If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone and notice an app called Translation (or Screen Mirroring in international firmware) on the menu, you’ve probably wondered why it’s needed and how to use it. This feature has become an integral part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, especially since the brand’s smart devices have been actively developed, from Mi TVs to projectors and speakers. But many users still confuse it with Google Cast or the standard Miracast, without realizing the key differences.
In this article, we will go into detail about what the Translation app on Redmi is, what technologies underlie it, how it interacts with other Xiaomi gadgets, and why it sometimes doesn’t work as expected. You will also learn how to set up a TV stream without delay, what models are supported, and what to do if the device is not detected. And we will also reveal the hidden feature of the application – the ability to broadcast not only the screen, but also individual media files without full duplication of the display, which few people know about.
What is the Translation app on Xiaomi Redmi?
The Translation app (international firmware versions of Cast or Wireless Display) is a built-in tool from Xiaomi designed to wirelessly transfer content from the smartphone screen to other devices, based on two key technologies:
- 🔄 Miracast is a point-to-point wireless broadcast standard (without connecting to a router) supported by most modern TVs and projectors.
- 📡 DLNA — Protocol for transmitting media files (video, music, photos) over a local network, used to stream to smart speakers, TVs and other devices with support for Xiaomi Home.
Unlike Google Cast (which requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi network), Redmi’s Translation app can work without the internet, such as connecting directly to a Mi TV via Miracast, making it more versatile, especially in unstable Wi-Fi environments.
It's important to understand that this is not a separate application from Google Play, but a MIUI system component that is integrated into the firmware. It can't be removed without root permissions, but you can turn off in settings if the feature isn't in use.
What devices support streaming with Redmi?
The Translation app on Xiaomi Redmi is compatible with a wide range of devices, but there are nuances. Here is the full list of supported gadgets:
| Type of device | Models/brands | Connection technology | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Televisions | Mi TV (all models), Redmi TV, Samsung (since 2016), LG (WebOS), Sony Bravia | Miracast / DLNA | On Mi TV supports screen transfer in resolution up to 4K@60Hz (depending on the smartphone model) |
| Projectors | Xiaomi Mi Projector, Fengmi, Epson, XGIMI | Miracast | Possible audio delays up to 200 ms when broadcasting games |
| Smart speakers | Xiaomi AI Speaker, Mi Smart Speaker, Google Assistant | DLNA / Chromecast | Only audio (music, podcasts) is broadcasted |
| Laptop/PC | Windows 10/11 (with Miracast support), MacOS (via AirPlay) | Miracast / AirPlay | Windows requires enabling the "Wireless Display" function in system settings |
⚠️ Note: Not all Redmi models support broadcasting 4K. For example, smartphones on Snapdragon chipsets 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) permission-bound 1080p hardware-related.
Also, it is worth considering that to broadcast to devices other than Xiaomi (such as Samsung or LG TVs), you may need to turn on Miracast mode in the TV settings.
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If your TV doesn’t support Miracast, but you have an HDMI port, you can use the Mi Wireless Display Dongle adapter, which converts the signal to HDMI and works as a broadcast console.
How to use the application "Translation" on Redmi: step-by-step instructions
To start broadcasting the smartphone screen, follow the following steps:
- Open the notification bar on Redmi (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
- Find the Translation tile (or Cast if you have global firmware). If you don't have one, click Edit and add it to the panel.
- Slip on the tile - a list of available devices will open.
- Select the target device (such as Mi TV or projector).
- Confirm the connection on both devices (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code).
Once the connection is successful, the screen will begin to duplicate on the TV or other device, and the control will remain on the phone, all gestures and clicks will be displayed in real time.
Wi-Fi on your smartphone (even for Miracast, it should be active)
Does the TV support Miracast (check in the TV settings)
Is the firmware updated on both devices?
Is there any active? VPN or firewall blocking the connection-->
⚠️ Note: If you are broadcasting content from DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+), Some apps can block the output to the external screen, in which case a black screen or error notification will appear on the TV.
Hidden features of the Translation app that you didn’t know about
Most users use the app only to duplicate the screen, but it has other useful features:
- 🎵 Broadcast only sound: you can send audio (music, podcast) to a smart speaker or TV without transmitting video».
- 📂 File streaming: through DLNA You can stream individual videos or photos without dubbing the entire screen. Open the gallery, select the file. → «Share» → «broadcast».
- 🎮 Low Delay Mode: In the broadcast settings (cog in the upper right corner) you can turn on the option “Game Mode”, which reduces lag to 50-80 ms (useful for cloud gaming).
- 🔒 Secure broadcast: when connected to Xiaomi devices (e.g. Mi) TV) Stream encryption option available to exclude data interception.
Another little-known feature is the background streaming, so if you want the music to continue playing on the speaker and the screen on your smartphone to be turned off, activate the "Allow background broadcast" option in the app settings, which will save you battery power.
How to broadcast the screen on a PC with Windows
Problems with the streaming on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions
Even a feature that's useful has bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not detectable. | Wi-Fi or Bluetooth disabled, outdated firmware | Turn on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and update both devices |
| Sound/video delay | Weak Wi-Fi signal, congested network | Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi or use Miracast (direct connection) |
| Poor image quality | Automatic resolution reduction to save traffic | In the broadcast settings, select “High Quality” or “4K” (if supported) |
| Broadcast interrupted | Active energy saving mode on a smartphone | Add the Translation app to battery optimization exceptions |
⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the streaming function may not work at all or may not work.
Another nuance: some apps (like TikTok or bank customers) block screen broadcasts for security reasons, in which case a black screen with a notification “Secure Content” will be displayed on the TV, which cannot be circumvented without root rights.
Redmi Translation Comparison with Alternatives: Which is Better?
Many users are wondering whether to use the built-in Translation app or install third-party solutions like Google Home, ApowerMirror or TeamViewer?
- ⚡ Built-in “Translation»:
- 🌐 Google Cast (Chromecast):
- 📱 ApowerMirror/TeamViewer:
For most Xiaomi users, a built-in solution will be optimal, especially if you already have an ecosystem of gadgets brand. However, for professional tasks (for example, streaming on Twitch or remote technical support), it is better to use specialized programs.
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If you want maximum compatibility with other brands, combine built-in Translation for the Xiaomi ecosystem and Google Cast for the rest of the gadgets.
Security when using broadcast: what you need to know
Wireless screen transmission is convenient, but not always safe, and here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:
Data interception: when using Miracast in public networks (for example, in a cafe or hotel), it is theoretically possible to intercept broadcast content.
- 🔐 Use the broadcast only on trusted networks.
- 🛡️ Enable the Secure Connection option (available for Xiaomi devices).
- 🚫 Avoid transmitting confidential information (passwords, bank details).
2 Unauthorized Access: If you connect to someone else’s TV (e.g., at a hotel), another user can access your device, always turn off the broadcast after use, and reset the list of associated devices in the settings.
3. Local file leak: When using DLNA to transfer media files, make sure that there is no personal data in the shared folder. By default, MIUI can provide access to the entire gallery.
⚠️ Warning: If you are broadcasting a screen at a public event (e.g., a projector presentation), turn off all notifications on your smartphone – they will be visible to viewers. Use Do Not Disturb mode or special presentation apps.