Modern media players like Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Xiaomi TV Stick 4K are turning a regular TV into a full-fledged multimedia station. One of the most popular features for users is the ability to instantly display images from a smartphone to a large screen. This allows you to watch movies from a gallery, show presentations to colleagues or play mobile games on the whole wall without losing quality. Unlike the old methods using cables, modern technology allows you to do this wirelessly in seconds.
The process of synchronizing devices is based on Wi-Fi Direct technology and broadcast protocols such as Chromecast built-in or Miracast. Successful implementation of this plan does not require complex router settings or purchase expensive adapters. It is enough that both gadgets are on the same local network, and the software is updated to the current version. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to transfer an image from your phone to Xiaomi TV Stick, including the nuances for Android and iOS.
Note that the quality of the data transfer is directly dependent on the speed of your router and the distance to it. If you plan to broadcast video in 4K resolution, make sure that you use the 5 GHz band. The video stream compression protocols can vary depending on the source application, which also affects the final picture. Below we will look at step-by-step algorithms for various use cases.
Network requirements and equipment preparation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that you comply with basic technical requirements. The foundation of the whole system is a stable Wi-Fi connection. Both devices — both smartphone and media player — must be connected to the same wireless network. If your router supports dual-band mode (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), it is recommended to use 5 GHz frequency to ensure high bandwidth of the channel.
⚠️ Note: If your phone is connected to the mobile Internet (4G/5G), And the TV is on Wi-Fi, the broadcast won't work, so make sure that the smartphone also has Wi-Fi activated.
The second important aspect is the operating system version. The Xiaomi TV Stick side uses the Android TV or Google TV platform, which receives regular security and functionality updates. It is also advisable to have fresh firmware on the smartphone, as older versions of Android may not support new codecs or DLNA protocols. Check for updates in the settings menu of both devices.
Also worth paying attention to power consumption: When you are actively transmitting a video stream in high resolution, the phone battery can run out faster than usual, and it is recommended to keep the smartphone connected to the charger or have Power Bank on hand if you plan to demonstrate content for a long time.
- 📡 Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network (SSID).
- 🔄 Android operating systems TV The smartphone should be updated.
- 🔋 It is desirable to have a power source for a mobile device.
- 📶 For 4K content preferred range of 5 GHz.
Use of the built-in Chromecast feature
The easiest and most reliable way to transfer an image from your phone to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is to use native Google Cast (Chromecast) technology, which is built directly into the media player operating system and does not require installing additional apps on the TV. It is ideal for streaming videos from popular apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and others.
To start the broadcast, open the supported app on your smartphone and find the broadcast icon. It usually looks like a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves in the corner. After pressing, the system will prompt you to choose the available device. Your Xiaomi TV Stick should appear in the list. The choice of device initiates the handshake protocol, after which the content will play on the TV, and the phone will turn into a remote control.
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If you stream a video from YouTube, playback control (pause, rewind, volume) is completely saved on the smartphone, allowing you to use it as a universal remote.
It's important to understand the difference between streaming and mirroring. In the case of Chromecast, the phone only sends a link to content, and the TV downloads it from the Internet, which saves the battery of the smartphone and reduces the load on the network. However, if you want to show the screen of an application that does not support Cast, you will need another method, described below.
- 📱 Open the application with content (YouTube, Twitch, etc.).
- 📺 Click on the Cast icon (Rectangle with Waves).
- 🔗 Choose Xiaomi TV Stick from the list of devices.
- ▶️ Enjoy the content on the big screen.
Broadcasting the screen through Google Home
If the app doesn’t support live streaming, or you need to show your desktop, gallery photo, or browser, Screen Cast is used. To do this, the Google Home app (formerly known as Google Home) must be installed on your smartphone, serving as the control center for all smart home devices in the Google ecosystem.
Once installed and logged in, click on the Devices button or find your Xiaomi TV Stick in the list of available hardware. In the device management menu, find the "Cast my screen" button. The system will alert you that everything that happens on the phone screen, including notifications, will be broadcast.
☑️ Pre-broadcast checks
This method creates a real mirror image of the smartphone matrix. Image quality can be slightly lower than with streaming through Chromecast, because the video stream is encoded in real time. Latency can also be noticeable with fast movements, so for dynamic games this method is less suitable than for displaying static images or slides.
⚠️ Warning: When mirrored, the sound is also transmitted to the TV.Be sure to turn the volume down on the smartphone itself to avoid echoes or excessively loud system sounds.
Miracast protocol and Mi Remote app
For users who prefer not to rely on Google services, or for device owners where Google Services is limited, Miracast is relevant. On Xiaomi TVs and consoles, this feature is often implemented through an embedded app or third-party solutions that support the Wi-Fi Display standard. Unlike Chromecast, Miracast operates at the system level and creates a direct connection between screens.
On Xiaomi TV Stick, Miracast reception can be built into the system or require the installation of a receiver application from the Google Play Store, such as "AirScreen" or "Miracast Receiver". After running such an application on a TV, you need to go to the screen settings on your smartphone and select "Translation", "Wireless Monitor" or "Smart View" (the name depends on the brand of the phone).
It takes a few seconds to find the device. Once you find the Xiaomi TV Stick, click on it to pair. The Miracast protocol is good because it doesn't require Internet, it only requires a local Wi-Fi network. However, it can be more demanding on the resources of the smartphone's processor, causing the device to heat up when it runs for a long time.
What to do if the phone does not see the console?
You can use the official Mi Remote or Xiaomi TV+ app to manage the process, although they are more often used as remotes than broadcast media. The main work here is done by the Wi-Fi Display system protocol, and the stability of the connection in this mode is critically dependent on the absence of interference in the air.
Comparison of image transmission methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have a comparative table that will help you understand which method is optimal for your specific task, whether it is watching a movie, playing a game or a business presentation, each of which has its strengths and weaknesses.
| Characteristics | Chromecast (Google Cast) | Google Home (Screen Cast) | Miracast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image quality | High (up to 4K HDR) | Average (depending on the network) | High (depends on phone) |
| Delay (Latency) | Minimum | Medium (0.5-1 sec) | Low/Mediocre |
| Phone battery consumption | Low. | High-pitched | High-pitched |
| The Necessity of the Internet | Required. | Required (to search) | No requirement (wi-fi only) |
From the table, you can see that the native Chromecast is best for watching online video, as it unloads the phone. It is more convenient to use Google Home to show the interface of apps or photos. Miracast remains a great backup option, especially in conditions of unstable Internet connection, but with a local network.
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The choice of method depends on the purpose: for YouTube, use the Cast button in the application, for displaying the desktop - the screen Translation function in Google Home.
Solving Connection Problems
Despite the ease of setting up, users may encounter technical difficulties. The most common problem is that devices can't see each other. 90% of the time, this is because the phone and Xiaomi TV Stick are connected to different router frequencies (guest network, IoT network) or are on different subnets. Check the router's settings and make sure that customer isolation is turned off.
Another common problem is desynchronizing audio and video or periodically twitching a picture, which indicates an overload of the Wi-Fi channel. Try to switch the router to a less busy frequency or move the receiver closer to the router.
⚠️ Note: If the image is black and white or there is no sound, check the settings. HDCP Some content-protected services block screen recording or broadcasting to unlicensed displays.
In rare cases, it helps to reset network settings on a smartphone or reinstall the Google Home application. Also, do not forget about the reboot of the Xiaomi TV Stick itself - a long time without turning off can lead to overflowing cache and slowing down the network modules.
- 🔄 Reboot router, phone and TV stick.
- 📡 Check that both devices are on the same subnet (the same). IP-lock-house).
- 🚫 Turn it off. VPN and proxy servers at the time of setting up.
- 📲 Update the Google Play Services app on your phone.
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The broadcast stability of 80% depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and the absence of interference in the 2.4/5 GHz band.