How to turn on the second screen on Xiaomi devices: 5 proven ways

The second screen feature on Xiaomi devices allows you to expand the multimedia capabilities: duplicate the image from your smartphone to your TV, use the Mi TV as a monitor for your PC, or even create a multitasking environment on a single screen, but many users face difficulties when activating this option – especially if it is old models or non-standard firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to turn on the second screen on Xiaomi in 2026, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for advanced users, learn how to sync the Redmi Note 12 with the Mi TV A2, set up wireless duplication on the Mi Box S, and also bypass common errors like the lack of the “Limitless Screen” option or Miracast issues.

Important: The switching algorithm depends on the type of device (smartphone, TV, console) and firmware version. If your model is released before 2020, some methods may not work, in which case, look for alternative solutions in the last section.

1.Second screen on Xiaomi smartphones: wireless duplication

The most common scenario is to display images from a smartphone to a TV or monitor, and Xiaomi uses Miracast technology, which is built into most models on MIUI 12 and later, and here's how to activate it:

Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Transfer. The system will automatically start searching for available devices. If your TV supports Miracast (like Mi TV Q2 or Redmi Smart TV X), it will appear in the list. Select it and confirm the connection on both devices.

• 📱 Compatible smartphone models: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F5 and newer (on) MIUI 13+).
• 🖥️ Compatible TVs: All Mis TV redmi TV with PatchWall (the shell of Xiaomi).
• ⚡ Requirements: Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (5 GHz recommended).

If the screen transfer option is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or use an alternative method through Google Cast (see section 3).

2.Setting up the second screen on Mi TVs

Xiaomi TVs support two second screen modes: duplication (mirroring) from an external device and expansion (using TV as an additional monitor).

1. On the Mi TV remote, press the Menu button → select Settings → Devices → Wireless projection.
2. Enable the option of Wi-Fi Display (for Miracast) or Google Cast (for Chromecast).
3. On a smartphone or PC, start screen transfer (see Section 1 or 3).

For expansion mode (for example, when connecting a laptop):

1. Connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI or USB-C (if supported).
2. In Windows/macOS settings, select Expand the screen instead of Duplicate.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2019 and older (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Google Cast may not be available, in which case use Miracast or an external Chromecast adapter.

3. Alternative method: Google Cast (Chromecast)

If Miracast doesn’t work or your TV doesn’t support it, use Google Cast.This protocol is compatible with most apps (YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos) and allows you to stream content without full screen duplication.

Instructions for the smartphone:

1. Make sure that your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open a supported app (e.g. YouTube).
3. Click on the broadcast icon (📺) → Choose your Mi. TV list.

To fully duplicate the screen through Google Cast:

1. Download the Google Home app from the Play Market.
2. Add the TV to the app (unless it is automatically displayed).
3. Select Translate screen → Start broadcasting.

TV and Smartphone in the Same Wi-Fi Network|Google Cast is on the TV|Google Home app updated|Disabled. VPN and a proxy on a smartphone-->

On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware below version 3.0, the Google Cast option may be hidden. To activate it, update the TV via Settings → About TV → Software Update.

4 Second screen via Mi Box or other consoles

If you have a Mi Box S or Mi Box 4, it can be used as a middleman to display images from other devices, a technique that works for older TVs without Miracast or Google Cast built in.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Mi Box to your TV via HDMI and turn it on.
2. Go to Settings → Device → Screen and sound → Wireless projection.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Display option (for Miracast) or Google Cast.
4. On a smartphone or PC, start screen transfer (as in Section 1 or 3).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 It works even on TVs without Smart. TV.
• 🎮 Supports game consoles (such as Xbox or PlayStation) via HDMI-in.
• 🔌 You can connect your keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth to use TV as a PC.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi Box 3 (2016), Google Cast is unstable due to outdated hardware. Use Miracast for stable streaming or upgrade to firmware MIUI TV 3.0+.

💡

If you connect through the Mi Box, you can reduce the resolution of the broadcast in the settings of the smartphone: Settings → Screen → screen resolution → HD (720p).

5 Problem Solving: Why the Second Screen Is Not Working

If the second screen is not activated, check the following points:

Additional steps for diagnosis:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices (smartphone and TV/set-top box).
• 📶 Check the Internet speed (minimum 10 Mbps for stable broadcasting).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on the TV: Settings → Network → Resetting the network.
• 📱 Update your smartphone to the latest version MIUI.

6 Advanced Settings: Second Screen for Gamers and Developers

If you're using the second screen for games or development, the standard settings may not work. Here are some professional tricks:

For gamers (reduced delay):

• 🎮 Turn on the Game Mode on the TV: Settings → Picture → Image mode → Game.
• 🔌 Use a wired connection (HDMI 2.1) instead of wireless.
• 📶 Disable background apps on your smartphone through Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

For developers (debugging through ADB):

If you need to test apps on a big screen:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Mi TV: press 7 times on Settings → About TV → Software version.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers.
3. Connect your TV to your PC via ADB and use the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.device.display.DisplaySettingsActivity for quick access to screen settings.

💡

For minimum delay when broadcasting games, use a combination HDMI 2.1 + Play mode on TV. Wireless protocols (Miracast/Google Cast) add delay to 50-100 MS, which is critical for shooters or racing.

7. Alternative solutions for older devices

If your Xiaomi is released before 2019 (like the Redmi Note 5 or Mi TV 4A), standard methods may not work.

• 🔌 Wired connection: Use an adapter USB-C/Micro-USB → HDMI (For example, Xiaomi Mi USB-C to HDMI). Supported on smartphones with DisplayPort Alt Mode (Xiaomi Mi) 9 newer).
• 📦 External devices: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a budget alternative to the Mi Box with support for Google Cast. Amazon Fire TV Stick is compatible with Miracast and AirPlay.
• 💻 Software solutions: ApowerMirror - screen duplication via Wi-Fi with support for Xiaomi. TeamViewer QuickSupport - for remote control of TV from a smartphone.

For TVs without Smart TVs:

1. Connect the Mi Box or Android console to the HDMI port.
2. Use the Raspberry Pi with Kodi or LibreELEC to create a media center.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon processor 4xx (Like Redmi. 7A) Wireless screen broadcasting can work with artifacts due to weak GPU. In this case, use a wired connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second screen on Xiaomi