Modern users are rarely content with content that is available exclusively on a smartphone screen. The desire to stream videos, photos or even a desktop gadget on a large TV display has become the absolute norm. Owners of Xiaomi equipment often wonder where exactly the wireless display feature known as Miracast hides in the menu. Finding this option can turn into a real quest, as the manufacturer constantly changes the interface of the MIUI for TV shell and renames services for convenience of localization.
The problem is not the lack of technology, but the variety of names and location of switches depending on the year of release of the device. In some models it is a separate application, in others it is a hidden setting in the network menu, and in others it is part of the Google Cast system. Understanding the logic of the Android TV operating system or the proprietary PatchWall shell will help you quickly find the desired menu item. It is also important to consider that for the correct operation of both devices must be on the same local network.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for finding the feature across different firmware versions, look at alternative ways to connect and fix common bugs. You will learn how the standard protocol differs from Xiaomi’s proprietary solutions and why third-party software is sometimes required. A deep dive into the system settings will allow you to enjoy multimedia on the big screen without unnecessary wires.
What is Miracast and how does it work on Xiaomi TVs?
Miracast is a wireless media standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Unlike Internet streaming, the protocol creates a direct connection between devices using Wi-Fi Direct. This means that Xiaomi does not need an active Internet hotspot to transmit images from phone to TV, although the Wi-Fi network itself must be enabled on both devices.
The principle of operation is based on the encoding of the video stream in real time. The smartphone captures an image from the screen, compresses it and sends a packet of data to the TV, which decodes the signal and outputs the picture. Latency is minimal, allowing you to use the technology not only to view photos and videos, but also to show presentations or casual games. However, for dynamic shooters, a delay of fractions of a second can be noticeable.
On Xiaomi devices, implementation of this standard is often disguised as a different name, and the system may use the term “Wireless Monitor”, “Translation” or “Wireless Display”. In newer models with Android TV on board, priority is given to Google Cast technology, which works on a similar principle, but requires the participation of Google servers for the initial “handshake” of devices.
⚠️ Note: Miracast and Google Chromecast are different technologies, although the end result for the user is similar.If your smartphone does not support Miracast natively, the feature may be called Translation or Smart View depending on the phone manufacturer.
A key advantage of using this protocol on Xiaomi TVs is that it is independent of the router at the time of data transfer. Once the connection is established, traffic goes directly between the receiver and the transmitter, which reduces the load on the home network and reduces the likelihood of interruption of the signal due to Internet speed surges.
Search for the function in the interface MIUI TV and PatchWall
Xiaomi TVs have undergone many changes: older models running on modified Android often feature in a separate application. In newer versions of the PatchWall shell, popular in Russia and Europe, access to wireless screen settings can be hidden in the depths of the system menu or activated by default in standby mode.
To find the option, you first need to go to the main menu. Often the broadcast icon is located in the top status bar or in the sidebar of the quick settings, which is caused by holding the menu button on the remote. If there is nothing there, you should go to the system applications section. The item you want can be called "Mi Wireless Display", "Cast" or have a rectangle icon with waves.
In some cases, especially on international firmware versions, the receiver activates automatically when a compatible device is detected on the network. However, manually running often solves visibility problems. You need to open the system settings and find the partition associated with network connections or the screen, there may be a switch "Enable Detection" or "Allow Connection".
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi TVs have Miracast disabled by default for energy saving purposes. Be sure to check if the wait indicator on the TV screen is on before trying to connect from your phone.
If you can't find a point with standard methods, you can use a built-in settings search, and if you type the word "Cast," "Display," or "Screen" into the search bar of the TV menu, it will highlight the section you want to see, which is especially true for voice-controlled models where search works most accurately.
Algorithm of connecting a smartphone to a TV
The process of pairing devices can vary depending on the operating system of your smartphone. Android gadget owners are usually easier to find the desired feature, since it is built into the system. iOS users will have to use third-party solutions or built-in AirPlay support if the Xiaomi TV model supports it.
First, make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is a critical point: if the phone is running over the mobile Internet (4G/5G) and the TV is running through the home router, they won't see each other. After checking the network, open the Quick Settings menu on the smartphone (swipe from top to bottom) and find the Translation, Smart View (Samsung), Translate (Xiaomi/Poco) or Screen Replay (iPhone).
Press a button and wait for the system to scan the available devices. Your Xiaomi TV should appear on the list. The name may be the same as the TV model or be a given name (e.g., "Living Room TV"). Press it, and a request for connection permission may appear on the TV screen, which must be confirmed by the remote control.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Once the connection is successful, the screen is duplicated on the TV, and the image quality depends on the power of the router and the distance between the devices. If the image is slowing down, try to get closer to the router or reduce the output resolution in the phone settings.
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Use the 5GHz Wi-Fi band to transmit high-resolution video. 2.4GHz is often overloaded by neighbourhood networks and Bluetooth devices, causing delays.
Use of the Mi Wireless Display application
Many Xiaomi TVs are pre-installed with the Mi Wireless Display app, a native solution optimized to work with the brand’s ecosystem. Unlike the standard Android protocol, this app can offer additional features such as split screen or remote control.
To find this app, click the Home button on the remote and scroll through a number of installed programs to the end. Often it is hidden in the Apps or Tools folder. If there is no shortcut, you can try to find it in the Google Play Store on the TV itself, although it may not be available on some models.
Launching an application puts the TV in a special standby mode, making it visible to external devices even if the main system is slow. QR-Quick setup code or connection instructions for different OS types. This is the most reliable way if the standard broadcast fails.
It’s worth noting that the app may require an update. If you haven’t used the feature in a long time, go to the TV settings, About System or Apps section, and check for updates for Mi Wireless Display. Outdated versions may not work properly with new versions of Android on smartphones.
Alternative ways: Google Home and third-party apps
If native methods don’t work or the interface is too complex, universal solutions come to the rescue, the most popular option is the Google Home app, which allows you to control Chromecast-enabled devices built-in, which are equipped with almost all modern Xiaomi TVs on Android TVs.
If you install Google Home on your smartphone, you'll see all the devices available on the network. If you choose a TV, you can click on the "Cast my screen" button, which is often more stable than native Miracast, because it uses Google's infrastructure to sync, but it requires that both devices have Internet access.
For more advanced users, there are third-party applications that can be installed directly on the TV from the Play Market, such as AirScreen, ApowerMirror or Receiver for Miracast, which emulate standard protocols and often run faster and more stable than factory solutions.
| Method | Do I need the Internet? | Delay. | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Wireless Display | No (wi-fi only) | Low. | Android, iOS (via the app) |
| Google Home (Cast) | Yes. | Medium | Android, iOS, Chrome |
| AirScreen (App) | No (wi-fi only) | Low. | Universal (AirPlay, Miracast, DLNA) |
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party receiver apps on your TV, be sure to give them all the permissions you request, including storage and network access.
Why Google Home can't see TV?
The solution to the problem: the TV can’t see the phone
The situation of devices on the same network but not seeing each other is common. The first thing you need to do is reboot the router. Sometimes the network module of the TV freezes and stops responding to detection requests. Pull the TV power cord out of the socket for 10-15 seconds to reset the residual current, then turn it on again.
The second common reason is an antivirus or firewall on a router that blocks ports used for Miracast or DLNA. Try temporarily disabling protection or creating a unrestricted guest Wi-Fi network and connecting both devices to it. Also check the date and time on your TV: time out-of-synchronization can interfere with a secure connection.
If nothing works, try resetting the network settings on your TV. Settings → Network → Network Reset (the path may vary depending on the model) After that, re-enter the Wi-Fi password. This eliminates network profile caching errors.
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90% of connection problems are solved by restarting the router and checking that both devices are on the same subnet (not in the insulated guest network).