AirPlay is a convenient feature that allows you to wirelessly stream content from your Apple devices to a compatible LG Smart TV. However, many users have reported issues with AirPlay not working properly on their LG TVs. If you’re experiencing problems getting AirPlay to function, don’t worry – there are several effective troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through the most common causes of LG TV AirPlay not working and provide detailed instructions on how to fix the problem. Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, you’ll be able to use these tips to get AirPlay up and running smoothly on your LG television.
Check LG TV AirPlay 2 Compatibility
The first step is to verify that your LG TV model supports AirPlay 2, which is required for compatibility with Apple devices. LG began incorporating AirPlay 2 in 2018 with webOS 4.0. Here are the LG TV series that offer AirPlay 2 functionality:
- LG OLED (2018 and later)
- LG NanoCell SM/SK/NANO Series (2018 and later)
- LG QNED Series (2021 and later)
- LG UHD UM/UN/UP/UQ Series (2018 and later)
To check your specific model, locate the information sticker on the back of your TV, which lists the model number and year.
If your LG TV isn’t AirPlay 2 compatible, you’ll need to use an alternate streaming method or consider upgrading your television. If you’re experiencing other issues with your LG TV, check out these guides:
- LG TV Not Connecting to WiFi
- LG TV Stuck on Logo Screen
- LG Smart TV Keep Restarting Apps
- LG TV Optical Audio Output Not Working
Power Cycle Devices
If your TV passes the compatibility check but AirPlay still isn’t working, the next step is to restart all involved devices:
- Turn off your LG TV and unplug it from power for 60 seconds.
- Turn off your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac).
- Unplug your Wi-Fi router, wait 15 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully reboot.
- Turn on your Apple device and make sure it connects to Wi-Fi.
- Plug in and turn on your LG TV. Verify that it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple device.
A simple restart can often clear up any temporary software glitches interfering with the AirPlay connection. Make sure both the LG TV and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network, as this is a requirement for AirPlay.
Update Device Software
Out-of-date system software on either your LG TV or Apple device could cause AirPlay issues if bugs have been addressed in a subsequent version. Take a moment to manually check for and install any pending system updates:
On LG TV:
- Press the Settings button on the remote
- Go to All Settings > General > About This TV
- Select Check for Updates
- Follow the prompts to install if an update is available
For more information, check out our guide on LG TV Firmware Update.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available
On Mac:
- Click the Apple icon > About This Mac
- Select Software Update
- Click Update Now if one is available
Verify AirPlay Is Enabled
Another potential cause of this issue is AirPlay being disabled in your LG TV’s settings. Use these steps to make sure the AirPlay toggle is turned on:
- Press the Home or Start button on the LG remote.
- Navigate to the Home Dashboard.
- Select AirPlay from the dashboard.
- Choose AirPlay & HomeKit Settings.
- Verify that AirPlay is switched On. If not, click to enable it.
Enable LG TV IPv6 Settings
Some users have reported that turning on IPv6 in their LG TV network settings resolved AirPlay problems. Here’s how to do so:
- Press the Settings button on the remote.
- Go to All Settings > Connection > Wi-Fi Connection.
- Select Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.
- Locate the IPv6 setting and make sure it’s enabled.
While not all LG TVs have this option, it’s worth checking and enabling if you see it, as it may help establish a better connection between your TV and router.
Turn Off VPN and Bluetooth
If a VPN is active on your streaming device, it can interfere with your local network traffic and cause issues with AirPlay. Make sure to disable any VPN apps on your Apple device before trying to use AirPlay.
Additionally, if you have Bluetooth enabled on your phone or tablet, try turning it off, as it can occasionally cause interference. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it off on your device before attempting to use AirPlay again.
Reset LG TV to Factory Settings
If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and still can’t get AirPlay working, a factory reset of your LG TV may be needed as a last resort. This will erase all settings and return the TV to factory defaults. Here’s how:
- Press the Settings button on the remote.
- Navigate to All Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings.
- Enter your passcode (default is 0000).
- Select Confirm to reset.
- The TV will restart. Follow the on-screen setup prompts.
- Re-enable AirPlay in the settings as described earlier.
Note that this will delete any customizations, so only perform a reset if all other options have failed. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy to reconnect. For detailed instructions, see our guide on How to Factory Reset LG TV.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure your LG TV model supports AirPlay 2
- Restart your LG TV, Apple device, and router
- Install any pending software updates
- Verify AirPlay is enabled in LG TV settings
- Enable IPv6 in LG network settings if available
- Disable any active VPNs and Bluetooth on your device
- Factory reset TV as a last resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AirPlay not showing up on my LG TV?
First, verify that your LG TV supports AirPlay 2. Also make sure AirPlay is enabled in your TV’s settings under AirPlay & HomeKit.
How do I know if my LG TV has AirPlay 2?
LG began adding AirPlay 2 in 2018. It’s available on LG OLED, NanoCell SM/SK/NANO Series, QNED Series, and UHD UM/UN/UP/UQ Series TVs. Check the model information on the back of the TV to confirm the year.
Why can’t I connect my phone to my LG TV with AirPlay?
There are a few main reasons this happens: 1) The TV doesn’t support AirPlay 2; 2) The devices are on different Wi-Fi networks; 3) Software is out of date; 4) AirPlay is disabled in settings. Follow the troubleshooting steps in this guide to resolve.
How do I reset my LG TV for AirPlay?
To factory reset your LG TV, go to Settings > All Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings. Enter the passcode (default is 0000) and confirm the reset. This will clear all settings and data, so use it as a last resort.
Why does AirPlay cut out on my LG TV?
AirPlay can cut out due to a weak Wi-Fi connection, interference from other devices, or software issues. First, ensure your LG TV has a strong network connection. Try moving the TV closer to the router if possible. Also, install any available software updates and restart all devices.
The rise of streaming has made seamless content sharing between devices a priority for consumers. As an LG TV expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped countless customers troubleshoot AirPlay issues to get their Apple devices and televisions working harmoniously.
While AirPlay is generally easy to use, it relies on a number of behind-the-scenes settings across both the TV and the streaming device. A small glitch or incompatibility can disrupt the whole experience. Fortunately, with a methodical approach and knowing where to look, most AirPlay problems on LG TVs can be resolved in a few simple steps without technical expertise.
By following the troubleshooting tips I’ve outlined above, the majority of users will be able to quickly pinpoint and resolve any LG TV AirPlay issues they encounter. With AirPlay, you have the freedom to wirelessly share your content from your Apple devices to the big screen. Whether you want to showcase your iPhone photos, mirror your MacBook screen, or stream your favorite shows, AirPlay helps make your LG TV feel like a seamless extension of your Apple ecosystem.
If you try all of these suggestions and still have issues with AirPlay, do not hesitate to contact LG Support for your region. Their technicians can provide further assistance and dig into any underlying software or hardware problems specific to your LG TV model.
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