Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi TV opens up new possibilities, from viewing photos on a large screen to streaming 4K videos without losing quality. However, many users face compatibility problems, especially when it comes to connecting devices from different ecosystems (Apple and Mi TV).
It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, wireless protocols like AirPlay or Miracast can slow down when Wi-Fi is weak, and wired HDMI connection requires additional adapters. We tested each option on the Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X55 and Mi TV Q2 models, the results are summarized in a comparative table below.
1. Connect via AirPlay (the easiest way)
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary protocol that allows you to stream your iPhone screen to compatible devices. Since 2020, Xiaomi has added AirPlay 2 support to most of its TVs (starting with the Mi TV 4S and later), which means you don’t need additional apps or adapters – just one Wi-Fi network.
To activate AirPlay on Xiaomi TV:
- 📺 Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Connection and sharing → AirPlay.
- 🔄 Set the switch to the On position and select Access Mode: For All (no password) or Contact Only.
- 📱 On iPhone, swipe down from the upper right corner (on Face models) ID) or up from the bottom edge (on the iPhone with the Home button) to open the Control Point.
- 🔍 Click on Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring) and select your Xiaomi TV list.
Wi-Fi enabled on iPhone and TV|Both devices in the same network|AirPlay activated in settings TV|Bluetooth enabled on iPhone (required for initial synchronization)-->
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 It doesn’t work on older Xiaomi models. TV (until 2019 release).
- 🎮 Sound/video delay ~200ms – critical for gaming, but not noticeable when watching movies.
- 🔒 Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) They block the broadcast because DRM-defense.
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If AirPlay doesn’t find the TV, restart the router and turn off the VPN on your iPhone — sometimes firewalls block the multicast traffic needed to detect devices.
2. Wired connection via HDMI (maximum quality)
If you need to send a video in permission 4K@60fps without delay (for example, for games via Apple Arcade or for viewing) HDR-contents), wired connection through HDMI — The only reliable option, but the iPhone doesn't have a port. HDMI, You will need a Lightning adapter. → HDMI (or USB-C → HDMI iPhone 15 newer).
Step-by-step:
- Buy a certified adapter (we recommend Apple Digital AV Adapter or Anker USB-C to HDMI for new models).
- Connect the adapter to your iPhone and then connect it to your TV through HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI 2.1 for 4K@60Hz).
- On the TV, select the appropriate signal source (Source or Input button on the remote).
- The iPhone will open a screen with a suggestion to duplicate or expand the display, and for most tasks, duplication will be fine.
| adapter | 4K support | Delay. | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Digital AV Adapter (Lightning) | ✅ Yes. 4K@30Hz) | ~10 ms. | 3 500–4 000 ₽ |
| Anker USB-C to HDMI | ✅ Yes (4K@60Hz) | ~5 ms. | 2 000–2 500 ₽ |
| Baseus USB-C to HDMI | ✅ Yes (4K@30Hz) | ~15 ms. | 1 200–1 500 ₽ |
Important nuances:
- 🔌 Adapters require power – connect them to iPhone charging via an additional port (if available).
- 🎵 The sound is automatically transmitted, but if it is not, check the settings. HDMI-CEC on the TV (Settings) → Sound. → HDMI ARC).
- 📱 iPhone. 13/14/15 ProMotion screen refresh rate on TV will be limited 60 Hz.
Why can a picture on TV flash or disappear?
3. Wireless streaming via Miracast (an alternative to AirPlay)
Miracast is a universal wireless screen standard that almost all modern TVs, including Xiaomi, support. Unlike AirPlay, it is not tied to the Apple ecosystem, but it may work less stable. The main advantage is that there is no dependence on Wi-Fi: the connection is installed directly between the iPhone and the TV.
How to connect:
- 📺 On TV: Settings → Connection and sharing → Miracast → turn on the option.
- 📱 On iPhone: Install Screen Mirroring app+ ApowerMirror (free versions have session time limits).
- 🔍 In the app, select your Xiaomi TV list of available devices.
- ⚙️ At the first connection, you may need to enter PIN-code (displayed on the TV screen).
Challenges and solutions:
- 🐢 Lags when watching video: reduce the broadcast resolution in the application settings (select 720p instead 1080p).
- 🔇 No sound: Some apps transmit sound separately – turn it on manually in Miracast settings on TV.
- 🚫 Connection breaks: turn off the iPhone power saving mode (Settings) → Battery. → Low energy regime).
AirPlay|HDMI-adapter|Miracast|Wi-Fi Direct|Not plugged in.-->
4. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)
Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that allows devices to connect without a router. In the case of Xiaomi TV and iPhone, this method is less popular than AirPlay or Miracast, but can help if the main Wi-Fi network is unstable, for example, in the country house or in a hotel.
Instructions:
- On TV: Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct → turn on the function.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and find the network with your TV’s name (e.g. XIAOMI-TV-XXXX).
- Connect to this network. The password is usually displayed on a TV screen or in a user manual.
- Run a live streaming app (such as LocalCast or AllCast) and select the files to play.
⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the iPhone loses access to the Internet. If you need to simultaneously stream content from the network (for example, YouTube), this method will not work.
When to choose Wi-Fi Direct:
- 🏡 No access to the router (for example, in a hotel with paid Wi-Fi).
- 📶 The main Wi-Fi network is unstable.
- 🔒 You need to transfer content without an Internet connection (for example, local videos or photos).
5.Using DLNA/UPnP to Transfer Media Files
If you don't need to duplicate the screen, but just play videos, music or photos on the TV, DLNA is fine. It allows Xiaomi TV to "see" the iPhone library and play files without broadcasting the screen, and you need an application server, for example, VLC or Plex.
How to set up:
- Install the VLC for Mobile app on your iPhone.
- Open the VLC, go to the Local Network section and enable DLNA Sharing.
- On TV: Settings → Applications → Media player → select DLNA.
- Your iPhone will appear in the list of devices – select it and find the desired file.
The formats that Xiaomi TV supports through DLNA are:
- 🎬 Video: MP4, MKV, MOV (H.264/H.265).
- 🎵 Audio: MP3, AAC, FLAC.
- 📷 Photo Photo: JPEG, PNG, HEIF (restrictively).
⚠️ Attention: Files in format HEVC (H.265) Can be played with artifacts on older Xiaomi models TV (For guaranteed compatibility, convert them to H.264 via HandBrake.
6. Connect via Apple TV (for advanced users)
If you have an Apple console TV, It can be used as a bridge between the iPhone and Xiaomi. TV. This method provides maximum stability and support for all AirPlay features, including game streaming and work with HomeKit (~10 000 ₽ Apple TV 4K).
How to set up:
- 📦 Connect Apple. TV TV-to-TV HDMI and set it up (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
- 📺 Xiaomi. TV Select the signal source corresponding to the port HDMI, prefixed.
- 📱 On the iPhone, swipe down to open the Control Point → Screen duplication → Choose Apple TV.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎮 Minimum delay (~30ms - suitable for games.
- 🔒 Full support DRM-Secure Content (Netflix, Apple) TV+).
- 🎛️ The ability to control the TV through Siri Remote.
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Apple TV is the only way to get full AirPlay 2 support on older Xiaomi TV models (until 2019) that don’t have AirPlay built-in.
Comparison of all methods of connection
| Method | Delay. | Quality. | Difficulty | Additional equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | ~200 ms. | Up to 4K (with losses) | ⭐ | No. |
| HDMI | ~5-10 ms | 4K@60Hz without loss | ⭐⭐ | adapter (~2 000–4 000 ₽) |
| Miracast | ~150-300 ms | Up to 1080p. | ⭐⭐ | Appendix on iPhone |
| Wi-Fi Direct | ~250 ms | Up to 1080p. | ⭐⭐⭐ | No. |
| Apple TV | ~30 ms. | 4K HDR | ⭐⭐ | Prefix (~10 000 ₽) |