How to connect AirPlay to Xiaomi: from Mi TV 4 to Mi Box S

You want to stream your iPhone or MacBook screen to the big screen, but your TV or Xiaomi doesn't support AirPlay out of the box? This problem is solvable! Despite Xiaomi's traditionally focused on the Android ecosystem, many of the company's TV and media players have learned to work with Apple's protocol - you just need to know where to look for settings and how to get around typical bugs.

In this guide, we will discuss all the official and informal ways to activate AirPlay on Xiaomi devices, including Mi TVs. TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, Mi Box S and Mi consoles TV Stick. You'll learn which models support out-of-the-box, how to turn it on through hidden menus, and what to do if your device can't see your iPhone or iPad, and alternatives for older models where AirPlay is fundamentally impossible to configure.

What Xiaomi devices support AirPlay?

Not all Xiaomi gadgets can work with AirPlay, depending on the model, firmware version and hardware platform.

• 📺 TVs: Mi TV 4S/5 (2020 year and newer), Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X (series) 2021–2023)
• 🎮 Preview: Mi Box S (2nd revision, 2021), Mi TV Stick 4K (firmware-only MIUI TV 3.0+)
• 🖥️ Monitors: Xiaomi Mi Desktop Monitor 27" (with Android built-in) TV)

If your device is older than 2020, the chances of AirPlay being supported are minimal, but there are workarounds, which we will discuss in the section on alternative solutions.

⚠️ Note: Even if your model is on the supported list, the feature may be disabled by default. TV Q1 AirPlay is hidden in some regions due to Apple’s licensing restrictions, and you’ll need to change the region of your device to activate it (see the next section).

Preparation of the device: change of region and software update

Before setting up AirPlay, you need to follow two key steps: update the firmware to the current version and, if necessary, change the device region to the supported one.

Firmware update:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → On TV. → Updating the system.
• 📥 If the update is available, download and install it. For Mi Box S, use Settings → The device → Update of the PO.
• ⚠️ Don't interrupt the process! TV Updating takes up to 15 minutes.

2.Region change (if AirPlay is not displayed):

1. Open Settings → Account and Security → Region
2. Select the United States, United Kingdom or Germany – in these regions AirPlay is activated by default.
3. Restart the device (Settings → Reboot).

Update the firmware to the latest version

Replace the region with the United States/Europe

Reset the device

Check to connect to one Wi-Fi network with iPhone-->

⚠️ Note: Some settings (e.g., channel list or linked accounts) may reset after changing region. Save important data in advance or take screenshots of settings.

Mi Box S first revision (2019) does not support AirPlay at the firmware level, but it can be upgraded to Android TV 11 using custom firmware (see section below).However, this voids the warranty and may lead to unstable operation.

Step-by-step: how to enable AirPlay on Xiaomi

If your device is compatible and updated, proceed to activate the function. TV Mi Box with official AirPlay support.

Step 1: Activate the function in the settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Connections → Apple AirPlay (on some models, the path: Settings) → Network settings → AirPlay).
2. Move the slider to the on position.
3. Please specify the name of the device (for example, "Mi") TV Living room – it will be displayed on the iPhone.

Step 2: Security settings:

• 🔒 Select Access Mode: For everyone, any device on the network can connect; Contacts only, you'll need a TV confirmation. Password security PIN-Code (recommended for public places).
• 📶 Make sure your TV and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz – it doesn’t matter).

Step. 3. Connection with iPhone/iPad/Mac:

1. On the iPhone, swipe down from the upper right corner (control center).
2. Click on Screen Duplication (or AirPlay on older versions of iOS).
3. Choose your Xiaomi from the list of devices.
4. If necessary, enter PIN-code (displayed on the TV screen).

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If AirPlay doesn’t appear in the iPhone’s control center, check if Bluetooth is enabled – it’s used for initial device sync.

⚠️ Note: On MacBook, the way is different: open System settings → Monitors → Additional parameters → AirPlay.If the TV isn't showing, try rebooting the router - sometimes a dual one gets in the way NAT.

Solving the problem: AirPlay is not working

The three problems that people often face are the device can't see the TV, the connection is cut off, or the sound is delayed, and we'll take each one of them.

1. Xiaomi does not appear in the AirPlay Devices list:

• 🔌 Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not via mobile internet!).
• 🔄 Restart router and TV.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware of the iPhone (on iOS 15)+ There are AirPlay bugs on some TVs).
• 📡 If you use the guest network on the router, connect to the main network.

The connection shall break or lay:

• 📶 Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz in Wi-Fi settings (less interference).
• 🎮 Close background apps on iPhone – they can consume traffic.
• 🔧 On the router, enable Qos (Quality of Service) to prioritize AirPlay traffic.

No sound or it's coming with a delay:

• 🔊 In AirPlay settings on your TV, select "Sync audio and video".
• 🎵 If you’re streaming music, try using Apple Music instead of Spotify – it’s optimized for AirPlay.
• 🔌 Connect the TV to the router via Ethernet (if possible) – this will reduce latency.

If none of these methods worked, check if AirPlay is blocking your router.Some models (such as TP-Link or Zyxel) by default limit multicast traffic. Go to the router control panel (192.168.0.1) and find the option "Multicast Forwarding" or "IGMP Proxy. Turn it on.

Alternative streaming methods on Xiaomi without AirPlay

If your Xiaomi model doesn't support AirPlay, don't despair! there are at least 4 working alternatives:

1. Google Cast (Chromecast built-in):

• 📱 Works with Android and iOS through YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos apps.
• 🔧 Included in Settings → Connections → Google Cast.
• ⚠️ Does not support screen duplication from iPhone (only broadcast from apps).

2. Miracast (Wireless Display):

• 🖥️ Full analogue of AirPlay, but for Android and Windows.
• 🔄 Included in Settings → Screen. → Wireless display.
• ⚡ Requires Wi-Fi Direct support on your smartphone.

3. Streaming apps (for iPhone):

• 📱 ApowerMirror, LetsView or AirScreen (installed on TV via Google Play).
• 💰 Most apps are paid or have restrictions in the free version.
• 🔌 It works via Wi-Fi or USB-OTG (old-model).

4. Custom firmware (for advanced):

The first version of the Mi Box S includes ATVXperience or EmuELEC firmware, which adds AirPlay support.

• 🛠️ Requires unlocking of the bootloader (unlock bootloader).
• ⚠️ Cancels the guarantee.
• 🔧 It can lead to unstable work (for example, Netflix will disappear in the Internet). 4K).

💡

If you only need AirPlay to stream music, it’s easier to buy an inexpensive Apple. TV HomePod mini – they are guaranteed to work with any Xiaomi appliances through the HDMI/optical.

Comparison of AirPlay with other broadcast protocols

To understand whether you should bother with setting up AirPlay on Xiaomi, compare it with alternatives in key parameters:

As you can see from the table, AirPlay wins in functionality, but loses Miracast in terms of latency. If you want minimal latency (for example, for games), you should use Miracast with an Android device or a new one. USB-C → HDMI iPhone adapter.

Security: Risks of using AirPlay on Xiaomi

AirPlay streaming seems harmless, but there are a few nuances worth knowing about:

1. Data leakage in the local network:

When you turn on AirPlay, your Xiaomi becomes visible to all devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

• 📡 Neighbors (if you have shared Wi-Fi) may try to connect to your TV.
• 🕵️ An attacker on the same network can intercept broadcast content (for example, passwords from screencasts).

Limitations DRM:

• 🎬 Services like Netflix or Disney+ Can block airplay due to Widevine protection.
• 🔐 On Mi. TV Sometimes, the error “AirPlay is not supported for this content” appears – this means that the video is protected. DRM.

Problems with updates:

Xiaomi does not always promptly update support for AirPlay. for example, after the release of iOS 17, many Mi users TV 5 faced TV stop seeing iPhones: Solution:

• 🔄 Reverse to the old version of iOS (if possible).
• 📥 Install a beta version of firmware for the TV (risky!).
• 🛠️ Use alternative protocols (see section above).

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To protect the broadcast on AirPlay, enable the option “Contacts Only” in the TV settings and install a complex one. PIN-code (not 0000 or 1234).

Castom firmware: how to add AirPlay to unsupported devices

If you have a Mi Box S or an old Mi TV 4A It doesn't support AirPlay, you can try custom firmware, and it's only suitable for advanced users!

Step 1. Unlock the loader:

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account is required).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect the device in Fastboot mode (clamp Power). + Reset when switched on).
3. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

Step 2: Install custom firmware:

• 📥 Download the firmware ATVXperience or EmuELEC from the forum 4PDA.
• 🔧 Use it. USB Burning Tool for Firmware Through USB-OTG.
• ⚠️ After the firmware, reset (Wipe Data) through Recovery.

Step 3: Set up AirPlay:

In custom firmware, AirPlay is usually already on.

1. Install the AirScreen app from Google Play.
2. Run it and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Caution: Castom firmware often contains vulnerabilities, and do not use it to view sensitive content (such as banking applications) or connect to corporate networks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirPlay on Xiaomi