How to add a second screen to Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners are faced with the desire to expand the capabilities of their device, turning it into a full-fledged working tool or creating a multitasking environment. The question of how to add another screen to Xiaomi often arises for users who want to use the phone in conjunction with a computer or simply increase the area of the workspace.

It's important to understand that second screen can mean completely different functionality, such as duplicating images to an external monitor, using a smartphone as a second monitor for a PC, or creating a virtual desktop inside an Android system. Each of these scenarios requires a different approach and configuration. The graphical interface of the MIUI shell or HyperOS provides enough tools to accomplish these tasks.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods that will help you organize an effective multi-screen experience. We will look at the standard system tools, the capabilities of the Xiaomi ecosystem and proven third-party solutions. You will learn how to customize the image output and manage windows in the way that it is convenient for you.

What is meant by the second screen on Xiaomi

Before setting up, you need to clearly define the goal. Most often, users are looking for a way to display the image from the smartphone to the large display or, conversely, use the phone as an additional monitor for the laptop. MIUI+ and its newer version of Xiaomi HyperOS Connect offer native solutions for synchronization with the PC.

Another scenario is that the smartphone itself works on the inside, and Android supports virtual desktops, which allows you to group apps and widgets together, and this is especially true for stylus-enabled devices or Pad tablets, but also for smartphones, easy navigation, and multiwindow mode plays a key role here.

⚠️ Note: The functionality may vary depending on the version MIUI (12, 13, 14) and regional firmware (Global, China, EEA). In some cases, advanced features require a Xiaomi account with a certain status.

The third option is to physically connect to an external display via USB-C. If your smartphone supports video output, you can stream the image to a TV or monitor, effectively getting a second screen for presentations or viewing content.

Xiaomi HyperOS Connect and MIUI+

One of the most effective ways to add a second screen is to bundle your smartphone with your computer, and a proprietary utility allows you to stream and control your phone screen on your PC with your mouse and keyboard, and it creates a second monitor effect where you can run mobile apps in windows on a large display.

To get started, you need to make sure that both devices are enabled Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. On your computer, you should install the MIUI+ or Xiaomi HyperOS Connect application, and on your smartphone, activate the corresponding function in the Settings → Connected Devices menu.

Once connected, you get access to the clipboard, file system and phone screen. Output latency is minimal with a good Wi-Fi signal. You can drag files between windows and even open multiple copies of the phone screen at once, simulating working with multiple devices.

It's worth noting that connection stability is directly dependent on the router, and if you're using a guest network or public Wi-Fi, the connection may not be established due to security constraints, and it's best to set up on your home network.

Configure the output of the image via USB-C (HDMI)

If your Xiaomi smartphone supports the DisplayPort Alt Mode standard, you can connect it directly to your monitor or TV via a USB-C to HDMI adapter. In this case, the phone acts as a signal source, and the external display becomes your second screen.

Connect the cable to the smartphone charging port and monitor input. The system automatically needs to identify the external device. The notification curtain will display the option Broadcast or HDMI. By clicking on it, you can select the mode of operation: screen duplication or extension (if supported by the application).

It is important to consider that the budget models of the Redmi and POCO series often have a USB 2.0 port that does not transmit a video signal. In such cases, adding a second screen is possible only through wireless technology or streaming. Checking the processor specifications (Snapdragon 8xx series is usually supported, MediaTek - selectively) will help to avoid errors.

Creating virtual desktops within the system

Android doesn’t have a built-in “second screen” feature in the classic sense of Windows, but it allows you to organize the space with widgets and launchers. You can create the illusion of a second screen by configuring the main screen and lock screen, or using third-party launchers.

For advanced users, the developer mode is available, where you can activate forced resolution or pixel density, which changes the scale of the interface. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times) and find the Minimum Width item in the developer menu.

Using widgets allows you to put important information on individual pages, creating dashboards, which is especially useful if you use a smartphone in horizontal mode. MIUI Allows flexibility in setting the grid and element size.

⚠️ Attention: Change of density parameters DPI In developer mode, you may not display the interface of some applications correctly. Remember the original value before making changes so that you can return everything back.

There are also launchers emulating the desktop interface, such as Sentio Desktop (requires root) or various “PC mode” launchers from Play Market, which radically change the way the system looks, adding taskbar and window mode, which visually creates a second desktop.

Applications for screen expansion and streaming

If there is not enough regular funds, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and programs like SecondScreen allow you to manage your display profile when you connect an external monitor, and they can automatically change resolution, DPI, and screen orientation when you connect to the dock.

Spacedesk, Duet Display, or Splashtop are great for using the phone as a webcam or a second PC monitor (without the Xiaomi ecosystem). These applications require the client to be installed on both the phone and the computer. They transmit a video stream over Wi-Fi or USB.

• 📱 Spacedesk: A free solution to turn an Android tablet or phone into a second Windows monitor.
• 💻 Duet Display: Paid but high-performance app with minimal latency.Requires cable connection for better speed.
• 🖥️ Splashtop Wired XDisplay: Allows you to use the device as a wired monitor. Works well on older devices.

When using third-party applications, it is important to monitor power consumption. Transmitting a high-quality video stream quickly drains the battery. It is recommended to keep the device connected to the charger during long sessions.

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To minimize delay when using translation applications (Spacedesk, Duet), connect your smartphone and computer to the same 5 GHz Wi-Fi network or use it. USB-cable, if the application supports wired mode. FPS.

Divided Screen Mode and Floating Windows

Often, the second screen means that users can see two apps at once. MIUI supports split screen mode (Split Screen). To activate it, open the menu of running applications (square or swipe), click on the application icon and select "Split Screen".

A more advanced feature is floating windows, so you can run the app in a small window over another, so you can, for example, text in the messenger while you're watching videos or working with documents, and you can swipe through the corners of the window.

To activate the floating window, run the app, swipe up for the recent apps menu, click on the app name on top, and select "Floating Window." This creates a mobile "second screen" on top of the main one.

New versions of HyperOS add the ability to resize floating windows more flexibly, turning them into full sidebars, bringing the experience of using a smartphone as close as possible to working on a tablet or PC.

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Split screen mode and floating windows are a regular alternative to the second monitor, which does not require additional equipment and works on any modern Xiaomi.

Solving Connection and Display Problems

When setting up the second screen, users may encounter a black screen, no sound, or desynchronization. HDCP-Some applications (Netflix, banking services) block the display of images on external displays for security reasons.

If the image twitches or disappears, try to reduce the resolution in the settings of the application-translator or switch the refresh rate of the screen. It is also worth checking whether the power saving mode is turned on, which limits the background activity and operation of the Wi-Fi module.

• 🔌 Check the cable: not all cables USB-C Some of them only support charging.
• 📶 Network: For wireless transmission, make sure the router is giving out a 5GHz signal.
• 🔄 Update: Make sure that graphics card drivers on PC and app MIUI+ Updated to the latest versions.

In rare cases, resetting network settings helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This will delete saved passwords, but can fix data protocol conflicts.