How to connect iPhone to the Xiaomi TV set-top box: all ways with photos and videos

Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi set-top box (such as the Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick or Xiaomi TV Box 4K) opens up new possibilities for viewing content on the big screen, from streaming videos to mirroring the screen for presentations or games. However, many users face compatibility issues: Apple and Xiaomi use different wireless protocols, and standard solutions like AirPlay do not always work out of the box.

In this guide, we will look at 5 proven ways to connect, from simple (via cable) to advanced (using third-party applications). Particular attention will be paid to bypassing the limitations of iOS on mirroring the screen for uncertified devices and solving common errors like “no sound” or “image delay.” Instructions are relevant for iPhone 8/SE 2020 and later (with iOS 14+) and Xiaomi consoles based on Android TV 9.0+.

1. Connection through HDMI-Adapter (the most stable method)

If you need a guaranteed working solution without lags, use a wired connection via a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter.This method supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz and transmits sound without delay - ideal for watching movies or games through Apple Arcade.

You'll need:

• 🔌 The original Apple Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter (or certified analogue, for example, from Belkin). Cheap Chinese adapters often do not support HDCP 2.2, which will not be the image of the 4K-content.
• 📺 HDMI-cable (preferably version 2.0 or higher) HDR).
• ⚡ Power supply for adapter (some models require charging connection).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Connect the adapter and the Xiaomi HDMI-cable (use the HDMI IN port on the console, if any, or connect the cable directly to the TV, and put the console in Passthrough mode).
3. On the TV, select the signal source – the port to which the cable is connected.
4. On the iPhone will appear a notification of a trusted device – confirm the connection.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔴 No image: Check if your adapter supports HDCP 2.2 (needed for Netflix, Disney)+). If not, try another cable or adapter.
• 🔊 No Sound: In the iPhone Settings, go to Settings → Sounds and tactile signals → Output sound and select an adapter.
• ⚡ Adapter not working: Connect it to charging - some models require extra power.

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If the adapter is warmed or the image disappears through the 10-15 For a minute, try to use the active HDMI-signal amplifier cable. This is a common problem with longer cable lengths. 3 meters.

2. Wireless mirroring via AirPlay (for Mi Box with Android TV 12+)

Since 2023, Xiaomi has been adding AirPlay support to its set-top boxes (starting with Android TV 12 firmware for the Mi Box S 2nd Gen and Xiaomi TV Stick 4K), which allows you to transfer the iPhone screen without additional apps, but with some limitations:

What you need for the job:

• 📺 Xiaomi console with Android TV 12+ (Check in the settings → About the prefix).
• 🔄 Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network (5GHz recommended for stability).

How to connect:

1. On Xiaomi, turn on AirPlay in the settings: Settings → Device → AirPlay and HomeKit.
2. On the iPhone, swipe down to open Control Point and press Screen Duplicate.
3. In the list of available devices, select your Xiaomi console (the name will be MiBox-XXXX type).
4. Confirm the connection on the TV.

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AirPlay on Xiaomi TV Box supports only screen mirroring, but not transferring individual content (such as video from a gallery) without dubbing the entire display.

3.Using Miracast (AirPlay alternative for older models)

If your Xiaomi console runs Android TV 9/10 and doesn't support AirPlay, you can use Miracast protocol. However, the iPhone doesn't support Miracast out of the box - you'll need a third-party app.

The best apps for Miracast with iPhone:

• 📱 ApowerMirror (Paid version without watermarks).
• 🖥️ Screen Mirroring for Xiaomi TV (Xiaomi-specific).
• 🌐 AirServer (installed on the console, supports AirPlay and Miracast).

Instructions for ApowerMirror:

1. Install the app on the iPhone and Xiaomi console (download APK from the official site, as Google Play may not have it).
2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Run ApowerMirror on the console and select Miracast mode.
4. On your iPhone, open the app, press Mirror and select your console.

Miracast's limitations on iPhone:

• 🎮 Delayed input to 1-2 seconds (unsuitable for play).
• 📶 Requires stable Wi-Fi 5 GHz (2.4 GHz will slow down).
• 🔒 Some apps block streaming (e.g. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video).

4. Streaming content through apps (no mirroring)

If you don’t need to duplicate the entire screen, but only transfer videos or music, use the built-in features of the apps.This method does not require additional devices and works even on older Xiaomi consoles.

Supported annexes:

• 🎥 YouTube: Click the Broadcast button in the player and select the console.
• 🎵 Apple Music: Turn AirPlay on in the player (requires Android) TV 12+).
• 📺 DLNA-applications (e.g., applications, VLC or Infuse) for broadcasting local files.
• 🎮 Steam Link for streaming games from PC to TV via the console.

How to set up YouTube:

1. Make sure that the console has a YouTube app installed (if not, download from Google Play).
2. On your iPhone, open the YouTube video and click the Broadcast icon.
3. In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi console.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No delays (video broadcasts directly, without intermediate processing).
• ✅ It works on any Xiaomi console, even without AirPlay.
• ✅ Supports 4K HDR Dolby Atmos (if the TV supports).

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If the console does not appear in the list of devices for broadcasting, restart it and check that both devices are connected to the same network, sometimes changing the DNS on the router (for example, 8.8.8.8) helps.

5. Connect via USB-C/Lightning (for iPhone 15 and later)

If you have an iPhone 15/15 Pro with a USB-C port, you can connect to Xiaomi via a USB-OTG cable, a method less known but more stable than wireless solutions.

What you need:

• 🔌 USB-C to USB-A cable).
• 🖥️ Xiaomi with support USB-OTG (Most models since the Mi Box 3).
• 📱 iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max with iOS 17+.

Instructions:

1. Connect your iPhone to the console with a cable.
2. On the console in the settings, turn on the Developer Mode (Settings → About the console → Assembly number – press 7 times).
3. In the developer menu, activate debugging via USB.
4. On the iPhone will be a request for trust device — confirm.
5. Use the Scrcpy app (set to the console via Google Play) to display the iPhone screen.

Limitations USB-connection:

• 🔒 It only works with iPhone 15 and newer.
• 🖱️ You need to control the iPhone from the console (inconvenient for games).
• 🔊 Sound is transmitted only through the iPhone (need external speakers or Bluetooth headphones).

6 Problem Solving: What to Do When Nothing Works

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

General errors and corrections:

• 🔄 The console is not visible on the network: Disconnect VPN on iPhone and console, check the router firewall.
• 📶 Permanent connection breaks: Switch to 5GHz network or connect router closer to devices.
• 🔊 No sound when mirroring: In your iPhone settings, select the console as the audio output device (Settings) → Sounds. → Sound output).
• 🖼️ Black screen in apps: Some services (e.g. Netflix) block streaming due to the fact that the Internet is not available DRM. Use it. HDMI-adapter.

Resetting network settings:

1. On the console Xiaomi go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Forget the current network and connect again.
3. On iPhone, do the same in Settings → Wi-Fi.

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If Xiaomi doesn’t support AirPlay and Miracast does, the only reliable way to do this is to get the best solution — HDMI-Adapter: All other methods have delay or compatibility limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support any of the methods described, check firmware updates — the manufacturer regularly adds new features. For example, in 2026, AirPlay appeared on the Mi Box S 2nd Gen after upgrading to Android TV 12.

For maximum stability, we recommend combining methods: for example, using the HDMI-Video adapter and AirPlay for music, and if you just want to stream movies, you just need the built-in YouTube features. DLNA.