How to connect AirPlay to Xiaomi TV: full instruction with error solutions

Wireless screen broadcasting from Apple devices to the big screen has become the standard for modern smart TVs, but owners of Xiaomi TVs often face confusion: does their model AirPlay, how to turn on the feature and why the connection is broken? In this article, we will examine all the nuances – from compatibility checks to solving typical errors, including hidden settings that are not written in the official manuals.

The competition between the Apple and Android ecosystems does not prevent users from looking for ways to integrate. Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4S/5/5X/6 series, Redmi Smart TV, etc.) support AirPlay 2 starting with the MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware, but stable operation requires proper network setup and sometimes manual software updates. We tested all methods on models from 2020-2026 and identified key points that save time.

πŸ“Š Which device do you connect most often via AirPlay?
iPhone
iPad
MacBook
Apple TV
Other

1. Xiaomi TVs compatible with AirPlay: full list of models

Not all Xiaomi TVs support AirPlay, the feature depends on the hardware platform and firmware version. Basic rule: if your TV is running on an Amlogic S905 processor (or newer) and has a MIUI TV 3.0 or higher, the odds are high.

  • πŸ“Ί Mi TV 4S (2020–2023 – Support from firmware MIUI TV 3.2.1
  • πŸ“Ί Mi TV 5/5X/6 (All modifications) – AirPlay is enabled by default
  • πŸ“Ί Redmi Smart TV X (2021–2026) – Requires an upgrade to MIUI TV 4.0+
  • πŸ“Ί Mi TV Q1/Q2/Q2Q β€” Full compatibility with AirPlay 2 HomeKit

For models older than 2019 (e.g. Mi TV 4A or Mi TV 4 on PatchWall older version), the feature may not be available even after the update. Check the version of the software in the Settings menu β†’ About TV β†’ MIUI TV version. If the number is below 3.0.0, AirPlay will not work.

Important: some Xiaomi TV firmware in India or China will block AirPlay due to licensing restrictions, in which case the change of region to Europe will help (instruction in section 5).

How to find out the model and version of the firmware?
Open Settings β†’ About TV. At the top of the screen will be the model name (e.g. Mi TV 5X 55) and below will be the software version (e.g. MIUI TV 4.0.123).

2. TV Preparation: Turn on AirPlay in the settings

If your model supports AirPlay, the feature can be disabled by default to activate it:

  1. Open Settings (cog on the home screen or the Settings button on the remote).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing β†’ Apple AirPlay (on some models, the path: Network and Access β†’ AirPlay & HomeKit).
  3. Activate the Apple AirPlay switch.
  4. In the AirPlay Settings menu, select: πŸ”’ Require code – At first connection (recommended for security) πŸ“Ά Subtitles – On (if you need to display text from video)

Once turned on, the TV will appear in the list of devices for broadcasting on iPhone/iPad (at the Control Point or Apple TV app).

TV and iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz 5 GHz)|AirPlay is included in Xiaomi settings TV|Nana iPhone/iPad Updated to iOS version 14.5+|Disabled. VPN and firewalls on the router|Multi-channel (Dolby) problems are fixed in TV settings-->

Critical detail: Xiaomi TVs do not support AirPlay via mobile hotspot.Use only a home Wi-Fi router.

3. Connection from iPhone, iPad or Mac: step-by-step instructions

The streaming process varies depending on the Apple device. Let's look at all the options:

With iPhone or iPad (iOS 14.5 and later)

  1. Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on the iPhone without the Home button).
  3. Press and hold the Playback Control (or AirPlay) tile.
  4. In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi TV (the name will be similar to the TV settings, for example Mi TV 5X-ATV).
  5. When you first connect, enter a 4-digit code from the TV screen.

With MacBook (macOS Monterey and newer)

On a Mac, you can stream both the entire screen and a separate window:

  1. Open System settings β†’ Screens.
  2. Click on Additional Settings β†’ AirPlay.
  3. Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
  4. To stream the sound separately: open System settings β†’ Sound β†’ Exit and select the TV.

Note: on a Mac with an M1/M2 chip, image delays may occur when broadcasting 4K. In this case, set the resolution: 1080p in AirPlay settings on TV.

πŸ’‘

If the TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay list, restart the router and turn off the TV for 10 seconds (remove the plug from the socket).

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users are faced with problems, and we've collected common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
TV not visible on AirPlayDifferent Wi-Fi networks (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)Connect both devices to the same frequency on the router
Sound's there, no image.Incompatible video format (HDR/Dolby Vision)Enable HDR β†’ Auto TV settings or convert video to SDR
Lags and delaysWeak Wi-Fi signal or network congestionConnect your TV via Ethernet cable or switch your router to a 5GHz channel with a width of 80MHz
Requires a password, but the code does not showFailure in AirPlay serviceReboot TV and reset AirPlay settings in Settings β†’ Connections β†’ AirPlay reset

Special case: if AirPlay is missing after the firmware update, check the region of the TV. In some versions of the software for India or China, the function is blocked.

⚠️ Note: When broadcasting content from DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix or Apple) TV+) AirPlay can make you black screen, and that's a limitation of Apple, not a problem of the TV. Use the official Netflix or Disney apps.+ on-screen.

5.Regional change of TV to unlock AirPlay

If your Xiaomi TV is purchased in China or India, the manufacturer may restrict the functionality due to local licenses.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Account and Security β†’ Region
  2. Choose Germany or France (regions with maximum feature support).
  3. Confirm the shift and restart the TV.
  4. After the reboot, check for the Apple AirPlay item in the Connection menu.

Important: changing your region will reset some settings (like the DTV channel list), export important data in advance, or take a picture of your current settings.

If AirPlay is still missing after changing the region, update the firmware manually:

  1. Download the latest version of the software for your model from the Xiaomi Support website.
  2. Copy the.zip file to a flash drive (FAT32 format).
  3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and update the software through Settings β†’ About TV β†’ Update β†’ Local Update.

Comparison of methods:

MethodDelay.Quality.Difficulty setting up
AirPlay (native)Minimum4K HDRLow.
MiracastMedium (100–200 ms)1080pLow.
ApowerMirrorHigh (300+ms)720p–1080pMedium
Apple TVMinimum4K Dolby VisionHigh (you need to buy the device)

For games or watching movies with synchronization of sound, it is better to use native AirPlay or Apple TV. Miracast is suitable for presentations or web surfing.

7. Optimization of broadcast quality: settings for 4K and HDR

By default, Xiaomi TV can limit AirPlay to 1080p to save resources. To stream in 4K:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Image β†’ AirPlay resolution.
  2. Select 4K (3840Γ—2160) and 60Hz.
  3. Activate HDR β†’ Auto (if content supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision).
  4. In the router settings, enable WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) to prioritize traffic.

For gamers: If you’re streaming a game from an iPhone (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), reduce the latency:

  • On TV: Settings β†’ Image β†’ Game Mode β†’ On.
  • On iPhone: Settings β†’ Basic β†’ AirPlay and Handoff β†’ Video Transfer β†’ High quality.

⚠️ Attention: During broadcasting 4K HDR Xiaomi TV can overheat if the case gets hot, reduce the brightness of the screen to 70% or use an external fan to cool it.

8.Security: How to protect the broadcast from outsiders

AirPlay on Xiaomi TVs uses a local network by default, but there are risks of connecting neighboring devices if protection is not configured.

  • πŸ” Set a Password for AirPlay: Settings β†’ Apple AirPlay β†’ Demand code β†’ Always.
  • πŸ“‘ Disable the guest network on the router or restrict access to it.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly update the TV firmware – new versions close vulnerabilities that allow remote connection.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ In a router, create a separate network for smart devices (VLAN) And connect to it only TV and Apple gadgets.

If you suspect that outsiders have connected to your TV, check the connection log:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ AirPlay Magazine.
  2. Remove unknown devices from the list.
  3. Reset AirPlay Settings: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ AirPlay Reset.

πŸ’‘

Use static. IP-The address for the TV in the router settings, which will prevent conflicts. DHCP and will simplify the connection via AirPlay.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirPlay on Xiaomi TV

❓ Why AirPlay only works with video, but does not broadcast the screen?
On some Xiaomi TV models (such as the Mi TV 5X on the old firmware), Screen Mirroring is disabled separately. Enable it in Settings β†’ Apple AirPlay β†’ Screen Mirror. If you don't have an option, update the software.
❓ Can I stream the sound on Xiaomi? TV from a MacBook, if the screen is broadcasting to another monitor?
Yes, but you have to manually select an audio device. On a Mac, open System Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Exit and select your Xiaomi TV, and the video can go to another screen and the sound can go to the TV.
❓ Why Netflix is broadcasting via AirPlay with a black screen?
This is Netflix's DRM restriction. The service blocks airplay to uncertified devices. Use the official Netflix app on the TV itself or connect an Apple TV.
❓ How to stream music from Apple Music to Xiaomi TV?
Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, select a track, and click on the AirPlay icon. From the list of devices, select your TV. Use Xiaomi remote or phone to control playback.
❓ Can I use AirPlay on Xiaomi? TV internetless?
Yes, but only if you have a local network, connect your iPhone and TV to one hotspot (like a mobile hotspot on another phone), or use a router without Internet access, and make sure that both devices are on the same subnet.