Connecting your iPhone to a Xiaomi TV over Bluetooth seems like a simple task — until you encounter sync errors, no sound, or sudden connection breaks. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn on Bluetooth on both devices, but in practice the process requires considering protocol versions, audio output settings, and even the features of the TV firmware.
In this article, we’ll look at not only the basic connectivity steps, but also the hidden Xiaomi TV settings that affect the stability of the iPhone connection (such as Low Latency mode or audio device priority), learn how to get around common bugs like “Device not found” or “No sound”, as well as what alternative ways to transfer content should be considered if Bluetooth refuses to work.
Why iPhones can’t see Xiaomi TV on Bluetooth
Device detection problems are most often related to incompatibility of Bluetooth versions. For example, the older Xiaomi Mi TV 3S (2016) models feature Bluetooth 4.0 module, while the modern iPhone 13/14/15 support Bluetooth 5.2+. Although backward compatibility is claimed, in practice this leads to:
- 🔍 Low-range connection: devices can only see each other within a 1-2 meter radius.
- 🎵 Codec problems – iPhone default uses AAC, Xiaomi TV can only support SBC, which causes delays in sound.
- ⚡ Frequent gaps due to energy-saving algorithms in the TV firmware.
Another common cause is conflict with previously connected devices, where if the TV already has speakers, headphones or remote controls attached to it, it may ignore new connection requests, and this is solved by resetting the list of associated devices in the Settings menu. → Bluetooth.
Preparation of devices before connection
Before you try to connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV, follow the steps you need to take on both devices, eliminating 80% of the common mistakes:
Update Xiaomi TV to the latest version
Reboot your iPhone and TV
Make sure that the distance between the devices is ≤ 5 meters
Turn off VPN/Proxy on your iPhone (they can block local networks)
Remove old Bluetooth devices from your TV memory-->
On Xiaomi TV, check the firmware version in Settings → About TV → Software Update. If a new version is available, install it. This is especially critical for the Mi TV 4A and Redmi TV models, where the old firmware had an Apple device detection bug.
On your iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure Airplane Mode is off. If you’ve previously connected other devices to your TV (such as Mi Band or Xiaomi Scooter), remove them from the list — they may cause interference.
⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi TV Connected to the Internet via 5 GHz Wi-Fi, temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz. Some iPhone models (especially iPhone 12 and older) conflict with Bluetooth with active high-frequency Wi-Fi.
Step-by-step: how to connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV
Follow the algorithm below. If there is an error at some point, don't interrupt the process, go to Troubleshooting.
- Activate Bluetooth on Xiaomi TV: Press the Menu button on the remote. → Select Settings (⚙️). Go to Connections. → Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth slider and select Add device.
- Set up your iPhone: Open Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is on (the icon must be green). In the list of available devices, find the name of your Xiaomi TV (e.g., MiTV-XXXXXX).
Device pairing:
- Click on the name of the TV in the list on the iPhone.
- Confirm the connection on the TV (entry may be required) PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234).
After successful pairing, check the audio transmission: run the video on your iPhone and select Xiaomi TV as the output device (swipe up → Playback Management → AirPlay).
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If the TV doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth list on your iPhone, try turning on Detect Mode on Xiaomi TV manually: press the Bluetooth button on the remote for 5 seconds until the flashing icon appears.
Setting up the sound: why there is no sound after connecting
Even if the devices are paired, the sound from the iPhone may not be transmitted to the Xiaomi TV.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound comes from the phone, not the TV. | iPhone does not switch audio output | Swipe up → Click on the AirPlay icon → Select Xiaomi TV |
| The sound is interrupted or laid | SBC's low bitrate codec | In Bluetooth TV settings, select AAC (if available) |
| There's a sound, but it's delayed. | Low Latency on TV is on | Turn it off in Settings. → Sound. → Audio Delay |
| No sound at all. | Bluetooth profile is configured only for data transfer | Reconnect devices by selecting an A2DP profile |
If in the settings Xiaomi TV no option to select a codec, update your firmware or use an alternative connection method (e.g. AirPlay or HDMI-adapter).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Smart models TV X50 mi TV Q1 After you connect to Bluetooth, the sound can automatically be duplicated to the TV's built-in speakers and external speakers. To disable duplication, go to Settings. → Sound. → Output sound and select Bluetooth only.
Alternative ways to connect iPhone to Xiaomi TV
If Bluetooth is unstable, consider these options:
- 📶 AirPlay (for models with Mi) TV 5 and later: Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, swipe up → Reproduction management → AirPlay → Choose Xiaomi TV.
- 🔌 HDMI-Adapter (for stable video) + Sound: Buy a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (like an original Apple or a Belkin certified adapter). HDMI-cable HDMI ARC TV-wise.
- 🌐 Streaming apps (DLNA/UPnP): Install LocalCast or AllCast on your iPhone. DLNA-server TV In Settings → Network → DLNA.
AirPlay is the best option for Xiaomi TV models with Apple TV+ support (e.g. Mi TV Q2 75) and provides better audio and video quality than Bluetooth, but requires stable Wi-Fi.
How to check AirPlay support on Xiaomi TV?
Error Fixing: What to Do When Nothing Works
If after all the manipulations iPhone and does not connect to Xiaomi TV, perform a diagnosis by this algorithm:
- Reset Bluetooth settings on your TV: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Reset This will remove all saved devices and return the settings to factory.
- Checking conflicts with other devices: Turn everything off the TV USB-devices, external hard drives and game controllers that can block Bluetooth connection.
- Test with another iPhone/Android: Try connecting another device to the TV, if it's not detected, the problem is in the TV's Bluetooth module.
- Driver Update (for advanced users): How to update your Bluetooth driver on Xiaomi TV? Download the latest firmware for your model from Xiaomi Support. Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip flash-drive (FAT32). Insert the flash drive into the TV, go to Settings → Update of the PO → Local Update. ⚠️ Risk: Incorrect update could lead to TV 'brick!
If none of these methods worked, please contact Xiaomi with error logs. To get them on your TV, click sequentially:
Settings → About TV → System Status → Error logs💡
In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting Bluetooth settings on the TV or by manually selecting an A2DP profile.
Comparison of Connection Methods: What to Choose
Each way you connect your iPhone and Xiaomi TV has pros and cons, and here is a comparison table for choosing the best option:
| Method | Sound quality | Video quality | Delay. | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Average (SBC/AAC) | No video transmission. | 100-300 ms. | Low. |
| AirPlay | High (ALAC) | Full HD/HDR | 50-100 ms. | Medium |
| HDMI-adapter | Maximum (PCM) | 4K/60fps | 0 ms. | High (needs adapter) |
| DLNA/UPnP | Depends on the app. | Up to 1080p. | 200-500 ms. | Medium |
Bluetooth is enough to listen to music or podcasts, but for games or videos, it’s best to use AirPlay (if the TV supports) or HDMI (for minimal delays).