How to connect iPhone to the TV Xiaomi Mi 4S: all ways with photos and videos

Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi 4S TV opens up new possibilities for viewing photos, videos, streaming games or duplicating the screen on a large screen. However, many users face difficulties: AirPlay does not find the TV, HDMI cable does not recognize, image slows down over Wi-Fi. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from wireless to wired, taking into account the features of the Mi 4S (including the limitations of its MIUI TV firmware).

It’s important to consider that the Xiaomi Mi 4S (released in 2016) doesn’t support native AirPlay — unlike the new Mi TV Q or Redmi Smart TV models. But that doesn’t mean that connectivity is impossible: there are workarounds through third-party apps, adapters and even DLNA. We’ve tested each method in practice and highlighted the pros/cons of each so you can choose the best option for your tasks.

If you just want to stream videos from YouTube or Netflix, you can do Wi-Fi Direct, and if you want to have full screen duplication for games or presentations, you have to use Wi-Fi Direct. HDMI-adapter TV. And for those who do not want to buy additional equipment, we have prepared instructions for setting up an alternative AirPlay server directly on the TV.

1. Connect via Wi-Fi Direct (without router)

The easiest way to stream content from an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi 4S is to use Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows you to connect devices directly, without an intermediary in the form of a router, which is true if you do not have a home network or Internet speed leaves much to be desired.

But there’s a caveat: the Mi 4S only supports Wi-Fi Direct for media (photos, videos, music) and not for screen mirroring, so you can view a gallery or video from the Photos app, but don’t play a game from your iPhone, for example.

• ✅ Pros: no router, fast connection, works with standard Apple apps.
• ❌ Cons: no screen mirroring, possible lags with a large file size.
• 🔧 Required: iPhone with iOS 12+, Xiaomi Mi TV TV 4S firmware MIUI TV 1.4.56.

Instructions:

1. On the TV, open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and turn on the function.
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and select the network with your TV’s name (e.g. MI-4S-XXXX).
3. Confirm the connection on both devices (TV may need input) PIN-code).
4. Open the Photos app on your iPhone, select a video/photo and click the Share → AirPlay button (TV icon).

⚠️ Note: If the TV doesn’t appear in the AirPlay list, update your Mi firmware 4S It's all up to the latest version. MIUI TV (before 1.4.50) there was an error with the detection of Apple devices.

2.Use of HDMI-adapter (wired connection)

If you need full screen duplication (for example, for games, presentations or low-latency streaming), the best option is wired connection through the Internet. HDMI. You will need a Lightning adapter for this. → HDMI (Apple official or certified analogue).

Xiaomi Mi 4S standard HDMI-port (versions) 2.0), So there's no compatibility problem, but there's an important point: the adapter has to keep the signal going in the air. 1080p@60Hz — If you don't, you'll crop the image or you'll brake:

• 🍎 Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter (original but expensive — ~3 500 ₽).
• 🔌 Baseus HDMI Adapter (budgetary version, ~1 200 ₽, stable).
• 🎮 UGREEN 4K HDMI Adapter (supports) 4K@30Hz, but for Mi 4S enough 1080p).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Connect the adapter to the TV through HDMI-cable (combined with TV).
3. On the TV, select the signal source: press the Input → HDMI 1/2 remote (depending on the port).
4. An iPhone may have a “Trust this device” notification, confirm.

⚠️ Note: If the image does not appear on the TV, check: Cable HDMI inserted before clicking (on Mi) 4S Ports are sometimes "luftat" on iPhone in Settings → Screen and brightness disabled "Mirror" (if you only need video, not double screen). Adapter is not connected via hub - Mi 4S may not recognize the signal.

HDMI cable is good (check on another device)

Adapter supports 1080p output

The right TV source is selected (HDMI 1/2)

On the iPhone, the screen is unlocked-->

3. Set up AirPlay through third-party apps

Since the Xiaomi Mi 4S does not support native AirPlay, you can emulate this feature using third-party applications.

• 📺 AirScreen (installed on TV via Google Play).
• 🖥️ ApowerMirror (requires installation on both devices).
• 🎮 Miracast (built-in to MIUI TV, But it's a curve with iOS).

AirScreen is the most stable solution for the Mi 4S.

1. Download AirScreen from Google Play to your TV (if there is no store, download the APK from the developer’s website).
2. Launch the app and select "AirPlay" from the menu.
3. On iPhone, swipe down to open Control Point → Screen Duplication.
4. Choose your TV from the list (the name will be MI-4S-AirScreen).

Important: In AirScreen settings on your TV, be sure to turn off the option “Optimize for Android” – otherwise there will be a severe delay when streaming from iOS.

4. Connect via Apple TV (for full mirroring)

If you want stable screen mirroring without lags (for example, for games or professional tasks), the best option is to use an Apple TV.This method is versatile and works with any TV, including the Xiaomi Mi 4S.

Pros of the method:

• ⚡ Minimum delay (~5ms).
• 🎮 Game Mode support (relevant for streaming games).
• 🔄 Full screen duplication, including sound.

Cons:

• 💰 Additional costs (from 8,000) ₽ Apple TV 4K).
• 🔌 He's taking one of HDMI-television port.

Instructions:

1. Connect your Apple TV to your TV via HDMI.
2. Turn on the Apple TV and complete the initial setup (select Wi-Fi network).
3. On your iPhone, swipe down and click "Duplicate Screen".
4. Select your Apple TV from the list.

1. connect Apple TV to the router via cable (Ethernet).

2. On iPhone, turn off background data transfer (Settings → Main → Content Update).

3.In Apple's settings TV Enable the "High Performance" mode (Settings) → Video and audio).-->

5. Alternative methods: DLNA and Plex

If you only need to stream media files (movies, music, photos), you can use DLNA or Plex protocols, which will not allow you to mirror the screen, but will allow you to play content from the iPhone on the TV without additional adapters.

For DLNA:

1. On the TV, open the Media Player app (built into MIUI TV).
2. On the iPhone, install the application DLNA-server, 8player or VLC).
3. In the app, select a file and send it to the TV (it should appear in the list). DLNA-device).

For Plex:

1. Install Plex Media Server on your computer or NAS.
2. On your TV, install the Plex app from Google Play.
3. On the iPhone in the Plex app, select a file and click "Play on..." by specifying your Mi 4S.

⚠️ Attention: When in use DLNA on Mi 4S You may not be able to play files with the resolution above. 1080p or HEVC. In this case, convert the video to H.264 via HandBrake.

6. Solving Connection Problems

If none of these methods work, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings on your TV:

Settings → Network → Additional → Resetting network settings

💡

On Xiaomi Mi 4S, iPhone connectivity issues are most often caused by outdated firmware. Upgrading to MIUI TV 1.4.60+ solves 80% of cases of AirPlay or Wi-Fi Direct not working.

FAQ: Frequent questions