Modern Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs are equipped with Android TV, which gives users access to a huge number of multimedia features. One of the key features is the built-in support for Google Chromecast technology, which allows you to instantly transfer content from your smartphone or tablet to the big screen, eliminating the need to search for cables or buy individual consoles, turning any compatible gadget into a remote control.
The technology works on Chinese TVs using local Wi-Fi network, which provides high data transfer speeds. You don't have to connect devices over Bluetooth or NFC, just to be on the same network. The system automatically detects available receivers and offers to start the broadcast in one click.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how the casting protocol on the MIUI for TV platform functions, what are the nuances of the configuration and how to achieve maximum image quality without delay.
Technical Basics of Google Cast Technology on Android TV
The foundation of the system is a software protocol developed by Google that is embedded directly into the operating shell of a TV. Unlike older data transfer methods, Chromecast does not just mirror the screen, but transmits a link to content or video stream that the TV plays itself, which reduces the load on the smartphone and allows you to use it for other tasks while watching.
To do this, Xiaomi TVs use a special system service that runs in the background, which constantly scans the local network for senders looking for available displays. When you click the broadcast button in the app, your phone sends a command to the TV, which in turn downloads content directly from the Internet.
Importantly, it requires support for certain codecs and video compression formats to work smoothly. Redmi and Mi TVs typically support H.264 and HEVC (H.265) standards, allowing content to be streamed in up to 4K resolution with high-speed internet.
What is the difference between Mirroring and Cast?
- ๐ก The protocol works over a local Wi-Fi network, providing a stable wireless connection.
- ๐ Automatic switching of signal sources when an incoming call is received on the phone.
- ๐ฎ Low latency support for games and interactive content in compatible applications.
Preparation of equipment and network for broadcasting
Before you start using the feature, you need to make sure that your equipment meets the minimum technical requirements, first of all, this applies to the router: dual-band routers that support 802.11ac or later are recommended to transmit high-resolution video. Working in the 5 GHz band significantly reduces the likelihood of interference and buffering.
Both Xiaomi TV and your smartphone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has a guest network enabled or different SSIDs divided, the devices may not be able to see each other, and in such cases, you need to combine them into a single local network through the router settings.
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For the best quality of broadcasting 4K-Connect the TV to the router via LAN-cable, if the model allows, or make sure that the Wi-Fi signal at the TV installation point is at least -65 dBm.
Itโs also worth checking the version of the operating system on your TV. Google Cast is built into Android TV, but on older versions of firmware it may not work properly. Software updates often contain security fixes and improve the stability of network modules.
- ๐ถ Using 5GHz to transmit heavy video stream without loss of quality.
- ๐ Checking the physical connection of router antennas to amplify the signal in the area of the TV.
- ๐ฑ Update YouTube, Netflix and Google Home apps to the latest versions on mobile.
Step-by-step: how to turn on and configure Chromecast
The process of activating the feature on Xiaomi TVs is as simple as possible, since it is integrated into the default system. APK-files, but the initial setup through the Google Home app will still be required to link devices.
First, make sure your TV is logged in to your Google account. Without authorization, some smart home features and personalized recommendations won't work. Once logged in, go to settings and check the status of the broadcast service.
โ๏ธ Set-up of broadcasting
Then, take your smartphone and open the Google Home app, which automatically scans the network and suggests you configure the Xiaomi TV you found, follow the on-screen instructions, confirming the code match if necessary, and after the procedure is complete, your TV will appear in the list of available casting devices.
| The adjustment phase | Action on Xiaomi TV | Action on a smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Authorization | Entering Google login and password | Installation of the Google Home app |
| 2.Network. | Connecting to Wi-Fi in settings | Connecting to the same Wi-Fi |
| 3. Detection | Waiting on the main menu | Network scanning in the application |
| Activation | Confirmation of connection | Setting up the name and rooms |
Broadcasting content from various applications
Once you've set up the process, it's intuitive. Most popular video services, like YouTube, Netflix, IVi, or Okko, have a built-in broadcast button, which is usually located in the top right corner of the video player, and looks like a rectangle with wavelengths in the corner.
Clicking on this icon opens up a list of available devices. Select your Xiaomi TV from the list and the video will start playing on the big screen. that playback control (pause, rewind, volume) remains on the smartphone, which acts as a remote.
If you want to show content in your browser or an app that doesn't support native casting, you can use Screen Translation, in which case the image from your smartphone will be completely duplicated on your TV in real time.
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Use the native Cast button inside apps for better picture quality, as the TV itself decodes the video, rather than getting the finished stream from the phone.
To start mirroring the screen on Android, you need to deploy the notification curtain and find the item "Translation" or "Smart View" (the name depends on the phone model). On iPhone devices, this feature is called "Screen Replay" and is available through the "Control Point".
- ๐ฌ YouTube: Click the Cast icon to stream your video to the full TV screen.
- ๐ธ Google Photos: Select an album and run a slideshow on your guest TV.
- ๐ Chrome: Open the browser menu and select Translate... to show the tab or the entire desktop.
Troubleshooting: The TV can't see the device
Despite the technologyโs fine-tuning, users sometimes run into problems when a smartphone stops seeing a Xiaomi TV, most often because of router security settings that isolate devices from each other, a feature called AP Isolation or Customer Isolation.
If this option is active, the router prevents devices within the network from communicating, making it impossible to detect Chromecast. To solve the problem, you need to log into the router control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and turn this function off in the wireless network settings.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some ISPs install their routers with port isolation already on. If you can't change the settings yourself, contact the ISP's technical support.
Another common reason is the use of VPN on a smartphone. When it's on. VPN-The tunnel, the phone is actually on another virtual network, and local device search is not working. VPN.
It's also worth trying to reboot both devices, and sometimes the TV's network module can freeze and stop responding to detection requests, and a full power reboot (shutting off the socket for 10 seconds) often solves the problem.
Optimizing quality and reducing delays
For fans of games or dynamic scenes, it is critical to minimize input lag. The standard Chromecast mode can add a small latency, but there are ways to reduce it on Xiaomi TVs, primarily by activating Game Mode in the image settings.
In addition, the quality of the stream directly depends on the speed of the Internet. For comfortable viewing of content in 1080p resolution requires a stable speed of at least 10 Mbps, and for 4K HDR โ from 25 Mbps. If the speed is lower, the system will automatically reduce the quality of the picture, which can lead to the appearance of compression artifacts.
The Secret to Stability
Another factor is the congestion of the Wi-Fi channel, and if there are many neighbourhood networks running nearby at the same frequency, there may be interference, and using a Wi-Fi analyzer application will help you find the least loaded channel and switch the router to it.