Owners of modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often wonder about the expansion of their device. Connecting a second display may be required to work with documents, view media or create specific working configurations. However, it is important to clarify the terminology immediately, since users often confuse different functions.
The phrase "add screen" may mean displaying an image on an external monitor through HDMI-This is a standard feature for flagship models, or it is a software extension of the desktop using third-party applications, if the device does not support native DeX or WorkSpace mode.
There is a third option, when the term “second screen” refers to widgets on a locked screen or the function “second space”. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios so that you can choose the right method for your smartphone model.
Hardware connection of external monitor to Xiaomi
If your goal is to display the image from your smartphone to a large monitor or TV, you will need support for Video Output technology via a USB Type-C port. Not all budget models have this capability, as it requires a DisplayPort Alt Mode controller.
To connect, you need to purchase a special USB-C to HDMI adapter. Once the devices are connected, the system must automatically determine the external display. In some cases, you will need to activate the mode manually through settings.
Users often find that the image is simply duplicated. To work fully with two independent windows, you need the MIUI or HyperOS shell to support desktop mode. In standard mode, you will only get a mirror image.
- 📺 Check your smartphone’s specifications for video output support.
- 🔌 Use a quality cable HDMI and certified adapter.
- ⚙️ Enable debugging mode on USB for extended output settings.
⚠️ WARNING: Using cheap Chinese adapters without own power can overheat your smartphone's power controller.Always use accessories with an extra port to charge.
Setting up the desktop mode and expansion
In recent firmware versions, Xiaomi is introducing improved multitasking features. If your smartphone supports video output, when you connect the cable in the notification curtain, a special icon will appear, and you can click on it to select the mode of operation.
Screen Cast simply copies the picture. Desktop mode (if available for your model) creates a separate environment with a window interface similar to a computer, which is the most efficient way to turn a phone into a full-fledged workstation.
To control the windows on the external screen, you can use a wireless mouse and keyboard connected via Bluetooth or USB-This significantly increases productivity when working with text documents and tables.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
It is worth noting that the resolution of the external screen can be limited by the capabilities of the smartphone, most often it is 1920×1080 at 60 Hz. Higher parameters, such as 4K, are available only to top models with Snapdragon processors 8-series and newer.
Use of Mi Drop App and Wireless Methods
If cable is not possible or inconvenient, you can use wireless technology, and the Miracast standard is built into most modern TVs, and allows you to broadcast the screen without unnecessary wires, and you just need to find the Translation feature in the notification curtain.
The Mi Drop app (or its ShareMe analog) is primarily designed to transfer files, but the Xiaomi ecosystem offers other solutions for interacting with screens, such as PC Translation, which allows you to control your phone from a computer, which indirectly creates a second screen.
Wireless desktop extensions often require third-party applications that create a virtual display, but it is worth remembering that this method introduces latency and heavily loads the processor.
| Connection method | Delay. | Quality. | Equipment required |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C to HDMI | Absent. | Maximum. | Cable, adapter |
| Miracast / Broadcast | Medium | High. | Smart TV or console |
| Annexes (Scrcpy) | Low (on USB) | Depends on the PC. | Computer, cable. |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Tall. | Average. | 5GHz router |
Why can wireless connectivity be delayed?
The "Second Space" function as a software analogue
Many users are looking for a way to add a screen, meaning an isolated environment inside the smartphone itself, called Second Space in the MIUI shell, which allows you to create a completely separate profile with your apps, photos and accounts.
This is not a physical second screen, but functionally splits the device into two parts: personal and work. Switching between spaces is through settings or a special widget on the desktop. It is the perfect solution for those who want to share usage contexts.
To activate, go to Settings → Second Space → Enable Second Space. The system will suggest setting up a fingerprint or pin code to quickly log into the desired profile.
- 🔒 Complete isolation of data between profiles.
- 📱 The ability to run two copies of one application.
- 🚀 Quick switch without restarting the device.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all the data stored in it (photos, contacts, applications) will be irretrievably lost.
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The second space is software-based separation of one physical screen into two independent logical environments, rather than connecting an additional monitor.
Third-party applications for emulation of the second screen
If built-in features aren’t enough, Google Play offers virtual display solutions. Apps like SecondScreen or DeskDock allow you to flexibly configure your image output settings or use your smartphone as a touchpad/display for your PC.
Some programs require Root rights for deep integration into the system, and without superuser rights, the functionality can be limited to the basic broadcast, and the installation of such programs is at your own risk.
It's important to understand that creating an artificial second screen by software always consumes battery resources. The processor is forced to render the image for a non-existent physical interface, which leads to heating.
adb shell wm size 1920x1080The above ADB command can change the logical resolution of the screen, which sometimes helps in setting up non-standard monitors, but you should use it with caution.
Frequent problems with connecting additional displays
Even with compatible hardware, users have a problem, and black screens, no sound, or the wrong aspect ratio are common problems, often because of incompatibility of resolution or refresh rate.
If an image twitches or disappears, try to lower the frame rate in the developer settings or in the video output settings, and it is also worth checking whether the adapter gets enough power.
In some cases, resetting network settings or restarting the smartphone in safe mode helps to eliminate the conflict of third-party applications blocking video output.
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If the image doesn't show up, try connecting the HDMI cable to the TV first, turning it on, and then plugging in the smartphone. The order of connection sometimes matters for handshake protocol.