Modern multimedia set-top boxes turn a regular TV into a powerful entertainment center, but their full potential is only realized when properly integrated with a smartphone. Many users buy a Xiaomi Mi Box device to watch content from YouTube or Netflix, but forget about the main feature - the ability to broadcast an image from the screen of a mobile device to a large display, this allows you to show photos, play mobile games or watch videos from applications that do not have built-in support for Smart TV.
The process of syncing gadgets may seem difficult to a beginner, but in fact Android TV offers several intuitive methods of connecting. You do not need additional cables or complex adapters, since most of the activities are performed over a Wi-Fi network.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from standard functions to third-party gates, that will help you display the picture on the screen. We will look at the nuances of working with different operating systems, including iOS and Android, and also touch on the quality of signal transmission.
Network requirements and pre-preparation
Before setting up, you need to ensure a stable connection between the gadgets. The key condition is to find the smartphone and the Xiaomi Mi Box console on the same local network. If your router supports dual-band operation, it is strongly recommended to use 5 GHz frequency to transmit heavy video stream, as this will reduce the likelihood of sound and picture being out of sync.
⚠️ Note: If your router gives away two different networks (e.g,"Home_2.4" and"Home_5G"), Both devices must be connected to one of them, otherwise the search for equipment will not be successful.
It’s also worth checking the software’s relevance on both devices. On the console, you can do this by going to Settings → Device → System Update. An outdated firmware version may contain bugs that block the wireless display function. On a smartphone, it’s also advisable to update the system components of Google Play Services.
Make sure the TV has the right signal source, the console must be active and displayed on the home screen or standby mode, but not completely off the outlet, and in some cases, you need to activate the developer mode if you plan to use advanced debugging techniques, but standard user rights are enough for basic broadcasting.
Use of the built-in Chromecast feature
The easiest and most reliable way, which is already built into the Google ecosystem, is Chromecast built-in technology. It does not require installing additional applications on the console itself, as it is part of the Android TV operating system. To work, you will only need a smartphone and the Google Home application, which is pre-installed on most Android devices or available in the App Store for iPhone.
It takes seconds to start the stream. Open the Google Home app on your phone, find your Xiaomi Mi Box in the device list, and click Translate. If you're using an iPhone, make sure the app has AirPlay support on, although native Apple support for Android TV devices often requires a separate receiver.
For Android users, the process is even easier thanks to integration into the system, just open the notification curtain and find the Translation or Smart View button (the name depends on the phone model). After scanning the network, the phone will suggest choosing the target device. The quality of the picture in this mode depends on the power of your Wi-Fi router and the distance to it.
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If the broadcast is slowing down, try closing the background apps on your smartphone and moving closer to the router to improve the signal.
It's important to note that when you use Chromecast, the phone is only a remote control, and the content is downloaded directly from the console from the Internet, which means that the traffic is consumed through the console's Wi-Fi channel, and the phone's battery is consumed minimally, but the load is placed on the smartphone's processor to broadcast the desktop (mirror).
Miracast Technology and Wireless Display
Miracast is the standard for mirror display and is supported by most Android devices. Unlike Chromecast, which often requires support from a specific application, Miracast broadcasts absolutely everything that happens on your phone’s screen. On Xiaomi Mi Box consoles, this feature can be called “Wireless Display” or require activation in settings.
To run, you need to find the appropriate option in the console menu. Usually the path looks like Settings → Device settings → Connections → Wireless display. Once this mode is enabled, the console goes to the standby state. On the smartphone, in the Quick Settings menu, you need to select Translation, Projection or Connect to a Wireless Display.
⚠️ Warning: Miracast technology creates a direct connection between devices, which can lead to a greater latency compared to the Chromecast.
The advantage of this method is that it's versatile, and you can stream content from any application, even those that block screen recording or Chromecast transmission, which makes Miracast a great tool for showing presentations or showing interfaces to specific programs.
What to do if the phone does not see the console?
Broadcast from iPhone via AirPlay
Apple owners are less fortunate because native AirPlay support is not available in Android TV, but Xiaomi and Google’s ecosystems allow you to bypass this limitation. You will need to install a special receiver app on the Xiaomi Mi Box itself from the Google Play Store, popular options being AirScreen, AirPin or Receiver for AirPlay.
Once you install the app on the console, launch it and wait for the device name to appear online. Now take your iPhone, open the control point (swipe down from the top right corner or bottom up) and click on the Screen Replay icon. Your console will appear on the list of available devices.
The quality of image transmission through third-party receivers can vary. Some applications support audio transmission, others only video. For best results, it is recommended to choose applications that support H.264 codec and 1080p or 4K resolution, if your console model allows it.
☑️ Set up AirPlay on Xiaomi
Use of local players and DLNA
If your goal is to play back video files stored in your phone's memory, you don't have to mirror the entire screen. DLNA allows you to stream media content directly to the console, using its processing power to decode, which frees up the phone and allows for smoother playback of heavy files.
To implement this method, you need to install a media player that supports network functions, such as VLC for Android or MX Player. On a smartphone, you just open the video in the gallery or any player, click the Translate button and select your console. The file will play on the TV, and the phone can be used for other tasks.
This is ideal for viewing family archives or movies in high bitrate, minimizing the load on the smartphone battery and providing a stable picture without the jerks that are characteristic of mirror mode at a weak signal.
The table below compares the main methods of connection:
| Method | Delay. | Quality. | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast | Low. | High (up to 4K) | Minimum |
| Miracast | Medium | Depends on the signal. | High-pitched |
| AirPlay (via the app) | Medium/High | Good (1080p) | Medium. |
| DLNA | Absent. | Original file | Minimum |
Problem Solving and Connection Debugging
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. Often, users are faced with a situation where devices can not see each other. First of all, check the settings of the antivirus or firewall on the router, which can block local traffic, and also helps reset network settings on the smartphone.
If the image is transmitted but the sound is not available, check the audio settings in the console menu. Sometimes you need to switch the audio output from HDMI to the optical output or vice versa to synchronize the streams. In some cases, changing the sampling frequency in the Android TV settings helps.
⚠️ Note: When using public Wi-Fi networks (in hotels or cafes), connection may not be possible due to port isolation. In such cases, use hotspot mode on your phone if you have mobile Internet.
For advanced users, the ADB debugging method is available. Connecting to a set-top box over the network can force broadcast services to run or change hidden screen resolution settings. The connection status check command looks like an adb shell dumpsys display, which helps diagnose problems at a low level.
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The stability of the connection directly depends on the quality of the router and the absence of interference in the air, so wired connection of the console to the router with a LAN cable is always preferable to Wi-Fi.