Connecting iPhones to Xiaomi Mi Box S opens up new possibilities for streaming content, gaming and managing smart homes across the big screen. While Apple and Xiaomi use different ecosystems, device synchronization is possible in several ways, from wireless screen broadcasting to direct file transfer. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of connection, their pros and cons, as well as typical errors that interfere with stable operation.
The main difficulty is that the Mi Box S runs on Android. TV, a iPhone on iOS, which is not originally optimized for collaboration, but with third-party apps, built-in AirPlay features, or DLNA, And we tested all of these things on the latest firmware (2026) and we put together step-by-step instructions that take into account the nuances of each technology.
If you want to stream YouTube or Netflix videos, duplicate screens for presentations, play mobile games on TV, or just manage media, you can find a solution for your task here, and for those who have experienced connection errors, we have prepared a section on diagnosis and troubleshooting.
1. Preparing Xiaomi Mi Box S for connection
Before connecting devices, you need to configure the Mi Box S to work correctly with the iPhone, a step that is often missed, which causes the Later to have trouble detecting the console or interrupting the broadcast.
The first thing you need to do is update the firmware to the latest version.
- Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the process to complete.
- If an update is found, confirm the installation and restart the device.
Then activate the functions that you will need to connect:
- 🔄 Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct: Settings → Devices → Screen and sound → Wireless display. Turn on the option and set the console visibility for other devices.
- 📶 Local area network: Make sure that the Mi Box S and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (preferably at 5 GHz for stability).
- 🔓 Permissions for Third Party Applications: C Settings → Security and limitations → Unknown sources allow installation APK (You will need some methods).
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If your router supports Wi-Fi 6, connect both devices to that network, which will reduce delays when streaming videos and games.
Also check that there is enough free space (minimum 500 MB) on the console, as some synchronization applications require data caching. If the memory is full, clear it through Settings. → Memory or connect an external drive.
2. Method 1: Connect via AirPlay (with AirScreen app)
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary technology for wireless content streaming, but the Xiaomi Mi Box S doesn’t support it out of the box, but this limitation is circumvented by a third-party AirScreen app that emulates the AirPlay server on the console.
Here's how it works:
- Install AirScreen on Mi Box S: Open Google Play on the console. Find the AirScreen app (Ideum developer) and install it. Launch the app and press Start.
Set up the iPhone
- Open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on iPhone X and later).
- Press Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring).
- In the list of available devices, select Mi Box S [AirScreen].
Once connected, the iPhone screen will be duplicated on the TV with minimal latency (about 100-150 ms).
- 🎮 Games (Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact)
- 📺 Watching a video from Apple TV+ or Disney+
- 📊 Presentations via Keynote or Google Slides
The latest update of the Mi Box S has been installed|
AirScreen is running and displays "Waiting for connection"|
iPhone and Mi Box S in the same Wi-Fi network|
In the control point of the iPhone activated the option "Duplicate screen"-->
⚠️ Warning: If the image on TV is displayed with artifacts or slows down, try it:
- Switch to a 5 GHz network (if you use 2.4 GHz).
- Close background apps on iPhone (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
- In AirScreen settings, reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p.
Method 2: Using Miracast (wireless display)
Miracast is a universal wireless screen broadcast standard supported by most modern devices, including the Xiaomi Mi Box S. Unlike AirPlay, there is no need for third-party applications, but the iPhone does not have built-in Miracast support.
The most reliable option is a hardware adapter (for example, Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter or ScreenBeam). Mini2), which connects to the Mi Box S via HDMI And it creates a Miracast access point, but it's expensive (~3 000–5 000 ₽). A free alternative is the Miracast Display app for iPhone (available on the App Store), but it doesn’t work well on newer versions of iOS.
Instructions for the adapter:
- Connect the adapter to the port HDMI on the Mi Box S (use the port) HDMI IN, if there is one, or HDMI ARC).
- Connect the adapter to the power supply via USB-prefix.
- On iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the adapter network (the name will be in ScreenBeam-XXX format).
- Return to Control Point and select Screen Duplication → Find the adapter name.
| Method | Delay. | Permission | Cost | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirScreen (AirPlay) | 100-150 ms. | Up to 1080p. | Free of charge. | Medium |
| Miracast adapter | 50-80 ms. | Up to 4K. | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | Tall. |
| Miracast Display appendix | 200+ ms. | Up to 720p. | Free of charge. | Low. |
Important: Miracast hardware adapters provide minimal latency, which is critical for gaming and watching high-resolution video. HDMI-port, so if you have other devices connected to the Mi Box S (for example, a game console), you will have to use the port. HDMI-splitter.
4. Method 3: Broadcasting through DLNA/UPnP
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance is a protocol for sharing media between devices on a local network, unlike screen duplication, it only transfers files (video, photos, music) and not the entire iPhone interface. This method is suitable for watching movies, listening to music or showing photos without loading on the processor.
The work will require:
- 📱 On iPhone: Media server application (for example, VLC, Infuse or Plex).
- 📺 Mi Box S: built-in Media Player or Kodi.
Step-by-step:
- Install the VLC app on your iPhone (free in the App Store).
- Open up. VLC, Go to the Local Network and activate the Sharing option via DLNA.
- On the Mi Box S, open the Media Player (or install Kodi from Google Play).
- In Kodi, go to Video → Files. → Add a video → Review and select UPnP Devices.
- Find your iPhone in the list (will show as your iPhone) VLC media server) and select the file to play.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎬 Support for most formats (including: MKV, FLAC, HEVC).
- 🔋 Minimum battery consumption of iPhone (files streamed directly, without processing on the phone).
- 📂 Ability to create playlists and folders for easy navigation.
⚠️ Warning: If the video is slowing down or not playing, check:
- File codecs (e.g. Mi Box S does not support file codecs) DTS-HD — use AC3 or AAC).
- Network speed (for 4K HDR At least 25 Mbps is required).
- Settings VLC on iPhone: in Settings → Public access → DLNA Enable the Transcoding option for incompatible formats.
5. Method 4: Direct connection via Lightning → HDMI adapter
If wireless methods are not suitable due to delays or unstable signal, the most reliable option is a wired connection via the Lightning to adapter. HDMI. This method guarantees a minimum delay (20–30 (m) and maintains permission up to 4K@60Hz, What is ideal for playing games or professional video work.
You'll need:
- 🔌 The original Apple Lightning Digital adapter AV Adapter (or certified analogue, for example, from Belkin).
- 📺 Cable HDMI 2.0 (length up to 3 m for stable signal transmission).
How to connect:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
- One end. HDMI-Insert the cable into the adapter, the other into the port. HDMI IN on the Mi Box S.
- On the console, switch to the appropriate HDMI-input (usually done by the Source button on the TV remote).
- The iPhone screen is automatically duplicated on the TV.
Features of the method:
- ⚡ Instant response is ideal for games (PUBG Mobile, Fortnite) or drawing in Procreate.
- 🔊 Sound is transmitted along with video (unlike some wireless methods).
- 💰 High Adapter Costs (~4 000 ₽ original).
What to do if the image is not transmitted?
To output sound through the TV speakers (not the iPhone speaker) go to Control Point → Play audio and select the Mi Box S as the output device.
6. Solving Connection Problems
Even when you set it up correctly, there can be errors, and we've collected typical problems and fixes based on user feedback and tests.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Box S is not displayed in the list of devices for duplicate | Different Wi-Fi networks or Miracast disabled | Reconnect both devices to the same network, check the settings of the Wireless display on the console |
| Video slows or interrupts | Low network speed or router congestion | Switch to 5 GHz, turn off other devices from Wi-Fi, reduce broadcast resolution |
| No sound when connected via HDMI | Incorrect settings of sound output on the iPhone | At Control Point, select Mi Box S as the output device |
| AirScreen is reporting a Connection failed error. | Firewall blocking or an outdated version of the application | Update AirScreen, temporarily disable the firewall on the router |
If none of these methods work, try:
- 🔄 Reset your network settings to Mi Box S: Settings → Network and Internet → Additionally. → Resetting network settings.
- 📱 Update iOS to the latest version (in some updates, Apple fixes compatibility errors with the latest version) DLNA/Miracast).
- 🛠 Use alternative applications such as ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport for remote management.
Wireless duplication (AirPlay/Miracast)|
Wired connection (HDMI-adapter)|
Broadcasting through DLNA (VLC, Kodi)|
Don't connect your iPhone to the Mi Box S|
Another option-->
7. Alternative methods: cloud services and streaming applications
If you don’t need to duplicate the screen, but only want to stream content (like movies or music), you can do without connecting devices directly. Many streaming services support synchronization between iPhone and Mi Box S via the cloud or local network.
The most convenient options are:
- 🎥 YouTube: On iPhone, open the video, click Broadcast (TV icon) and select Mi Box S.
- 🍿 Netflix/Disney+/Prime Video: These apps have a built-in Cast feature that works similarly to YouTube.
- 🎵 Spotify/Apple Music: In playback settings, select Mi Box S as output device.
- ☁️ Google Photos: Upload photos to the cloud, then open them on Mi Box S via Google Photos app.
For local broadcast without the Internet suitable:
- 📁 Plex: Install server on iPhone and client on Mi Box S.
- 🖥 Kodi: Set up a shared folder on the local network and connect it to Kodi on the console.
The advantage of cloud methods is the lack of binding to one place (you can manage content even outside the home), and the disadvantage is the dependence on Internet speed. 4K-content recommended speed - at least 50 Mbit / s.
8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The way you connect depends on your tasks, and we've compiled a comparative table that will help you determine:
| Criteria | AirPlay (AirScreen) | Miracast | DLNA | HDMI-adapter | Cloud services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delay. | Medium (100-150 ms) | Low (50-80 ms) | Minimum (file only) | Minimum (20-30 ms) | Depends on the Internet. |
| Video quality | Up to 1080p. | Up to 4K. | Original | Up to 4K@60Hz | Do 4K (compressed) |
| Difficulty setting up | Medium | High (needs adapter) | Low. | Low. | Low. |
| Cost | Free of charge. | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | Free of charge. | 4 000 ₽ | Free (there are paid rates) |
| Best for you. | Games, presentations | High quality video | Mediatheque | Professional use | Streaming outside the home |
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For most users, the best choice is AirPlay via AirScreen (free and universal) or HDMI-Adapter (maximum quality), Miracast and DLNA suitable for specific tasks, for example, broadcasting local files without screen duplication.
If you often connect your iPhone to the Mi Box S, consider buying one. HDMI-The adapter is a one-time investment that will eliminate the problems with delays and network settings.