Xiaomiโs modern smartphones have powerful screens, but you often want to see a picture on a large display to watch movies or presentations. Anycast technology (often perceived as a brand of adapters) allows you to stream an image wirelessly without unnecessary wires. This solution is ideal for those who want to turn a regular TV into a multimedia center, using the potential of their gadget.
The setup process can be complicated because of the abundance of similar technologies: Miracast, DLNA, Chromecast. However, if you look at the principles of Wi-Fi Direct, everything falls into place. Owners of MIUI and HyperOS devices face certain interface nuances, which we will discuss in detail in this guide.
Before you start, make sure your adapter is connected to HDMI-TV port and powered from USB-It's important to understand that you just stick the device in the port. HDMI It's not enough, because the port might not be enough to keep the data module running smoothly. 4K or FullHD be sure to use external power adapter from the socket or USB-port of the TV, if it provides sufficient current.
The principle of operation of wireless output technology
The technology behind most of Anycast's dongles is based on the Miracast standard, a protocol developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance that allows devices to detect each other and transmit video streams without the need for a router. Your Xiaomi phone creates a direct connection to the receiver, encodes the image in real time and sends it to the decoder on the TV.
Unlike DLNA, which is designed to transmit media files (video, photos, music), Miracast broadcasts the entire screen of a smartphone. This means that you can show presentations, web pages or games, not just the content of the gallery.
There's also Google Cast (Chromecast built-in) technology, which works differently, which requires a Wi-Fi router, and it doesn't stream video from the screen to the TV, but links to content that the TV downloads itself. Anycast adapters most often emulate Miracast, but some models also support Chromecast emulation mode for compatibility.
โ ๏ธ Note: When using Miracast, the smartphone screen must be constantly active, which significantly increases battery consumption.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
Before you get to software settings, you need to properly prepare the physical part of the system. Anycast adapters are usually a small device with a small, multi-functional system. HDMI-The other end may be a micro-USB port or USB-C power and antenna to improve signal reception.
Make sure your TV has a free HDMI port. If the TV is old and doesn't have HDMI, an additional HDMI-to-AV adapter will be required, but in this case the image quality will be limited to the analog standard (usually 576i or 720p).
- ๐บ Connect the Anycast adapter to free HDMI-TV-jack.
- ๐ Connect the power cable (USB) to the adapter and turn it on USB-TV port or socket through the power supply 5V/1A.
- ๐ก If the adapter has an external antenna, connect it to increase the range of the signal.
- ๐ฑ Make sure that the Xiaomi smartphone is charged at least 30-40% pre-broadcast.
Once the power is on, the TV screen should have an adapter start menu, usually a screensaver called Anycast, M.+ Share or Miracast logo, as well as instructions for switching modes (iOS/Android). If the image does not appear, switch the signal source (Source/Input) on the television on the appropriate HDMI-port.
Basic connection settings via Miracast
The MIUI or HyperOS shell interface can hide the wireless projector function from different menu locations. The fastest way to find the right option is to search by settings. Click on the magnifier icon at the top of the Settings menu and type in the "Translation" or "Projection" request.
In most current firmware versions, the path is as follows: go to Settings โ Connect and Sharing โ Broadcast. In some regions or older versions of MIUI, this feature may be in the Tools folder on the desktop or in the notification curtain (you need to push the curtain completely down and find the Translation icon).
โ๏ธ Checking before connection
Once activated, the phone will start searching for available devices. Your adapter (such as Anycast-XXXXX) should appear on the list. Click on it to pair. A request for confirmation of connection may appear on the TV screen - it must be accepted by the remote if this function is implemented in the adapter firmware.
If the connection is successful, the screen of the smartphone is completely copied to the TV. Image quality and sound availability depend on the capabilities of the specific adapter. Some budget models Anycast only transmit the picture, requiring a separate audio connection via Bluetooth or AUX, but modern versions also transmit audio video stream.
Using a companion application for advanced functions
Miracastโs standard protocol is sometimes not enough to work or transmit sound. Many adapter manufacturers recommend using special companion applications. Anycast devices and their counterparts (EzCast, MiraScreen) often require an EzCast or AirPin application to be installed.
To install the necessary software, go to the Adapter Start menu to setup mode (usually by switching the button on the case or through a special menu on the TV screen). QR-code and app name. Scan the code with Xiaomi phone's camera or find the app on Google Play.
Once installed, launch the application and select your adapter from the device list. Inside the application, additional features are often available that are not available in the standard broadcast:
- ๐ฎ Mouse mode: control of the cursor on the TV screen through the touchscreen of the phone.
- ๐ Local media library: streaming video from the internal memory of the phone with support for subtitles.
- ๐ Browser: built-in web browser for watching online video without loading on your smartphone.
- โ๏ธ Permission settings: forced installation 1080p or 4K adapting to the capabilities of the television.
โ ๏ธ Note: When using third-party applications to broadcast antivirus MIUI It can block access to the network. When you request permission to access the local network, be sure to select "Allowยป.
Solving Sound and Delay Problems
One of the most common problems with Miracast technology is the desynchronization of audio and video or the complete absence of sound, which is often due to the fact that the video and audio protocol runs on different channels or the codec is not supported by the TV.
If audio is coming through the phone speaker and the picture is on TV, check the audio output settings. In the Translation menu on Xiaomi, there is sometimes an option to "Translate the device sound." If not, try changing the audio format in the adapter settings (available through the web interface described in the next section).
Lag (lag) when playing or moving a cursor is normal for wireless transmission. The signal must be encoded, transmitted over the air and decoded. To minimize delays:
- Get closer to the adapter to make the Wi-Fi Direct signal as high as possible.
- Turn off background downloads on your smartphone.
- Make sure there are no powerful sources of interference (microwaves, other routers on the same channel) nearby.
How to reduce the delay in games?
Adapter configuration via web interface
More advanced users can customize the Anycast adapter settings deeper using the built-in web interface, which allows you to change the device name, set a password for connection, change the mode of operation (iOS/Android) and update the firmware of the whistle itself.
To enter the settings, connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network the adapter creates (commonly called Anycast-XXXX or MiraCast-XXXX). The default password is often listed on your TV screen or in the instructions (usually 12345678). IP-address: 192.168.203.1 or 192.168.49.1.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a status and setting table, you can check the firmware version and, if necessary, run an update (OTA Update), and you can also set the screen resolution here.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Permission of withdrawal | Auto or 1080p 60Hz |
| WiFi Mode | Network mode | AP Mode (for Miracast) |
| Device Name | Device name on the list | LivingRoom_TV (any) |
| Language | Language | English/Russian |
Changing the settings through the web interface requires rebooting the adapter. Once the changes are applied, the phone will lose connection, and the connection procedure will have to be repeated again, already choosing the device with the new name.
Frequent errors and methods of their elimination
Even with the right setup, there can be crashes. If a Xiaomi phone can't see the adapter, try restarting both devices. Often the problem lies in conflict. IP-Addresses or temporary Wi-Fi Direct service failure in Android.
Another common problem is the black screen when you connect, which could mean that the TV doesn't support HDCP (copy protection) or the resolution the phone is trying to give out. Try changing the resolution in your phone's settings before connecting or through the adapter's web interface.
If the connection is permanently broken:
- ๐ถ Check if the adapter is overheating (it may be hot, but should not burn).
- ๐ Make sure the power supply delivers stable 5 volts and a minimum of 1 ampere.
- ๐ฑ Turn off power saving on your smartphone for the broadcasting process.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the adapter is no longer defined after updating the phone firmware, try the developer settings (section About the phoneยป โ 7 times press on "Version" MIUIยป) find the item โDebugging over Wi-Fiโ and switch its state, then restart the device.
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Use it. HDMI-Connecting the adapter directly to the TV port can interfere with neighboring ports and impair the reception of Wi-Fi signal due to screening of the TV case.
Comparison with alternative methods of connection
Should you use Anycast if there are other ways? Let's compare. A USB-C to HDMI cable connection provides better quality and zero latency, but ties the phone to a TV. Smart View (Samsung) or Cast (Google) require a Smart TV with support for these protocols.
Anycast adapters are a versatile solution for "dumb" TVs or older Smart TV models that have stopped receiving updates and do not support modern YouTube codecs. They are cheap, compact and independent of the TV's operating system.
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Anycast is the perfect budget solution for upgrading an old TV, allowing you to display an image from any modern Xiaomi smartphone without buying a new Smart panel.
In conclusion, connecting Anycast to a Xiaomi phone is a straightforward process, if you know where to look for the Translation feature and how to power the device correctly. Following the instructions, you can enjoy content on the big screen with minimal effort.