How to transfer an image from your phone to Xiaomi Smart TV: all working ways

Contents

• Introduction: Why transfer photos to the big screen
• Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct (Mi Share) – no router
• Method 2: Screen Mirroring (Duplicate screen)
• Method 3: Connecting to USB-cable
• Method 4: Cloud Services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)
• Method 5: AirPlay for iPhone on Xiaomi TV
• The answer to the problem: why TV can’t see the phone
• Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Transferring photos from your phone to the big screen of Xiaomi Smart TV opens up new possibilities for viewing: now family photos, travel or professional work can be appreciated in detail without shoving around a small smartphone display. But how to do it quickly and without loss of quality? The methods depend on the TV model (Mi TV A2, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q2, etc.), the phone operating system (Android or iOS), and even on the version of PatchWall or Google TV firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods of image transfer, from wireless technologies to wired connections, and how to avoid typical errors. For example, did you know that Xiaomi TVs based on Google TV (2023+ models) do not support Mi Share, but have a built-in Chromecast for streaming? Or that there is a workaround for the iPhone through AirPlay, although Xiaomi has not officially announced it?

Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct (Mi Share) – no router

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows you to transfer files directly between devices without a router intermediary. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this functionality is implemented through the Mi Share application (formerly Mi Drop), the method is suitable for all Xiaomi Smart TVs on PatchWall (until 2022 release) and most smartphones of the brand.

How it works:

• 📱 On the phone: open Settings → Connection and sharing → Mi Share (or use a widget in the notification curtain).
• 📺 On TV: Go to Settings → Connection and networking → Wi-Fi Direct and activate visibility.
• 🔄 Select the TV from the list of available devices on your phone and confirm pairing.
• 📤 In the phone gallery, select a photo, click “Share” and select Mi Share.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant transmission without depending on internet speed.
• 🔒 Security: Data does not go to the cloud.
• 📶 It works even without a router (ideal for giving or traveling).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) Mi Share is not available; instead, use Screen Mirroring (mode 2) or cloud services.

Method 2: Screen Mirroring (Duplicate screen)

Screen Mirroring (or “screen transfer”) allows you to completely duplicate the display of the phone on the TV. This method is universal: it works on Android and iOS, as well as on all models of Xiaomi Smart TV, including the new ones with Google TV. Minus – transfers the entire screen, not individual files, which can be inconvenient for viewing photos in high resolution.

Instructions for Android:

1. On TV: Settings → Connection and Network → Screen Mirroring (or “Screen Transfer”).
2. On your phone: open Settings → Connections → Screen transfer (on Xiaomi/Redmi can be called “Wireless Display”).
3. Select your Xiaomi TV from the list and confirm the connection.
4. Open the gallery on your phone and the image will automatically appear on TV.

For iPhone (via AirPlay):

• 🍎 Open the Control Point. → Screen duplication.
• 📺 Choose your Xiaomi TV (If it is not on the list, check your network settings).
• 🔄 Confirm the pairing code on the TV.

⚠️ Note: When duplicating the screen through Screen Mirroring on Xiaomi TV PatchWall may have overscan edges trimming. To fix this, go to TV Settings. → Display. → Screen size → 1:1.

Method 3: Connecting to USB-cable

Wired connection through USB — The most reliable method if you need to transfer a large number of photos in original quality, suitable for all models of Xiaomi Smart TV, requires OTG-cable (if the phone does not support the phone) USB Host) or direct port connection USB-A TV-wise.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to the TV with a cable USB-C → USB-A (through OTG-adapter).
2. On the TV, select the source of the signal: USB (can be called Media or Photo/Video).
3. In the menu that appears, select the DCIM or Pictures folder - there your photos are stored.
4. Use the Xiaomi remote to navigate through files.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method:

• ✅ Maximum quality without compression.
• ✅ It works without internet and Wi-Fi.
• ❌ Requires a physical connection (inconvenient for frequent use).
• ❌ Not all phones support USB Mass Storage (on Android 11)+ You may need to include a debugging USB).

💡

If the TV can’t see the phone via USB, try another cable or turn on File Transfer mode in the Android notification curtain when you connect.

Method 4: Cloud Services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Cloud storage is a versatile way that works on any device, including Xiaomi Smart TV with Google TV or PatchWall.The main condition: the TV and phone must be connected to the same Google or Xiaomi account.

Instructions for Google Photos:

1. On your phone: upload a photo to Google Photos (automatically or manually).
2. On TV: Open the Google Photos app (pre-installed on Google TV or installed from Google Play on PatchWall).
3. Sign in under the same account and find the desired pictures in the photo section.

For Mi Cloud (Xiaomi ecosystem only):

• 📱 On the phone: Enable synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
• 📺 On TV: Open the Gallery app and go to the Mi Cloud section.

⚠️ Note: When uploading a photo to Google Photos in High Quality (not Original) mode, images are compressed to 16 MP. To save full resolution, select the option “Original Quality” (takes up space in the cloud).

Method 5: AirPlay for iPhone on Xiaomi TV

Officially Xiaomi Smart TV It does not support AirPlay, which is a wireless media transfer technology from Apple devices, but there is a workaround: use the AirScreen app (available on Google Play for Android TV). TV/Google TV). The method works on Mi models. TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV X and the latest.

How to set up:

1. Install AirScreen on your TV via Google Play.
2. Open the app and select AirPlay mode.
3. On your iPhone, open a photo, click Share → AirPlay and select your Xiaomi TV.

Limitations of the method:

• 🍎 Requires an iPhone 6s or newer (with iOS 12)+).
• 📶 Television and phone should be on the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🎵 Sound is transmitted only when playing video (for photos - without sound).

💡

AirScreen is the only way to transfer photos from your iPhone to Xiaomi TV wirelessly. Alternatives (such as ApowerMirror) require you to install additional apps on your phone.

The answer to the problem: why TV can’t see the phone

Even with the right settings, the connection may not work. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

Problem 1: The TV doesn’t appear in the list of devices for Mi Share or Screen Mirroring.

• 🔄 Solution: Reboot both devices. On TV, check if visibility is enabled in Settings. → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📶 Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same network (even Wi-Fi Direct sometimes requires a shared router).

Problem 2: When connected via USB, the TV says “Device is not supported.”

• 🔌 Solution: Use OTG-externally powered cable (if the phone does not give enough power).
• 📱 On the phone, turn on the file transfer mode (MTP) notice-curtain.

Problem 3: Photos on TV are shown in low quality.

• 🖼️ Solution: Check your phone's sync settings: Google Photos → Settings → Backup → Download quality (should be "Original»).

Problem 4: AirPlay is permanently shut down via AirScreen.

• 🔄 Solution: In AirScreen settings, turn off the Power Saving option and prioritize your Wi-Fi network.

💡

If neither method works, reset the network settings on your TV: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. This often solves connection problems.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)