Modern multimedia capabilities allow you to turn any Xiaomi Mi TV into a powerful entertainment center, bringing content from your smartphone to the big screen. Apple owners often face the question of compatibility, since the ecosystem of iOS and Android TV (on which Xiaomi TVs are based) initially use different data protocols.
There are several proven methods to stream an image, video, or entire iPhone screen onto a Xiaomi TV array, some built into standard software, others requiring additional software, and the specific method depends on your TV model, the iOS operating system version, and the type of content you plan to watch.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the current connectivity options, from built-in AirPlay features to third-party mirroring apps, how to set up a stable connection, what nuances are in different Mi Box models and TVs with built-in Android TV, and how to fix typical connection errors.
Network requirements and pre-preparation
Before you start setting up your broadcast, you need to have the right network infrastructure. A fundamental condition for most mirroring methods to work is that both devices are on the same LAN, which means that your iPhone and Xiaomi TV must be connected to the same router.
Using guest networks or splitting frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with different subnets can cause devices to simply “not see” each other, and it is recommended to use 5 GHz to transmit heavy video content in high resolution, as this range provides higher bandwidth and lower latency.
Also, make sure that both devices have the necessary permissions enabled, and the settings on the TV often require you to activate the detection mode or allow the connection of unknown devices, and without this step, finding gadgets may not be successful, even if the Wi-Fi is configured correctly.
- 📡 Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (SSID name must match).
- 🔄 Update the firmware of the Xiaomi TV to the latest version through the settings menu.
- 📱 Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your iPhone (for an initial handshake).
- 🔒 Turn off the Guest Network mode on the router if it is activated.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses Client Isolation, devices will not be able to communicate with each other even on the same network, which is often enabled in public areas, but can also be activated in home security settings.
After checking the network settings, it is recommended to restart the router. This action will clear the cache. DHCP and prescribe fresh IP-Device addresses, which often solves visibility problems on the local network.
Using the built-in AirPlay feature on Xiaomi TVs
Many modern Xiaomi TVs running on Android TV or PatchWall have built-in support for Apple AirPlay 2. It is Apple’s native protocol that allows you to stream content without installing additional apps on your smartphone.
To check for AirPlay support on your TV, go to your system settings. You need to find the section related to connecting external devices or Apple services. In some firmware versions, this option may be hidden in the depth of the menu or require activation.
If you find it and activate it, the connection process becomes trivial. You don't need any cables or complicated settings. You just open Control Point on your iPhone and select the appropriate option. The TV will appear in the list of available devices automatically.
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If the TV requests the code the first time it connects, enter it on the iPhone screen, which is a standard security procedure to protect against unwanted access to your screen.
It’s worth noting that the quality of transmission through AirPlay is usually higher than through third-party applications, as the protocol is optimized to minimize delays. However, if your Xiaomi TV model does not have built-in support, this method will not work, and you will have to resort to alternatives.
- 📺 Go to Settings. → Preferences → Apple AirPlay (the path may be different).
- ✅ Make sure the AirPlay switch is in the "On" position».
- 🔐 If necessary, set a password to connect new devices.
⚠️ Note: AirPlay is not available on all Xiaomi models. Older versions of TVs or regional firmware (for example, Chinese versions without a global update) may not have this module.
If activated successfully, you can not only stream the video, but also output the sound to external audio systems connected to the TV, or use the TV as a speaker for music from Apple Music.
Broadcasting via Mi Remote and Mi TV Cast
If the built-in AirPlay is not available, Xiaomi offers its own tools to interact with the ecosystem: the official Mi Remote app (or Mi Home in some regions) allows you to control the TV, and the Mi TV Cast feature (or built-in Video app) is designed to transfer multimedia.
To use this method, you will need to download the Mi Remote app from the App Store, add your TV to the list of devices after installation, search the local network and suggest that you pair the devices by highlighting the code on the TV screen.
Once paired, you get access to an extended control menu, where you can not only switch channels, but also stream photos and videos from the phone gallery, which is especially useful if you want to show someone a picture of your vacation on the big screen.
It is important to distinguish between app functions. The standard remote controls navigation, and a Screen Mirroring may require a separate tab or Mi TV Cast app if it is preinstalled on your TV.
- 📲 Download Mi Remote from the official App Store.
- 🔗 Press «+» To add the device and follow the instructions on the screen.
- 📂 Select the tab “Photo” or “Video” to transfer content from the media library.
Transfer quality through Xiaomi’s branded apps is usually good, but there may be a slight delay when controlling the phone’s interface from the remote.
Use Google Home and Chromecast built-in
Because Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV, they have built-in support for Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) technology, one of the most stable ways to stream content, especially videos from supported apps.
To work with this method, you need to install Google Home on your iPhone, which serves as the control center for all Cast-enabled devices on your network, and once you detect your TV, you can use the Translate Screen feature.
The peculiarity of this method is that many video services (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+) have their own Cast button inside their applications. By clicking on the stream icon in the YouTube app on the iPhone, you send the video directly to the TV, bypassing the smartphone screen, which saves battery power and unloads the phone's processor.
☑️ Checking before connection
If you want to mirror the entire iOS interface (like a game or presentation), Google Home has a screen-translate option that creates a video stream from your iPhone and sends it to your TV.
- 🏠 Install the Google Home app on iOS.
- 📺 Find your Xiaomi TV in the list of devices.
- 📲 Click on "Cast my screen" (Cast my screen).
- ▶️ Confirm the start of the broadcast on iPhone.
This method is universal and works on almost all Android TVs, including Xiaomi models, regardless of the year of release, as long as they are certified by Google.
Third-party screen mirroring applications (Third-Party Apps)
When standard methods don’t work or require advanced functionality, third-party apps come to the rescue. There are many programs on the Android TV (TV Store) platform that emulate AirPlay signals reception, the leaders in this niche are AirScreen, AirPin and Receiver for AirPlay.
The way they work is simple: you install an app on your TV through the Google Play Store on your TV, you run it, and it creates a virtual receiver. For an iPhone, this receiver looks like a native AirPlay device. It's the crutch that turns Android TV into an AirPlay receiver.
After running the app on the TV, it will show the name of the device and QR-You need to open the instruction (usually available via the Info button in the app) or simply find the device in the iPhone's control center. IP-Addresses in Safari for initial setup.
Why are there advertisements in the free versions?
The advantage of these solutions is their flexibility: They often allow you to adjust resolution, frame rates, and even support audio transmission in formats that are not protruded by standard means, but free versions may have session time limits or watermarks.
- 📥 Find the AirScreen app or analogue on Google Play on your TV.
- 🚀 Launch the application and click “Start».
- 📱 On iPhone, select the device that appears in the AirPlay menu.
Using third-party software is a great solution for older Xiaomi models that haven’t received an update to Android TV with native AirPlay.
Wired connection via Lightning to HDMI adapter
For those who have the highest image quality without delay and compression, or in the absence of Wi-Fi, the classic wired method remains: it requires a special Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (for older iPhones) or USB-C to HDMI (for iPhone 15 and newer).
This method allows for full-resolution transmission (up to 4K HDR depending on the adapter and TV) without the compression artifacts characteristic of wireless transmission. Input lag is virtually non-existent, making it ideal for gaming.
To connect, you’ll need the adapter itself, an HDMI cable, and preferably a power source for the adapter, as long-term broadcasting can quickly drain the smartphone’s battery. The HDMI cable connects at one end to the adapter, the other to the HDMI port of the Xiaomi TV.
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Wired connectivity guarantees 100% picture stability and no delays, which is critical for dynamic games and professional presentations, but deprives mobility.
Once connected, you need to switch the source of the signal (Source) on the TV to the appropriate HDMI port, and the image from the iPhone will appear on the screen instantly, which is the most reliable, though least convenient way because of the wires.
- 🔌 Connect the adapter. Lightning/USB-C iPhone.
- 📺 Put the cable in. HDMI adapter.
- ⚡ Connect the charger to the adapter (recommended).
- 📺 Switch the signal source to TV fittingly HDMI port.
It is worth considering that Apple's certified adapters (MFi) are more expensive, but guarantee stable operation. HD-permission due to content protection restrictions HDCP.
Comparison of connection methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have systematized the main characteristics of each method in a table, which will help you quickly navigate depending on your priorities: quality, convenience or cost-free.
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, such as Mi Remote for viewing birthday photos, a cable for playing, and a built-in Chromecast or AirPlay for daily use of YouTube.
| Method | Image quality | Delay (Latency) | Need for PO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in AirPlay | High (HD/4K) | Low. | Not required |
| Google Home (Cast) | High. | Medium | Google Home appendix |
| Third-party Apps (AirScreen) | Medium/High | Medium | Appendix to TV |
| HDMI Cable | Maximum (Lossless) | Absent. | Adapter + cable |
When choosing a method, consider the version of your router as well. Old Wi-Fi standards (802.11n) may not be able to pull 4K video streaming without buffering, regardless of the software method chosen.
Resolving problems and malfunctions
Even with the right setup, there may be technical failures, and the most common problem is that the TV is not visible in the list of AirPlay or Cast devices. In this case, the first thing to do is check if the antivirus or firewall on the router blocks local device interactions (Multicast/IGMP Snooping).
Another common issue is desynchronization of sound and image, which is often treated by rebooting both devices, and if you have persistents, try changing the buffering or video codec settings of the receiver app on your TV.
Also, users often complain that when you stream video from Safari, the sound is on your phone and the picture is on your TV, which is a limitation of some streaming formats, so use aggregator apps or broadcast the entire screen, not just the browser tab.
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If the image on the TV is not on the whole screen (cut at the edges), go to the image settings of the Xiaomi TV itself and select Just Scan or Screen Size mode to remove overscan.
In rare cases, resetting your network settings to your iPhone (Settings → Primary → Reset or Move iPhone → Reset → Reset Network settings) will not delete your data, but you will have to re-enter your saved Wi-Fi passwords.
- 🔄 Reboot the router, TV and smartphone.
- 📶 Check that the router has a function enabled IGMP Snooping.
- 📱 Remove and re-install the receiver app on TV.
- 🔌 When using a cable, try a different port. HDMI TV-wise.
⚠️ Note: If a wired connection appears message "Accessories not supported", most likely, your adapter is not certified MFi (Made for iPhone), in which case, the transmission of video in high resolution can be blocked by the iOS system.