Chromecast on Xiaomi TVs: what it is and how to use it

Modern Xiaomi TVs running on the Android TV operating system have a wide range of functionality that significantly exceeds the capabilities of standard Smart TVs. One of the key features often mentioned in the specifications is built-in support for Chromecast built-in technology. This is not just a marketing ploy, but a full-fledged tool that allows you to turn your smartphone or tablet into a powerful multimedia control panel.

Many users confuse this feature with the ability to connect an external dongle device, but in Xiaomi TVs it is a hardware and software package integrated directly into the motherboard and firmware. It allows you to stream content from apps on your phone directly to the big screen without loss of quality and delay. Understanding the principles of this technology will open up new opportunities for using media content.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what exactly lies behind the term Chromecast in the context of Xiaomi technology, how to set up the broadcast correctly and what nuances should be considered when choosing a model, you will learn why this feature is considered the de facto standard for Android TV and how it simplifies interaction with digital services.

What is Chromecast built-in and how does it work?

Chromecast technology developed by Google originally appeared as a separate device connected to the Internet. HDMI-However, modern Xiaomi TVs use a built-in version of Chromecast, which means that all the necessary components for receiving and decoding the video stream are already built into the system. Your TV is actually becoming a receiver that understands commands from mobile devices on the same local network.

The principle of operation is based on the protocol Google Cast. When you click the broadcast button in the application on your smartphone, the phone does not send a video stream directly. Instead, it sends the TV command-link to the content. Xiaomi TV independently accesses the server (for example, YouTube or Netflix) and downloads the video, which is why the smartphone battery does not drain as quickly as with conventional mirror broadcast screen.

⚠️ Attention: For Chromecast built-in to work properly, it is essential that both devices — TV and smartphone — are on the same Wi-Fi network. 4G/5G, a TV to the home router, detecting devices will be impossible.

An important aspect is codec support. Xiaomi TVs with this feature are able to hardware decode popular video formats, which ensures smooth playback of even heavy 4K content. The system itself determines what content is available for broadcasting and offers appropriate options in the interface of the mobile application.

Compatible models of Xiaomi and Mi TV

Chromecast is built into all Xiaomi and Redmi TVs running Android TV or Google TV. This includes most models released since 2019. However, owners of older models or versions with PatchWall firmware (without pure Android) may face limitations or lack of this feature natively.

Below is a table of popular series where technology support is implemented at the hardware level:

It is worth noting that the presence of the logo "Chromecast built-in" on the box or in the store specifications is a guarantee of the function. In models with the PatchWall operating system (often found in the Indian version or older European shipments), the functionality may be limited or require the installation of additional launchers for full operation.

If you are planning to buy, always check the version of the operating system. Global versions are usually equipped with Android TV, which ensures full compatibility with all Google services and broadcast features without the need for “dancing with a drum”.

Instructions for setting up broadcast from a smartphone

The setup process is as simple as possible and requires no technical knowledge, and the first thing you need to do is connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi network, and without Internet access, it won't work because it's tied to Google accounts and network discovery protocols.

Next, make sure that your smartphone (Android or iOS) has the necessary apps installed. For Android devices, these are usually already pre-installed services Google Play Services. iPhone users will need the Google Home app, although many streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix) have built-in support for Cast and work without additional settings.

The procedure for launching the broadcast is as follows:

• 📱 Open an app with content on your smartphone (e.g. YouTube).
• 📺 Find the broadcast icon (a rectangle with waves in the corner), usually located in the upper right or lower corner of the video.
• 📡 Select your Xiaomi TV from the list of available devices.
• ▶️ After the connection, the video will play on the TV screen, and the phone can be used as a remote control.

In some cases, especially when you first connect, the TV may request confirmation, and a four-digit code will appear on the screen that you need to enter on your smartphone, a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to your screen from neighbors if you have an open Wi-Fi network.

Screen content (Screen Mirroring)

In addition to streaming a specific video from an app, the technology allows you to duplicate the entire screen of a smartphone on a TV, called Screen Mirroring or mirror image. This feature is useful when you want to show a presentation, gallery photos that do not support Cast, or run a game that does not have a Cast. TV-version.

To activate this feature on Xiaomi TVs with Android TV, you usually do not need third-party applications. Simply lower the notification curtain on your Android smartphone and select Translation, Smart View (on Samsung) or Screen Replay. On Apple devices (iOS), the process may be different, since native AirPlay does not work on all Xiaomi models, but the Google Home app solves this problem.

⚠️ Attention: When mirroring the screen, the load on the smartphone processor increases significantly.This can lead to heating of the device and faster battery discharge, since the video stream is encoded and transmitted in real time, as opposed to streaming via a link.

The quality of the image in mirror reflection depends on the power of your router and the distance to it. If you notice a desynchronization of sound and video or a “twitched” image, try to get closer to the router or switch to the 5 GHz range.

Solving Connection Problems

Despite the technology's fine-tuning, users may experience situations where the TV can't see the phone or the broadcast is interrupted. One of the most common reasons is using different Wi-Fi frequencies. If the router distributes 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names (SSID), make sure that both devices are connected to the same.

Another common problem is outdated software. Google is constantly updating Cast protocols and older versions of apps may stop interacting properly with the TV. Check for updates in the Google Play Store directly on Xiaomi TV via Settings menu → System → About TV → System Update.

• 🔄 Router reboot often solves the multicast traffic problems that are needed to detect devices.
• 🔒 Antivirus or firewall settings on a smartphone can block local connection between devices.
• 📶 A weak Wi-Fi signal on a TV (often due to the metal back wall of the TV or the remoteness of the router) leads to buffering.

If the problem is systemic, reset the network settings on your TV. Go to Settings → Network and Internet, select your network and click Forget, then reconnect by entering your password.

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Use a guest Wi-Fi network to stream if you are in a hotel or public place where devices are isolated from each other, but remember that such networks often lock the ports required for Chromecast.

The Benefits and Limitations of Chromecast

The main advantage of having a built-in Chromecast on Xiaomi TVs is the convenience and no need to buy additional hardware. You get premium functionality out of the box. Voice control support through Google Assistant allows you to control playback without reaching the phone: just say "Stop video" or "Stop louder."

But there are limitations, and it only works with applications that have the right support, and you can't just broadcast secure content. DRM-content from some specific browsers or closed corporate systems without using screen mirroring mode, and the quality of the broadcast is limited by the ability of your Internet connection.

The key difference between the built-in version and the external dongle is the lack of need to borrow. HDMI-port and use a separate port USB-port for power, which is especially important for TVs with a limited number of connectors.

For owners of the Xiaomi smart home ecosystem, this feature becomes a link: the TV can act as a display for security cameras or display information from other gadgets when notifications arrive, if the appropriate permissions are configured in the Google Home app.

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The built-in Chromecast in Xiaomi is a quality standard for streaming, eliminating the need for external consoles and ensuring stable operation with Google services.