How to Share a folder for a Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways with a photo

Why Xiaomi TV doesn’t see a shared folder and how to fix it

You downloaded a high-resolution movie, want to show family photos on the big screen or play music through the speakers of the Xiaomi Mi TV TV, But we've got a problem: the device persistently doesn't see your folder on the local network, and the reasons can be different, from the banal disconnected network detection to the incompatibility of protocols. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to share folders for Xiaomi TVs (including the Mi models). TV 4S/5X/6, Redmi Smart TV And the Mi Box. S/4K), Common errors that cause access to be blocked.

It is important to understand that modern Xiaomi TVs support several protocols for accessing files:

• 📂 DLNA (UPnP is a standard for multimedia, but often slows down with large files.
• 🖥️ Samba (SMB) — Universal protocol for file sharing, requires setting up on a PC.
• 🌐 Mi Home / Xiaomi Cloud is a proprietary solution, but it only works with certain formats.
• 🔌 FTP/NFS — For advanced users, not all models are supported.

We tested each method on Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware and identified the most reliable ones, and if you’re using Windows 10/11, macOS or even Linux, the instructions below are suitable for any system.

Method 1: Sharing through DLNA (for multimedia)

Protocol DLNA It's optimized for streaming video, music and photos, and its main advantage is that Xiaomi TVs automatically detect the device. DLNA-However, there are nuances: not all formats are supported (for example,.mkv with rare codecs may not play), and large files may not play (>4 GB) sometimes “suspends".

To enable DLNA on Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Components → Enable or disable Windows components.
2. Check the box opposite the DLNA server for media streaming and click OK.
3. Go to Settings → System → Sharing Media and Allow Access for Your Network.

MacOS requires third-party software, such as Plex or Kodi (free versions are available in the App Store).

sudo apt install minidlna


sudo nano /etc/minidlna.conf

In the config, point the way to the folder: media_dir=V,/path/to/folder, then restart the service: sudo service minidlna restart.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV can't see DLNA-server, check that the router is enabled UPnP (usually in the settings section) LAN Also make sure that the PC and TV are connected to the same network, the guest network or the other. VPN They can block detection.

Open access to the folder in the settings Windows/macOS/Linux|

UPnP enabled on router |

TV and PC on the same network (not guest) |

Files have a supported format (MP4, AVI, JPG)-->

Method 2: Set up Samba (SMB) for full file access

Samba (SMB) is the most versatile protocol that allows you to not only view but also edit files directly from your TV. However, on Xiaomi TV, SMB support is implemented through the File Manager app (or Explorer in new firmware), which is not always installed by default.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the folder → Properties → Access → Sharing.
2. Select the user All (Everyone) and set the Read and Write permission (if you need editing).
3. Go to the Control Panel. → Network control centre → Additional Shared Access Options and Include: 🔹 Network detection 🔹 Sharing access to files and printers 🔹 Password-protected access (turn off if the TV does not support authorization)

On TV:

1. Open File Manager (if not, install from the Mi App Store).
2. Select Local Network → Add SMB Server.
3. Enter. IP-PC address (you can find out the ipconfig command in the CMD), User name and password (if required).

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Cloud to store personal data, please note that files are stored on Xiaomi servers in China (DLNA/SMB).

Method 4: FTP-server for advanced users

FTP is less commonly used for TVs, but it’s suitable if you need remote file access or large archives. On Xiaomi TV, FTP support is implemented through third-party applications such as FX File Explorer (available from the Mi App Store).

Setting up FTP-servers on PC (Windows):

1. Install FileZilla Server or vsftpd (for Linux).
2. Create a user with access to the desired folder (for example, C:\Shared\Films).
3. In the server settings, specify the passive mode and port range (for example, 50000-51000).
4. On the TV in FX File Explorer Add New Ones FTP-connection IP-PC address, login and password.

Advantages of FTP:

• ✅ Works with any file (including.iso,.rar).
• ✅ You can configure access from the Internet (when transferring ports on the router).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It's harder to set up than DLNA/SMB.
• ❌ No encryption (data transmitted in plain text).

💡

FTP is suitable for tech-savvy users who need flexibility in file management, with DLNA or SMB for most tasks.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (USB, Plex, Kodi)

If none of the networking methods worked, consider alternatives:

1. Connection via USB

The most reliable, but inconvenient way is to copy files to a flash drive or external hard drive (formatted in FAT32 or NTFS) and connect to the TV via a USB 2.0/3.0 port. Xiaomi TV supports playback from external media, but there are limitations:

• 🔸 The maximum file size is 4 GB for FAT32.
• 🔸 Some models don't read exFAT.
• 🔸 Folders with Cyrillic names may not be displayed.

Installation of Plex or Kodi

Plex and Kodi applications allow you to organize a full-fledged media server with transcoding (converting formats on the fly).

1. Install Plex Media Server on PC (plex.tv).
2. Add files to the Plex library.
3. On the TV, install Plex from the Mi App Store and log in.

Kodi works similarly, but requires manual source configuration (Settings → File Manager → Add Source).

3. Wi-Fi Direct transmission

Some Xiaomi TV models (such as the Mi TV Q1) support Wi-Fi Direct, which is a direct file exchange between devices without a router.

1. On TV: Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On your smartphone: Turn on Wi-Fi Direct in the settings and connect to the TV.
3. Use the file manager on your phone to transfer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you set up the folders properly, access to the folders may not work, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using VPN On a PC or TV, turn it off before setting up shared access. VPN Changes traffic routing, which means devices can’t see each other on the local network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about sharing folders for Xiaomi TV