Why iPhone and Xiaomi Mi TV 4S are not always friends out of the box
Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV 4S seems like a simple task โ you donโt have to face the realities, because Apple and Xiaomi use different ecosystems, one that relies on proprietary AirPlay, and the other on open standards like Miracast or DLNA. As a result, direct wireless communication between devices often does not exist, and the user has to look for workarounds.
Another trap is Xiaomi TVs. 4S The ones below PatchWall 3.0 don't support AirPlay directly, even if the specifications say otherwise. This is for models released before 2020. HDMI-Adapter to alternative applications. Next, we'll look at all the working methods, including those that are not officially advertised.
Before you start, check:
- ๐ฑ iOS version on iPhone (current for AirPlay and Miracast). Minimum iOS 12.3.
- ๐บ Mi firmware TV 4S. Update it through Settings. โ On TV. โ Update of the PO.
- ๐ Wi-Fi network: Devices must be on the same network (for wireless methods).
Method 1: Direct HDMI connection (most reliable)
If you need a stable connection without delay (for example, for gaming or watching movies in high resolution), wired method through the HDMI โ This will require a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter from Apple (original or certified analogue) and a standard one. HDMI-cable.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
- Connect the adapter and TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S HDMI cable (use the HDMI port 1/ARC for better compatibility).
- On the TV, select the signal source: press Input on the remote and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- On the iPhone will appear a notification of a trusted device โ confirm the connection.
Adapter supports output 4K (if necessary HDR)|Cable HDMI version 2.0 or higher|The TV has Game mode on for minimal delay.|iPhone does not overheat (adapter can be locked at high temperature)-->
โ ๏ธ Note: If the image does not appear, try it:
- ๐ Reboot both devices.
- ๐ Connect the adapter to another HDMI-port-television.
- โ๏ธ In the iPhone settings (Settings) โ Screen and brightness) disable Autobrightness - it can knock the output resolution.
๐ก
If the adapter is not detected, try connecting it through USB-externally powered hub โ some iPhone models lack power for stable operation.
Method 2: Wireless connection via AirPlay (if the TV supports)
Since 2020, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (models 4S 55, 4S 65" and later) received AirPlay support after upgrading to PatchWall 3.0.
- Open Settings โ Connections and Sharing โ AirPlay on your TV.
- If there is a point, your model supports the technology.
How to connect:
- ๐ฑ On iPhone, swipe down to open Control Point.
- ๐ Press Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring).
- ๐บ In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S.
- ๐ If necessary, enter PIN-code that will appear on the TV screen.
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| AirPlay doesn't find a TV | Restart your router and check that both devices are on the same 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz) network. |
| Sound/image delay | In AirPlay settings on your TV, turn on Low Delay Mode |
| No sound when dubbing | On iPhone, open Control Point โ Playback โ Select a device and select a TV |
โ ๏ธ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4S AirPlay 2018-2019 may be unstable due to hardware limitations of the Amlogic chip T962. In this case, use alternative methods (see below).
Method 3: Miracast (AirPlay alternative for older models)
If your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S doesnโt support AirPlay, but you have Miracast (check Settings โ Connections โ Wireless Display), you can use it. However, the iPhone doesnโt have Miracast built-in support, so youโll need a third-party app.
The best apps for Miracast with iPhone:
- ๐ฑ ApowerMirror is a paid, but free test period. Supports sound and Full. HD.
- ๐ฎ Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV โ Xiaomi TV Specialization (requires registration).
- ๐ LetsView โ free, but with watermarks.
Instructions for ApowerMirror:
- Install the app on your iPhone and launch it.
- On the TV, activate Miracast (Settings โ Connections โ Wireless display).
- In the app, tap Mirror and select your Mi TV 4S from the list.
- Confirm the connection on the TV.
Why Miracast can't work with iPhones?
โ ๏ธ Note: When using Miracast through third-party apps:
- ๐ Avoid entering personal data (some apps request access to photos/contacts for no reason).
- ๐ถ Close background apps on iPhone โ they can cause interference in the network.
- ๐ Connect iPhone to charging โ wireless broadcast quickly drains the battery.
Method 4: Connecting via DLNA (for media files)
If you only need to stream photos, videos or music (without screen duplication), the DLNA protocol is an easy option. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S supports it out of the box, and an iPhone will need an app.
The best. DLNA-iOS players:
- ๐ต VLC For Mobile โ Free, supports all formats.
- ๐ธ Infuse โ paid, but with the best organization of the media library.
- ๐ nPlayer โ a universal player with support for network protocols.
How to stream video via VLC:
- Install VLC on your iPhone and open it.
- In the upper right corner, press the Network Device.
- Select your Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (it should show as MiTV-XXXXX).
- Select a file to play, it will open on the TV.
๐ก
DLNA does not support screen duplication, only transfer of individual files, and streaming from YouTube or Safari is not suitable.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the TV is not visible on the list DLNA-device:
- ๐ Restart your router โ sometimes it blocks multicast traffic.
- โ๏ธ On TV in Settings โ Network โ DLNA Enable the option to Allow Access.
- ๐ถ Make sure the router is offline. AP Isolation (customer isolation).
Method 5: Using an Apple TV or console (for advanced users)
If youโre willing to spend money on an additional device, an Apple TV or Android console (like the Xiaomi Mi Box S) will solve the compatibility problem once and for all.
- ๐ฎ Gamers (minimum delay when streaming games via Moonlight or Steam Link).
- ๐บ Smart lovers TV (Access to the App Store or Google Play on your TV).
- ๐ Those who want a universal solution for all devices in the house.
How to connect via Apple TV:
- Connect Apple TV to Xiaomi Mi TV 4S via HDMI.
- On the iPhone, open the Control Point โ Duplicate the screen.
- Select the Apple TV from the list.
For Xiaomi Mi Box S:
- Install the ApowerMirror or Google Home app.
- On the iPhone in the same app, select the Mi Box S as the output device.
| The device | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | Minimum latency, AirPlay 2 support | Expensive, tied to the Apple ecosystem |
| Xiaomi Mi Box S | Cheaper, access to Google Play | 0.5-1 s delay, third-party applications are needed |
Problem Solving: What to Do When Nothing Works
If none of these methods worked, check out these points:
Network problems:
- ๐ถ Turn the router into mode 802.11n (turn off 802.11ac or AX customized).
- ๐ Turn off the filter. MAC-Addresses and Protection from ARP-spam.
- ๐ Change it. DNS on a router on 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
Limitations of iOS:
- ๐ Reboot your iPhone to Mode DFU (if the connection is reset).
- ๐ฑ B Settings โ Mainstream โ Reset Network Settings.
- ๐ Turn it off. VPN Ad Blocker (they can block multicast traffic).
Problems with the TV:
- โ๏ธ Drop the Mi. TV 4S before factory settings (Settings) โ On TV. โ Reset).
- ๐ Connect the TV to the socket directly (without extension cords).
- ๐ฆ Check if the ports are overheating. HDMI (In older models, this is a common problem).