Modern smartphones have become centers of multimedia content, and often a small display is not enough to comfortably view movies or photos. Owners of Xiaomi equipment often wonder how to quickly and efficiently transmit a picture to the big screen, this is especially true for those who use the ecosystem of the same brand or want to connect different devices into a single network.
There are many scenarios for using live streaming, from showing working presentations to watching 4K video. Wireless technology today allows you to do this without unnecessary wires, but sometimes requires the stability that only a cable connection provides. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, including built-in MIUI functions and third-party solutions.
Before you start setting up, it’s important to make sure that both your smartphone and TV are in good working order.The Xiaomi Mi TV and the modern Redmi or Mi series phones support high-definition data standards. Proper hardware preparation will save you from delays and dissynchronization of sound during use.
Preparation of equipment and network
The foundation of successful broadcasting is a high-quality network connection. To transmit video stream without artifacts and buffering, both the smartphone and Smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your router supports dual-band mode, it is better to use 5 GHz frequency, since it provides higher bandwidth.
Pay attention to the version of the operating system on your device. owners of phones with a shell MIUI or new HyperOS have access to advanced interaction features. Make sure that the TV also has the latest firmware updates, as manufacturers often fix data protocol errors in security patches.
⚠️ Note: If your router gives away two different networks (e.g, "Home_2.4" and "Home_5G"), Make sure that both devices are connected to one of them, even if they are called similar.
Check the battery before a long session. Broadcasting the screen, especially in high resolution, significantly increases the power consumption of the processor and Wi-Fi module. It is recommended to keep the phone connected to the charger or have a power bank on hand so that the process does not interrupt at the most interesting moment.
Broadcasting through the built-in Mi Cast function
The easiest and most native way for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem is to use Mi Cast technology, which is designed specifically to integrate the brand’s mobile devices with Mi and Redmi TVs, allowing for low latency image transmission and high resolution support.
To activate the function on your smartphone, you need to lower the notification curtain and find the "Translation" or "Mi Cast" icon. If the icon is hidden, click on the edit pencil of the Quick Access panel and drag the desired element to the visible area. The TV at this time should start the appropriate receiver, which often opens automatically when you try to connect.
From the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi TV. After pairing, the smartphone screen is fully duplicated on the TV. It is important to note that in this mode the phone is not locked and you can continue to use other applications, although in some video players you can block the output of protected content through this protocol.
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To reduce latency in games, close the background apps consuming traffic to free up the Wi-Fi channel for the video stream.
The image quality depends on the power of the router and the distance to it. If you notice an image jerk, try to get closer to the signal source. Mi Cast protocol is sensitive to interference, so metal barriers between the router and the devices can impair the connection.
Using Chromecast built-in technology
Most modern Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV or Google TV, which means built-in support for Google Chromecast. This is a universal standard that allows you to stream content not only from Android smartphones, but also from iOS devices using aggregator applications.
Unlike a full screen broadcast, here you only stream content from a specific app: Open YouTube, Netflix, or any other supported service on your phone. Click on the broadcast icon (a rectangle with waves), which is usually in the top corner of the video player.
The system will suggest you choose a device, and when you choose, your phone will turn into a remote control, and the video will be played directly by the TV, which frees up the resources of the smartphone and allows you to use it for other tasks without interrupting your viewing, and the image quality in this case is regulated by the application server and the speed of the Internet.
| Parameter | Mi Cast | Chromecast | HDMI Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delay. | Medium | Low (for video) | Absent. |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low. | Charging is coming. |
| Quality. | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Up to 4K HDR | Maximum. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Low. | Medium |
If the Chromecast icon doesn’t appear, make sure that the TV is enabled with Google Cast. In rare cases, you need to update Google Play Services on your smartphone. This method is ideal for watching videos from online cinemas, as it provides the best picture stability.
☑️ Checking before connection
Broadcasting via Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct
Miracast technology is the industry standard for wireless image transfer and is supported by most Android devices, including Xiaomi. Unlike Chromecast, which relies on the Internet, Miracast creates a direct connection between devices or uses a local network, which allows you to broadcast content even without access to a wide area network.
On Xiaomi TVs, this mode is often called "Wireless Monitor" or "Screen Mirroring." Activate it via the signal source menu (button with a square and arrow on the remote). On the phone, the procedure is similar to Mi Cast, since technically the Mi Cast is often based on Miracast protocols.
The advantage of the method is the ability to duplicate absolutely any content of the screen, including the settings menu, gallery and games that do not have built-in support for Smart TV. However, it is worth considering that when you turn the screen of the smartphone, the image on the TV will also flip, which can be inconvenient for some applications.
⚠️ Note: When using Miracast in horizontal game mode, make sure that the phone does not block the rotation sensor, otherwise the picture on the TV may remain in portrait orientation.
Connection stability is directly dependent on ether congestion. If you live in an apartment building where dozens of neighborhood routers create noise, there may be short-term breaks, and in such situations, it is recommended to manually select a less loaded channel in the router settings or use a wired connection.
Wired connection via USB-C to HDMI
For maximum quality and zero latency, wired connectivity is best. However, there is an important caveat: not all Xiaomi smartphones support video output via a USB-C port. This feature, known as DisplayPort Alt Mode, is available mainly in the flagship models of the Mi series and some Xiaomi.
If your phone supports video output, you will need a special USB-C to HDMI adapter. One end connects to the smartphone, the other to the free HDMI port on the TV. After connecting, you need to switch the signal source to the TV to the appropriate connector, for example, HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
Support check path: Settings → About Phone → Hardware information (or use of AIDA64-type apps)The main advantage of the method is that the phone is simultaneously charged from the TV (if the adapter has a power port) or from an external source, which allows you to watch movies for hours without fear of discharge. 4K HDR signal.
Why isn't the cable working?
When using the cable, the system automatically determines the external resolution, and you can manually adjust it in Settings → Screen → External Display, if available, and this allows you to select your preferred refresh rate, such as 60Hz or 120Hz, if the TV and content support it.
Problem Solving and Optimization
Even when set up correctly, there can be technical difficulties. A common problem is desynchronizing audio and video. This is usually treated by restarting the router or reducing the quality of the flow in the application settings. It is also worth checking whether the TV is on Game or PC mode, which can change the post-processing of the image.
If the TV can't see the phone, try temporarily turning off mobile internet on your smartphone, leaving only Wi-Fi. Sometimes the system prioritizes mobile data, which prevents local device detection. Resetting network settings on both devices also often helps to restore lost connection.
To improve performance, close all heavy apps on your phone. Background file downloads or game updates can strangle the video channel. Make sure the TV has the latest firmware installed through the Settings menu → About TV → System Update.
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The stability of the broadcast depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi router and the absence of physical obstacles between devices.
In some cases, change helps. DNS-This can be done by using the Wi-Fi router settings to public addresses from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare, which can speed up device detection on the local network and improve the performance of Google Cast services.