Modern Xiaomi TVs running on Android TV, They have evolved into powerful multimedia centers that can play high-resolution content without having to wire, but many users are faced with the need to quickly transfer personal photos taken on a smartphone or video files downloaded from the Internet to the big screen. Use of the USB-Flash drives in the era of cloud technology seems archaic, so wireless data transfer is becoming a priority choice for owners of smart equipment.
There are several proven methods of doing this, each with its own characteristics and suits different use cases. Local WiFi network provides high speed transmission, allowing you to stream heavy traffic. 4K-It's important to understand that for a successful connection, both devices must be in a single information space, that is, connected to the same router.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the most effective ways to stream content, from built-in system functions to third-party applications. DLNA-server, use Miracast technology to duplicate the screen and which file managers do the best job. Choosing the right method will allow you to enjoy media content on a full screen without unnecessary complications.
Equipment preparation and network setup
Before you start the data transfer process, make sure your home network is ready to handle multimedia traffic. The key is to connect your smartphone and Xiaomi TV to the same WiFi hotspot. If you have a dual-band router, make sure that both devices are in the same frequency, for example, 5 GHz, which will ensure maximum channel bandwidth.
Check your device's visibility settings on your TV. Android TV often has detection enabled by default, but in some cases requires manual activation. Go to the settings menu, select the device settings section, then look for Network or Preferences where you can manage the visibility of the gadget for other network users.
⚠️ Note: If your router is set up to isolate customers (AP Isolation, devices will not be able to see each other even on the same network, a feature often enabled in guest networks of hotels or public areas, but should be disabled in router settings at home.
Also worth paying attention to is the operating system version. Outdated software on your smartphone or TV may contain bugs that prevent stable connectivity. Update your MIUI or Android TV firmware to the latest available version via the About Device menu → System Update.
Use of the built-in Chromecast feature
The easiest and most native way to transfer media files to Xiaomi TVs is to use Google Cast technology (Chromecast built-in), which is built directly into the Android TV operating system and does not require installing additional applications on the TV.
To transfer a photo or video, open the file you want on your smartphone and find the broadcast icon (a rectangle with waves in the corner). Once you select your Xiaomi TV from the list, the content will start playing on the big screen. This method is ideal for streaming videos from YouTube, Netflix or watching personal albums of Google Photos.
- 📱 Open the Google Home app or gallery on your smartphone.
- 📺 Click on the broadcast icon and select your Xiaomi TV.
- ▶️ Select a file to play, control will be available from the phone.
The advantage of this method is that the TV itself downloads content from the Internet if the link leads to an online resource, which saves the battery of the smartphone. However, for transferring local files of large volume, not associated with the cloud, this method may be less convenient than a direct connection.
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For the best image quality when using Chromecast, make sure the router supports the standard. 802.11ac (WiFi 5) or newer to avoid buffering 4K-video.
Broadcasting through Mi Remote and Mi Drop
Xiaomi smartphone owners can take advantage of the brand’s ecosystem benefits. Mi Remote is often pre-installed on the company’s devices, allowing not only control of the TV, but also transfer files. In addition, the previously popular Mi Drop app was integrated into the file sharing feature, but the method of using a built-in LAN-enabled file manager is relevant for TVs.
To transfer files through standard MIUI tools, you can use the "Send" function in the gallery. When selecting a file, click the "Share" button and select your TV from the list of available devices. The system will automatically detect the device using DLNA or Miracast protocol if they are active.
☑️ Pre-transfer checks
If the standard gallery doesn't see the TV, try using the built-in Explorer. Open the Files app, find the desired document or media file, click on it and select the Send to option. The list that appears should show the available devices on the local network.
⚠️ Attention: Video file formats matter. Xiaomi TVs play great MKV and MP4, but may not support complex audio codecs inside the container, such as DTS, non-third-party player.
File Transfers via FTP and File Managers
The most flexible and professional way to transfer any type of file is using the FTP or SMB protocol. This method allows you to control the TV file system directly from your smartphone, copying, deleting and renaming files. To implement this method, you need to install a file manager that supports the creation of a server, for example, File Commander or X-plore.
After installing the app on TV, run the "Server" or "WiFi Access" function. IP-address, for example, ftp://192.168.1.55:2221. This address must be entered in the address bar of any file manager on a smartphone connected to the same network.
On your smartphone, open a file manager (like Total Commander or Solid Explorer), connect to a new server, and enter the address you received from your TV. Once connected, you will have full access to the TV's internal memory and can copy files of any size.
| Appendix on TV | Protocol | Speed. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Commander | FTP / SMB | Tall. | Medium |
| X-plore | FTP Server | Very high. | Tall. |
| Send Files to TV | Proprietary | Medium | Low. |
| VLC Player | DLNA / UPnP | Medium | Low. |
This method is particularly useful for installation APK-App files that aren't in the official Google Play store on your TV, you just copy the installer to your smartphone, you flip it around. FTP and run the installation directly on the TV through the file manager.
How to speed up the transfer of large files?
Apps for fast transfer: Send Files to TV
Specialized applications like Send Files to TV (SFTTV) are designed specifically to address the problem in question, and they use local WiFi to create a direct link between devices, bypassing complex server settings, ideal for users who want to get a here-and-now result.
The installation process is simple: download the app to a smartphone from Google Play, then find and install it on a Xiaomi TV through the built-in app store. After launching on both devices, select the mode: on the TV – “Receive” and on the smartphone – “Send”.
- 📥 Install the Send Files to app TV both-way.
- 🔗 Press Receive on TV and Send on phone.
- 📂 Select a file and wait for the transfer to be completed.
The key advantage of these programs is that they are cross-platform and independent of the Android version, and they work even on older TVs, where modern protocols may not function properly, and the transmission speed is limited only by the capabilities of your WiFi router.
⚠️ Note: When installing applications from unknown sources (if you download) APK manually) always check the file with antivirus. The TV must also allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
Duplication of screen via Miracast and Wi-Fi Display
Sometimes you don't just need to transfer a file, but you need to show the contents of a smartphone screen in real time, for example, to present or show a game. This uses Miracast technology (Wi-Fi Display), Xiaomi TVs support this feature natively, it is often called "Translation" or "Wireless Display".
Activate the function on your TV via the signal source menu or network settings. On your smartphone, search for Translation, Smart View or Wireless Monitor in the notification curtain. The phone will find the TV and suggest you connect.
Unlike the Chromecast, Miracast streams video from the phone’s screen, so the image on the TV will exactly replicate what’s happening on the smartphone’s display, putting a lot of strain on the phone’s battery and can result in a slight image delay.
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To view the video, it is better to use the built-in function "Translation" inside the player (DLNA/Chromecast), Not full screen duplication (Miracast) to save the battery of the phone and get better picture quality.