Modern users often face the need to stream content from a laptop to a big screen. Owners of Apple appliances and Xiaomi smart TVs are no exception. However, given the difference in operating systems, direct connectivity does not always work out of the box without first setting up. The standard AirPlay protocol built into macOS is by default incompatible with the native shell of MIUI TV or Android TV installed on most models of the Chinese brand.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to do this: you can use both wired connections to ensure maximum picture quality, and wireless technologies to ensure usability. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to bring the Macbook screen to the Xiaomi TV, what intermediary applications will be required, and how to avoid typical pairing errors.
Before you get to specific instructions, it’s important to make sure both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi network.This is a critical condition for most wireless methods to work. If the router supports dual-band mode, make sure that both the MacBook and Smart TV are connected to the same frequency, preferably 5GHz, to minimize latency.
Using AirPlay support in new Xiaomi models
Owners of the relatively new Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV may find that AirPlay 2 is already built into the system. Xiaomi has begun to implement native support for Apple protocols in its latest models running on Android TV or its own PatchWall. To test this feature, you do not need to install third-party software, just look at the system settings.
Go to the TV settings menu and find the section associated with the screen or connections. On different versions of firmware, it can be called differently, for example, Apple AirPlay, Display or Connecting a Device. If this option is active, you just have to turn it on. On the MacBook side of the menu bar (top right), the screen replay icon will appear.
Click on the icon and select your TV from the list of available devices. If the system requests a confirmation code, it will appear on the TV screen. Enter it on Macbook to complete pairing. This method provides the best stability and minimal input latency, since it does not require the installation of additional applications.
⚠️ Note: Some TV models may have AirPlay hidden in the About TV submenu or require system software updates to the latest version. If you don't find this option, your model doesn't support native Apple protocol.
Why can AirPlay not work even if you have an option?
Connecting through third-party receiver applications
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t have AirPlay built-in support, it’s easy to fix things with third-party apps.The Google Play Store on your TV offers a variety of solutions that emulate the AirPlay receiver.The most popular and stable are AirScreen, AirPin or Receiver for AirPlay apps.
The installation process is standard for the Android platform TV. Find the app through a search in the store, install it and run it. Once it's launched, it will search for devices on the network and suggest launching the emulation service. QR-code or instruction for downloading a companion application, but this is not usually required for basic broadcasting.
Once you run the app on your TV, go back to your MacBook. In the menu bar, select Screen Replay and find the name that appears in the app you're running on TV. Often it matches the app name or the home TV model. The connection is set automatically.
- 📺 AirScreen is the most versatile solution that supports not only AirPlay, but also Google Cast, DLNA.
- 🚀 AirPin(PRO) — A paid but more stable app with less advertising and better video encoding.
- 📡 DoCast – a specialized application for streaming media files and mirroring the screen with advanced settings.
It’s worth noting that free versions of these apps often contain ads that can pop up when connected or while working. For ongoing use, it’s recommended to consider buying a premium version, which will eliminate interruptions and unlock resolution settings.
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To reduce latency in emulator apps, try changing the H.264 video codec to H.265 if your Macbook and TV support this format, especially for 4K video.
Broadcasting via Google Chrome and Chromecast
Because Xiaomi TVs are Android TV-based, they have built-in Chromecast support, which allows you to stream content directly from Google Chrome on your computer without installing additional software on your TV, which is ideal if you need to show the contents of a particular tab or entire desktop.
Open the Chrome browser on your MacBook. Make sure you are logged in to your Google account, although this is not always strictly mandatory for local broadcasting. In the upper right corner, click on the three menu points and select “Cast.” If there is no option, you can find it by going to Settings → Additional Settings → Broadcast.
In the source selection window that opens, you can stream a tab, an entire screen, or a specific file. The system will find your Xiaomi TV on the network. Select it and the image will appear on the big screen. This method is convenient because it does not require installing apps on the TV, but can give a greater latency compared to native AirPlay.
| Connection method | Delay (Latency) | Image quality | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native AirPlay 2 | Low. | High. | Minimum |
| Applications (AirScreen) | Medium | High. | Medium |
| Google Chrome Cast | Tall. | Medium/High | Low. |
| HDMI Cable | Absent. | Maximum. | Low. |
When using Chrome, it’s important to understand that the browser will consume significant resources of the MacBook processor, especially when broadcasting the entire screen in high resolution.
Wired connection through HDMI-cable
The most reliable way to ensure no delays and maximum image quality is to use cable. For modern MacBooks, you will need an adapter from USB-C (or Thunderbolt) to HDMI. Xiaomi TVs are equipped with standard HDMI ports, so there will be no problems with connector compatibility.
Simply connect the cable to your laptop and the free HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Switch the signal source to your TV by pressing the "Input" button on the remote and selecting the appropriate port number (e.g. HDMI 1 or HDMI 2).
To control screen modes, go to System Settings → Displays. Here you can choose to work: “Duplicate screens” (the image on Macbook and TV is the same) or “Expand the desktop” (the TV becomes the second independent monitor).
☑️ Connection check HDMI
If you want to leave the sound on your laptop or connect external acoustics, be sure to change the output device in the macOS sound settings or in the Sound menu in the upper bar.
Configure permission and frequency of update
Once successfully connected, whether by air or cable, it is critical to adjust the right image settings. A mismatch in the resolution of the MacBook screen and the matrix of the Xiaomi TV can cause the picture to crop at the edges or look blurry. Modern TVs usually have a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 3840×2160 (4K).
In the Displays menu on Macbook, click the "Advanced" or "Scale" button to see the list of available resolutions. It is recommended to choose a mode marked as "Default for TV" or one that corresponds to the native resolution of the matrix. The refresh rate should be 60 Hz for comfortable video watching and work.
If the image is outside the visible area (overscan effect), check the settings of the TV itself. In the Xiaomi TV menu, find the Image or Screen section and turn off the zoom function or select Just Scan, Screen Fit mode. This will remove the black bezels and edge edge edge edge edges.
⚠️ Note: When connecting old models through adapters, problems with the HDCP (Copy protection: If you see a black screen when you play protected content (Netflix, Apple) TV+), Try replacing the cable or adapter with a certified one.
Solution: Sound and latency problems
One of the most common problems with wireless connectivity is the desynchronization of sound and video. Lipsync can float away, especially when watching heavy video in high bitrate, most often due to unstable Wi-Fi signal or channel overload.
Try rebooting the router and both devices. If the problem persists, force the router's settings to separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, giving them different names, and connect the MacBook and Xiaomi TV exclusively to the 5 GHz network.
It’s also worth checking your router’s power saving settings. Some smart traffic sharing features can prioritize mobile phones, degrading your laptop connection. Disabling QoS (Quality of Service) while you’re browsing can fix the problem.
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The stability of the wireless connection depends on the distance to the router and the number of obstacles. For 4K streaming without lags, the distance between the router and the TV should not exceed 5-7 meters with walls.