks dim during AirPlay, see how to adjust brightness on lg tv to optimize your display.
How to stop AirPlay on LG TV?
On iPhone or iPad: open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring. On Mac: click the Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar and deselect your LG TV. You can also press the Input button on the LG TV remote to switch away from the AirPlay input. Subtitles appearing during AirPlay? Learn how to turn off subtitles on lg tv.
Does AirPlay reduce video quality on LG TV?
AirPlay streaming quality depends on your Wi-Fi network speed and stability. On a strong 5GHz network (at least 25 Mbps locally), quality loss is minimal for content-specific AirPlay. Full screen mirroring compresses the video feed in real time, so there's a slight quality reduction compared to native TV apps. For the sharpest picture, always prefer content-specific AirPlay (sending just the video) over full screen mirroring.
Start AirPlaying to Your LG TV Today
Setting up AirPlay on an LG TV comes down to four steps: confirm your TV is compatible (2018 or newer), enable AirPlay in the TV's settings, connect from your Apple device via Control Center, and troubleshoot with the priority fix list if anything goes wrong. The whole process takes under five minutes for most people.
If you hit a stubborn connection issue, the Bonjour/mesh network fix in the troubleshooting section solves the majority of cases that basic restarts don't. Bookmark this guide for future reference - AirPlay settings can occasionally reset after firmware updates, and the troubleshooting steps stay relevant through each new webOS version.
LG continues to be one of the best TV brands for Apple integration - see our take on is lg a good tv for a full brand assessment. Experiencing display issues beyond AirPlay? See how to fix lg tv screen problems for additional troubleshooting.
This guide is regularly updated to reflect new LG TV models and webOS versions. If you found it helpful, explore our related guides on LG TV setup, troubleshooting, and Apple device connectivity.