Projector in your pocket: how to turn on and configure the output of the image from the smartphone Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s current MIUI-based smartphones are capable of transforming into full-fledged multimedia centers — and one of the most popular features among users is the ability to use the device as a projector. Według data from Counterpoint Research, more than 40% of owners of flagship Xiaomi models have at least once tried to bring the image to the big screen through built-in or external tools. But how to activate this mode if there is no obvious “Projector” button on the menu?

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to turn on the projector on Xiaomi smartphones – from the built-in Second Space mode to the use of wireless technologies (Miracast, Wi-Fi Direct) and adapters. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14) and popular models: Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors, for example, when the phone screen goes out when connected or the image is displayed with artifacts.

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi projector mode support?

Before you try to turn on a projector, make sure your device is technically capable of displaying an image on the external screen. Not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box.

• 📱 Processor: You need a Miracast chipset or Wireless Display. 8xx (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro), Dimensity 9000+ (Redmi K60 Ultra, as well as most mid-budget smartphones on Snapdragon 7xx post-2021.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: The function is stable at MIUI 12.5+. On earlier versions (MIUI 11 and below) may have problems connecting to some TVs.
• 🔌 Ports: You need a wired connection USB-C with support for DisplayPort Alt Mode (there are flagships Xiaomi and POCO later generations).

If your smartphone doesn’t match at least one of the items, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to display the image – you just need additional adapters or software. For example, older models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T) often use the ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport app to broadcast the screen over Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Built-in wireless projector (Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct)

The most versatile method is to use Miracast technology, which is built into most Xiaomi smartphones on Android 10+.This protocol allows you to broadcast the screen to a TV or projector wirelessly, but with some limitations:

• 📺 The receiver (TV, projector) must support Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔋 The battery charge of the phone should be at least 30% – otherwise the system can block the function.
• 📶 Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network (or connect directly if you use Wi-Fi Direct).

Instructions for activation:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Screen Transfer.
2. Slip on the Wireless Display item (in some firmware it may be called Miracast or Wireless Display).
3. Turn on device search. In the list, select your TV or projector.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices (entry may be required) PIN-code).

If the connection fails, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📡 Switch the TV to Screen Mirroring (name may vary: Smart View, Cast).
• 🔧 Update the firmware of the smartphone to the latest version MIUI.

Disable VPN on your phone

Make sure TV supports Miracast

Close background applications (saves battery power)

Check Wi-Fi speed (minimum 5 Mbps for Full HD)

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Method 2: Wired connection via USB-C → HDMI

For stable display with minimal latency (important for games or presentations), you should use a wired connection. You will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. Note: conventional cheap adapters without a converter chip will not work – you need models with active electronics (for example, Baseus HDMI Adapter or the original Xiaomi Mi USB-C to HDMI).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port of the smartphone.
2. Connect the adapter to the TV or projector with an HDMI cable.
3. The phone will display a notice saying "External display connected."
4. Select Display Mode: Duplicate the screen – the same image on the phone and TV. Expand the screen – TV becomes a second monitor (useful for multitasking).

If the image does not appear:

• 🔌 Check that the adapter supports video output (some cheap models only work for charging).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone with a connected adapter.
• 📺 Make sure the right signal source is selected on TV (HDMI 1/2).

Method 3: Use Second Space for Presentations

The MIUI’s Second Space feature is designed to separate personal and work data, but it can be adapted to display an image on an external screen, a technique that works if you only need to show certain applications (like a presentation in WPS Office or a YouTube video) while hiding the rest of the data.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Create a second profile and add the necessary applications to it.
3. Connect your smartphone to your TV in any of the ways described above (Miracast or HDMI).
4. In the notification bar, tap the Second Space icon and select Display on the external screen.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Privacy: Only selected applications are displayed on the external screen.
• 🎮 Optimizing productivity: the second profile consumes less resources.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Not all applications support Second Space (e.g., some games).
• ⚠️ When changing profile, the connection to the external screen may break.

💡

If you only need to broadcast sound (for example, to listen to music through TV speakers), use a separate Bluetooth connection, which will unload the processor and reduce video latency.

Solving Typical Problems When Connecting a Projector

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there may be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If you are connected through HDMI The phone's screen is going out, but the TV is there, which is normal behavior for the system to save charge. To return the picture to your smartphone, tap the screen or press the power button.

Critical information: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M5), the Miracast function may not work stable due to driver limitations. In this case, it is recommended to use third-party applications (see the next section).

Alternative methods: applications for screen broadcasting

If embedded facilities MIUI They don't work or they don't work, so you can use third-party apps.-3 tested solutions:

• 📱 ApowerMirror: Supports Wi-Fi broadcasting and USB. Minimum latency (about 50ms) There's a screen recording feature. Disadvantage: the free version has a watermark.
• 🖥️ TeamViewer QuickSupport: No root licenses. It works even on older Xiaomi models. You can control your phone from a PC.
• 🎮 Scrcpy (PC): Shows the screen of the phone on the computer with minimal latency. Supports keyboard control. Free and no advertising. Disadvantage: requires a connection to the computer. USB (or Wi-Fi with pre-setting).

Instructions for ApowerMirror:

1. Install the application on your phone and computer/TV.
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your phone, launch ApowerMirror and select Mirror.
4. On the computer/TV, confirm the connection.

⚠️ WARNING: When using broadcast apps, avoid entering passwords or working with banking apps on an external screen – this may not be secure if the connection is not encrypted.

💡

For maximum performance when streaming games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), use a wired HDMI connection and turn off background data synchronization in the MIUI settings.

Optimizing images for presentations and videos

You put it on a big screen, but it looks blurry or cropped? Here's how to adjust the output for different scenarios:

For presentations (PowerPoint, WPS Office):

• 📊 Set the screen resolution settings 1920×1080 (Even if the TV supports 4K) — This will reduce the load on the processor.
• 🔍 Enable the mode for presentations in the settings WPS Office (Hiddens Toolbars).
• 🎨 Use the dark theme of the slides -- on OLED-This will reduce the power consumption of the screens.

To watch the video (YouTube, Netflix):

• 📺 In YouTube settings, select Quality → 1080p (4K It can be slowed down by wireless transmission).
• 🔊 Activate in MIUI Dolby Atmos function for surround sound (Settings) → Sound. → Sound quality).
• 🔄 If the video slows down, turn on the hardware acceleration option in the player.

For games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile):

• 🎮 Set the game settings to Balanced (not Maximum) to reduce the lags.
• 🔌 Use a wired connection. HDMI — The delay in wireless transmission can reach 200 ms.
• ⚡ Enable the game space mode in MIUI (Settings → Special facilities → Playing space).

FAQ: Frequent questions about projector mode on Xiaomi