Connecting the iPhone 12 to a Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities for viewing photos, videos, streaming games or even duplicating screens for presentations. However, many users face difficulties: AirPlay does not find the TV, Lightning-HDMI cable does not recognize, the picture is delayed. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting – from wireless protocols to wired adapters – and give tips to fix typical problems.
The iPhone 12 is not directly Miracast-based (unlike Android devices), so wireless connectivity to Xiaomi TV will require workarounds, and if you have a TV older than 2020, you may need to upgrade your firmware or buy an adapter, and we've tested all of these methods on Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 and Redmi Smart TV X models -- and we're ready to share the working circuits.
1. Connection via AirPlay (wireless method)
The most convenient method is to use the built-in AirPlay protocol, which all Xiaomi TVs on the Google TV platform (2021 and later) and some Android TV models after the update. iPhone 12 is the native protocol, so synchronization takes seconds.
To connect:
- 📱 Make sure that your iPhone 12 and Xiaomi TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (important: guest network will not work!).
- 📺 On the TV remote, click Settings. → Connection and sharing → AirPlay and enable the function.
- 🔄 On iPhone, swipe down to call Control Point, tap Screen Duplicate and select your Xiaomi TV list.
If the TV is not displayed in the list of devices:
- ⚡ Check that the TV is enabled Detect all devices (in AirPlay settings).
- 🔄 Restart your router – sometimes conflict gets in the way IP-address.
- 📱 Update iOS on iPhone 12 to the latest version (old versions had bugs with AirPlay 2).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2019 and older (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) AirPlay may not work properly due to a weak processor, in which case use a wired adapter.
2.Use of Lightning Adapter → HDMI (Wired Method)
If the wireless connection is lagging or the TV does not support AirPlay, the best option is a wired adapter. iPhone 12 will fit the official Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter or certified analogues (for example, from Belkin), they transmit video in resolution up to 1080p (on some models – 4K with limitations).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone 12 via the Lightning port.
- Connect the adapter to the TV with an HDMI cable (use the HDMI 2.0 port for better quality).
- On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (HDMI 1/2/3).
- On the iPhone will appear a notification about the connection – confirm the duplicate screen.
Important nuances:
- 🔋 Adapter consumes a lot of power – connect your iPhone to charging while in use.
- 🎮 For games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile) it is better to use a wired connection - the delay will be minimal.
- 📺 If the image doesn’t appear, try another one. HDMI-cable (cheap cables often do not support video transmission).
Check adapter compatibility (must support HDMI output)
Use an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable
Connect iPhone to charging
Select the right signal source on TV-->
3. Connect via Miracast (for Android TV)
While the iPhone 12 doesn't support Miracast directly, you can use a workaround -- special bridge apps like ApowerMirror or LetsView -- that create a virtual server on the TV that the iPhone connects to.
How to set up:
- Install the ApowerMirror app on Xiaomi TV (available on Google Play).
- Download the app on iPhone 12 from the App Store.
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Run the app on your TV, then on your iPhone – select your Xiaomi TV from the list.
Pros of the method:
- ✅ It works even on older Xiaomi models. TV (Like Mi. TV 3S).
- ✅ Supports sound transmission.
Cons:
- ❌ Image delay (~1-2 second, not suitable for games.
- ❌ Video quality is limited 720p free-of-charge.
Why does Miracast not work directly with iPhone?
4. Connect via Apple TV (for console owners)
If you have an Apple TV, connecting the iPhone 12 to a Xiaomi TV is a trivial task.
- Connect your Apple TV to your TV via HDMI.
- Make sure that the iPhone and the console are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- On iPhone, open Control Point → Screen Duplication → select Apple TV.
Advantages of this method:
- 🎮 Minimal latency (ideal for playing via Apple Arcade or Xbox Cloud Gaming).
- 🔊 Dolby Atmos sound support (if the TV supports).
- 📱 The ability to use the iPhone as a remote for Apple TV.
One disadvantage is that you need to buy Apple. TV (8,000 ₽). But if you already have a console, this is the best option for stable work.
5. Alternative methods: DLNA and Plex
If you don’t need to duplicate the screen, but just stream a video or photo to your TV, you can use DLNA protocols or Plex media server.
Method 1: DLNA
- 📱 Install the app on iPhone 12 VLC or infuse.
- 📺 On Xiaomi TV, turn on the function DLNA network-setting.
- 🔄 In the iPhone app, select a file to broadcast and specify the TV as the output device.
Method 2: Plex Media Server
- 🖥 Install Plex on your computer and add your videos/photos to the library.
- 📺 Install the Plex app on your Xiaomi TV.
- 📱 Connect to the server via the Plex app on iPhone 12 and select content to stream.
These techniques are suitable for watching movies or listening to music, but do not allow for full screen duplication.
💡
If the video slows down when broadcasting over DLNA, try in the settings of Xiaomi TV to turn off the option Auto Quality Determination and manually set the resolution of 720p.
6. Solving typical problems
Even with the right connection, you can have errors.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| TV not visible on AirPlay list | Outdated firmware TV or iOS | Update the software on both devices |
| Image blinks or brakes | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Connect your router closer to your TV or use 5GHz |
| No sound when connected via HDMI | Incorrect settings of sound output on the iPhone | Go to Settings → Sounds → Sound output and select Xiaomi TV |
| Lightning-HDMI adapter is not working | Unoriginal or damaged adapter | Try another adapter (preferably original from Apple) |
If none of these methods worked, check:
- 🔌 Power TV: some functions are turned off in economy mode.
- 🛠 Settings HDMI-CEC: Xiaomi TV This function is called MI AnySee – it must be enabled to work properly with external devices.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with firmware older than 2021 may not support AirPlay 2. → On TV. → Updating the system.
💡
For stable connection of the iPhone 12 to Xiaomi TV, it is better to use a wired Lightning-HDMI adapter or Apple TV. Wireless methods (AirPlay, Miracast) depend on the quality of Wi-Fi and can cause delays.