How to Connect Your iPhone to an LG TV

The simplest way: AirPlay over WiFi

The easiest method is AirPlay, which lets you send video and audio from your iPhone wirelessly to your LG TV. Both devices need to be on the same WiFi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, then select your LG TV from the list. Your iPhone screen appears on the TV within a few seconds.

This works with most LG TVs made after 2018 that have AirPlay built in. If your TV is older, you may need an Apple TV box (a separate device that connects to your TV) to use AirPlay. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if AirPlay is available — look for it under Network or Smart TV settings.

AirPlay works for mirroring (showing your whole iPhone screen) or for sending just video or audio from specific apps like Apple TV, YouTube, or Apple Music. You control what plays from your iPhone while the TV displays it.

Key Takeaways

• AirPlay is the built-in Apple method and works wirelessly if your LG TV supports it and both devices are on the same WiFi network.
• HDMI cables with an adapter let you physically connect your iPhone to the TV and work with any LG TV model, but require you to stay near the TV.
• Older LG TVs may need an Apple TV box to use AirPlay, or you can use a third-party app like LG's SmartShare if your TV has it.
• Check your LG TV's manual or settings menu under Network or Smart TV to confirm which connection methods your specific model supports.

Using a physical HDMI cable and adapter

If AirPlay does not work or you prefer a wired connection, you can plug your iPhone directly into the TV using an HDMI cable and an adapter. You need a Lightning to HDMI adapter (made by Apple or a third party) that plugs into the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone. Then connect an HDMI cable from the adapter to any HDMI port on the back or side of your LG TV.

Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input using the remote control — usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or HDMI 3. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV. This method works with any LG TV that has HDMI ports, regardless of age or model.

The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by the cable, so you cannot move around the room. The upside is that it is reliable and does not depend on WiFi or the TV having smart features. The adapter costs between $15 and $30.

Checking if your LG TV supports AirPlay

Not all LG TVs have AirPlay built in. To learn about yours does, turn on the TV and look in the Settings menu — usually accessed by pressing the Settings button on the remote. Navigate to Network or Smart TV settings and look for AirPlay or Apple AirPlay listed as an option.

If you do not see it there, check the model number on the back of your TV and search online for "[your model number] AirPlay support." LG's website lists which models have it. If your TV does not support AirPlay, you have two options: use an HDMI cable instead, or buy an Apple TV box to add AirPlay capability.

Using LG's SmartShare app if your TV has it

Some LG TVs come with an app called SmartShare that lets you send photos, videos, and music from your iPhone to the TV over WiFi. This is different from AirPlay — it is LG's own system. read the SmartShare app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone, open it, and select your LG TV from the list of available devices.

SmartShare works best for sharing files rather than mirroring your entire screen. If your LG TV has SmartShare, it will appear in the TV's settings menu or in the app store built into the TV itself. Not all LG models include it, so check your TV's manual first.

Troubleshooting when the connection does not work

If AirPlay is not finding your TV, make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Check that your iPhone and TV are on the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band — some older iPhones only work on 2.4 GHz. Restart both devices by turning them off and back on, then try again.

If you are using an HDMI cable and the TV screen stays black, try switching to a different HDMI input on the TV using the remote. Some HDMI ports on older TVs do not support video input from phones. If the picture appears but is upside down or sideways, go to Settings on your iPhone, then Display & Brightness, and check the orientation lock.

If SmartShare is not working, make sure the app is installed on both your iPhone and your LG TV. Restart the app on your iPhone and power-cycle the TV. If the TV still does not appear in the app, check that both devices are on the same WiFi network and that your TV model actually supports SmartShare.

When to use each method

Use AirPlay if your LG TV supports it and you want wireless freedom to move around the room. It is the fastest to set up and works with most newer LG models. Use an HDMI cable if your TV is older, does not support AirPlay, or if you want a rock-solid connection that does not depend on WiFi. Use SmartShare if you mainly want to share photos and videos rather than mirror your whole screen, and your TV has the app built in.

If you own an older LG TV and want wireless mirroring without buying an Apple TV box, an HDMI cable is your most practical option. It costs less than an Apple TV and works with any TV model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to connect my iPhone to an LG TV?

AirPlay and SmartShare both need WiFi. An HDMI cable does not — it is a direct physical connection that works without any internet. If your WiFi is down or unreliable, use the HDMI cable method instead.

Can I charge my iPhone while it is connected with an HDMI cable?

No. The Lightning to HDMI adapter plugs into your iPhone's charging port, so you cannot use both at the same time. If you need to charge while connected, use AirPlay instead, which is wireless.

What if my LG TV is very old and does not have WiFi?

An HDMI cable with an adapter is your only option. Older LG TVs without built-in WiFi cannot use AirPlay or SmartShare. The HDMI method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, even if it is 10 or 15 years old.

Is there a way to connect without buying an Apple TV box?

Yes. Use an HDMI cable and adapter (costs $15 to $30), or use AirPlay if your TV already supports it. An Apple TV box is only necessary if you have an older LG TV without AirPlay and you want wireless mirroring instead of a cable.

Can I use AirPlay to play audio only, without showing my screen?

Yes. In Control Center, press and hold the Screen Mirroring button, then select your TV and choose "Audio Only" if that option appears. This works with some LG TVs and some apps, but not all. Check your TV's manual to confirm it supports audio-only AirPlay.