If you’re an Apple device user trying to enjoy seamless streaming on an LG TV using AirPlay, it can be frustrating when things don’t work as expected. LG Smart TVs are known for supporting AirPlay, which allows users to mirror content from iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices directly to the TV screen. But, when AirPlay isn’t working, several potential fixes can get it back up and running. Here’s a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to solve AirPlay not working issue on your LG TV.
How to Fix AirPlay Not Working on LG TV?
1. Check Device Compatibility
Before diving into fixes, ensure your LG TV model supports AirPlay 2. LG TVs released in 2018 and later, especially models with webOS 4.5 and above, typically support AirPlay. To confirm compatibility:
- Visit LG’s website and check if your TV model has AirPlay 2 support.
- Ensure your Apple device is updated to the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version, as AirPlay may not work on older software.
- You can also check the compatibility on Apple’s official website.
2. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
AirPlay requires your LG TV and Apple device to be on the same Wi-Fi network for the connection to work. Check the network settings on both devices:
- LG TV: Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Connection to verify the network name.
- Apple Device: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and ensure it’s connected to the same network.
If they aren’t on the same network, switch them to match to enable AirPlay.
3. Restart Both Devices
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Restart your LG TV and Apple device to refresh their network connections and software states:
- LG TV: Press and hold the power button on your remote until the TV powers off and then turns back on.
- Apple Device: Hold down the power button to power off, then turn it back on after a few seconds.
Once restarted, try connecting with AirPlay again.
4. Update Software on Both Devices
Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with AirPlay. Make sure your LG TV and Apple device are running the latest software versions:
- LG TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > General > About this TV and select Check for Updates.
- Apple Device: Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS devices or System Preferences > Software Update on macOS.
After updating, try using AirPlay to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Enable AirPlay on LG TV
Sometimes, AirPlay may be disabled by default on your LG TV. To enable it:
- Open Settings on your LG TV.
- Go to General > Apple AirPlay Settings.
- Turn on AirPlay if it is turned off.
6. Reset Network Settings on Both Devices
If your devices are connected to the same network but still not working with AirPlay, a network reset can help. Resetting network settings on both devices can refresh the connection.
- LG TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings. Note that this will reset all settings on the TV, so use this as a last resort.
- Apple Device: On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase all Wi-Fi networks, so ensure you remember your Wi-Fi password.
7. Disable the Firewall or Adjust Security Settings on Mac
For Mac users trying to AirPlay to LG TV, your firewall settings might be blocking the connection. Adjust these settings:
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
- Click on Firewall Options and ensure that all incoming connections are unchecked.
- Check Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections and Automatically allow downloaded signed software to receive incoming connections.
8. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
A problematic Wi-Fi connection can hinder AirPlay. Restarting your router can help to stabilize the network:
- Power off your router for about 10 seconds.
- Turn it back on and wait for it to reconnect.
This can help refresh the connection between your devices.
9. Use a Wired Connection for LG TV (Optional)
If AirPlay issues persist, you may want to connect your LG TV to the network using an Ethernet cable. A wired connection can often provide a more stable network connection, which may improve AirPlay performance.
10. Perform a Factory Reset on LG TV (Last Resort)
If all else fails, a factory reset may resolve any deep-seated software issues on the LG TV:
- Go to Settings > All Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings.
- This will erase all custom settings, so use this option only if you’ve tried all other methods.
After resetting, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and attempt to use AirPlay.
When AirPlay stops working on your LG TV, the above steps should guide you in troubleshooting and fixing the issue. Start with simple solutions like checking network settings, updating software, and restarting devices. More in-depth solutions, like resetting network settings or performing a factory reset, may be necessary if issues persist.
FAQs
In rare cases, compatibility issues between specific software versions on Apple and LG devices may temporarily prevent AirPlay from working. Contact LG support for assistance, or consider using a third-party app like ApowerMirror for screen mirroring.
No, AirPlay has been generally available on LG TVs since 2018 and newer with webOS 4.5 or higher.