To mirror Mac to LG Smart TV, the most reliable method is using Apple's built-in AirPlay 2 feature, which allows you to wirelessly project your Mac's display onto your LG TV with no extra hardware. This is the primary way to achieve screen mirroring to a TV, letting you enjoy videos, presentations, or web browsing on a larger screen, while a similar wireless approach also lets you screen mirror on TCL smart TV from other devices.
Before you start: mirror mac to LG smart TV requirements
Before attempting to mirror Mac to LG Smart TV, verify that your LG TV is compatible. LG Smart TVs manufactured from 2019 onwards (running webOS version 4.5 or later) generally support AirPlay 2. Compatible models include all OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and most UHD series from 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Both your Mac and LG TV must also be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for wireless mirroring to work. If your TV isn't an LG, you can instead screen mirror on Philips smart TV using its built-in Miracast or Chromecast support.
Method 1: mirror with AirPlay (wireless)
This is the simplest and most direct method for wirelessly mirroring your Mac to your LG Smart TV.
- On your LG TV, navigate to the Home Dashboard, select "AirPlay," then go to "AirPlay and HomeKit settings," and ensure "AirPlay" is turned "On."
- On your Mac, open the Control Center from the menu bar and click the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles).
- Choose your LG TV from the list of available devices.
- If prompted, enter the four-digit AirPlay passcode displayed on your LG TV screen into your Mac.
Your Mac screen should now appear on your LG TV. You can adjust the mirrored display settings from your Mac's Display preferences if needed.
Method 2: mirror with an HDMI cable (wired)
If wireless mirroring is not an option or you prefer a more stable connection, a wired HDMI setup provides a reliable alternative.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable (or an adapter for Thunderbolt/USB-C ports) to your Mac and the other end to an available HDMI input on your LG TV.
- On your LG TV, use the remote to select the corresponding HDMI input source for the port you used.
- On your Mac, open System Settings > Displays. You should see your LG TV listed. Click the "Mirror or extend to" pop-up menu and select "Mirror built-in display."
- To direct audio to the TV, go to System Settings > Sound > Output and select your LG TV from the list.
Method 3: mirror with third-party apps
Third-party screen mirroring apps like AirBeamTV's "Mirror for LG TV" or PigeonCast offer wireless mirroring and may provide more consistent performance or broader compatibility, especially for older LG TVs or if native AirPlay is unreliable. The general setup process involves installing the app on your Mac and, if required, a companion app on your LG TV. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app on your Mac, select your LG TV from the list of detected devices, and follow any on-screen prompts to begin mirroring.
Troubleshooting common mirroring problems
If AirPlay is not working, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac, as AirPlay uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for discovery and connection. Check that both your Mac and LG TV are on a stable Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, as network interruptions can cause mirroring to drop. If you experience audio output problems, verify in your Mac's System Settings > Sound > Output that the correct audio destination (your LG TV) is selected. For wired HDMI connections, confirm the TV is set to the correct input source and that the cable is securely connected.
