How to connect iPhone to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: all ways + error solving

Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick opens up new possibilities for streaming content, gaming, and displaying photos/video on a big screen. However, many users face difficulties: AirPlay does not find the device, then the image slows down, then the sound disappears. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of synchronization, from standard Screen Mirroring to alternative solutions with adapters, and also explain how to fix typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the Mi TV Stick (as opposed to the full Mi TV) has limited support for Apple protocols. For example, native AirPlay only works on 2023+ models, and older versions will require workarounds. We tested all methods on the iPhone 12/14 Pro and Mi TV Stick 4K (MDZ-26-AB) — the results are summarized in the compatibility table below.

If you want to not just duplicate the screen, but stream videos from YouTube or Netflix in maximum quality, check out the section on optimization of bitrate. And for gamers, we have prepared a separate block on connecting the iPhone as a gamepad to the Mi TV Stick via Bluetooth.

1. Preparation of devices before connection

Before trying to connect your iPhone and Mi TV Stick, make sure both devices meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 iPhone: iOS version 12.0 or later (for AirPlay – 13.0)+). Models older than iPhone 6s Possible lags when mirroring.
• 📺 Mi TV Stick: firmware not lower MIUI TV 3.0. You can check the version in Settings → About the device → POS version.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi network: Both devices must be connected to the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network (but not to different bands of the same router!).
• ⚡ Meals: Mi TV Stick should be stable. 5V/1A – Use the original power supply.

A critical mistake many users make is trying to connect via a smartphone’s Hotspot. This won’t work – Mi TV Stick doesn’t support connecting to the phone’s access point for mirroring. Also disable the VPN on your iPhone, as it can block the local mDNS and Bonjour protocols needed to detect devices.

Make sure that the iPhone and Mi TV Stick in one Wi-Fi network|

Update the firmware to the latest version of Mi TV Stick |

Turn off VPN/firewall on iPhone|

Connect Mi. TV Stick to port HDMI supportive ARC (if)|

Restart both devices (hold the power button for 10 seconds)

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If you’re using a Mi TV Stick with a TV older than 2015, check if it supports HDMI-CEC. Without this feature, you’ll have to manually switch signal sources through the TV remote, which can cause delays when mirroring.

2. Method 1: Screen Mirroring via AirPlay (official method)

This is the easiest way, but it only works on the Mi TV Stick with firmware 2023 or later. If your device is older, skip this section and move on to alternative methods.

1. On Mi TV Stick, open Settings → Connection & Sharing → Apple AirPlay and turn on the slider.
2. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner (or up on models with the Home button) to open Control Point.
3. Click on Screen Duplication (or Screen Mirroring) and then select your Mi TV Stick from the list.
4. Enter. PIN-code that appears on the TV screen (if required).

Important: On some firmware, Mi TV Stick AirPlay only works after pre-activation through the Mi Home app. Add Mi TV Stick to the app, then turn on the Developer Mode option in the device settings and restart the device.

If the Mi TV Stick does not appear in the list of mirroring devices:

• 🔄 Restart the router and both devices.
• 📶 Check that Wi-Fi is running in the 5GHz band (2.4GHz may not support AirPlay).
• 🔒 Turn off the firewall on your router (especially if you have TP-Link or Asus with aggressive security settings).

Screen Mirroring (AirPlay)|

HDMI cable with adapter |

Streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix) |

Don't connect your iPhone to TV

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3. Method 2: Wired connection through HDMI-adapter

If wireless methods don’t work or you need minimal image lag (relevant to gaming), use a wired connection.

• 🔌 Lightning adapter → HDMI (Original Apple Digital AV Adapter or Certified Analogue).
• 📺 HDMI-cable (preferably high-speed with support) 4K).
• ⚡ Power supply USB (The adapter consumes a lot of power, so connect it to the charging).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Lightning end of the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Put it in. HDMI-cable to the adapter and connect it to the Mi port TV Stick (or directly from TV if you use Mi) TV Stick as a signal source).
3. Connect. USB-power-couple (5V/2And).
4. On the TV, select the appropriate HDMI-entrance.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎮 Latency less than 50ms (ideal for cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud or GeForce) NOW).
• 📊 Support for permission before 4K@60fps (When using the original Apple adapter).
• 🔋 No dependency on Wi-Fi.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 The high cost of the original adapter (~5 000₽).
• 🔌 It takes up the Lightning port, you can’t charge your phone at the same time.
• 📱 Heats up the iPhone for long-term use.

💡

If the TV image is cropped at the edges, on your iPhone go to Settings → Screen and Brightness → Screen Settings and select Standard Mode rather than Scaling.

Method 3: Alternative applications for mirroring

If neither AirPlay nor wired connectivity is suitable, use third-party apps. We tested 5 popular solutions, the best results were:

Instructions for ApowerMirror (recommended solution):

1. Install the app on your iPhone and Mi TV Stick (via Google Play).
2. Run ApowerMirror on both devices.
3. On your iPhone, press M (Mirror) and select Mi TV Stick from the list.
4. Confirm the TV connection.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, the sound from the iPhone will not be transmitted to TV. TV Stick Bluetooth headphones or use separate headphones AUX-speaker-box.

5. Solving Connection Problems

If your iPhone doesn’t see Mi TV Stick or the connection is constantly breaking, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi firmware TV Stick older than 2021 may not support multicast traffic required for AirPlay.In this case, update the firmware manually through Settings → About the device → Update the system or use alternative firmware.

• 🔍 Problem: "I couldn't connect to the Mi" TV Stick Solution: Disable the function on the router AP Isolation (Customer Isolation) in Wi-Fi settings.
• 🔊 Problem: Sound only goes through the phone Solution: On the iPhone go to Control Point → Play the sound and select Mi. TV Stick.
• 📶 Problem: Permanent connection breaks Solution: Switch to 5GHz band or connect router to iPhone via USB-ethernet adapter.

If after the firmware update Mi TV Stick stopped seeing Wi-Fi networks:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → Network and Internet → Reset network settings.
2. Connect to the router via WPS (button on the router).
3. If it doesn’t help, roll back the firmware via USB-OTG (instructions in the spoiler below).

6. Optimization of streaming quality

To avoid the brakes and artifacts when mirroring, follow these tips:

• 📶 Wi-Fi: Use a router with Wi-Fi 6 support (802.11ax) or at least AC1200. Disable neighboring devices consuming the channel (e.g, IP-camera).
• 🎞️ Resolution: In the mirroring settings on the iPhone, select 720p instead 1080p, if there are lags.
• 🔋 Power: Connect Mi TV Stick to USB-The TV port only if it is ≥1A. Otherwise, use the original power supply.
• 🔄 Codecs: To stream videos from YouTube or Netflix, enable the Hardware Decoding option in the app settings.

Hidden Mi TV Stick settings to improve performance:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Device and click on Build Number 7 times.
2. In the menu for developers, include: Debugging by USB (If you use a wired connection, do not turn off the screen (prevents connection breaks). GPU-acceleration (reduces the lags when mirroring).

💡

For maximum stability, use a router with QoS (Quality of Service) function and manually prioritize traffic to the router. IP-iPhone and Mi addresses TV Stick.

7 Connect iPhone as a gamepad to Mi TV Stick

If you want to play Mi TV Stick over an iPhone (e.g. xCloud or emulators), you can use your phone as a gamepad.

1. Install the Octopus or GamePad Emulator app on the Mi TV Stick.
2. Download Octopus: Gamepad Key Mapper (App Store)
3. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Run Octopus on Mi TV Stick and select Connect a new gamepad.
5. On your iPhone, scan it. QR-TV-code.

Alternatively, you can use a physical gamepad (such as an Xbox Controller or DualSense) connected to the Mi TV Stick via Bluetooth, while your iPhone can only stream the game via Moonlight or Steam Link.

FAQ: Frequent questions