Do you want to watch a movie and check your messages at the same time, play and follow your chat, or use a Xiaomi TV as a second monitor for your laptop? Two-screen mode (duplication, expansion or split screen) allows you to do this — but not all users know how to set it up correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to activate a multiscreen on Xiaomi Mi TVs, Mi Box consoles and even smartphones with MIUI.
It’s important to understand that the two-screen technology on Xiaomi devices is implemented differently depending on the model and firmware, somewhere it’s a full-fledged Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for video, somewhere it’s a split-screen, and somewhere it’s an external display connection over HDMI or Miracast. We’ll look at all options, including hidden features that aren’t described in the official documentation.
If you're looking for a way to get your smartphone to your TV, that's here, too. And if you need to use the Xiaomi Mi TV as your second PC monitor, we'll tell you what cables and settings you'll need to do that. Let's start with the most popular scenario: splitting the screen on the TV itself.
1. Two screens on Xiaomi Mi TV (PatchWall)
Xiaomi’s PatchWall-based TVs (all models after 2018) support screen duplication and screen splitting, with the first option allowing the same display to be shown on two devices (e.g., smartphone + TV), and the second option allowing the TV screen to be divided into two independent zones.
To activate the separation:
- Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Device → Screen.
- Select the screen mode option → Split screen.
- Click Enable and confirm the action.
- With the remote, select the signal source for each half of the screen (e.g. HDMI 1 on the left and HDMI 2 on the right).
Note that not all apps support split mode, such as Netflix and YouTube can block playback due to content protection, and separation is only available when external devices are connected, because the TV itself does not know how to share the screen between its apps.
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If the menu doesn't have "Share Screen," upgrade your TV firmware to the latest version, which was called "Dual Display" in older versions of PatchWall.
2 How to use Xiaomi Mi TV as a second PC monitor
If you want to expand your desktop to a Xiaomi TV, there are two main ways: by HDMI cable and by wireless Miracast (or Wi-Fi Direct) technology.
Method 1: Connection via HDMI
- 🔌 Connect the TV to the PC with a cable HDMI (The port is usually signed as HDMI IN).
- 🖥️ On a computer (Windows/macOS) press Win + P and select Expand.
- 📺 On the TV, select the source of the signal. HDMI (source button).
- ⚙️ If necessary, adjust the resolution in Windows settings: → System system → Display.
Method 2: Wireless Connection (Miracast)
- 📶 Make sure that both your PC and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- 🖥️ On the computer: Parameters → Devices → Wireless display (or Win) + K).
- 📺 On TV: Settings → Connection and sharing → Miracast.
- 🔗 Select your PC name from the list of available devices.
With wireless connectivity, image delays (lag) are possible – this is normal for Miracast. HDMI is better for gaming or watching videos. Also note that some Xiaomi Mi TV models (such as Mi TV 4S 32) do not support Miracast – check the specifications of your model.
⚠️ Note: When connecting MacBook to Xiaomi Mi TV down HDMI Solution: In the macOS sound settings, select the output to the HDMI manually.
3.Two screens on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
Xiaomi’s MIUI-enclosed smartphones (versions 12 and later) have two features for working with multiple screens:
- Split Screen – The simultaneous operation of two applications on the same screen.
- Screen Mirroring – transferring the image of the smartphone to an external display (TV, monitor).
How to turn on split screen:
- Open the first app (like YouTube).
- Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold it, and the menu of recent apps will open.
- Click on the app icon and select Split screen.
- Select a second app (e.g. Telegram) and the screen splits in half.
How to duplicate the screen on the TV:
- 📱 On a smartphone: Settings → Connection and sharing → Screen transmission.
- 📺 On TV: Turn on Miracast (see Section 2).
- 🔗 Select the name of your TV in the list of devices.
On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro), split screen function may not be available due to performance limitations, and Miracast screen duplication drains the smartphone battery 2-3 times faster.
Why doesn’t screen duplication work?
4.Tune two screens to Xiaomi Mi Box
The Xiaomi Mi Box S (and other models in the series) does not support physical screen splitting, but allows:
- 🎮 Duplicate the screen on the TV from a smartphone or PC.
- 📺 Use the TV as a second monitor for other devices.
- 🔄 Switch between signal sources (e.g, HDMI IN and embedded applications).
How to connect the Mi Box to your TV for duplication:
- Connect the Mi Box to your TV via HDMI.
- Turn on the console and go to Settings → Display and sound → Screen resolution.
- Select a resolution compatible with your TV (e.g. 1920×1080@60Hz).
- On your smartphone or PC, activate Miracast and connect to the Mi Box.
How to use Mi Box as a media server for the second screen
- Install the Kodi or Plex app on the Mi Box.
- Connect the external hard drive with movies to the USB port.
- Run playback on the TV, and control from your smartphone through the remote application.
On the Mi Box 4 and later there is a hidden function "Developer Mode", which allows you to configure the output of the image to the second screen through ADB. To do this, you need to press the "Build Number" option 7 times in the settings of the console, then enable debugging over USB and use the command:
adb shell wm size 1920x1080This enforces a resolution that can help with output issues on the second display.
5. Problems and Solutions When Configuring Two Screens
Even with the right setup, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV doesn't see a smartphone on Miracast | Outdated firmware or Wi-Fi network | Update on both devices and connect to the same 5GHz network |
| The sound is only through the phone, not the TV. | Default audio output setting | In your smartphone sound settings, select HDMI or Miracast as the output device. |
| Lag (Lag) during wireless connection | Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion | Use HDMI or connect the router closer to your devices |
| Split screen on TV doesn’t work with some apps | DRM (Content Protection) Limitations | Try using an external player (such as VLC) |
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a diagonal of less than 43 inches, the split screen mode can be turned off by the manufacturer - the interface becomes too small for comfortable use.
6. Alternative ways of organizing two screens
If the built-in Xiaomi features do not suit you, you can use third-party solutions:
- 🖥️ Apps for screen duplication: ApowerMirror - transfer of screen from Android/iOS TeamViewer is remote control of the second device. Google Home is for backup on the Chromecast (if it is connected to Xiaomi Mi). TV).
- 📡 Wireless adapters: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact alternative to the Mi Box for screen duplication. Anycast is a universal adapter for the screen. Miracast/AirPlay.
- 🔌 Hardware solutions: HDMI-Splitter – for the physical separation of the signal into two TV sets. USB-C/HDMI Hub – to connect Xiaomi Mi TV laptop as a second monitor.
Third-party apps can offer more features than standard Xiaomi tools, such as ApowerMirror, which allows you to control your phone directly from your TV screen, and TeamViewer, which allows you to access a remote desktop, but keep in mind security: avoid obscure programs with suspicious permissions.
Update the firmware on the TV and smartphone|Check the compatibility of the devices (Miracast/HDMI)|Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network 5 GHz|Charge your smartphone (duplicating the screen consumes the battery)|Prepare the cables (HDMI, USB-C) if necessary-->
7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best method, evaluate your tasks and equipment:
- 🎬 To watch movies + Chat: Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on your TV or split screen on your smartphone.
- 💻 To work with PC: connect Xiaomi Mi TV down HDMI second-monitor.
- 🎮 For gaming: Avoid Miracast because of the lag - only wired connection.
- 📱 To duplicate your smartphone screen: use the built-in Miracast or ApowerMirror.
If you need a permanent solution (for example, for a home office), it is better to buy a home office. HDMI-High quality cable (supported) 4K@60Hz) adapter USB-C to HDMI Wireless duplication is fine for rare use, despite possible delays.
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For minimal screen duplication delays, use HDMI 2.0 or higher. Wireless technologies (Miracast, AirPlay) are only suitable for static content (presentations, photos).