Xiaomi’s Android TVs offer a huge multimedia experience, with one of the most popular features being Google’s Chromecast, which allows you to stream images and sound from your mobile device directly to the big screen, eliminating the need to buy separate consoles and use complex cables, making sharing content a simple one-touch action.
Many Mi TV owners do not even realize that the feature is already built into their device and ready to work immediately after connecting to the network. For the built-in Chromecast to work properly, it is critical that the TV and smartphone are on the same Wi-Fi network, otherwise detecting devices will be impossible. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of setting, using and solving common problems when working with this technology.
You don't have to be a tech person to get the broadcasts done. The interface is designed to make it easy for even a beginner to get to the basic settings quickly, but there are hidden parameters and protocol features that you can use to avoid delays and audio desynchronization. Let's look at how to make your TV the center of a multimedia ecosystem.
What is Chromecast built-in and how does it work?
Google's Chromecast technology is a protocol for transmitting multimedia content over a local network, and unlike traditional mirroring, where the phone simply broadcasts its own image, it's a smarter algorithm. It sends the TV a link to the content and play command, and TV-The box or the TV itself downloads the stream directly from the Internet, which significantly reduces the load on the battery of the mobile device.
The principle of operation is based on the interaction of three components: the sender (smartphone, tablet or laptop), the recipient (Xiaomi TV) and the router. All devices must be connected to a single Wi-Fi hotspot. When you click the broadcast button in an application, such as YouTube or Netflix, the phone sends a signal to the TV, which itself buffers and plays video in high quality.
There are two main modes of operation of this technology: the first is the translation of a tab from the Google Chrome browser on a computer, which allows you to display presentations, websites or videos from sites that do not have native Cast support. The second mode is the use of mobile applications that have built-in support for the protocol.
⚠️ Note: When using the screen screen transfer mode (Screen Mirroring), the load on the smartphone processor increases many times, which can lead to rapid battery discharge and heating of the device. Use this mode only when you need to broadcast the application interface without built-in Cast support.
It’s important to understand the difference between an embedded module and an external dongle. In Xiaomi TVs, the module is already integrated into the motherboard and Android TV software.This means that it uses the shared Wi-Fi resources of the TV antenna and does not require separate power via USB, as external versions.
Requirements for equipment and network preparation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your infrastructure is ready to transmit heavy video streaming.To view content in 4K or Full HD resolution comfortably requires a stable connection.Old Wi-Fi standards may not provide enough bandwidth, leading to constant buffering.
The ideal option is to use a dual-band router with support for 5 GHz. This frequency is less loaded with neighboring networks and provides a higher data rate. If your router broadcasts the same network with the same name for 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, modern devices will choose the best option, but it is better to check this in the router settings.
Also worth paying attention to is the version of the operating system on your mobile device.The Google Home app, which is often required for initial setup, may require up-to-date versions of Android or iOS. Make sure that the smartphone has all the necessary security updates installed.
- 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection with at least two to three divisions on the TV.
- 📱 Smartphone or tablet with Google Home app installed or Cast support.
- 💻 Laptop with Google Chrome browser for tab broadcasting (optional).
- 🔄 The current version of the firmware of the Xiaomi TV in the updates section.
If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or a corporate network with client isolation, the broadcast won't work. It's a security restriction that prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other. At home, these restrictions are usually absent by default.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting and setting up
The process of activating the feature on Xiaomi TVs is as simple as possible, because Google services are built into the system. You do not need to search and install individual drivers. The main task is to properly connect devices into a single ecosystem through a Google account.
First, make sure your TV is logged in to your Google account. Go to your settings, find the Accounts section and log in. After that, the built-in Chromecast module automatically activates and becomes visible to other devices on the network, the device name is usually formed as Android TV plus the TV model.
☑️ Checking before connection
Then pick up your smartphone. Download and launch the Google Home app (available on the Play Market and App Store). The app will automatically scan the network and suggest you configure the new device you found. Follow the on-screen instructions: confirm the code that appears on your TV screen and assign the device an understandable name, such as "Xiaomi Living Room."
If you don't automatically detect, you can add the device manually. In the Google Home app, click the plus in the corner, select "Create a home" or "Add a device", then "Device is already configured." The system will guide you through the pairing process. Once successfully completed, a screensaver with a watch or photos may appear on the TV screen, signaling readiness to work.
⚠️ Warning: When you first set up your TV screen, you may receive a request for permission to access the device, be sure to confirm it with the remote control within 30 seconds, otherwise the pairing process will be interrupted for security reasons.
Broadcasting content from different devices
Once you've set up successfully, the most interesting thing is that you can use the broadcasting capabilities, and the methods can vary slightly depending on the type of content source, and let's look at the main use cases that are most common.
To stream videos from apps (YouTube, Netflix, ivi, Okko), open the desired video file on your smartphone. In the corner of the player or at the top of the screen, find the icon of the rectangle with waves (Cast icon). Click on it and select your Xiaomi TV from the list. The video will launch on the large screen, and the phone can be used as a remote control or switch to other tasks.
High quality secret
If you want to show a photo gallery or a presentation, use the Google Photos app or the built-in gallery. Choose an album or specific shots, click the broadcast button. Images will be displayed on the full screen, and you can swipe them on your smartphone screen, which is ideal for showing vacation photos to guests.
Laptop owners can stream the Chrome browser tab. Open the menu (three dots in the corner), select Translate.. and specify the device. You can only stream the current tab, the entire screen of the monitor or a specific file from your computer. This is convenient for viewing web content that is not adapted for TVs.
- 🎬 Video services: Click the Cast icon inside the app player.
- 🖼️ Gallery: Select a photo, click "Share" or "Translate".
- 💻 Browser: Chrome menu -> broadcast -> Select the source (tab/screen/file).
- 🎵 Music: In applications like Spotify or Yandex.Music, select a sound output device.
Broadcast and voice input management
One of the key features of the Android TV ecosystem is voice control. If your remote has a button with a microphone or you use an external headset, you can search for content and control voice playback. Say, "Ok Google, play a video about Xiaomi on your TV," and the system will find the content on your smartphone and switch it to the big screen.
Playback control is also available via a smartphone lock screen or widgets. You can pause videos, adjust volume, rewind and change tracks without getting up from the couch. Google Home has a separate media control panel that displays all active devices and current playback status.
For more advanced users, Guest Mode is available, which allows guests to stream content to your TV even if they are not connected to your Wi-Fi network, and for this device, they exchange signals via an ultrasonic channel or a wireless channel. PIN-However, a standard home network connection is sufficient for everyday use.
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Use your smartphone as a full-fledged keyboard. When you search YouTube on your TV, it's long and uncomfortable. Just start typing text on your phone in the YouTube app, and it's automatically duplicated in the search box on your TV.
And it's important to note that the volume can be adjusted independently, and it's often the volume on the phone is twisted to the maximum and the volume is quiet on the TV, or vice versa, and it allows you to synchronize levels or control them separately through physical remote buttons and software sliders.
Comparison of Connection Methods and Problem Solving
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may face a variety of challenges, most often with network settings or outdated software, and below is a table that helps diagnose the underlying symptoms and find a solution.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not visible on the list | Different Wi-Fi networks or isolation | Check that both devices are on the same network (2.4 or 5 GHz) |
| Video is constantly buffered | Low speed Wi-Fi | Get closer to the router or switch to 5GHz |
| No sound when broadcasting the screen | Restrictions of DRM or software | Use a native app instead of mirroring the screen |
| Image delay (lag) | High network load | Close background downloads on other devices |
If the TV is no longer responsive to commands, try restarting both devices. Network resets on the router often help. Also make sure that the latest version of the system is installed on the Xiaomi TV. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update and check for new versions.
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90% of Chromecast connectivity problems are solved by simply restarting your router and checking that your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, not the guest network.
In some cases, antivirus on your computer or firewall settings can block the ports needed to run the protocol. If you are broadcasting from a PC, try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception to the Chrome browser. On mobile devices, such problems are less common, but aggressive energy-saving shells (for example, on some Xiaomi models) can “kill” the background broadcast process.
⚠️ Note: When you stream protected content (licensed movies) through a browser from a computer, the image may be black and the sound will go (HDCP). To view such content, use only official apps on Smart TV smartphone.