How to duplicate the screen of the iPhone on the TV Xiaomi 4S: all the ways with pros and cons

Broadcasting the iPhone to the Xiaomi Mi TV 4Sโ€™s big screen opens up new possibilities, from viewing high-resolution photos to streaming games or presentations. However, not everyone knows that Xiaomiโ€™s 2018-2020 TVs (which include the 4S) have limited support for wireless protocols compared to new models, which means that standard methods like AirPlay may not work out of the box, and alternative solutions require additional tweaks.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of screen duplication - from official (via adapters and applications) to workarounds for older versions of TV OS. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of compatibility of iOS and Xiaomi, as well as typical errors that cause the screen to "slow down" or not display at all. If you have already tried to connect and faced problems - at the end of the article there is a unique protocol compatibility table indicating the minimum versions of the software, which are not in the official documentation.

Before you get to the instructions, make sure your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is updated to the latest firmware version. To check, go to Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ System Update. The minimum version for most methods to work stable is MIUI TV 1.6.45 and higher. If your TV hasnโ€™t been updated for a long time, some features (such as Miracast) may not be available.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of connection you have tried before?
On HDMI cable.
Wi-Fi (AirPlay/Miracast)
Special applications (ApowerMirror, etc.)
I haven't tried it yet.

1.Official way: AirPlay on Xiaomi TV 4S (with restrictions)

AirPlay is the most convenient protocol for streaming from the iPhone, but it doesnโ€™t always work on the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, because AirPlay support only appeared in the firmware of MIUI TV 2.0+, and the 4S (especially the 2018 models) often stay on older versions.

โœ… If your TV supports AirPlay:

  1. Make sure that your iPhone and Xiaomi TV 4S are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (guest networks are not suitable!).
  2. On your TV, open Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Apple AirPlay and turn on the feature.
  3. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner (for iOS 12+) and click Screen Duplication. Your Xiaomi TV should appear in the list.

โŒ If AirPlay is not in the settings:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the firmware through Settings โ†’ On TV. โ†’ System updates. Sometimes the function appears after the update.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher, which can unlock hidden features.Risk: loss of warranty!
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use an adapter (about it in the next section).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some of the firmware Xiaomi Mi TV 4S AirPlay is displayed on the menu, but when you try to connect, you get an error called "Disconnected to the device" because Apple doesn't have certification for these models. โ†’ Network โ†’ Resetting network settings).

Connected to a single Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)|AirPlay is enabled on the TV in the settings|iPhone Updated to iOS 12 and Newer|Disabled. VPN and firewalls on the router-->

2.Wired method: Lightning adapter โ†’ HDMI

If wireless methods don't work, the most reliable option is to use a Lightning to HDMI adapter.This method guarantees minimal latency (important for gaming) and maximum picture quality (1080p@60Hz or 4K@30Hz, depending on the adapter).

๐Ÿ”น Which adapter to choose?

  • ๐ŸŽ The original Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter - Supports 1080p And sound, but it's expensive (~5 000 โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Third-party adapters (e.g., Baseus or UGREEN) โ€” cheaper (1,500โ€“2,500) โ‚ฝ), They may not transmit sound or warm up.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก USB-C โ†’ HDMI (iPhone 15+) โ€” requires an adapter USB-C to Lightning.

๐Ÿ“Œ Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
  2. Connect the adapter to Xiaomi TV 4S through HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 1 HDMI 2 with support ARC sound-wise).
  3. On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (HDMI 1/2).
  4. On iPhone, unlock the screen โ€“ the image should be duplicated automatically.

โš ๏ธ Challenges and solutions:

  • No sound: Check if the adapter supports audio transmission. In the iPhone settings (Control Point) โ†’ Sound) select the output to the external device.
  • Black Screen: Try another one HDMI-cable or port on the TV. Some adapters require external power (please connect charging to your iPhone).
  • Low resolution: In the Xiaomi TV settings (Image โ†’ Screen Mode), select Just Scan or 1:1.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the adapter is warm, use it. USB-You can connect the adapter and the charger to it, and it will reduce the load on the iPhone port.

3. Wireless streaming via Miracast (an alternative to AirPlay)

Miracast is a universal screen duplication protocol that is supported by most Android TVs, including the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S. However, on the iPhone it does not work out of the box - you will need a third-party app.

๐Ÿ”น Step 1: Preparing the TV

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Wireless display (Miracast).
  2. Turn on the feature and remember the name of your TV (e.g. MiTV-4S-1234).

๐Ÿ”น Step 2: Set up your iPhone

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install the Miracast app. Best options: ApowerMirror is paid but stable (there is a free trial); Screen Mirroring is free but with ads. Miracast Display requires registration.

โš ๏ธ Miracast's restrictions on iPhone:

  • Up to 720p quality โ€“ Xiaomi TV 4S rarely achieves 1080p.
Why is Miracast slowing down?
The main reason is the limitations of the iPhone processor when encoding live video.In addition, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S uses the Amlogic T962 chip, which is not optimized for Miracast. To reduce the lags: 1. Connect to a 5 GHz network (if the router supports). 2. Close all background apps on iPhone. 3. Reduce the broadcast resolution in the application settings (for example, to 720p).

4.Use of streaming applications (ApowerMirror, LetsView)

If the built-in protocols don't work, specialized applications come to the rescue, often bypassing the limitations of iOS and MIUI TV, but requiring software to be installed on both devices.

๐Ÿ”น ApowerMirror

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Installation: Download the app on iPhone (App Store) and Xiaomi TV 4S (APK for TV).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Connection: Run the app on both devices. On your iPhone, select "Mirror" and find your TV in the list. Confirm the connection on your TV.

Pros:

Cons:

๐Ÿ”น LetsView

  • ๐ŸŒ Cross-platform: Works on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac. Download here.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Features: Supports streaming games from iPhone to TV, but requires stable Wi-Fi 5 GHz.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: Free with watermarks, premium version - 200 โ‚ฝ/moss.

๐Ÿ“Š Comparison of duplicate applications:

AnnexDelay.Max, permission.Sound.Cost
ApowerMirror0.3-0.8 seconds1080p (paid)Yes.300. โ‚ฝ/moss
LetsView0.5-1.2 sec.720p (free)Yes.200. โ‚ฝ/moss
Screen Mirroring1-2 seconds720pNo.Free of charge.
Miracast (built-in)1-3 sec.720pPartially.Free of charge.

โš ๏ธ Note: When using third-party apps on Xiaomi TV 4S You may see an "Unknown Source" warning, and to remove it, go to Settings. โ†’ Security โ†’ Unknown sources and allow installation APK.

5.Backdoor: Broadcast via Apple TV or Chromecast

If none of these methods worked, you can use an intermediate device, an Apple TV or a Google Chromecast, which is universal, but requires additional costs.

๐Ÿ”น Apple. TV (4K or HD)

  • ๐ŸŽ Connect Apple. TV Xiaomi TV 4S through HDMI.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner and select Screen Duplicationยป.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ The list of devices will appear your Apple TV โ€” Choose it.

โœ… Pros: Minimum delay, support 4K HDR, stable-joint.

โŒ Cons: Apple's cost TV 4K 12,000 โ‚ฝ.

๐Ÿ”น With Google Chromecast

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Connect Chromecast to HDMI-port TV 4S.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Install the Google Home app on iPhone.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ In apps like YouTube or Netflix, click the Cast icon and select your Chromecast.

โš ๏ธ Chromecast does not support full screen duplication from iPhone โ€“ only streaming from individual apps.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use of intermediate devices (Apple) TV Chromecast is the most reliable way to do this if the embedded protocols don't work, but it's expensive and it takes a lot of time. HDMI-port.

6 Problem Solving: What to do if the screen is not duplicated

Even with the right settings, the connection may not work, and here are some common errors and ways to fix them:

๐Ÿ”ง Problem 1: The TV is not displayed in the list of devices

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot iPhone and Xiaomi TV 4S.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not to different bands). 2.4/5 GHz!).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Reset network settings on the TV: Settings โ†’ Network โ†’ Resetting network settings.

๐Ÿ”ง Problem 2: The screen is duplicated, but without sound

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Check if the sound is turned off on the iPhone (volume slider or No Sound modeยป).
  • ๐ŸŽต At the Control Point on the iPhone, hold the sound icon and select the exit to the external device.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ If you use HDMI-Adapter, try another port on the TV (for example, the port on the TV, HDMI ARC).

๐Ÿ”ง Problem 3: Strong lags or poor quality

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Reconnect to a 5GHz network (if the router supports it).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Close all background apps on your iPhone (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ In the duplicate application settings (e.g., ApowerMirror) reduce the resolution to 720p.

๐Ÿ”ง Problem 4: Connection is interrupted after a few minutes

  • โšก Check if your iPhone or adapter is overheating. Turn off the charging (sometimes it interferes with your charge).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ On the TV, turn off the power saving mode: Settings โ†’ Energy conservation โ†’ Sleep mode: Never.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Move your router closer to your TV or use the Mesh system to amplify your signal.
How to check the speed of Wi-Fi between devices?
Download the WiFi SweetSpots app on your iPhone and run a speed test between your iPhone and your router. If the speed is below 50 Mbps, screen duplication will slow down. Solution: 1. Switch to 5 GHz. 2. Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (select the least loaded). 3. Disconnect other devices from the network.

7.Alternative methods: DLNA and local server

If you only need to broadcast media (photos, videos, music) and not the entire screen, you can use DLNA or Plex protocols. These methods are not suitable for duplicate screens in real time, but allow you to view content without lags.

๐Ÿ”น Through DLNA

  • ๐Ÿ“ Install an application server on your iPhone, for example VLC or infuse.