In the era of digital entertainment, users often face the need to stream content from their smartphone to the big screen. Xiaomi device owners are no exception, and many are wondering how to activate MHL technology for quality image output. However, it is important to be clear at once: most modern smartphones, including Xiaomi's flagship and budget models, do not support the classic MHL standard via a USB connector, relying on more advanced protocols.
However, being able to connect to a TV or monitor remains a challenge for viewing photos, videos, or even document work. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why you won’t find direct “on MHL” features in MIUI settings, and what alternative, often more effective, methods exist to accomplish this. Understanding the differences between MHL, Alt Mode, and wireless technologies will help you choose the best way to connect.
We’ll look at both wired and wireless solutions available to the Xiaomi ecosystem in 2026, which cables and adapters really work and which are a waste of money, and will also address the issues of resolution tuning, refresh rates and audio transmission, which are critical for comfortable use of multimedia features of your gadget.
Technology Limitations and Reality of MHL on Xiaomi
The first thing to realize when looking for an answer to the question of whether to include MHL is the physical lack of support for this standard in the hardware of most Xiaomi smartphones. MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) technology was popular in the early 2010s, but required a special chip and output signals through USB contacts, which increased the cost of the device. Xiaomi engineers, following a global trend, abandoned the introduction of MHL in favor of more versatile solutions.
Instead of the legacy MHL, modern models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix series use the USB Type-C interface with DisplayPort Alt Mode. This means that video transmission does not occur through HDMI emulation, as in MHL, but through a native digital stream that is converted by cable or adapter. For budget models where even the DP Alt Mode may be missing, the only wired option is Miracast technology over Wi-Fi or the use of special dongle devices.
⚠️ Note: Buying a cheap cable «USB to HDMI» From the marketplaces for the budget smartphone Xiaomi (Redmi Note or Poco M series) with a probability of 99% will not lead to the desired result, if the specifications of the processor does not declare support for video output.
The difference between video output support and charging is also key. A USB-C port on your device can do a great job of transferring data and fast charging using Quick Charge or PD protocols, but be completely deaf for a video signal. A processor specification (SoC) check is the only reliable way to know the potential of your device before buying accessories.
Why did Xiaomi take down MHL?
Checking the video output support on your device
Before you buy adapters or cables, you need to make sure that your particular Xiaomi or Redmi device is capable of transmitting an image over a wire. There are several ways to check this, from examining official documentation to using specialized software. Don’t rely on the presence of a USB 3.0 or 3.1 port, since manufacturers often limit its speed to the 2.0 standard even in rather expensive models.
The most reliable software method is to use the AIDA64 or CPU-Z utility available in Google Play. After installing the application, you need to go to the device or sensor section and find information about DisplayPort or Alt Mode support. If these points are not in the list of supported USB functions, then wired connection through the HDMI adapter will not work, and you should immediately consider wireless options.
Xiaomi’s flagship models often come in a USB-C to USB-C cable box, but rarely include an HDMI adapter. However, the presence of a powerful USB-C port charger sometimes (though not always) indirectly indicates the port’s enhanced capabilities, including high-speed data transfer, that are necessary for video streaming.
Visual inspection of the connector can also provide clues, although this method does not provide 100% guarantee. If the tongue is black inside the USB-C connector, this often (but not always) indicates USB 2.0. Blue or red language inside the port is typical for USB 3.0 and higher, which increases the chances of supporting the video output, but the final verdict is still left behind a software check or test with a working adapter.
Wired connection via USB-C to HDMI adapter
If the test confirms that your Xiaomi smartphone supports video output, the next step is to choose the right hardware. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. It is important to understand that this is not just a passive cable, but an active device with a built-in chip converter that converts the digital signal DisplayPort into a format that is understandable to the TV, the quality of this chip directly affects the stability of the picture and the absence of latency.
To connect, do the following: first connect the adapter to the smartphone charging port, then connect the adapter to the TV via an HDMI cable. Only then unlock the phone screen. In an ideal scenario, the MIUI system automatically recognizes the external device and prompts you to choose the mode of operation: “Screen Mirror” or “Extended Desktop” (similar to Samsung DeX or Huawei Easy Projection).
☑️ Checklist of connection
It’s worth noting that wired connections can cause the smartphone to heat up, as the process of encoding the video stream and the screen puts a strain on the processor, and some adapters require additional power that can be supplied via an additional USB port on the adapter itself by plugging in a charger, especially when watching high-resolution 4K movies or playing heavy projects.
⚠️ Note: When using cheap adapters without external power, periodic shutdown of the screen or image flickering due to lack of current consumed by the signal converter is possible.
In Desktop mode, MIUI transforms into a windowed operating system that allows multiple applications to be used simultaneously, making the smartphone a minicomputer, but for simple video viewing, Mirror mode is preferred because it provides less latency and a full copy of what is happening on the phone screen.
Wireless streaming: Chromecast and Miracast
For Xiaomi smartphone owners whose devices don’t support wired video output, or those who value the lack of unnecessary wires, wireless technology is a lifeline.The Android ecosystem that powers MIUI has built-in support for Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) standard, which allows you to stream content from compatible apps like YouTube, Netflix or VLC Player directly to your TV if it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
The second popular method is Miracast, which is called Translation or Wireless Monitor in Xiaomi’s interface. Unlike Chromecast, which streams the Internet directly from the server to TV (unloading the phone), Miracast creates a direct connection between the screens by copying the image in real time, a versatile solution that works with almost any modern Smart TV or through a special dongle adapter.
To activate the broadcast, lower the notification curtain and find the Translation icon. If it's not on the first screen, click on the edit icon (usually a square with a pencil or three dots) and add the Translation or Cast widget. Once turned on, the phone will start searching for available devices on the network. Select your TV from the list and the image will appear on the big screen.
| Characteristics | Chromecast (Google Cast) | Miracast (Translation) |
|---|---|---|
| Principle of work | Broadcasting of link/stream | Screen mirroring |
| Battery load | Minimum | High (screen on fire) |
| Dependence on Wi-Fi | Mandatory router | It works on Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Image quality | Up to 4K HDR (depending on TV) | Depends on the signal (often 1080p) |
| Delay. | Low (for video) | High (not for games) |
It is important to consider that when using Miracast, the smartphone screen remains active, which leads to increased energy consumption. For long browsing sessions, it is recommended to keep the device on charge or use wireless charging if the case and adapter design allow it, and the image quality can suffer from interference in the Wi-Fi network, especially in apartment buildings.
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To reduce latency when streaming games wirelessly, make sure that both the smartphone and router support Wi-Fi 5 (ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (ax) standards, and use the 5GHz band instead of the congested 2.4GHz.
Customization of image and sound in MIUI
Once successfully connected, whether wired or wireless, it often requires manually configuring display settings to achieve the best quality. In modern versions of MIUI, external display settings can be hidden or only appear when connected. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Preferred settings (the path may differ depending on the Android version) to find resolution settings.
One of the common problems is the discrepancy in screen proportions. Smartphones have an elongated format (for example, 20:9), while TVs use the 16:9 standard. As a result, black bars can appear on the sides of the image. Some applications and games can automatically scale the picture to fill the entire screen, but in Xiaomi system settings you can sometimes force zoom mode or output resolution, for example, 1920×1080 or 3840×2160.
Sound also requires attention. By default (audio) should switch to the TV or external speaker system. If the sound continues to come from the phone's speakers, check the audio output settings in the Sound and Vibration menu or in the notification curtain, where the corresponding switch often appears when HDMI is connected. Make sure that the sound format in the developer's settings (if you use them) is not locked to the stereo if your system supports surround sound.
⚠️ Note: When connecting to older TVs via an adapter, audio and video may be desynchronized, in which case, try to reduce the screen refresh rate in the smartphone display settings to 60 Hz or 30 Hz.
For gamers, refresh rates are critical. If your TV supports 120Hz and you have a flagship Xiaomi, make sure that the smartphone screen settings also have a maximum value. However, it is worth remembering that not all USB-C adapters are capable of passing a signal above 60Hz, especially in 4K resolution, where HDMI 2.0 cable bandwidth can be limited.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Even with compatible hardware, users can face a number of challenges, and the most common problem is "No signal" on the TV, in which case, first check the connection chain: the HDMI cable, the adapter itself, and the USB port. Try reconnecting the cable by rebooting the smartphone beforehand. Sometimes the system does not have time to properly initiate the handshake protocol when hot.
Another common complaint is a dim image or lack of color (black and white).This almost always indicates an HDMI cable problem or poor quality that does not allow full-color transmission (HDCP handshake failure). Replacing the cable with a High Speed HDMI certified usually solves this problem. Also make sure that the TV for a specific HDMI port is enabled with HDCP 2.2 support if you are trying to output content in 4K.
If there is an image but the touch control is not working or is running late, it can be due to an adapter overheating or using a cheap hub without buffering the signal. In the case of wireless connectivity, the control delay is often undetectable due to the nature of Miracast technology, so for games it is better to still use a wired connection or streaming over a local network using specialized controller applications.
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The quality of the HDMI cable and the power supply (for adapters with additional charging) are two main factors of stable operation of the wired video output on Xiaomi.
In rare cases, the problem can be a software failure of the MIUI itself. Updating to the latest available version or, conversely, rolling back to a stable firmware branch if you are using a beta version can fix errors in the video output drivers. It is also worth checking whether the Do Not Disturb mode or power saving mode is turned on, which can block the background processes necessary to maintain the connection.
Alternative methods and conclusion
If none of the above methods worked, or your smartphone categorically does not support video output, there are alternatives. DLNA-Servers (via apps like BubbleUPnP) allow you to stream media content (video, photos, music) to your TV without mirroring the entire screen, a great way to show photos to friends or watch a downloaded movie without loading your phone's processor.
You can also consider buying an Android TV set-top box, plugging it into your TV and logging into the same Google account as your Xiaomi smartphone, and accessing all your apps, photos and settings, making any TV a smart control center that is fully integrated with your ecosystem, and eliminating the question of port compatibility.
In conclusion, while classic MHL is a thing of the past, Xiaomi’s toolkit for connecting to the big screen has become wider and more convenient: Whether you choose the reliability of a USB-C to HDMI adapter or the convenience of wireless casting, understanding the capabilities of your specific model is key.