Why iPhone and Xiaomi TV are not always friends out of the box
Apple smartphones and Xiaomi TVs operate on fundamentally different ecosystems: one on a closed iOS with proprietary protocols, the other on an open Android TV with universal standards. This difference often causes confusion: users expect one touch to broadcast a screen, but in practice have to choose between wireless protocols, adapters and network settings.
The main problem is that Xiaomi does not support AirPlay by default, and the iPhone ignores Miracast (the standard most Android devices use), but there is a way out: from built-in Screen Mirroring features to third-party adapters. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from the simplest (using the most effective methods). HDMI-cables to advanced (through cables) DLNA or Google Cast).
Itโs important to consider the generation of your TV: Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2018-2020) and newer models usually support more protocols than earlier versions, but iPhone older than iPhone 6s may not be able to stream video in 4K due to processor limitations.
Method 1: Wired connection via HDMI (most stable method)
If you need to stream videos, games or presentations without delay โ HDMI-cable is still the best choice, and it works for all iPhone and Xiaomi models. TV, regardless of the year of release and does not require Wi-Fi settings.
You'll need:
- ๐ Lightning adapter โ HDMI (Apple's official or certified equivalent, like Anker, for iPhone 15 and later, an adapter. USB-C โ HDMI.
- ๐บ HDMI-cable (versions 1.4 and higher to support Full cable) HD, 2.0 - for 4K).
- โก Power supply for adapter (some models require charging connection).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
- Connect adapter and TV HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 1/ARC for better compatibility).
- On the Xiaomi remote TV Press the Source (or Input) button and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- The iPhone will open a โTrust this deviceโ notification.
If the image does not appear:
- ๐ Check that the cable is inserted before clicking (frequent error is a loose connection).
- ๐ Connect the adapter to charge (some models donโt work without additional power).
- ๐ฑ Reboot your iPhone and TV.
โ๏ธ Checking before connecting to HDMI
โ ๏ธ Attention: On iPhone 13/14/15 adapter-wise USB-C โ HDMI You may have a problem with sound. Solution: in the settings of the TV (Settings) โ Sound. โ Exit HDMI) choose PCM auto.
Method 2: Wireless streaming via AirPlay (for new Xiaomi TV models)
Since 2021, Xiaomi has been adding AirPlay 2 support to its TVs (starting with the Mi TV Q1 and Mi TV A Pro), which means you can stream the iPhone screen without additional devices โ directly over Wi-Fi.
How to check if your TV supports AirPlay:
- On the Xiaomi TV remote, press Settings (cogs).
- Go to Connection โ AirPlay.
- If you have a TV, your TV is compatible.
Instructions for connection:
- Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (guest networks wonโt work!).
- On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner (or up on older models) to open Control Point.
- Click Screen (or Screen Mirroring)
- In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV.
- If necessary, enter PIN-code that will appear on the TV screen.
| Model Xiaomi TV | AirPlay support | Max, permission. | Delay (MS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Q1 (2021) | โ Yes. | 4K@60Hz | ~50 |
| Mi TV A Pro (2022) | โ Yes. | 4K@60Hz | ~40 |
| Redmi Smart TV X (2021) | โ Yes (with an update) | 1080p@60Hz | ~60 |
| Mi TV 4S (2018โ2020) | โ No. | โ | โ |
If your TV doesnโt support AirPlay, but you have an Apple TV or HomePod, you can use them as a middleman:
- Connect your Apple TV to Xiaomi TV via HDMI.
- On iPhone, select Screen Broadcast โ Apple TV.
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If the stream is lagging, reduce the resolution: on iPhone go to Settings โ Screen Broadcast โ Video quality and choose 720p instead of Auto.
Method 3: Miracast via adapter (for older iPhone and Xiaomi TV models)
Miracast is a wireless broadcast standard that all Xiaomi TVs support, but does not support iPhones out of the box, but you can get around this limitation with a hardware adapter, such as:
- ๐ฑ Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (supports Miracast and works with iPhone via app).
- ๐ AnyCast or MiraScreen (budget options, but can slow down).
Instructions for Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter:
- Connect the adapter to the HDMI port on your TV and to the USB port for power.
- On your iPhone, install the Microsoft Screen Sharing app (available from the App Store).
- Launch the application and select an adapter from the list of devices.
- Confirm the connection on the TV screen.
Advantages of the method:
- โ It works on all iPhone models (including iPhones). 6/7/8).
- โ No need to connect to a single Wi-Fi network.
Disadvantages:
- โ 100-300 ms delay (not suitable for gaming).
- โ Video quality is limited 1080p@30Hz.
Why is Miracast slowing down on iPhone?
Method 4: Broadcasting through apps (DLNA, Google Cast, YouTube)
If you only need to stream media (photos, videos, music) rather than the entire screen, you can do without complex settings. Most Xiaomi TVs support:
- ๐ต DLNA (streaming).
- ๐น Google Cast (similar to Chromecast).
- ๐ฌ Built-in apps (YouTube, Netflix).
Option 1: DLNA (for photos and videos)
- On Xiaomi TV, open the Media Player or Gallery app.
- In the side menu, select DLNA.
- On your iPhone, install the VLC or Infuse app.
- In the app, select a file and click Send to DLNA, then specify your TV.
Option 2: Google Cast (for YouTube, Netflix, Spotify)
- Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app (like YouTube) and find the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi in the corner).
- Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
Option 3: Live broadcast from Photos
If you have an iPhone with iOS 15+, you can quickly send a photo/video to your TV:
- Open the photo in the Photo app.
- Press Share. โ AirPlay.
- Choose Xiaomi TV (if it supports AirPlay) or Google Cast (via apps like TV Cast).
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To stream via Google Cast on Xiaomi TV, you may need to enable the Enable Cast option in the settings: Settings โ Connection โ Cast.
Method 5: Using Smart TV-applications (for streaming)
If you donโt need to duplicate the screen, but just watch content from the iPhone on a large screen, the easiest way to use built-in apps on Xiaomi TV. Most popular services sync with accounts:
List of supported services:
- ๐ฌ YouTube (Sync History and Subscriptions).
- ๐ฟ Netflix (Profiles and My Shortlistsยป).
- ๐ต Spotify (playlists and recommendations).
- ๐บ Twitch (broadcasts and chat).
- ๐ฎ NVIDIA GeForce NOW (cloud-gaming).
How to set up:
- On Xiaomi TV, open the app you want (like YouTube).
- Log in to the same account as on your iPhone.
- On the iPhone in the YouTube app, click the Cast icon and select the TV.
Advantages of the method:
- โ No delays (video played directly on TV).
- โ Supported 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos.
- โ You can use your phone while watching.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some apps (such as Disney)+ Apple TV+) You may not be able to stream on Xiaomi. TV constraint DRM (Content protection. In this case, use HDMI or AirPlay.
Problem Solving: What to Do When the Connection Is Not Working
Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The TV is not displayed in the list of devices | Different Wi-Fi networks | Connect both devices to the same network (not a guest!) |
| Sound's there, no image. | Incompatible HDMI-cable | Try another cable or HDMI 2.0 port |
| Lags during broadcast | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Connect your router to your TV or use 5 GHz |
| The app doesn't find the TV | Cast or DLNA is off | Turn on the TV settings: Settings โ Connection โ Cast/DLNA |
| AirPlay does not work on a supported model | Outdated firmware | Update TV: Settings โ About โ System Update |
If nothing helps, try resetting the network settings on your TV:
- Go to Settings โ Network & Internet โ Reset Network.
- Connect to Wi-Fi again.
- Reboot the iPhone.
For diagnosis. HDMI-connection:
- Check the cable on another device (like a laptop).
- Try another HDMI port on your TV.
- Update your iPhone firmware (in Settings โ Main โ Software Update).