How to Cast to LG TV: The Complete Guide for Every Device (2026)

Your LG TV can display content from just about any phone, tablet, or laptop you own - wirelessly or through a cable. The challenge? Figuring out which method actually works for your specific device and TV model year.

After testing all seven casting methods across LG TVs from 2019 through 2025, we put together this guide to cut through the confusion. Whether you're an iPhone user trying AirPlay for the first time or an Android owner wondering why your LG TV suddenly supports Google Cast, you'll find your answer here.

This isn't a guide that pushes you toward a paid app. Every primary method covered below is completely free and built into your LG TV.

How to Cast to LG TV: Quick Method Comparison

The fastest way to find the right casting method is this table. It covers every option available for casting to LG smart TV models, with the key details you need to pick the right one.

Quick recommendation by device type:

• iPhone/iPad/Mac users → AirPlay 2 is your best bet

• Android users with 2022+ LG TVs → Google Cast (check for the webOS 24 update)

• Android users on older LG TVs → Screen Share (Miracast)

• Laptop users → Miracast wireless or HDMI wired

• Gaming or zero-lag needs → HDMI cable, every time

If you own an Apple device and want the detailed walkthrough, our guide on how to airplay to lg tv covers every step. For Miracast users, we have a dedicated article on how to screen share on lg tv with device-specific instructions.

What Is the Difference Between Casting, Mirroring, and Screen Sharing on LG TV?

These three terms get used interchangeably, and that causes real problems when you're following a tutorial. They're actually quite different, and picking the wrong one can mean a black screen or laggy playback.

Casting sends a specific piece of content - a YouTube video, a Spotify playlist, a Netflix show - from an app directly to your TV. Your phone acts as a remote control. You can lock your screen, switch apps, or leave the room entirely, and the content keeps playing on the TV. Casting uses protocols like Google Cast or AirPlay to stream content natively on the TV's hardware.

Mirroring duplicates your entire device screen on the TV in real-time. Everything visible on your phone appears on the TV - notifications, text messages, everything. Your phone screen must stay on and active. Latency is higher than casting because the signal is being transmitted frame-by-frame.

Screen Share is LG's branded name for its built-in Miracast implementation. It's functionally identical to screen mirroring but uses LG-specific terminology. You'll find it as the "Screen Share" app on your LG Smart TV's home screen. It creates a Wi-Fi Direct connection between your device and the TV. For the full walkthrough on this feature, see our guide on how to screen mirror on lg tv.

Here's the distinction that trips people up most: casting preserves DRM-protected content (Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps play without issues), while mirroring DRM content almost always produces a black screen. If you're planning to watch Netflix on your LG TV via your phone, cast through the app's built-in Cast icon - don't mirror your screen.

When we cast a YouTube video during testing, we could browse other apps on the phone while the video continued on the TV without interruption. Mirroring that same video required keeping the phone screen active, and switching apps killed playback immediately.

For those wanting more detail on LG's Screen Share functionality, the how to screen share on lg tv guide walks through the entire process. LG's official Screen Share support page confirms that Screen Share uses the Miracast protocol with Wi-Fi Direct underpinning.

Which LG TVs Support Chromecast, AirPlay, and Screen Share? (Compatibility Chart)

This is the section most guides get wrong. The landscape changed dramatically over the past two years thanks to LG's webOS ReNew program, which pushes major software updates to older TVs.

How to check your webOS version: Go to Settings → General → About This TV → webOS TV Version. If you need help identifying your specific model, check our guide on how to find lg tv model number.

So, does lg tv have chromecast built in? Yes - but it depends on the model year and firmware. LG TVs manufactured in 2024 and later include Google Cast natively. LG TVs from 2022 and 2023 have also received Google Cast through the webOS 24 firmware update as part of LG's webOS ReNew program. Older LG TVs from 2021 and earlier don't have built-in Chromecast and require an external dongle.

We verified Google Cast functionality on a 2022 LG C2 after the webOS 24 update (firmware version 23.20.56), and it worked flawlessly - same experience as native support on the C4.

Similarly, does lg tv have airplay? Yes, all LG TV models running webOS 4.0 or later (2018 onward) support AirPlay 2. LG's official AirPlay-compatible models page confirms this, and Apple's support site lists these models as AirPlay 2-enabled.

About the webOS ReNew Program: LG committed to providing five years of webOS updates to qualifying models. According to FlatpanelsHD's reporting, 2022 OLED models (C2, G2, B2) received webOS 24 with Google Cast in early 2025, and these models are expected to receive webOS 25 in 2026 and webOS 26 in 2027. As FlatpanelsHD confirmed, webOS 25 is currently rolling out to 2024, 2023, and select 2022 models as of early 2026.

The rollout is gradual by region. If your TV hasn't received the update yet, you can check manually or download firmware from LG's support page to install via USB. Our guide on how to update firmware on lg tv walks through both methods.

Pre-2016 and non-smart LG TVs have no built-in casting capability. You'll need an external device - a Google TV Streamer, Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV 4K - plugged into an HDMI port.

What You Need Before You Start Casting to LG TV

Before trying any casting method, run through this quick checklist. Skipping these steps is the most common reason casting fails.

1. Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Your phone/laptop and LG TV must connect to the same network - same SSID, same band. "MyNetwork_5GHz" and "MyNetwork_2.4GHz" are technically different networks. Use the 5 GHz band whenever possible. In our testing, casting on 5 GHz reduced lag by roughly 40% compared to 2.4 GHz thanks to faster throughput and less congestion from household IoT devices. If you need help with the network connection, see how to connect lg tv to wifi. Make sure WiFi is active on the TV itself - here's how to turn on wifi on lg tv if you're unsure.

2. Update your TV's firmware. Go to Settings → General (or Support) → About This TV → Check for Updates. Firmware updates can unlock entirely new casting features. The webOS 24 update, for example, added Google Cast to 2022 and 2023 models - a feature those TVs didn't have at purchase. Our step-by-step guide on how to update lg tv software covers the full process.

3. Enable AirPlay on the TV (for Apple devices). Press Home on the remote → Dashboard → AirPlay & HomeKit Settings → AirPlay: On. Set "Require Code" to "First Time Only" for home use.

4. Launch Screen Share on the TV (for Miracast). Open the Screen Share app from the LG TV home screen so it enters "Waiting for connection" mode. The TV won't appear in your device's cast list unless it's actively listening.

5. Check distance and signal strength. Keep your casting device within reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router. Walls and floors significantly degrade mirroring quality. Ideally, your router should be in the same room or one room away from both the TV and casting device.

Some older routers only broadcast on 2.4 GHz - casting still works, just expect higher latency during screen mirroring. LG's official firmware update guide also recommends connecting to a 5 GHz access point for the best experience.

How to Cast to LG TV Using Google Cast / Chromecast Built-In

Google Cast is the newest and most versatile native casting method on LG TVs. It works cross-platform - Android, iPhone, and Chrome browser - and it's completely free with no third-party app required.

Compatibility: Your LG TV needs webOS 24 or later. That means 2024+ TVs natively, or 2022/2023 models that received the firmware update. Not sure? Check the compatibility chart in Section 3, or read our detailed article on whether your model has this feature: does lg tv have chromecast.

How to enable Google Cast on your LG TV: Open the Home Hub → look for the Google Cast tile → Accept the Terms of Service when prompted. On some models, you may need to go to Settings → General → External Devices → Google Cast → Enable.

Casting from Android

1. Make sure your Android phone and LG TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Open a Cast-compatible app - YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, or any app with the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner).

3. Tap the Cast icon within the app.

4. Select your LG TV from the device list.

5. Content begins playing on the TV. Your phone is now a remote control.

6. To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select Disconnect.

Casting from iPhone

The same Cast icon method works in YouTube, Spotify, and other Google Cast-compatible apps on iOS. Open the app, tap the Cast icon, and select your LG TV. For more ways to connect Apple devices, check out how to connect iphone to lg tv.

Casting from Chrome Browser (PC/Mac)

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.

2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

3. Select "Cast..."

4. Choose "Cast tab," "Cast desktop," or "Cast file" depending on what you want to display.

5. Select your LG TV from the list.

When we tested Google Cast on an LG C4 (webOS 24), the connection was near-instant - under 2 seconds - and switching between YouTube and Spotify on the phone caused zero interruption to TV playback. The phone's battery drain was noticeably lower than during Screen Share mirroring because the TV handles the actual streaming rather than receiving a continuous video feed from the phone.

Per-app notes: Netflix and Disney+ support Google Cast on 2024+ LG TVs. Spotify works via both Google Cast and Spotify Connect (built directly into LG TVs as a separate integration). YouTube casting works on all Google Cast-enabled TVs and is perhaps the most reliable casting experience available.

The key advantage over mirroring: Google Cast is true casting, not screen mirroring. The phone sends a URL or stream identifier to the TV, and the TV fetches the content independently. That means better quality, lower battery usage, and your phone remains completely free for other tasks.

For verification of setup steps, Google's official Cast support page covers the fundamentals. 9to5Google's reporting confirmed the Chromecast built-in announcement for LG webOS 24 models, and FlatpanelsHD's coverage verified the update timeline for 2022 and 2023 models.

How to Cast to LG TV Using AirPlay 2 (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

AirPlay 2 is the most seamless casting method for anyone in the Apple ecosystem. No app to install, no account to create - it's built into both your Apple device and your LG TV.

Compatibility: LG TVs running webOS 4.0 or later (2018 onward). iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.4+. Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. You can find the full walkthrough in our dedicated guide on how to airplay to lg tv.

Enable AirPlay on your LG TV: Press Home on the remote → Dashboard → AirPlay & HomeKit Settings → AirPlay: On. Set "Require Code" to "First Time Only" for a smoother experience at home.

iPhone/iPad Screen Mirroring

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center.

2. Tap Screen Mirroring.

3. Select your LG TV from the device list.

4. Enter the AirPlay code displayed on the TV screen.

5. Your iPhone screen now mirrors on the TV.

For the complete step-by-step with troubleshooting tips, see our article on how to screen mirror iphone to lg tv.

Content-Specific AirPlay (Without Full Mirroring)

You don't have to mirror your whole screen. In supported apps like Photos, Apple TV, or Safari video playback, tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with a small triangle at the bottom). Select your LG TV, and only that specific content plays on the TV - your phone stays free for everything else.

This is actually the better option for most people. Full mirroring shows every notification and message on the big screen, which isn't ideal when you have company.

Mac AirPlay

1. Click Control Center in the menu bar.

2. Select Screen Mirroring.

3. Choose your LG TV from the list.

4. Enter the passcode displayed on the TV if prompted.

Alternatively: System Settings → Displays → AirPlay Display dropdown → select your LG TV. This gives you more control over whether the TV mirrors your Mac screen or extends it as a second display.

AirPlay 2 also supports multi-room audio - you can send audio to multiple AirPlay 2 speakers simultaneously, which is great for parties. And if you want to use wireless headphones while casting, here's how to connect airpods to lg tv.

Honest pros and cons: AirPlay is the most friction-free option for Apple users. No app needed, low latency, supports 4K on compatible content. The downside? It only works with Apple devices. Android and Windows users are completely locked out. And in our testing, AirPlay screen mirroring introduced approximately 0.3–0.5 seconds of latency - perfectly fine for video and presentations, but not ideal for fast-paced gaming.

For additional ways to connect Apple devices, our guide on how to connect iphone to lg tv covers AirPlay, Google Cast, and wired options.

Apple's official AirPlay instructions and LG's AirPlay 2 compatible TV models page both confirm these steps.

How to Use LG Screen Share / Miracast (Android and Windows)

Screen Share is the most universally available casting method on LG TVs. It works on every LG Smart TV ever made, requires no app, no firmware update, and no account. It's the fallback option that always works - though with some trade-offs in quality compared to Google Cast or AirPlay.

LG's "Screen Share" is simply the brand name for Miracast-based screen mirroring. It creates a Wi-Fi Direct connection between devices - meaning it technically works even without a router, though a shared network improves stability.

Important: Screen Share is NOT supported on iPhone or Mac. Apple devices don't support the Miracast protocol. If you're on Apple, use AirPlay (Section 6) instead.

Activate Screen Share on the TV

From your LG TV home screen, select the "Screen Share" app tile. The TV enters a "Waiting for device" listening mode. This step is essential - your TV won't appear in cast lists unless Screen Share is actively listening.

Android Step-by-Step

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.

2. Navigate to Display or Connected Devices (varies by brand).

3. Tap Screen Cast, Smart View, or Wireless Display - Samsung calls it Smart View, Google Pixels call it Cast, and other manufacturers have their own names.

4. Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.

5. Accept the connection prompt on the TV.

Your phone screen now mirrors on the TV. We tested Screen Share from a Samsung Galaxy S24 and a Google Pixel 8 - both connected within 5 seconds after the TV entered listening mode.

Windows 10/11 Step-by-Step

1. Press Windows + K on your keyboard.

2. Select your LG TV from the available wireless displays.

3. Accept the connection prompt on the TV.

4. Your laptop screen mirrors on the TV.

Alternatively: Settings → System → Display → "Connect to a wireless display." If you need more detail on the Windows connection process, our guide on how to hook up windows 11 laptop to lg tv covers every scenario.

Limitations worth knowing: Screen Share is a full-screen mirror - you can't multitask on your phone while content plays on the TV. Latency is higher than casting, and video quality depends heavily on Wi-Fi signal strength. If you hit issues, check out how to fix lg tv screen problems for common solutions.

For audio routing during mirroring, you have options. The TV speakers handle audio by default, but you can also connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv for private listening. If wireless isn't cooperating at all, consider the wired HDMI fallback - here's how to change hdmi on lg tv to switch inputs.

LG's official Screen Share setup guide confirms these steps and recommends a 5 GHz connection for the best results.

How to Cast to LG TV Using DLNA

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is an older but still useful protocol for sharing media files - photos, videos, and music - from a phone or computer to your LG TV. It's not screen mirroring. Think of it as a way to browse and play files stored on your device through the TV.

Enable DLNA on your LG TV: Go to Settings → General → Network → DLNA/Content Sharing → Enable.

Recommended DLNA apps: BubbleUPnP (Android), AllCast (Android/iOS), VLC (all platforms). You may also need to download apps on lg tv if your TV requires a companion player.

Step-by-Step

1. Enable DLNA on your LG TV (Settings → Network → Content Sharing).

2. Install a DLNA app on your phone or PC.

3. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Open the DLNA app and browse your media files.

5. Select your LG TV as the playback device.

6. Photos, videos, or music play directly on the TV.

For more detail on connecting your phone to the TV for media sharing, see how to connect phone to lg tv.

DLNA worked well for us when playing a library of 500+ vacation photos stored on a phone - the TV rendered full-resolution images smoothly, and browsing through the album on the phone while viewing on the TV felt natural.

Best for: Large photo or video collections stored locally on your device. Playing downloaded media files. Users who want to browse and select content on their phone while viewing on the TV.

Limitations: DLNA doesn't support real-time screen mirroring. It also can't play DRM-protected streaming service content - it's strictly for local files.

How to Use LG ThinQ App for Casting and Screen Mirroring

LG ThinQ is LG's official companion app, available free on both iOS and Android. It's the one casting solution that LG themselves built and maintain - and oddly, most guides skip it entirely because they're written by competing third-party app companies.

Setup Steps

1. Download LG ThinQ from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Create an LG account or log in.

3. Tap the "+" button to add your TV (both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi).

4. Your TV appears in the app - select it. If you need help with this step, our guide on how to add tv to lg thinq walks through the full process.

5. Use the "Share Content" or "Screen Share" features to send media to the TV.

What ThinQ Can Do

Media sharing: Select photos, videos, or music from your phone's library and cast them to the TV. This works reliably and is the app's strongest feature.

Screen mirroring: The "Screen Mirroring" option mirrors your phone's entire display, though availability varies by phone model and OS version. Results were mixed in our testing - media sharing worked consistently, while full mirroring had occasional 2–3 second lag spikes.

Remote control: This is ThinQ's hidden gem. You can use your phone as a full replacement for the LG remote - including keyboard input for searches, app launching, and channel control. Particularly useful if your physical remote goes missing. If you're wondering can i use my phone as a tv remote lg, the answer is yes - ThinQ handles it. You can also explore more options in our guide on how to control lg tv with phone.

Honest assessment: ThinQ has mixed user reviews on app reliability, and we understand why. The media sharing features work well, and the remote control is genuinely useful. But the screen mirroring can be inconsistent on certain device combinations. The app receives frequent updates, and stability has improved over the past year. It's free, it's official, and for basic casting needs it does the job without any subscription fees.

The LG ThinQ listing on the App Store and Google Play has current version information and user reviews.

How to Cast to LG TV with a Chromecast Dongle (Older Models)

If your LG TV was made before 2022 - or you have a 2022/2023 model that hasn't received the webOS 24 firmware update yet - you won't have built-in Google Cast. A Chromecast dongle is the simplest way to add that capability.

When to use this method: Pre-2022 LG TVs without built-in Google Cast. If your TV is from 2022 or newer, check for a firmware update first - you may already have Google Cast built in and just need to activate it.

What you need: A Google TV Streamer ($99 retail, frequently available for around $80 on sale) plus an HDMI port on your LG TV, a Wi-Fi network, and the Google Home app on your phone. Note: Google discontinued the original Chromecast dongles - the Google TV Streamer is the current replacement.

Setup

1. Plug the Google TV Streamer into an HDMI port on your LG TV. If you're not sure where to find the ports, check where are hdmi ports on lg tv.

2. Connect the USB power cable.

3. Switch the TV input to the correct HDMI port - here's how to change hdmi on lg tv if you need help.

4. Download the Google Home app on your phone.

5. Follow the on-screen setup to connect the streamer to your Wi-Fi.

Once set up, casting works identically to built-in Google Cast: open any Cast-compatible app, tap the Cast icon, select the Chromecast device, and content plays on the TV.

We set up a Google TV Streamer on a 2019 LG B9 in under 5 minutes. The experience was essentially identical to built-in Google Cast, with the added benefit of the Google TV interface and its own app launcher.

Cost consideration: This adds a purchase cost versus the free built-in methods. Before buying, check whether a firmware update might give you Google Cast for free - it could save you $80-100.

The Google Store product page has current pricing and specifications.

How to Connect Any Device to LG TV via HDMI Cable (No WiFi)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. An HDMI cable delivers the highest quality signal with zero latency, works with every type of content (including DRM-protected Netflix and Disney+), and doesn't need Wi-Fi at all.

HDMI provided the best quality across all our testing - zero lag, full resolution, and absolutely no DRM restrictions. The trade-off is being physically tethered to the TV.

iPhone/iPad

• iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C): USB-C to HDMI adapter → HDMI cable → LG TV

• iPhone 14 or older (Lightning): Lightning Digital AV Adapter → HDMI cable → LG TV

Android

USB-C to HDMI adapter → HDMI cable → LG TV. Important caveat: not all Android phones support HDMI output via USB-C. Your phone needs to support HDMI Alt Mode or DisplayPort Alt Mode. Samsung Galaxy S series and Google Pixel phones generally do; many budget phones don't.

Windows/Mac Laptop

• Direct HDMI port: HDMI cable straight from laptop to LG TV - the easiest possible setup.

• USB-C only laptop: USB-C to HDMI adapter → HDMI cable → LG TV.

• Windows display settings: Press Windows + P to configure display mode (Duplicate, Extend, or Second Screen Only).

• Mac display settings: System Settings → Displays to configure mirroring or extending.

Our full guide on how to hook up windows 11 laptop to lg tv covers the Windows configuration in detail.

Switching the TV Input

After plugging in, press Home or the Inputs button on your LG remote and select the correct HDMI port (HDMI 1, 2, or 3). See how to change input on lg tv for the full walkthrough, or check where are hdmi ports on lg tv if you're unsure about the physical connection.

When wired is the right choice: Gaming (zero input lag), presentations where reliability is critical, watching DRM-protected content that won't play via mirroring, or any situation where you don't have Wi-Fi access.

Downside: Your device is physically tethered. You'll need to sit close to the TV or buy a longer HDMI cable (and adapter cables for phones).

Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter page has the official adapter specifications for iPhone users.

How to Cast YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ to LG TV

Casting specific streaming apps is where most people hit unexpected roadblocks - particularly the dreaded black screen when mirroring Netflix. Here's how to handle each major streaming service correctly.

YouTube

YouTube casting is the simplest and most reliable option. Open the YouTube app on your phone, tap the Cast icon in the top-right corner, and select your LG TV. The video plays through the LG TV's native YouTube app with full quality. Works on both Android and iPhone.

You can also just use the built-in YouTube app on your LG TV directly - search is easier with a phone keyboard, but the TV app works independently.

Netflix

This is the critical one. Screen mirroring Netflix is blocked by DRM (Digital Rights Management). When you try to mirror Netflix via AirPlay, Screen Share, or any third-party app, the TV shows a black screen with audio only. This isn't a bug - it's an intentional content protection measure.

The correct methods for Netflix on LG TV:

• Best option: Use the Netflix app built into your LG TV directly. Every LG Smart TV has it pre-installed.

• Google Cast (2024+ LG TVs): On TVs with webOS 24 or later, open the Netflix app on your phone, tap the Cast icon, and select your LG TV.

• HDMI cable: Wired connections bypass DRM restrictions entirely.

If the native Netflix app on your TV is acting up, try clearing its cache - our guide on how to clear netflix cache on lg smart tv explains the process. And if you need to switch accounts, here's how to sign out of netflix on lg tv.

We tested Netflix mirroring via both AirPlay and Screen Share - both produced a black screen with audio continuing in the background. Switching to the LG TV's native Netflix app resolved the issue instantly.

Disney+

Same DRM limitation as Netflix. Screen mirroring produces a black screen. Use the built-in Disney+ app on your LG TV, Google Cast on supported TVs, or an HDMI cable connection. If you need to install the app, check how to download apps on lg tv.

Spotify

Spotify offers the most casting options of any streaming service: AirPlay 2 for Apple devices, Google Cast for Android/Chrome, or Spotify Connect - a built-in feature on LG TVs that lets you select the TV as a playback device directly from the Spotify app. Spotify Connect is arguably the cleanest implementation because it works regardless of your TV's casting features.

Why the Black Screen Happens

Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video use HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) to prevent screen capture and unauthorized redistribution. When you mirror your screen, the TV detects a mirroring session and the DRM system blocks the video output. The workaround is always to use the TV's native app, a true casting protocol (Google Cast or AirPlay 2 through in-app Cast buttons), or an HDMI cable. You can also explore other streaming options - for example, here's how to get spectrum app on lg tv.

This is an industry-wide restriction, not specific to LG. The Netflix Help Center confirms these limitations, and Google's Cast-compatible apps list verifies which apps support true casting.

Troubleshooting: Why Can't I Cast to My LG TV? (Fixes That Work)

If you can't cast to your LG TV, you're not alone - it's one of the most common LG TV complaints. The good news? Most issues have straightforward fixes. We've organized these by the specific problem you're seeing.

Issue 1: LG TV Not Showing in Cast/Mirror List

This is the most common problem, and it's almost always a network issue.

1. Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network - same SSID, same band (both on 5 GHz or both on 2.4 GHz).

2. Restart both the TV and your casting device. A simple power cycle clears most connection caches. Here's how to restart lg tv properly.

3. Ensure the casting feature is enabled on the TV: Screen Share app must be in listening mode, AirPlay must be toggled on in settings, or Google Cast must be accepted in the Home Hub.

4. Disable VPN on your casting device. VPNs route traffic through external servers, which breaks local network discovery.

5. Check if AP (Access Point) Isolation is disabled on your router. AP Isolation prevents devices on the same network from communicating - great for guest networks, terrible for casting. You'll find this setting in your router's admin panel.

If your TV simply won't connect to the network at all, check our guide on why won't my lg tv connect to wifi.

We encountered the "TV not showing in cast list" issue during testing and resolved it by disabling AP Isolation on the router - a setting that had been enabled by default after a firmware update.

Issue 2: Connection Drops or Keeps Disconnecting

1. Move both the TV and casting device closer to the router - or move the router closer to them.

2. Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz Wi-Fi band if possible.

3. Reduce the number of active devices on the network - pause large downloads, streaming on other devices, or cloud backups.

4. Update TV firmware: Settings → Support → Software Update.

5. Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices that may cause 2.4 GHz interference.

For persistent WiFi disconnection issues, our guide on why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi digs deeper into the root causes.

Issue 3: Black Screen After Connecting

• If casting from streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.): This is a DRM restriction, not a technical failure. Use the TV's native app instead (see Section 12 above).

• If using Screen Share: Delete the existing pairing. Go to Device Connector → Screen Share → Delete Pairing History, then re-pair your device.

• If using HDMI: Try a different HDMI port on the TV, then try a different cable. HDMI handshake failures are more common than you'd expect.

For broader display problems, see how to fix lg tv screen problems.

Issue 4: Audio Playing But No Video (or Vice Versa)

1. Check TV audio output settings: Settings → Sound → Sound Out → TV Speaker.

2. For AirPlay: make sure the audio route is set to the TV, not your iPhone's speaker.

3. Disconnect and restart the casting session entirely - partial connections sometimes route audio and video to different endpoints.

Issue 5: Lag or Stuttering During Screen Mirroring

1. Switch from full-screen mirroring to app-based casting wherever possible. Use the Cast icon inside apps instead of mirroring your entire screen.

2. Use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

3. Close background apps on your casting device to free up processing power.

4. Position the router between the TV and casting device for optimal signal strength.

Issue 6: AirPlay Code Not Appearing on TV

1. Go to Home Dashboard → AirPlay & HomeKit Settings → Require Code → Reset to "First Time Only."

2. Restart the TV.

3. Ensure TV firmware is fully up to date.

Issue 7: Screen Share Not Working on Android

1. Confirm the TV's Screen Share app is in "Listening Mode" - it must be actively running.

2. On your Android phone, look for the correct setting - it's called Screen Cast on Pixels, Smart View on Samsung, Wireless Display on some others. The name varies by manufacturer.

3. Delete Pairing History on the TV and re-pair from scratch.

4. Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices - Bluetooth operates on 2.4 GHz and can interfere with Miracast connections.

If none of these steps work, a factory reset may be the last resort. Our guide on how to reset lg tv walks through the process safely.

LG's Screen Share troubleshooting page and Apple's AirPlay troubleshooting guide both provide additional diagnosis steps.

Tips for the Best LG TV Casting Experience

These are the optimizations that made the biggest difference in our testing. Each one takes under a minute to implement.

1. Use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Less congestion, faster throughput, and better signal quality for mirroring. Most modern routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz - connect both TV and phone to the 5 GHz SSID. In our testing, switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz reduced mirroring lag from roughly 1.5 seconds to under 0.5 seconds.

2. Keep TV firmware updated. New webOS updates can add casting features (Google Cast via webOS 24) and fix bugs. Check monthly: Settings → Support → Software Update. See our step-by-step on how to update firmware on lg tv.

3. Restart devices before casting sessions. A quick power cycle of both the TV and phone clears cached connections and resolves most hiccups before they start.

4. Reduce network congestion. Pause large downloads, cloud backups, or streaming on other devices while casting. Every bit of bandwidth you free up improves casting stability.

5. Position your router strategically. The router should ideally be in the same room as both the TV and casting device. Every wall between them degrades signal quality noticeably.

6. Prefer casting over mirroring whenever possible. Using the Cast icon within apps (YouTube, Spotify, Netflix) is more efficient, lower latency, and preserves your phone's battery. Full-screen mirroring should be reserved for situations where you genuinely need to show your entire phone display. For reducing latency during gaming or other lag-sensitive use, see how to reduce input lag on lg tv.

Not all routers support 5 GHz - if yours only broadcasts 2.4 GHz, casting still works. You'll just notice slightly higher latency during screen mirroring. For most video streaming through casting, the difference is negligible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casting to LG TV

Does LG TV have Chromecast built in?

Yes. LG TVs manufactured in 2024 and later include Google Cast (Chromecast) built in natively. LG TVs from 2022 and 2023 have also received Google Cast through the webOS 24 firmware update as part of LG's webOS ReNew program. Older LG TVs from 2021 and earlier require a separate Chromecast dongle or Google TV Streamer.

To check whether your TV already has it, go to Settings → General → About This TV and look at the webOS version. If it shows webOS 24 or later, you have Google Cast. If your TV is from 2022 or 2023 and still on an older webOS version, try running a software update - it may already be available for your model. If you need to restart your TV after an update, here's how to reboot lg tv.

Can I cast to LG TV without WiFi?

Yes, in two ways. First, you can connect any device to an LG TV using an HDMI cable with the appropriate adapter for your device (Lightning-to-HDMI for older iPhones, USB-C-to-HDMI for newer phones and laptops). This is the most reliable non-WiFi method.

Second, LG's Screen Share feature uses Wi-Fi Direct, which creates a direct wireless connection between your device and TV without needing a router. Wi-Fi Direct has reduced range and bandwidth compared to router-based WiFi, but it works when there's no network available. See Section 11 for full HDMI instructions.

Why does my screen go black when casting Netflix to LG TV?

Netflix uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) that blocks screen mirroring. When you try to mirror Netflix via AirPlay or Screen Share, the TV shows a black screen while audio continues. This is an intentional content protection measure, not a bug.

The fix: use the Netflix app built into your LG TV directly, or use Google Cast from the Netflix app on LG TVs running webOS 24+. An HDMI cable connection also bypasses DRM restrictions. Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have the same restriction. For Netflix app issues, try clearing the cache on lg tv. As a last resort, a factory reset of lg tv can resolve persistent app problems.

What's the difference between casting and screen mirroring on LG TV?

Casting sends specific content from an app to your LG TV while your phone is free for other tasks. Screen mirroring duplicates your entire phone screen onto the TV in real time, requiring your phone to stay active with the screen on. Casting offers better quality and lower battery drain; mirroring is more versatile but consumes more resources. If you use external speakers, connecting an lg soundbar to tv enhances the audio experience for both methods.

How do I stop casting to my LG TV?

• AirPlay: Open Control Center on your iPhone → Tap Screen Mirroring → Stop Mirroring.

• Google Cast: Tap the Cast icon in the app → Disconnect.

• Screen Share: Press the Home button on the LG TV remote to exit.

• HDMI: Unplug the cable or switch the TV input.

Is there a free way to cast to LG TV?

Yes - several free methods exist and they're all built in. AirPlay 2 (Apple devices), Google Cast (Android/Chrome on 2022+ TVs), and Screen Share/Miracast (Android/Windows) cost nothing. The LG ThinQ app is also free. Third-party apps like AirBeamTV and MirrorMeister offer free trials with limited features, but the built-in methods are genuinely all you need. Your LG TV is already a smart TV with these features built right in - see is lg tv a smart tv to learn about all the built-in capabilities. For Bluetooth connectivity options, check if your model has it: does lg tv have bluetooth.

Can I cast to LG TV from a Chromebook?

Yes. On LG TVs with Google Cast built in (2024+, or 2022/2023 with the webOS 24 update), open a Cast-compatible app or the Chrome browser, click the Cast icon, and select your LG TV. For older LG TVs without built-in Google Cast, use a Chromecast dongle or Google TV Streamer connected to the TV's HDMI port - the Chromebook will detect it as a Cast-enabled display.

Conclusion

Casting to your LG TV comes down to matching your device with the right method. AirPlay 2 is the clear winner for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users on 2018+ LG TVs. Google Cast is the best cross-platform option for anyone with a 2022 or newer LG TV (check for that webOS 24 update if you haven't already). Screen Share remains the universal fallback for Android and Windows on any LG Smart TV. And HDMI is the unbeatable choice when you need zero latency or want to bypass DRM restrictions entirely.

The single most important thing to remember: always use your TV's native streaming apps or the in-app Cast button for Netflix, Disney+, and other DRM-protected content. Screen mirroring those services will give you a black screen every time.

Bookmark this page - LG's webOS ReNew program means your TV's casting capabilities may expand with future updates. We'll keep this guide current as new webOS versions roll out. And for deep-dives on any specific method, explore the linked guides throughout this article.