Today’s Xiaomi Mi TV and Xiaomi TV Stick are powerful multimedia centers that allow content to be displayed from a smartphone or tablet to a large screen without the use of wires. This feature, known as broadcast or screen mirroring, turns ordinary video viewing into a full-fledged theater. However, despite the simplicity of the concept, the tuning process can be difficult for beginners due to differences in the operating systems of the devices.
There are several ways to activate this feature, depending on the version of the MIUI for TV or Android TV firmware, as well as the type of mobile device you have, and in this article we will take a look at all the methods available, from built-in system tools to third-party applications, and learn how to avoid common bugs and ensure a stable connection.
Before you start setting up, make sure your hardware supports the necessary protocols. Most Xiaomi models released after 2018 are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct and DLNA modules, making them compatible with the vast majority of Android and iOS smartphones. It is also important to understand that the quality of the picture is directly dependent on the speed of the wireless network.
Preparation of equipment and network
The foundation of successful broadcasting is the right organization of the local network. Wi-Fi router should work steadily, and both devices — TV and smartphone — must be on the same subnet, which means that they must be connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a dual-band router, make sure that gadgets are not spaced at different frequencies, although modern routers often combine them into a single network.
Check the software version of your TV. Outdated MIUI TV firmware may contain bugs that block media protocols. To check for updates, go to Settings → About TV → System Update. If new versions are available, you should install them before you start setting up the broadcast.
⚠️ Warning: Using a guest Wi-Fi network or a corporate client-isolated network will make broadcasting impossible.
To ensure maximum data speeds without delay, it is recommended to use the 5 GHz standard if your router and TV support this range. In apartment buildings, where the air is clogged with neighbors, the frequency of 2.4 GHz can give an unstable result, causing image jerks.
Use of the built-in Mi Cast function
The simplest and most native way Xiaomi’s developers envision is to use Mi Cast technology, which is built directly into the MIUI shell on the company’s smartphones, but is also available for other Android devices through system features.
When the app is launched, you'll see a connection waiting on your TV screen, at which point the TV creates a direct access point or becomes visible on the local network for search. On your smartphone, open the control panel (curtain) and look for the Broadcast, Wireless Monitor or Smart View icon (name depends on the phone model).
From the list of available devices, select the name of your Xiaomi TV. If the connection is first established, a request for confirmation of access may appear on the TV screen. Accept it using the remote control. Now the smartphone screen will be completely duplicated on the large display.
☑️ Check before connecting Mi Cast
It is worth noting that when using the Mi Cast, the smartphone screen does not go out, which can lead to increased battery consumption, and in addition, the notification of an incoming call or message will also appear on the TV, which is sometimes undesirable when watching movies.
Streaming through Google Chromecast built-in
Many of Xiaomi’s current TVs are based on Android TV, which has built-in support for Google Cast (Chromecast) technology, which differs from simple mirror broadcasting in that it allows you to transfer content from apps directly without loading the smartphone’s processor.
To get started, make sure your mobile device has a Google Home app installed. Run it and find your TV on the device list. Click on the device icon, then select the Cast my screen button, which will start a mirror display of the entire Android interface.
If you want to stream a video from a particular app, like YouTube or Netflix, look for the broadcast button inside the app itself. Find the wave rectangle icon in the corner and select your Xiaomi TV. The picture quality in this mode is often higher, since the stream is transmitted directly from the servers.
| Parameter | Mi Cast (Miracast) | Google Cast (Chromecast) | DLNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of transmission | Screen mirroring | Streaming/Mirroring | Media files only |
| Dependence on the phone | High (screen active) | Low (can be rolled) | Low. |
| Support for iOS | No (without third-party apps) | Yes (via annexes) | Yes. |
| Video quality | Depends on the power of the phone. | Optimal (hardware) | Original |
Chromecast built-in technology is the preferred for viewing online video, as it minimizes delays and allows you to control playback from your phone even if you log out of the app or lock the device.
Why does Google Cast sometimes fail?
Set up AirPlay for Apple devices
Owners of iPhones and iPads should not despair: Xiaomi TVs with a PatchWall shell or a pure Android TV often have built-in support for the AirPlay 2 protocol. This allows you to stream content from Apple devices natively, without installing additional software on the TV.
To activate, make sure AirPlay is enabled in your TV settings. The path may vary, but it's usually in Settings → Network & Internet → Apple AirPlay. You can set a password to connect or allow access to all devices on the network.
On iPhone, open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner or bottom up, depending on the model). Click on Screen Repeat icon (two rectangles). In the list that appears, select your Xiaomi TV. If required, enter the code displayed on the TV screen.
⚠️ Note: If the built-in AirPlay is not working or is not listed, this may be due to regional firmware restrictions, in which case you will need to install a third-party AirPlay emulator app from the Google Play store on your TV.
AirPlay provides high stability and excellent image quality, adapted to the Apple ecosystem, but it is worth remembering that when broadcasting secure content (DRM) from some applications, quality may be limited by the HDCP standard.
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If the audio from the iPhone is only broadcasting through the phone, not through the TV, check the audio output settings at the AirPlay Control Center and select the TV speakers manually.
Third-party broadcast applications
When built-in methods don’t work or functionality is limited, third-party solutions come to the rescue. The Google Play Store on Xiaomi TV offers many utilities for wireless data transfer. One of the most popular and reliable is the Web Video Caster or AirScreen app.
The AirScreen app turns your TV into a universal receiver that supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast and DLNA at the same time. Once installed and launched, it creates a virtual device that is easily detectable by smartphones, the perfect solution for older models or TVs with stripped down firmware.
Another option is to use specialized applications from Xiaomi, such as Mi Remote or the likes of the Xiaomi. MI Home, although their functionality is more focused on managing a smart home, some versions allow you to transfer photos and videos to the screen. TV, which work through a browser.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the presence of advertising. Free versions often interrupt the broadcast with commercials. Paid versions (Premium) do not have this disadvantage and offer a more stable connection with less buffering.
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Third-party emulator apps (such as AirScreen) are a lifeline if native Xiaomi TV features no longer support current data transmission standards.
Troubleshooting and frequent errors
Even with the right setup, you can have problems connecting. IP-If the TV can't see the phone, try rebooting both devices and the router, which resets the network spreadsheets and updates DHCP-leases.
Another common problem is the low data rate, which is squared on the screen or desynchronized sound, in which case close the background apps on the smartphone that consume traffic and get closer to the router, and disabling Bluetooth on the phone can also help, as it runs at the same 2.4 GHz frequency and creates interference.
If there is an image but no sound, check the volume settings on the TV (they may be independent of the system volume of the Android TV). Also make sure that the app from which the stream is being streamed selects the correct audio output.
⚠️ Note: When broadcasting games with a high frame rate (60) FPS Miracast can be marked by input-lag. This method is not suitable for comfortable play, it is better to use it. HDMI-cable.
In rare cases, the problem lies in antivirus software or a firewall on the router that blocks ports used by DLNA or Cast protocols. Try temporarily disabling traffic filtering for diagnosis.