How to transfer photos from iPhone to Xiaomi TV: all working ways in 2026

Transferring photos from an iPhone to a Xiaomi TV seems like a simple task, but in practice users face a lot of nuances: from the lack of AirPlay support on budget models to problems with device recognition in the local network. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transmitting images – from wireless protocols to wired connections – taking into account the characteristics of different generations of iPhone (from iPhone 6s to iPhone 15 Pro Max) and Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A, P1, Q2, S Pro, etc.).

We will pay special attention to the hidden Mi TV settings, which allow you to enable AirPlay support on models where this feature is not officially announced, and also bypass the typical errors that cause the TV to “cannot see” the smartphone. If you are looking for the fastest way or are willing to spend 5 minutes setting up for stable operation, here you will find a solution for your tasks.

1. Transmission via AirPlay: official and hidden methods

AirPlay is the most convenient protocol for transferring media files from Apple devices, but not all Xiaomi TVs support it out of the box. Officially, the feature is only available on flagship models (for example, Xiaomi TV Q2 75′′ or Mi TV S Pro), but it can be activated on other TVs through hidden settings.

To check for AirPlay support on your TV:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Apple AirPlay
2. If there is no item, try to enter the "AirPlay" request in the settings search.
3. On some models (e.g. Mi TV P1), the function is hidden: press the Menu + Home button on the remote for 5 seconds, then select Engineer Menu → AirPlay → Enable.

If AirPlay is available, further action:

• 📱 On iPhone, open a photo in the application “Photos».
• 🔍 Press the "Share" button (square with an arrow up).
• 📺 In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (the name will appear as "MiTV-[model]»).
• 🖼️ Image Instantly will appear on the TV screen.

⚠️ Note: iPhones with iOS below 14.5 may require manual Wi-Fi connection to the same network as the TV. If the image is delayed, check the quality settings in Settings → AirPlay → Flow quality (select “High” instead of “Car»).

2.Using Miracast (Wireless Display) for older iPhone and Xiaomi models

If your TV doesn’t support AirPlay, the alternative is Miracast (aka Wireless Display), which works on most Xiaomi TVs (except for the most budget-friendly series, like the Mi TV A2 32’) and allows you to duplicate the screen of an iPhone without wires. However, there is an important limitation: Apple does not officially support Miracast on iOS, so you will need a workaround.

To connect:

1. Make sure that the TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (5GHz is preferred).
2. On your TV, activate Miracast: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wireless Display (Miracast) → Turn on
3. On the iPhone, install the screen duplicater app, for example: ApowerMirror (free version with watermarks), Screen Mirroring (paid, but without restrictions), TV Cast (supports direct photo transfer without duplicating the screen)

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Once connected, open the gallery on your iPhone and play the full screen photo — the image is automatically broadcast on TV. The delay with this method is ~1-2 seconds, which is critical for video, but not essential for static photos.

TV and iPhone in the same Wi-Fi |Miracast enabled in TV settings |ApowerMirror, TV Cast | iPhone allowed access to the local network Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Set up DNS → Auto

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Direct USB Connection: When Wireless Methods Fail

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support either AirPlay or Miracast (relevant to 2018-2020 models like Mi TV 4A or Mi TV 4S), the most reliable way to do this is to connect wired via USB.

• 🔌 Lightning-to-USB cable (for iPhones up to the 14th series) or USB-C-to-USB (for iPhone 15).
• 📺 USB-port on the TV (preferably) USB 3.0 for fast transmission).
• 📱 On the iPhone must be unlocked trust in this computer (a request will appear when you first connect).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the iPhone to USB-television-port.
2. On the TV, open the Photo or Media Player app.
3. Select the source «USB-Device (may be called an external drive»).
4. Go to DCIM → 100APPLE (here are stored photos from the iPhone).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 The TV will only see photos taken by the iPhone camera (screenshots and uploaded images may not be displayed).
• 🔄 When you connect, your iPhone will start charging, but data transfers may be interrupted if the cable is poor quality.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi) TV Stick) USB-The port is power-only - it doesn't support data transfer. Check the specifications of your model on the Xiaomi website.

4. Cloud services: Google Photos, iCloud and Mi Share

If you need to transfer photos wirelessly and without setting protocols, use cloud services. This method is universal and works on any Xiaomi TV models (including the Mi TV A2 and Redmi Smart TV), but requires stable Internet.

Comparison of services:

Instructions for Google Photos (the most reliable option):

1. On iPhone upload photos to Google Photos (the application automatically syncs the media library).
2. On Xiaomi TV, open the Google Photos app (install it from the App Store on TV if not available).
3. Sign in with the same Google account as you do on your iPhone.
4. Find the album or photo in the photo section.

5.Using DLNA: A universal protocol for all devices

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices to share media over a local network. Unlike AirPlay or Miracast, it is supported by almost all Xiaomi TVs (even budget ones) and does not require additional applications on the iPhone.

To send a photo via DLNA:

1. Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn it on on the TV. DLNA-server: Settings → Network and access → DLNA → Turn on
3. On the iPhone, install it. DLNA-appendix, for example: 8player Lite (free, with advertising) ARKMC (fee-paying 4K)

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MiTV-DLNA

Advantages of DLNA:

• 🌐 It works on all Xiaomi models. TV, including the old ones TV 3, Mi TV 4).
• 📂 You can transfer entire folders of photos at a time.
• 🔄 There is no brand binding (unlike Mi Share or AirPlay).

⚠️ Attention: Some annexes DLNA For iOS, you may be asked to access your contacts or location — that's not necessary for the protocol to work. 8player Lite is enough to allow access only to photos and local network).

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If the TV doesn’t see the iPhone DLNA, Try to manually IP-The address of the TV in the app settings. IP You can access the Settings menu → Network → Status of the network on TV.

Alternative methods: HDMI-Adapters and Smart Cast

If none of the above methods work (e.g. you have a very old Xiaomi TV model without Wi-Fi support), there are two options left:

Method 1: HDMI-iPhone adapter

This will require:

• 🔌 Lightning-to-HDMI (for iPhone up to 14 series) or USB-C-to-HDMI (for iPhone 15).
• 📺 HDMI-cable (usually with an adapter).

Connect the adapter to the iPhone, then connect it to the iPhone. HDMI-On the TV screen, select the source «HDMI» — The screen will be duplicated. Open the gallery and play the photo in full screen.

Method 2: Smart Cast with Chromecast or Mi TV Stick

If your Xiaomi TV isn’t smart or runs on an older version of PatchWall, you can use external devices:

• 📱 Connect to Google Chromecast or Mi TV Stick to HDMI-television-port.
• 🌐 Install the Google Home app on iPhone.
• 🔄 In the Photos app, click Share» → «Transmit (or “Cast”) and select your device.

Both methods guarantee stable transmission, but require additional accessories. HDMI-adapter will cost ~1 500–3 000 ₽, Mi TV Stick is worth it ~2 500 ₽.

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HDMI-The adapter is the only way to transfer photos from your iPhone to your Xiaomi TV without delay and loss of quality.

7 Problem Solving: TV Can't See iPhone

If you try to transfer photos Xiaomi TV does not detect the iPhone, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the TV and iPhone.
• 📡 Connect to a Wi-Fi network at 5 GHz (less interference).
• 📋 Update the TV firmware (in the Settings menu) → On TV. → Update of the PO).

FAQ: Frequent questions