How to connect the second screen to Xiaomi: all the ways to multitasking

Multi-display on Xiaomi smartphones is not a fantasy, but a real opportunity to expand the functionality of your device. Whether you want to duplicate the screen on the TV for presentation, use the tablet as an additional monitor for work, or even connect the smartphone to the computer in DeX-like interface mode – modern devices Redmi, POCO and Mi support several ways to organize the second screen.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods: from wireless Miracast and Google Cast to wired connections via HDMI or USB-C. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of compatibility, the limitations of MIUI, and how to get around typical errors (for example, no sound or image delay). If you are the owner of a Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 or even a budget POCO M5 – here you will find a solution for your tasks.

1. Wireless screen duplication via Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct

The most versatile way is to use Miracast technology, built into most modern Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to broadcast the screen to a TV, monitor or projector without wires, but with some limitations:

• 📺 Supported by Miracast TVs (most models after 2018) or Mi-type adapters TV Stick.
• 🔄 Image delay is the 50-150 MS – not suitable for games, but enough for video and presentations.
• 🔊 The sound is only transmitted to certain devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box or TVs with a mobile phone). HDMI ARC).

To activate the broadcast:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Transfer.
2. Select the device from the list (if it doesn’t show, make sure the TV is on Screen Mirroring).
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

💡

If the image slows down, reduce the screen resolution in the smartphone settings to 720p or turn off background apps.

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T) have an alternative Google Cast protocol, which is more stable but requires support from the host device (e.g. Chromecast or Android TVs).

1. Install the Google Home app from the Play Market.
2. In the screen settings, select Broadcast → Set up the device.
3. Follow the instructions for connecting to a Chromecast or compatible TV.

2. Wired connection via HDMI or USB-C: without delay and with maximum quality

If you need minimal response time (like watching high-resolution movies or connecting to a monitor), wired methods are the best choice. Xiaomi supports two options:

1. USB-C → HDMI (via adapter): runs on most flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) and some mid-budget models (Redmi K60).
2. Micro-USB/USB-C → HDMI (via MHL): an outdated standard, but still found on older devices (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9).

Step-by-step instructions for USB-C → HDMI:

Important: Not all adapters are equally good. Cheap, uncertified models may not transmit sound or limit the resolution to 1080p. Xiaomi’s official adapter supports 4K@30Hz on compatible devices.

3. Advanced desktop mode (Second Screen) on Xiaomi flagships

Starting with MIUI 14 (and on some devices with MIUI 13), flagship models (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4, Black Shark 5) support the Advanced Desktop feature, an analogue of the Samsung DeX.

• 🖥️ Use your smartphone as a system unit by connecting a monitor, keyboard and mouse to it.
• 📁 Work with multiple windows at the same time (for example, chat in Telegram) + document WPS Office).
• 🎮 Run mobile games on the big screen with support for gamepad.

How to activate the mode:

1. Connect your smartphone to your monitor via USB-C → HDMI (or wirelessly via Miracast, if supported).
2. In the notification that appears, select Extended Desktop (not "Duplicate Screen").
3. Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or use your smartphone’s touchscreen as a touchpad).

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the mode supports multitasking with splitting the screen into 3 parts, but requires at least 8 GB of RAM.

💡

Extended Desktop mode is only available on flagships with MIUI 13/14. On budget models (Redmi, POCO), this feature is disabled at the firmware level.

4. Connect Xiaomi to PC as Second Screen (Backstream)

If you don’t need to duplicate your smartphone screen, but instead use Xiaomi as an additional monitor for your computer, there are two reliable ways to do this:

Method 1: via Spacedesk (via Wi-Fi or USB)

• 💻 Install Spacedesk server software on your PC (official website).
• 📱 Install the Spacedesk client app on a smartphone from the Play Market.
• 🔗 Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network (or use it) USB-cable).

Advantages: 4K support, low latency (30-50 ms), the ability to use the touch screen as a touchpad. Disadvantages: the free version has a watermark.

Method 2: TeamViewer QuickSupport (for remote control)

This method is suitable if you need to not just display the PC screen on your smartphone, but control your computer from your phone. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on Xiaomi and connect to your PC through your account. Limit: delay 100-200 ms, which is critical for dynamic tasks.

💡

For minimal delays when connecting Xiaomi as a second screen, use the USB-cable instead of Wi-Fi and turn off energy saving mode on your smartphone (Settings) → Battery → Performance mode).

5.Using Xiaomi as a webcam or streaming device

If you need to stream an image from Xiaomi’s camera to another screen (for example, for streams or video conferencing), there are specialized solutions:

For Windows/macOS:

• 🎥 Install DroidCam on PC and Smartphone.
• 🔌 Connect the devices to USB or wifi.
• 🖥️ In the settings Zoom/OBS Select DroidCam as the source of the video.

For Linux:

Use scrcpy with the option --v4l2 webcam emulation:

scrcpy --v4l2-sink=/dev/video2 --v4l2=true

This command will create a virtual camera that can be selected in any software (for example, Discord or Google Meet).

⚠️ Note: When using DroidCam or scrcpy in webcam mode, Xiaomi battery is discharged in the 2-3 We recommend connecting your smartphone to charging.

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and remote access

If physical second-screen connectivity is not possible, consider cloud-based solutions:

• 🌐 Rainway or Moonlight: streaming games from the PC on Xiaomi (requires a powerful PC and stable Wi-Fi).
• 🖥️ Chrome Remote Desktop: Remote access to the desktop from your phone (latency) 100-300 miss).
• 📱 ApowerMirror: Duplication of Xiaomi screen on PC for recording videos or streams.

To stream games from the PC on Xiaomi via Moonlight:

1. Install Moonlight on your smartphone and Sunshine (or GeForce Experience) on your PC.
2. Configure the permitted apps in Sunshine (such as Steam or Epic Games).
3. Connect to your PC via a local network or the Internet (if you have white IP).

⚠️ Note: When using Moonlight over the Internet (not a local network), the delay can reach 200+ MS, which makes it impossible to play shooters or race comfortably.

7 Problem Solving: Why the Second Screen Is Not Working

If the second screen connection fails, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone and the receiving device.
• 📱 Update firmware MIUI last-minute.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

Frequently asked questions