The Watch app allows you to access Apple’s streaming service Apple TV+ on compatible smart TVs. Unfortunately, LG Smart TVs do not natively support the Watch app like some other smart TV brands. However, there are a couple of workarounds to get the Watch app on your LG Smart TV.
Use an Apple TV Set-Top Box
The easiest way to get the Watch app on your LG Smart TV is to use an Apple TV set-top box. Apple TV is a small box that connects to your TV via HDMI and brings the Apple TV interface and apps to your big screen. Here’s how to set it up:
- Purchase an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD box. Make sure your smart TV has an available HDMI port.
- Connect the Apple TV box to your TV’s HDMI port and to power. Turn on the Apple TV.
- On the Apple TV home screen, download the Apple TV app. This is the app formerly known as the Watch app. It offers access to Apple TV+ original content and other video services.
- Log in with your Apple ID account. Make sure it is the same account used for your Apple TV+ subscription.
- You can now access Apple TV+ shows and movies through the Apple TV app on your LG Smart TV.
The Apple TV box essentially brings the Apple TV interface and apps to your LG TV. While not free, it provides the easiest and most seamless way to get the Watch app working on an LG Smart TV.
Screen Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad
If you don’t want to purchase an Apple TV box, you can mirror the Watch app from your iPhone or iPad directly to your LG Smart TV. Here’s how:
- Make sure both your iPhone/iPad and LG Smart TV are connected to the same wireless network.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Watch app and start playing a video.
- Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center on your iOS device. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon.
- Select your LG Smart TV from the list of available devices. Your iPhone or iPad screen will now be mirrored to your TV display.
- The Watch app video will play on your TV screen while controls remain on your iPhone or iPad.
This screen mirroring workaround lets you view Watch app content on your LG TV. However, it is a manual process each time you want to watch something. There is also potential for lag and reduced video quality depending on your wireless network connection.
Use an HDMI Cable
For the best quality, you can connect your iPhone or iPad directly to your LG Smart TV using an HDMI cable. This gives you a wired connection to eliminate lag or buffering issues. Here’s how it works:
- Get an HDMI cable to connect your iOS device to your TV. You’ll also need an HDMI adapter for your iPhone or iPad if it does not have a native HDMI port.
- Attach the HDMI adapter to your iOS device, connect the HDMI cable from the adapter to an HDMI port on your TV.
- Your iPhone/iPad screen should now be mirrored directly on your TV display via the HDMI connection.
- Open the Watch app on your iOS device and start playing a video. It will display in full quality on your TV.
- This process avoids any wireless lag and gives you the best video quality. But it is a more manual setup each time you want to watch something.
Using a direct HDMI connection gives you the best playback quality for the Watch app on an LG Smart TV. But it does require getting the right HDMI adapter and cables for your iPhone or iPad model.
Use AirPlay with Apple TV Dongle
Another option is to use an Apple TV HDMI dongle accessory. This connects to an HDMI port on your TV and allows AirPlay streaming:
- Get an Apple TV HDMI dongle, sometimes called an AirPlay 2 dongle. Plug it into an open HDMI port on your LG Smart TV.
- On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down to open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring. Select the Apple TV dongle from the list.
- Your iOS device screen will now be mirrored to your TV display wirelessly via AirPlay. Open the Watch app and play a video.
- This gives you a wireless connection like screen mirroring but with better quality and consistency since it uses the Apple TV HDMI dongle. It’s easier than a direct HDMI cable connection.
This AirPlay method wirelessly streams Watch app content to your TV. It provides excellent video quality thanks to the dedicated Apple TV dongle. The dongle is relatively affordable compared to a full Apple TV box.
Use a Third-Party App
There are also some third-party apps that claim to enable Apple TV+ access on LG Smart TVs:
- Rakuten TV – Offers an Apple TV+ channel on some LG TVs running webOS 3.0 or later.
- AirScreen – Streams content from iOS devices to LG TVs, including Apple TV+ shows.
- SmartTubeNext – Sideloads onto LG TVs and can play Apple TV+ content cast from an iPhone.
These third-party apps use screen mirroring, casting, or sideloading to work around the lack of official Apple TV support on LG TVs. They provide another option if the previous methods do not work for you.
Check App Store for Any Updates
It’s a good idea to periodically check the app store on your LG Smart TV. Some LG TVs are beginning to offer native support for the Apple TV app. So there may be a native app released in the future:
- On your LG TV remote, select the Home button to access the smart TV menu.
- Navigate to the app store icon and select it.
- Search for “Apple TV” and see if an official app is available for download.
- If a native Apple TV app appears in the future, you can download it and log in with your Apple ID to watch Apple TV+ content.
As Apple expands support for its services on third-party devices, LG may eventually allow official Apple TV integration on select smart TV models. So it’s worth occasionally checking your LG TV’s app store for any updates.
Consider Apple TV+ Support When Buying a New TV
If you are planning to purchase a new smart TV in the future, be sure to consider Apple TV app integration as one of the features. Many modern smart TVs from brands like Samsung, Sony, Vizio, and others come with built-in support for the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ service.
Here are some things to look for when shopping for a new TV to ensure Apple TV+ compatibility:
- Check product listings and specs for any mention of the Apple TV app or Apple AirPlay support.
- Look for the official Apple TV app logo on the TV box or in the product images.
- Search for information on whether the TV brand has announced Apple TV integration for that specific model.
- Confirm that the TV operating system supports Apple services, like tvOS, Tizen, webOS, or Android TV.
- Buy a newer model year, as Apple TV support is becoming more common in recent TV releases.
Selecting a smart TV with built-in Apple TV app functionality will offer the best long-term Apple TV+ streaming experience. You won’t have to rely on workarounds and can enjoy simple direct access from your television.
Conclusion
While LG Smart TVs do not natively support the Apple TV app, there are several options to access Apple TV+ on these devices. Using an Apple TV set-top box, screen mirroring, HDMI cabling, or third-party apps can enable streaming until official app support might come in the future. Checking for app updates and considering Apple TV integration when buying a new TV can also help ensure compatibility.
With the right setup, LG Smart TV owners can enjoy Apple original shows, movies, and other content. It just takes some additional effort compared to brands with direct app access. As Apple TV+ gains prominence, broader smart TV support should follow and make accessing this service easier than ever.