How to Cast to LG TV?

Casting to an LG TV allows you to wirelessly display content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly onto your television screen. This enhances your viewing experience by bringing mobile content to a larger display.

There are several popular methods to cast to an LG Smart TV, including Miracast, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in, depending on your device and the TV model.

1. Casting via Miracast (Screen Share)

Miracast is a direct wireless connection standard that allows you to mirror your device's screen to your LG TV without needing a Wi-Fi router. Many Android smartphones and Windows PCs support Miracast, often labeled as "Screen Share" on LG TVs.

Steps to Connect Using Miracast:

1. Prepare Your LG Smart TV:

   • On your LG Smart TV remote, press the Smart Home ( ) button.
   • Navigate to Settings (usually represented by a gear icon).
   • Select Network.
   • Choose Miracast™/Intel® WiDi or Screen Share.
   • Set the feature to On. Your TV will now be discoverable.

2. Activate Miracast on Your Smartphone/PC:

   • For Android: Swipe down from the top of your smartphone screen to access the Quick Settings panel. Tap on Miracast, Screen Cast, Smart View, Wireless Display, or a similar option to activate it.
   • For Windows: Press Windows key + P on your keyboard, then select Connect to a wireless display.

3. Select Your LG Smart TV:

   • On your smartphone or PC, a list of available devices will appear. Select your LG Smart TV from this list. Its name might be "LG [Model Name]" or something similar.

4. Confirm Connection on TV:

   • Your LG TV may display a pop-up asking for permission to connect. Select the Yes button using your TV remote to establish the connection.

Once connected, your device's screen will be mirrored on your LG TV.

2. Casting via Apple AirPlay 2

Many newer LG Smart TV models (2018 and later) support Apple AirPlay 2, allowing Apple device users (iPhone, iPad, Mac) to effortlessly stream content or mirror their screen.

Steps to Use AirPlay 2:

1. Ensure Devices are on the Same Wi-Fi: Both your Apple device and your LG TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Your Apple Device:
   • To Mirror Screen: Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right on newer iPhones/iPads, or swipe up from bottom on older ones). Tap on Screen Mirroring (two overlapping rectangles icon), then select your LG TV from the list.
   • To Cast Specific Content: While playing video in an app (like YouTube, Photos, or Safari), tap the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an arrow pointing up from the bottom). Select your LG TV.
3. Confirm on TV (First Time): The first time you use AirPlay, your LG TV might display a passcode. Enter this passcode on your Apple device to authorize the connection.

For more information on AirPlay settings, you can check your LG TV's AirPlay settings under the Home Dashboard or General Settings.

3. Casting via Chromecast Built-in (Google Cast)

Some LG Smart TVs feature Chromecast built-in (also known as Google Cast), which allows you to cast content from apps that support the Google Cast protocol (e.g., Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Google Chrome browser).

Steps to Use Chromecast Built-in:

1. Ensure Devices are on the Same Wi-Fi: Your device (Android, iOS, or computer) and LG TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a Cast-Enabled App: Launch an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer that supports casting (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Hulu).
3. Tap the Cast Icon: Look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal in the corner) within the app. Tap it.
4. Select Your LG TV: A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select your LG TV from the list.
5. Start Casting: The content from your app will now begin playing on your LG TV. You can control playback (play, pause, volume) from your mobile device.

4. Casting via LG ThinQ App and Other Streaming Apps

The LG ThinQ app (available for iOS and Android) can also facilitate certain casting or content sharing features, allowing you to browse content on your phone and push it to the TV.

Many dedicated streaming applications (like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) also have their own built-in casting functions that work seamlessly with LG Smart TVs, often leveraging AirPlay 2 or Chromecast built-in functionality.

Troubleshooting Common Casting Issues

If you're having trouble casting, consider these solutions:

• Network Connection: Ensure both your casting device and LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart Devices: Try restarting your smartphone/PC, LG TV, and your Wi-Fi router.
• Software Updates: Make sure your LG TV's firmware and your device's operating system are up to date.
• App Updates: Ensure the streaming app you're using is updated to its latest version.
• Distance: Keep your casting device reasonably close to your LG TV and Wi-Fi router.
• Interference: Other wireless devices might cause interference.
• TV Input: Ensure your TV is on the correct input if you're using an external casting device like a dedicated Chromecast dongle.

By following these steps, you can effectively cast a wide range of content from your devices to your LG TV, transforming your entertainment experience.