How AirPlay works on Xiaomi Mi Box S: full instructions for setting up and using

Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular media players based on Android TV, But its wireless capabilities are often questionable, especially when it comes to AirPlay, a technology from Apple that wasn't originally designed for Android devices. In this article, we will discuss how AirPlay works on the Mi Box S, what restrictions exist in 2026, and whether it is possible to get around them without losing quality.

Many users mistakenly believe that AirPlay is supported out of the box on all Android devices. TV. In fact, it’s more complicated: Xiaomi Mi Box S doesn’t have built-in support for AirPlay, but there are workarounds – from third-party apps to alternative protocols like Google Cast or Miracast. We tested all the current methods and collected step-by-step instructions based on the latest firmware updates.

It’s important to understand that even if you manage to run AirPlay on the Mi Box S, the functionality will be limited compared to the original Apple devices. TV. For example, not all video formats will play correctly, and the audio delay can reach 0.5-1 seconds, but for most tasks — streaming music from Apple Music, showing photos from iPhone or duplicating the screen — these capabilities will suffice.

What is AirPlay and why it is not on the Xiaomi Mi Box S

AirPlay is a proprietary protocol from Apple designed to wirelessly transfer multimedia between ecosystem devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple). TV). It works on a client-server principle: one device (like an iPhone) sends content and another (like Apple). TV) Technically, AirPlay consists of two components:

• 📶 AirPlay Mirroring – Duplication of the screen of the device (for example, for presentations or games).
• 🎵 AirPlay Audio/Video — broadcasting only media files (music, video, photos) without displaying the interface.

Xiaomi Mi Box S is working on Android TV 9.0 (in the latest firmware versions), and its manufacturer did not license AirPlay technology from Apple. Moreover, Google promotes its analogue – Google Cast (used in Chromecast), which is by default integrated into Android. TV. That’s why you won’t find AirPlay enabled options in the Mi Box S settings.

However, there are three ways to circumvent this limitation:

1. Use third-party AirPlay server applications (such as AirScreen or ApowerMirror).
2. Activate Miracast (an alternative protocol for screen duplication).
3. Connect the Mi Box S to Apple’s ecosystem through HomeKit (limited functionality).

Comparison of AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast on Xiaomi Mi Box S

Before you try to configure AirPlay, it’s worth understanding which protocol is best for your tasks. Below is a table comparing key features:

Critical moment: AirPlay on Xiaomi Mi Box S via third-party apps does not support DRM-Protected content (such as movies from Apple) TV+ If you need to stream such services, you should use Google Cast or official apps on the Mi Box S itself.

Another nuance is that Miracast often doesn't work well on Apple devices, for example, the iPhone may not see the Mi Box S as an available device to connect to, even if Miracast is enabled, and only AirPlay can help through third-party servers in such cases.

Step-by-step: how to turn on AirPlay on Xiaomi Mi Box S

The most reliable way to activate AirPlay is to install a server application. We recommend AirScreen (free version with ads) or ApowerMirror (paid, but with advanced features).

Make sure that the Mi Box S and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Update the Mi Box S to the latest version

Download AirScreen from Google Play to Mi Box S

Close all background apps on iPhone-->

1. Install AirScreen on the Mi Box S: 📱 Open the Google Play Store on the Mi Box S. 🔍 Type in AirScreen search and install the application. 📌 After installation, open it and give all necessary permissions (network access, storage).
2. Set up an AirPlay server: 🔧 In the main menu AirScreen select AirPlay. 🔄 Switch the switch to position ON. 📡 Make sure that the device name is specified in the settings (MiBox-AirPlay by default).

Connect to your iPhone:

• 📱 On the iPhone, swipe up to open the Control Point.
• 🔍 Press Screen Mirroring (or Screen Mirroring).
• 📺 In the list of devices, select MiBox-AirPlay (or your custom name).

If the connection does not occur:

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S and iPhone.
• 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (do not use mobile Internet on your iPhone).
• 🔒 Turn off the router settings AP Isolation (customer isolation).

💡

If the video broadcast slows down, try in the AirScreen settings to reduce the bitrate to 10 Mbps or turn off the upscale to 4K.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after successfully configuring AirPlay to Xiaomi Mi Box S, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If you connect your iPhone to the Mi Box S via AirPlay, the screen flashes or the broadcast is interrupted, the problem may be in the future. HDCP (Content protection. Try to turn it off. HDCP In AirScreen settings (disable option) HDCP), Please note that some videos (such as those from Netflix) will no longer be played.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📋 The Mi Box S firmware version (current on the 2026 year — MIBOX3_ATV2-P0 (2311)).
• 📡 Wi-Fi signal power (must be at least lower) -60 dBm).
• 🔌 Mi Box S Power Supply (Use the Original Adapter, Not the Original Adapter) USB-television-port).

AirPlay Alternatives for Xiaomi Mi Box S: Miracast and Google Cast

If AirPlay is unstable or you need features it doesn’t support (like streaming from Android devices), consider alternatives:

1. Miracast (Duplicate screen without the Internet)

Miracast is a wireless screen transmission standard supported by most modern devices. On the Xiaomi Mi Box S, it turns on like this:

1. Go to Settings. → Display and sound → Screen duplication.
2. Select Enable the wireless display.
3. On your Android device, activate Screen Broadcast (in the notification curtain) and select Mi Box S.

Miracast's limitations:

• ❌ Does not work with iPhone (only with Android and Windows).
• ❌ Maximum authorization — 1080p@60fps (no support 4K).
• ❌ Delay can be as long as 1-2 seconds (not suitable for gaming).

2. Google Cast (Chromecast)

This protocol is built into Android TV It supports streaming from Android, iOS and Chrome:

1. Make sure that the Mi Box S and smartphone are connected to the same network.
2. In the app (such as YouTube or Google Photos) click the Cast icon (📡).
3. Select the Mi Box S from the list of devices.

The advantages of Google Cast:

• ✅ It works with iPhone (via apps like YouTube or Google Home).
• ✅ Supports 4K HDR (If the content and application allow it).
• ✅ Less latency compared to Miracast.

💡

Google Cast is the best choice for streaming videos from iPhone to Mi Box S, unless you need to duplicate the entire screen, but only play content from supported apps.

Performance comparison: AirPlay vs Google Cast on Mi Box S

We tested both protocols on Xiaomi Mi Box S (model) MDZ-22-AB) video-stream 1080p@60fps and 4K@30fps. Results:

The conclusion: Google Cast is objectively better suited for the Mi Box S, unless you need to duplicate the entire screen. AirPlay makes sense to use only for specific tasks, for example:

• 🎮 Streaming games from iPhone (via Screen Mirroring).
• 🎵 Play music from Apple Music with minimal delays.
• 📸 Showing photos from the iPhone in original quality.

Security and privacy when using AirPlay on Android devices

Using third-party AirPlay apps on Xiaomi Mi Box S carries privacy risks.

⚠️ Note: Apps like AirScreen or ApowerMirror request access to the local network and storage of the device, which means that they can theoretically intercept traffic between the iPhone and Mi Box S. Before installing, check the reviews and reputation of the developer.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Install apps only from Google Play (avoid) APK third-party).
• 📋 Before connecting first, check that the Mi Box S and iPhone are on the same isolated network (e.g., guest Wi-Fi with separate Wi-Fi). SSID).
• 🔄 Update AirScreen and Mi Box S firmware regularly (outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities).
• 🚫 Disable the AirPlay server when it is not in use (in AirScreen settings).

Also note that:

• 📡 AirPlay broadcasts on open networks (such as a cafe or hotel) can be intercepted by other devices.
• 🎥 Some apps (like ApowerMirror) save screenshots of the broadcast screen in the cache.
• 🔊 When streaming audio via AirPlay, it can be accessed by other devices on the network (if Multi-Room Audio is enabled).

If privacy is critical (for example, you are streaming work documents), use Google Cast with encryption or a physical connection. HDMI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirPlay on Xiaomi Mi Box S